Car accidents can happen in a number of different ways, but almost all are caused by some sort of human error. Even the most cautious driver could become the victim of an accident if another driver or someone else makes a mistake. Victims of these accidents, though, do have the opportunity, often with the help of a Denver car accident lawyer, to seek compensation from those at fault for the accident.
Why Do Car Accidents Happen?
Automobiles and transportation on roads have become so routine to us, that we sometimes fail to recognize the complexity of what seems like a simple accident. No accident is simple, especially when we consider how many different people and moving vehicles are on the highway. Beyond drivers are all the elements of producing and maintaining functioning vehicles, roads that need to be maintained, and traffic lights and signs that help traffic flow smoothly. Even a small error in any one of these aspects could lead to an accident.
More often than not, another driver causes the accident, but they aren’t the only source. There are a number of different issues that can lead to an accident, some of which are caused by third parties that weren’t directly involved in the collision. Some of the more common sources of car accidents include:
- Speeding. There are a few different ways that speeding can increase the likelihood of an accident. When a car exceeds the speed limit, it’s likely that they won’t be able to control their vehicle as well.
Additionally, other cars generally travel at the speed limit, and the variance in pace created by speeding increases the likelihood of running into someone who is traveling more slowly. Speed also increases the potential damage that an accident could cause, meaning it could cause injuries and property damage to be more severe. Speeding also increases the chance of fatal accidents. - Reckless driving. There are times when reckless driving can lead a driver into a collision with someone else on the road. There are also times when a reckless driver forces other drivers to make riskier moves to avoid a collision. This can sometimes cause the evading driver to collide with another vehicle or object, and the first reckless driver is at fault for such an accident.
- Drunk driving. Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol can increase the possibility of an accident because impaired drivers will have poorer judgment, slower reaction time, and possibly vision impairment.
- Distracted driving. Drivers who aren’t paying attention to the road, usually because of texting or some other activity on their phone, are a rapidly increasing source of accidents.
- Other traffic violations. Any kind of traffic violation increases the possibility of an accident, as others drive in ways that presume those sharing the road with them will follow traffic laws. When someone fails to yield as they were supposed to, it can lead to an accident, as the other driver expected the first driver to follow the rules of the road and yield.
- Road maintenance issues. Sometimes, the quality of a road can lead to an accident, either through contact with the damaged part or from swerving to avoid a collision with it. Additionally, other road-related factors, such as lights and signs, may also play a part in car accidents. In this case, it may be possible to hold the government entity responsible for road maintenance liable for your damages.
- A part failure. The failure, malfunction, or improper installation of a part may make a vehicle difficult to control and create the conditions for an accident.
FAQs
Q: What Kinds of Injuries Do Car Accidents Cause?
A: Car accidents can leave victims with a wide range of possible injuries. Minor accidents will hopefully result in nothing more serious than some bruises, small cuts, soreness, and soft tissue problems. However, many accidents are much more serious, and victims can be faced with fractures, head and spinal injuries, and sometimes even death. It’s imperative that drivers take safety seriously, as the consequences of an accident can be significant.
Q: Is Colorado an At-Fault or No-Fault State?
A: A no-fault state requires drivers involved in minor accidents to collect on their own insurance policies rather than pursue compensation from the driver at fault. Colorado is an at-fault state, meaning those who are injured in a car accident will have the right to pursue compensation from whatever party is liable for the accident they were involved in.
Q: How Is Fault in a Car Accident Proven?
A: Proving fault in a car accident will primarily rely on evidence from the scene of the accident. Police reports, photos and videos, and eyewitness testimony could all be used to demonstrate why the accident occurred and who is to blame. It may also be helpful to bring in others to testify. For instance, a car accident professional may be able to help explain how the defendant’s actions were the direct cause of the accident.
Q: When Does a Colorado Car Accident Claim Need to Be Filed?
A: For most personal injury claims in Colorado, the statute of limitations is two years. However, car accident victims will typically have up to three years to file their claims. There may be some variation depending on the involvement of minors, government liability, and other concerns, so it’s wise to speak with a Colorado car accident lawyer to understand the applicable deadline in your case.
A Colorado Car Accident Lawyer May Be Able to Help
Seeking compensation for a car accident can often be challenging. More often than not, you’ll face a large insurance company that won’t seem to budge. A Colorado car accident lawyer from the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal may be able to help you secure compensation.
We have many years of experience working with insurance companies to settle car accident claims without ever having to go to court. We’ve also, when necessary, gone to trial to earn our clients the compensation they deserve. Whatever is the right option in your case, we can aggressively pursue the compensation that you deserve. Contact us to discuss your car accident and how we may be able to help.
