]]> Which holidays are the most dangerous when it comes to vehicle accidents?
According to a study by Value Penguin, you are four times as likely to be the victim of a fatal vehicle accident over the Memorial Day weekend than any other standard weekend. While all holidays seem to pose a higher risk than regular days, it seems that the summer holidays seem to have significantly higher rates of accidents than others.
What factors increase accidents?
With such an increase in the number of accidents during the holiday season, you may find yourself wondering what factors can lead to these higher statistics. There are many causes and factors that influence the number of accidents during the holidays including:
Driving in an unfamiliar area
Many drivers may be venturing far from home and that means traveling on unfamiliar roads and areas. Drivers may not be aware of all the driving laws in an area or may find themselves driving more aggressively because they are unsure of turns or routes to get to their final destination.
Distracted drivers
Whether it is being distracted trying to operate navigation devices or distractions from kids who have been in the car for hours, holiday travel can cause you to lose your focus. Distracted driving is still one of the top causes of accidents.
Intoxication
The holidays are all about celebration and during celebrations, people are more likely to imbibe. Even drivers who know not to drive while intoxicated may not realize their reaction time is slowed even if they have only had a few or had drunk earlier in the day. Many drivers who end up driving while mildly intoxicated do not realize they are still impaired.
Heavier traffic
The sheer number of drivers on the road over the holidays can help to account for the increase in accidents, AAA estimates that 39.3 million drivers will be making more than a 50-mile trip this Memorial weekend. This increased number of drivers on the road will lead to an increase in traffic and congestion on main roads causing conditions that are more likely to result Heavy loads
Heavy loads
The summer months are the perfect time of year to get out the camper or take the boat for a fishing trip. What this means for drivers is that there will be more cars on the road hauling large items. Vehicles with large loads will have more difficulty stopping as well as a harder time changing lanes or turning.
While knowing the risks of accidents when driving during the holiday season probably won't deter the hoards of drivers that will be hitting the highway this summer, hopefully, it will encourage them to exercise more caution and avoid common accident causes as well as drive more defensively when traveling on holidays.
]]>As the Denver Post recently reported, fatal motor vehicle crashes increased from 451 in 2014 to 587 in 2017. Worse yet, those 587 fatal crashes resulted in 635 deaths to drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. This is a 30.1 percent increase in only three years.
]]> Poor personal decisionsColorado Department of Transportation officials attribute this alarming fatality rise to the poor driving decisions that Colorado drivers make, including the following:
The actual percentage of fatal accidents attributed to impaired drivers fluctuates from year to year as follows:
Adding to the problem is the fact that 16 percent of Colorado drivers and passengers refuse to wear a seatbelt. Are you one of them? Colorado now ranks 36th in the nation for seatbelt usage. In 2017, unbelted vehicle occupants accounted for over half of the fatal crash injuries. Obviously your chances of dying in a car crash rise exponentially when you refuse to wear your seatbelt.
Rural versus urban fatal crashes
You can no longer afford to believe that you will not be involved in a fatal vehicle crash based on where you live. Ten years ago, you were safer living in a city because far more accidents happened in rural areas. Today those numbers have switched. In 2017, Denver, Adams, El Paso, Arapahoe and Weld counties saw the highest number of fatal crashes.
CDOT officials attribute this change to population growth and more drivers and pedestrians who drive or walk while distracted by their cellphones, music headphones and a variety of other modern technologies. Obviously the best way you can prevent your own death in a vehicle crash is to watch where you are going, watch where other traffic is going, never drive while impaired, and always wear your seatbelt.
For more information about this subject, please visit this page on our website.
]]>
]]> Is there any time worker's compensation may apply?
The short answer to this question is yes, but only under in certain cases. While there is no guarantee a successful worker's compensation will be possible in the event of a commute-related accident but there are some situations in which filing a case may be prudent.
Employees where routine travel is part of their job requirement
Job positions that require regular driving as part of their daily employment are often exempt from the stipulations of the "coming-and-going" rule. Since travel is integral to their job and they might not have a fixed office, their vehicle can be considered an extension of their actual company. These types of positions can include jobs such as salespeople, nurses, and home healthcare aids.
Employees who are traveling while they are on call
Physicians and other workers may be subject to on-call work requirements. In this situation, they are considered on the clock from the moment they step in their vehicles and anything that occurs while they are going to or from their call would fall under a worker's compensation claim.
Employees who are injured while on a business travel assignment
If you are injured in a vehicle accident while on a work-funded business trip, you can often seek compensation even if the purpose of your travel in the vehicle was for recreation. Since business travel is considered the same as being at work, courts are often very lenient when it comes to allowing claims.
Employees who are required to travel through dangerous areas to get to work
Employees who must travel through dangerous road areas such as construction zones or areas where they are doing demolition could possibly seek damages if they have no other route to go through to get to work.
Employees on a work-related errand on the way to or from work
If you are performing an errand or task for your company that you perform on the way to or from work, you may have injuries that can be covered under workers compensation if you are involved in an accident. This can include trips to the bank, post office, or to pick up or drop off supplies or deliveries.
How do you assess whether or not the "coming-and-going" rule applies?
To help determine whether or not an accident would fall under the rule of "coming-and-going," or whether it should be listed as a workers’ compensation claim, can be accessed by answering a few simple questions in regards to the circumstances in which the accident occurred.
Once you have determined the answers to the questions above you may find yourself with a better understanding of whether or not your injuries could be classified as a worker's compensation related incident. If you believe your injuries could result in a worker's compensation claim consulting with an attorney can help you determine what compensation you could be entitled to and what requirements will need to be met to file a claim.
]]>These so-called Acts of God are quite common, and they can lead to serious car accidents that sometimes result in injuries or fatalities. Colorado motorists should understand what these Acts of God are, and what they need to do to file a claim after the fact.
]]> Examples of car accidents insurance companies claim are caused by an act of GodWill insurance cover these accidents?
Unfortunately, many people mistakenly assume that their insurance will not cover an accident that is caused by an Act of God, so they simply avoid making a claim and attempt to pay for the damages out-of-pocket. This can be expensive, particularly if the accident results in an injury or tragically, a fatality.
On the other end of the spectrum, the people who do file a claim after these accidents occur often are met with pushback from the insurance companies. The insurance companies may try to state that the claim is invalid, or that the driver was negligent in the incident.
Given the complex nature of these insurance claims, Denver drivers who are involved in an accident that was caused by an Act of God would be wise to hire an attorney who can advocate for them.
What to do if you are injured in an Act of God accident
When you or someone you love is injured in an Act of God accident, the costs can add up quickly and the legal path that you need to take is not always clear. It's imperative that you hire an accomplished attorney who specializes in personal injury law and who will advocate for your rights.
To learn more about Act of God accidents and motor vehicle accidents that occur in the Denver area, contact our law firm today. You can set up a consultation appointment with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys at any time in order to learn more about how you can receive the maximum compensation possible after a motor vehicle accident.
]]>Drivers who encounter road debris often don't have the time or space to avoid a collision, and these accidents can be quite serious. This post, we’ll discuss road debris accidents and some things you need to know.
]]> Common Types Of Accidents Caused By Road DebrisAccording to The Balance, there are three different types of accidents that are commonly caused by road debris:
What Should You Do if You are Injured in an Accident Caused by Road Debris?
Road debris can cause minor accidents that involve only one vehicle, or major collisions that involve two, three, four or more cars. Sometimes, people are able to walk away from these accidents unharmed. Sadly, there are many times when these accidents lead to injuries or fatalities.
It's important to partner with an experienced attorney in Colorado who understands the state's personal injury laws and how they apply to these specific types of accidents. A qualified personal injury attorney will advocate for you and work to make sure that you get the compensation you need to fully recover from your injury. Your compensation package should cover your health care costs, lost wages and any detrimental impact to your quality of life.
]]>
The Top 5 Most Dangerous Intersections In Denver
]]>Tips For Driving Safely In Dangerous Areas
Perhaps one of the reasons that intersections do become so dangerous is because drivers can easily be complacent while traversing through them. Drivers often consider intersections the perfect place to check a quick text, to reach for their snack or to have a phone conversation. A quick distraction can lead to a decision that has deadly consequences. A driver who misses a light turning red could sail right through the intersection, while a driver who is going too fast might decide to speed up rather than slow down when the light turns yellow. Even at low speeds, these collisions can lead to serious injuries and even tragic fatalities.
These tips can help drivers maneuver safely through all intersections in Denver, even the ones with the most accidents:
What To Do If You Are Injured At A Dangerous Intersection In Denver
Drivers or passengers who are injured in a Denver motor vehicle accident in which the other driver was negligent may be eligible for compensation. In order to receive the maximum compensation package, those who have been injured in a car accident need to hire a qualified attorney who specializes in personal injury law.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident in one of Denver's most dangerous intersections, be sure to contact our Denver law firm today. We would be happy to set up a consultation appointment for you with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.
]]>Since 2015, employees in the trucking business have had to tighten gears when it comes to shifts. As U.S. News relays, despite the fact that truckers have had to record hours for decades, only recently have they been required to log them electronically. Logging long hand has proved difficult in the past, as U.S. News shares that some truckers have attempted to evade hourly restrictions by avoiding logging hours altogether. Certainly an improvement, electronic logging tracks engine hours and vehicle movement. Electronic logging can also record location and miles driven. Companies had two years from the time the new regulation took place to install the devices into the trucks of all employees.
]]> Truckers who express confusion over hourly restrictions can look to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for additional help. According to the overview listed on the FMCSA's website, this electronic logging rule applies to most drivers and carriers who must record all duties of a shift; commercial buses and trucks also must follow regulations. Depending on specific deadlines, companies must have begun this safety procedure by certain dates (one deadline, for instance, ends in December 2019). Employers must also properly instruct drivers on the varying features of the devices, including maintaining, annotating and certifying records of duty status (these records are commonly known as RODS). Employees can find out more about specific regulations on logging hours by looking to company policies, as well as the additional information provided on FMCSA's website.
]]>
Rear-end collisions in Denver are on the rise, thanks to distracted driving, more crowded roadways and less patient drivers. It's important that both drivers and passengers understand that severe, life-altering injuries can result from these accidents.
]]> Top five serious injuries that result from rear-end collisionsDrivers and passengers should be aware of the warning signs and symptoms that might indicate that they have withstood a serious physical injury during a rear-end collision. According to KTAR News, these are a few delayed symptoms that warrant a trip to the doctor's office:
Anyone who is injured in a rear-end collision should not only seek medical care, but also should contact an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in motor vehicle accidents in Denver. An attorney can help you collect the evidence necessary to prove that the other driver was negligent, and to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve. You will want to partner with an attorney who will strive to get you the compensation that you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages and diminished quality of life costs.
]]>Loose objects are responsible for numerous injuries in accidents
]]> When you get in your vehicle, you take the first step to protecting yourself from injury in an accident by buckling up safety belts and securing young children in their properly designated child safety seats. This is an important step to ensuring your safety but will not protect you from other possible dangers in your car such as the risk of impact or injury by unsecured objects.A Visalia, California police officer Brent Miller learned the dangers of the loose objects in vehicle accidents first hand when he and his family were struck head-on. "This 21-year-old guy driving a small pickup truck decided to pass traffic going in the opposite direction. As he passed that traffic he collided with us head on," said Miller. While his family had been secured in their seats and their one-year-old son was in his car seat, the young child suffered a cracked skull due to the impact with a loose cell-phone sitting inside of the vehicle.
Some items that you may commonly keep in your car that can pose a hazard include:
Unsecured passengers can lead to severe injuries to themselves and others in the car
Not only is it dangerous to the passenger who is not properly secured, but an unsecured or improperly secured passenger can become a danger to all other passengers in a vehicle. A recent study by the American Medical Association found that an unrestrained passenger will act as a deadly projectile in the event of an accident. Using crash test dummies tests were performed to simulate an accident with an unrestrained passenger in the car. The test dummy was flung forward crashing into the dummy in the front seat and causing them both to hit the windshield.
Sean Kane, the co-founder of Strategic Safety, was quoted as saying, "An unrestrained passenger creates a risk to all others inside a vehicle because they can be thrown about in a crash. From head impacts to serious internal injuries, it's a wide range depending on the severity of the crash."
How much does an unrestrained passenger increase the risks of fatalities?
You increase your risk of dying if you are in an accident in a vehicle where at least one other passenger is not properly secured in your seat by 25%. In all testing scenarios, the crash test dummies suffered severe injuries such as severed limbs and major impact injuries when they were in a crash-test situation with an unrestrained object, pet or passenger.
What can you do to prevent these types of injuries from occurring?
The simple fact is that the only way to reduce your risk of injury from impact from objects is by doing your best to prevent them. In essence, anything that is not attached to your vehicle can be considered a deadly object in the event of a crash. Before operating your vehicle, you need to:
Don't let a simple object mean the difference between life and death in the event you are involved in a vehicle accident. Take the proper steps to secure all objects and passengers in your car while it is in use.
]]>According to the news report, several 2018 Ford models have a faulty transmission that may result in vehicles spontaneously shifting out of park, even after the keys have been removed. The Ford company has recalled about 350,000 vehicles, including certain Expedition SUVs, Ford F-150, F-650 and F-750 vehicle models. The terms of the recall include inspecting and repairing the affected vehicles free of charge.
]]> To date, one accident has been reported, including an injury, involving the faulty transmissions. In the past, numerous recalls involving different vehicle makers have run the gamut of dangerous defects, ranging from airbags that spontaneously deploy or fail to deploy on impact, steering wheels that refuse to turn, vehicles that spontaneously accelerate and ignition switches that ignite. Many of these defects occurred without warning, resulting in numerous accidents and injuries.Consumers may protect themselves from dangerous vehicle defects by staying aware of current recalls. Often, vehicle owners are alerted to a recall by a mailed alert or an email. They may also learn about recalls by searching for information about their vehicle online or visiting the Consumer Reports website. If an injury or death results from an accident involving a defective vehicle, the manufacturer may be held liable for compensation.
Source: CNBC, "Ford recalls about 350,000 F-150s and Expeditions for faulty transmission gears," Robert Ferris, April 6, 2018
]]>Denver mechanics who are injured while working are likely eligible for worker's compensation. It's important that all workers are aware of the risks associated with their position, how they can prevent injuries while working and what they need to do in the event of an injury.
]]> Common injuries suffered by mechanics in DenverSlip and fall injuries — The car shop is understandably not the cleanest place to work, and there are often slippery liquids lining the floor. Mechanics can easily slip and fall on these substances, which can lead to bruises, broken bones and other injuries.
Sprains and strains — This is easily the most common injury suffered by mechanics. This is due to the fact that mechanics have to complete detailed work in confined spaces, and they often have a limited range of motion. This leaves them prone to sprains and strains.
Burns — Mechanics work with a variety of chemicals and they have to operate on vehicle equipment that can be hot. Mechanics are at risk for suffering from both minor and severe burns.
Limb loss — This is one of the most tragic injuries that mechanics can suffer, but it does happen occasionally. Mechanics often have to operate heavy equipment, including grinders and shears, that can result in lost limbs. All mechanics must be properly trained on this equipment, and employers need to make sure that all power tools are in good working order prior to the work day.
Eye injuries — Eye injuries are common amongst mechanics since they have to work in small spaces, such as underneath the vehicles. Protective eyewear should be worn to prevent these injuries, which can range from minor to severe.
Safety tips for Denver auto mechanics and technicians
Recognizing that there are risks in the workplace, Denver mechanics need to do their best to prevent injuries while working. By staying safe on the job, mechanics can continue to pursue their chosen career and they also can enjoy a fulfilling personal life.
Mechanics should begin each day by assessing the risks that are present in their work space, and doing their best to reduce those risks as much as possible. Spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible, equipment should be tested prior to use and the workspace should be clear of obstructions.
In addition, the owner or manager of the mechanic shop needs to make sure that all employees receive adequate training prior to beginning their work. In the event that new equipment has been added to the shop, every mechanic should receive training on how to operate it, and they also should be provided with any safety gear that is needed in order to operate the equipment.
Mechanics should work together with management in order to minimize the risks of working in the shop and to proactively work to reduce the number of injuries that occur in the workplace each year.
What your first steps should be after suffering a work-related injury
Despite the best efforts of the employee and the employer, injuries do happen on the job. Mechanics who are injured while working should seek medical care as soon as possible, and they also need to report the incident to their superior. After the injury has been treated and the mechanic is recovering, it is best to contact a qualified personal injury attorney who specializes in worker's compensation in Colorado. The right attorney will be able to collect the evidence necessary in order to secure the highest possible compensation package. A mechanic's worker's compensation package should cover medical costs associated with the injury, lost wages and any detrimental impact to the individual's quality of life.
To learn more about workplace injuries in Denver and to find out how to maximize your worker's compensation package, set up a consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys today. Contact our Denver law firm now.
]]>Simultaneously, the construction and building industries are thriving in the state, and many young workers are finding that they can easily secure jobs with building companies who are looking to hire strong, motivated employees who are interested in learning new skills.
]]> For the most part, this is welcome reprieve from the years of recovery after the recession that took place a decade ago. However, companies are now busier than ever before, and in the midst of their hiring frenzies, they aren't making safety a top priority.Young workers and injuries on the job
Recent research reveals that new workers are far more likely to be injured while working during the first month of employment than they are during any other time period on the job. According to an article published in Safety and Health Magazine, employees are three times as likely to be injured while working during that first pivotal month, and to experience an injury that results in time off from work.
These numbers can be startling, especially for young people who are looking to find a place to work that allows them to earn a living and develop new skills. However, there's more troubling news for these same workers. The report also found that only 1 in 5 new employees are receiving the training that they need in order to stay safe while performing job-related tasks.
This data highlights the need for employers to provide adequate training and to make workplace safety a top priority. Not only is it best for their employees, but it also prevents the company from having to pay out on their worker's compensation policies and to lose revenue while employees are recovering.
Why are new employees at a higher risk of workplace injuries?
There's no concrete reason as to why new employees are at a higher risk for workplace injuries than older, more experienced employees. However, safety experts believe that the following factors play a role in this trend:
What you should do if you are injured while working
Construction workers are at risk for many different types of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Unfortunately, fatalities even occur on construction sites in Colorado. It is vital that new employees know what to do in the event that they are injured while working in Denver.
First and foremost, employees need to receive proper medical care. The incident needs to be reported to a supervisor, so that the employee can begin the process of collecting worker's compensation. Any employee who has been injured while working may want to contact a qualified personal injury attorney who specializes in worker's compensation law in Colorado. T
To learn more about the risks to new workers who are starting jobs in the construction industry, set up a consultation appointment with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Contact us today.
]]>For instance, as the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association explains, you must carry bodily injury liability insurance in the amount of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. But if you cause an accident and the other driver sues you for damages in excess of your policy limits, the jury could agree with him or her that (s)he suffered personal injury and property damage worth more than your insurance policy will pay. If they return such a verdict, you will be personally liable for the judgment amount over and above your policy limits. In other words, you were underinsured with regard to this accident.
]]> Insurance experts recommend that you carry bodily injury liability coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence. Likewise, Colorado requires you to carry only $15,000 of property damage liability coverage per occurrence. Given today’s outrageous costs of auto repair, $15,000 likely is insufficient to cover a jury verdict against you.Optional insurance
Bodily injury liability and property damage liability are the only types of coverage Colorado requires you to have in order to drive legally. However, you may wish to consider buying the following types of insurance as well:
This information is only intended to educate; you should not interpret it as legal advice.
]]>We are coming up on five years since the Colorado State Constitution was changed under Amendment 64, officially legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. Every resident of the state remembers the emotional arguments on both sides of the issue leading up to the vote. One of the primary arguments against legalization, of course, related to the possible increase in traffic accidents, as more drivers took to the road after a night of marijuana use. As one of the talking points in the debate, the State Legislature even considered strengthening the state's DUI laws.
We'll use this post to review how drivers in the state are doing, based on fatal accident statistics in which drivers tested positive at the scene for marijuana use.
]]> On one side of the discussion, we're not doing so wellBy most accounts, Colorado drivers have not necessarily made our roads more dangerous in terms of the accident rate, but the number of deadly accidents in which marijuana use played a part is on the increase. Whether the legalization is to blame, however, is a matter still open for debate. According to an August, 2017, report in the Denver Post, the drivers who tested positive for marijuana at the scene of deadly crashes had significantly higher potency in their blood than analysis statistics showed in 2013, the year before full legalization went into effect (2014). Often five times higher, in fact.
Was the increased potency due to legalization? While it is always dubious to speculate on cause-and-effect, the trend seems to point to an increased number of drivers testing positive at the scene of accidents that resulted in at least one fatality. In 2016, each of the drivers who DID test positive for marijuana in their blood was shown to have used the drug within two hours prior to the accident. According to a 2015 study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving is on the decline nationally, while drivers testing positive for marijuana use is increasing.
But wait...there is always the other side
On the other side of the argument, a recent study by Columbia University determined that legalization of pot has not added to the fatality rate directly attributable to increased levels of the drug in the driver's bloodstream, nor has the number of related fatal crashes gone up. When interviewed at the end of the first year of legalization, Emily Wilfong of the Colorado Department of Transportation, report that there had actually been a 6 percent decrease in the number of traffic fatalities in which a driver at the scene was tested positive for marijuana use. In addition, she noted that annual highway fatality rates in Colorado must always take into account the weather conditions.
The debate is likely to continue
The argument over whether legalized marijuana has made Colorado roads more dangerous is likely to continue, with each side pointing to statistics backing up their case. What is certain, however, is that driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. If a driver who caused an accident is shown to have been driving under the influence, there will be criminal charges filed and victims and their families have the right to sue for financial damages under the state's civil litigation laws.
If you were involved in an accident in which the other driver was negligent due to marijuana intoxication, call our office to discuss your case.
]]>Insurance is necessary to cover the financial damages, including medical expenses, of those in auto accidents. According to NerdWallet, the unpleasant consequences of being in an accident or getting pulled over without insurance can include the following:
Car insurance can cost more than people are willing to pay. However, they may keep in mind that the consequences may be more than they can afford.
]]>