Denver Intersection Accident Attorneys
What Are the Denver Right-of-Way Laws?
Right-of-Ways
- Stop sign: The driver who arrived and stopped first has the right-of-way, while any drivers who arrived just after them must yield.
- Traffic light: Drivers facing a green light or arrow have the right-of-way. Drivers should use the yellow light as a cautionary signal to slow down.
- Yield sign: Oncoming traffic always has the right-of-way. A driver should wait until it is safe and clear to merge into that lane.
- Crosswalks: Under the law and common courtesy, pedestrians always have the right-of-way at crosswalks, even if the traffic light is green for the vehicles.
Intersections With No Controls
How Do Intersection Accidents Happen?
- Running traffic signals: Disregarding red lights or stop signs can spell disaster for the at-fault driver and the victim.
- Impaired judgment: When drivers consume substances like alcohol or illicit drugs, they might react too late or make poor decisions.
- Not yielding to right-of-way traffic: Sometimes, a person who is running late might rush to beat oncoming traffic. Even a minor misjudgment could mean that the driver injures themselves and others.
- Driving above the speed limit: Speed limits exist for a reason. Speeding blatantly disregards roadway instructions for a safer driving environment. The driver may not have time to fully stop, even if they intend to at the last minute.
- Distracted driving: Snacking, using mobile devices, or switching radio stations can distract any driver, causing them to miss key signals to stop or slow down.
The Highly Vulnerable Demographics
Pedestrians
Cyclists
Motorcycle Riders
Common Injuries and Damages Caused by Intersection Accidents
Property Damage
Physical Injuries
- Bone fractures: Broken bones may heal, but pain and limited mobility can be life-long.
- Neck and spine strains: Spinal cord injuries can interrupt your ability to manage the smallest tasks and often derail daily life with sudden pain and other debilitating symptoms.
- Chest bruising or broken ribs: Even minor chest injuries might affect your respiratory health for years to come.
- Organ damage: Injured organ tissues might escape your radar for days after the collision, leading to a hidden hemorrhage. Internal bleeding can look strikingly similar to the flu or even general soreness, so it’s a dangerous thing to miss.
- Surface burns or cuts: These external injuries can alter your appearance and leave you with lifelong trauma.
- Head trauma: Traumatic brain injuries are incredibly dangerous and can affect your personality or cognitive abilities. Concussions are common in car accidents.
Mental Unwellness
- Anxiety about driving or riding in vehicles: You could face panic or anxiety attacks about being on the road again.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: PTSD can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and jumpiness.
- Long-term personality changes: Mental health struggles and brain injuries might influence your personality without you realizing it.
- Sleep disruptions: TBIs and mental health conditions often disrupt your ability to enjoy a restful night of sleep.
- Emotional detachment: You might feel less connected to yourself or others.
- Sudden mood swings: Feeling irrationally angry or suddenly sad following traumatic events is common, and many don’t know how to manage these intense emotions.
What Types of Accident Claims Could You Pursue in Denver, Colorado?
Lost Income
Medical Bill Coverage
- Extended hospital stays
- Long-term recovery
- At-home medical equipment
- Prescriptions
Property Damage Coverage
Pain and Suffering
Contact Fiedler Trial Lawyers Today if You've Been Injured in an Intersection Accident
Frequently Asked Questions
Side impact collisions, or T-bones, are common intersection accidents. One vehicle passes through an intersection while another runs into it, colliding right into the side of the first vehicle.
The majority of accidents at intersections occur between midnight and the early morning or during rush hour in the late afternoon, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Early morning accidents often mean fatigued or drunk drivers, while rush-hour occurrences primarily happen with distracted or aggressive driving.
Poor traffic control at intersections remains the primary cause of intersection accidents. You are more likely to have an intersection accident at a crossroads controlled by stop signs, yield signs, or no signals than at intersections guided by traffic lights, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
Under Colorado’s modified comparative negligence law, you can file a personal injury claim as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. A Denver intersection accident attorney can analyze the details of your case and advocate for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, if the accident involves a government entity (such as a collision with a city vehicle), you may have a shorter deadline to file a notice of claim. It’s important to contact an experienced attorney in Denver promptly to ensure you meet all filing requirements.
At Fiedler Law Firm, we provide personalized legal representation for intersection accident victims in Denver, Colorado. Our team works diligently to investigate your case, collect evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured, reach out to us today to discuss how we can assist you in getting back on your feet.
Additional information in Denver, Colorado
- National Safety Council - Basics of Intersection Safety: Provides a detailed lesson on intersection safety for new teen drivers, covering essential tips for navigating intersections, understanding traffic signals, and avoiding common mistakes that lead to accidents.
- Colorado Senate Bill 18-144 - Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Updates: Provides detailed information on legislation aimed at improving safety for bicyclists and pedestrians in Colorado, including rules for yielding and navigating intersections.
- NHTSA Report - Common Causes of Intersection Crashes: Provides an in-depth analysis of the primary causes of crashes at intersections, including driver behaviors, environmental factors, and roadway conditions.
More Frequently
Asked Questions
If you’ve been injured in an accident, there are several important steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights
- Dial 911 – Emergency Services. Get checked out by emergency responders, even if you think injuries are minor, you should always get evaluated. If the accident involved a motor vehicle, file a report with the police This documentation could be important later on.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles or property. Collect contact information from witnesses and others involved in the accident READ MORE…
When involved in a personal injury claim, the process can be very intimidating. Many individuals facing this situation are often dealing with life-altering injuries, high medical bills, financial hardships and find themselves feeling very vulnerable.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in a variety of situations, particularly when you have sustained significant injuries or damages due to someone else’s negligenceREAD MORE…
After being injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering if you actually need to hire a personal injury lawyer. You would want to consult with an attorney, because in most cases, there will be an opposing party in your case that will be working against you. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your case is important to ensure you receive the best possible representation and outcome. Hiring a Denver Personal injury lawyer that specializes in that area of law is crucial, to ensure that you are getting proper representation, and your case is in good hands. Having an experienced lawyer like FIEDLER Trial Lawyers is helpful and provides powerful representation.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right lawyer:READ MORE…
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer can vary depending on the lawyer and the specifics of your case. However, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Here’s how the contingency fee structure typically works and other potential costs to consider:
Contingency Fees: Percentage of Recovery: If the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, they will take a percentage of the settlement or judgment amount you receive if you win your case. This percentage is typically around 33% to 40% but can vary depending on the lawyer and the jurisdiction.
No Win, No Fee: If you do not win your case, the lawyer will not charge you for legal fees. However, there may still be other costs you could be responsible for (discussed below).RAED MORE…
In a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, also known as damages, to address the losses and injuries you’ve suffered due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. The types of compensation typically fall into three main categories: economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Here’s an overview of each:
Economic Damages: These damages are intended to compensate you for actual financial losses resulting from the injury:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical treatment. READ MORE…
The value of a personal injury case can vary greatly depending on several factors unique to your situation. Since each case is different, there is no standard formula to calculate the exact value. However, here are some key factors that generally affect the worth of a personal injury case:
Severity of Injuries: The more serious and long-lasting your injuries, the higher the potential value of your case. This includes considering whether your injuries result in permanent disability or disfigurement.
Medical Expenses: Your case will take into account all medical expenses you have incurred, as well as future medical costs related to your injury.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: The case can include compensation for lost income due to time off work and any future loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.READ MORE…
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