Car accidents are one of the leading causes of accidental deaths, injuries, and property damage in the United States. These incidents occur in many different ways, sometimes leading to complex legal disputes between the parties involved. Various agencies at the state and federal levels collect, analyze, and report accident data each year. Reviewing this data could help you understand the risks you face on the road and assist you in avoiding some of them.
The car accident lawyers at the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal strive to provide our clients and prospective clients with helpful information regarding accident and injury risks in Colorado. Reviewing available car accident data can provide insights that may help some drivers reduce their risks of experiencing these damaging incidents. Additionally, if you have recently sustained injuries and other losses due to the actions of another driver, our firm can help you hold them accountable.
Recent Car Accident Trends in Colorado
Accident data for 2024 will likely be released sometime in 2024, so drivers today must refer to 2022 statistics to learn more about car accident trends in Colorado. However, according to data from the Colorado Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and various other agencies, there are several relevant trends all drivers should acknowledge when they drive their vehicles in Colorado:
- Since 2021, car accident rates have increased roughly 15% throughout Colorado. This is a worrying statistic as traffic congestion decreased significantly during the early months of the pandemic, so accident rates increased while overall traffic decreased during this time.
- The most commonly reported cause of car accidents in Colorado for several consecutive recent years has been distracted driving. Unfortunately, a few seconds of distraction is all that is necessary for a serious accident to occur, potentially resulting in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities.
- More than one-third of all fatal car accidents in Colorado in recent years resulted from impaired driving. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and very dangerous. Drivers who cause fatal DUI accidents likely face charges of vehicular manslaughter and DUI in Colorado.
- In 2021, there were 545 traffic fatalities in Colorado. This increased to 636 in 2022. So far, for the first few months of 2024, the fatal accident rate is substantially higher than the early months of previous years, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Drivers can limit their risk of causing accidents by driving responsibly, addressing vehicle maintenance issues as promptly as possible, and avoiding impaired driving. However, despite a driver’s best efforts to reduce their risk of causing an accident, they cannot account for the actions of other drivers. Therefore, if another party caused your recent accident, it’s vital to know what to expect in the subsequent legal proceedings likely to follow this incident.
What Happens After a Car Accident?
When another driver has injured you and caused economic damages due to negligence or intentional misconduct behind the wheel, you have the right to pursue compensation for the damages they caused. An experienced attorney is an invaluable asset in this situation. They can help you file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. They will also help you pursue additional compensation if insurance cannot fully cover your losses.
Dealing with insurance companies is rarely pleasant, and most insurers do everything possible to reduce their liability for claim payouts. Unfortunately, an insurance company may attempt to coerce you into accepting a lowball settlement or unfairly deny you coverage if they believe they can get away with it. However, having an attorney draft your demand letter for coverage to the insurer can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing unfair treatment from the insurance company.
If you are successful with your insurance claim, your settlement from the insurance company may provide some immediate relief from your damages, but it may not cover all of your losses. Therefore, you would need to proceed with a personal injury claim against the driver who caused your damages in this situation.
FAQs on Car Accidents Statistics Colorado
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Colorado Every Year?
More than 100,000 motor vehicle accidents happen in Colorado each year. The effects of these accidents can range from mild cosmetic damage to the vehicles involved to severe injuries, permanent disabilities, and fatal injuries. If you believe another party is responsible for causing your recent accident, it is vital to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
How Many Fatal Car Accidents Happen in Colorado Every Year?
Nearly 700 people died in car accidents in Colorado in 2022, a significant increase from the previous years and a marked change from the gradual decrease in fatal accidents seen in the early 2010s. Some of the most common fatal injuries from car accidents include traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding, and the most common cause of fatal accidents is distracted driving.
What State Had the Most Fatal Car Accidents in 2022?
Texas reported 3,305 fatal accidents in 2022, followed by California with 3,259 and Florida with 2,915. Fatal accident rates increased across the country from 2023 to 2024, and many analysts predict an even sharper increase to become apparent between 2024 and 2025. While Colorado reported a much lower fatal accident rate for 2022 compared to these states, it is essential to remember that Colorado has a much smaller population and less traffic than the leading states for fatal accidents.
What Can I Do If a Family Member Dies in a Car Accident?
If you recently lost a loved one in a car accident caused by another driver, you have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This type of civil claim is similar to a personal injury claim, and the right attorney can substantially increase your chances of success with a wrongful death action. However, a wrongful death claim is different from a personal injury claim. It does not seek compensation for the victim but instead aims to compensate for the surviving family’s loss.
Car accidents can happen unexpectedly, and if your recent accident occurred due to another party’s negligence, the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal could help you hold them accountable. Contact us today and schedule a consultation to learn more about the legal services we offer in Colorado.
