Car accidents can happen on any road for various reasons, and it is vital for every driver in the state to know the risks they face while driving and what to do after an accident happens. A Colorado car accident lawyer is a valuable asset in the aftermath of any car accident, but it is important for drivers in Fort Collins to know the local hotspots for accidents to hopefully reduce their risk of experiencing accidents in the first place.
Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Fort Collins, CO
Intersections in busy metropolitan areas are inherently dangerous due to the high amount of traffic most intersections see on a daily basis. According to data from the city of Fort Collins, some of the most dangerous intersections in the area based on number of accidents reported over the last few years include:
- College Avenue at the intersections of Horsetooth Road, Trilby Road, and Drake Road
- Harmony Road at the intersections of Mason Street, Lemay Avenue, and Boardwalk Drive
- Shield Street at the intersections of Prospect Road and Mulberry Street
- Timberline Road and Carpenter Road
- Lemay Avenue and Drake Road
Interstate 25 and US Route 287 are the busiest highways in the Fort Collins area, and traffic moves at faster speeds on highways. This inherently increases the risk of an accident happening when drivers are negligent or intentionally reckless behind the wheel. Accidents on highways may also occur from poor driving conditions, road debris, fatigued driving, and many other possible causes.
Drivers in Fort Collins should always be alert and aware of their surroundings. Accidents can happen because of many types of negligence, and an injured driver may need an experienced Colorado car accident lawyer’s help to prove fault for their recent accident. Recovery from any car accident in Fort Collins begins by proving the exact cause of an accident, and then the victim may pursue compensation for their losses through an insurance claim and/or civil suit.
Most Common Causes of Accidents in Fort Collins
The vast majority of car accidents reported in Fort Collins and throughout the state each year happen because of driver negligence, and driver negligence takes many forms. A driver is negligent when they do not uphold their duty of care to operate their vehicle safely at all times. Some of the most common examples of driver negligence seen in the Fort Collins area include distracted driving, speeding, and moving violations.
It is also possible for an accident to happen from intentional misconduct behind the wheel. The most common example of this, and one of the most commonly prosecuted crimes in the United States, is driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. The penalties for DUI can include heavy fines, jail time, loss of driving privileges, and liability for any damages caused to others while under the influence.
If you drive in Fort Collins, knowing the areas where accidents are most common should encourage you to drive defensively and cautiously to reduce your risk of causing an accident. However, should an accident occur due to the actions of another party, it is vital to know how you can recover your losses. A Colorado car accident lawyer can help prove fault for an accident, file an auto insurance claim, and build a personal injury claim if necessary.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Most Common Causes of Accidents at Intersections?
A: Intersections are inherently dangerous when drivers do not uphold their duty of care to drive attentively and responsibly. Some of the most common causes of accidents within intersections include failure to yield the right-of-way, performing illegal turns and U-turns, and running red lights or stop signs. These issues may arise from negligence, inattention, or intentional recklessness.
Q: What Is the Most Dangerous Road?
A: Some state residents cite Black Bear Pass and the Million Dollar Highway as the most dangerous roads in the state, and both of these rural roads have very high accident rates. However, based on the number of fatal accidents reported, the most treacherous road in the state is West Colfax Avenue in Denver between North Broadway and Ingalls Street. Colfax Avenue is one of the busiest roads in the Denver metropolitan area.
Q: How Do I Prove Fault for an Accident in Fort Collins?
A: If another driver caused your recent accident, you need to prove how they caused it before you can recover compensation for your damages. An experienced Colorado car accident lawyer can help their client obtain various forms of evidence to build their case, such as vehicle computer data, witness testimony, traffic camera footage, and cell phone records. You must prove liability and prove the full extent of your losses before you can claim compensation.
Q: What Happens if I Share Fault for My Recent Accident?
A: The state enforces a modified comparative fault rule that applies to any civil claim for damages in which the plaintiff shares fault with the defendant for causing the damages. If this rule applies to your case, you will lose a percentage of your case award equal to your percentage of fault for causing the accident. However, if you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot seek compensation from any other liable party.
Q: What Happens if a Car Accident in Fort Collins Causes Fatal Injuries?
A: If your loved one died in a fatal crash, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death suit against whoever caused the accident. A wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury claim, but it seeks compensation for the surviving family’s damages. There are strict rules for filing a wrongful death suit that you must follow, and an experienced attorney can be an invaluable asset for this type of claim.
The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal has successfully represented many car accident cases in Fort Collins, and we know the challenges you might encounter as you seek compensation for the damages you recently suffered in an accident. If you are ready to learn how a Colorado car accident lawyer can help you recover, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team.
