Colorado Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics

Getting into a motor vehicle accident or dealing with a catastrophe is stressful, but it’s important to try to stay calm. Know that no matter how carefully you may drive, chances are that you or someone you love may be involved in a motor vehicle collision.

HOW COMMON ARE ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES?

In Colorado, since 2014, there has been a 5.5% increase in accidents and a 29% increase in fatalities. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, in 2018:

• 121,922 total crashes occurred in Colorado.
• 77% of accidents resulted in property damage only.
• 22% resulted in bodily injury.
• 1% resulted in fatality.

It’s important to know which counties have a high number of car accidents before you decide to drive around Colorado. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, in 2018:

• 22,277 car accidents occurred in Denver County.
• 13,435 car accidents occurred in Arapahoe County.
• 12,697 car accidents occurred in El Paso County.

As for the types of vehicles involved in fatal accidents, in 2018:

• 33% involved pickup trucks or SUVs.
• 29% involved cars.
• 16% involved motorcycles.
• 14% were pedestrians.
• 3% involved bicycles.
• 2% involved large trucks.

HOW DOES THE ENVIRONMENT IMPACT COLLISIONS?

The Colorado Department of Transportation reported that in 2018:

• 89% of car accidents occurred without any apparent weather conditions.
• 6% of car accidents occurred in snow/sleet/hail.
• 4% of car accidents occurred in the rain.
• 1% of car accidents occurred in the wind.

As for crashes by lighting conditions in 2018:

• 71% of car accidents occurred during daylight.
• 24% of car accidents occurred at night.
• 5% of car accidents occurred during dawn/dusk.

COMMON CAUSES OF MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, out of the 121,922 total crashes in 2018:

• 5% were caused by driver distractions.
• 8% were caused by driver inexperience.
• 6% were caused by aggressive drivers.
• 5% were caused by driving under the influence.
• 4% were caused by drivers who were unfamiliar with the area.
• 2% were caused by driver fatigue.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Driving comes with inherent risks, and while not every tragic situation may be avoided, it’s important to take note of these safety tips:

1. CHECK THAT ALL PARTIES INVOLVED ARE SAFE

Check and see if anyone needs urgent medical care, but don’t do anything that could cause further injuries.

2. CALL 911 TO REPORT THE ACCIDENT

Call the police even if there were no serious injuries. Once the police arrive, you may need to file a police report in order to file a claim with your insurance, even if it is solely to make a claim for vehicle damage. 

3. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR ALL INJURIES

You should seek medical attention immediately after an accident, either at your local emergency room, or by seeing your physician. While injuries may not feel serious initially, they often have the potential to develop into something much worse when left untreated. Remember that medical records may also help prove that your injuries were a result of the collision, so be sure to keep an organized record of any documented injuries.

4. GET CONTACT INFORMATION FROM THE OTHER PARTIES AND WITNESSES

You should obtain the name, address, phone number, and insurance information of all persons involved in the accident, including passengers. If there are witnesses, you should write down their contact information as well, so that you or your attorney may contact them in the future.

5. TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS AND NOTES TO DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT

If you happen to have a camera or smartphone nearby, you should take pictures of the area in which the accident occurred. If possible, it’s best to try and photograph the positions of the vehicles involved in the crash before they are moved from the accident scene. Be sure to include street signs or lights, so that viewers may orient themselves and obtain a better understanding of where the cars were. If you have visible injuries, you should photograph them as well.

6. CONTACT A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

A personal injury attorney may not only help with gathering your claim documentation, but may also help you establish liability and seek and negotiate fair compensation for your injuries. At Zinda Law Group, our experienced car accident attorneys have the knowledge and resources necessary to help you build the strongest case possible and to seek the compensation you may be entitled to.

Talk to Zinda Law Group Today

At Zinda Law Group, our attorneys have the experience and knowledge that has helped injured victims seek compensation after suffering an injury from a ski or snow sports accident.

Our firm also believes that an injured victim should never have to worry about their ability to afford excellent legal representation. That is why we offer 100% free consultations, and why you pay nothing unless we achieve a favorable settlement, judgment, or verdict for your personal injury claim. That’s our No Fee Guarantee.

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries due to a motor vehicle accident, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863 5312 for a 100% free case evaluation with our car accident attorneys.

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