While any motor vehicle collision has the propensity to cause damage, research and data shows that some types of accidents are more deadly than others. In recent years from 2023 and before, the most dangerous types of car accidents in Denver have been:
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone collisions (or side collisions)
- Rollover accidents
- Off-road crashes
Read on to learn more about the most dangerous types of car accidents in Denver, Colorado.
What Other Factors Determine the Severity of a Denver Accident Outcome?
When motor vehicles traveling at higher speeds are involved in these accidents, the results can be catastrophic and cause more damage. Other factors that will determine the severity outcome and danger level of a car accident include:
- Alcohol or other substance use
- Dangerous road conditions
- The size of the vehicles involved
Raising awareness and becoming educated on the factors involved in the most dangerous types of car crashes and what types of crashes are the most deadly can help keep drivers informed and safe.
The Most Deadly Type of Car Crash
Single-vehicle car crashes are the most deadly types of crash that account for over half (58%) of all traffic deaths in the country. Such car accidents most often result when the driver is speeding and loses control of the wheel, causing them to veer off the road or crash into an object. Another common cause of single-vehicle crashes is when animals or pedestrians suddenly run out into the street and the driver swerves out of the way, resulting in a deadly crash.
The Most Dangerous Types of Motor Vehicle Collisions in Denver
Single vehicle car crashes are pretty straightforward. But when you have more than one vehicle involved in a crash, it gets more complicated and the stakes are higher. There’s more damage, more injury, and more potential danger overhaul with collisions involving two or more vehicles. The more vehicles involved the more dangerous and complicated the accident and claims processes become.
Here is a list of the most dangerous types of car accidents in Denver.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe or catastrophic injuries since the pedestrian doesn’t have the protective barricade that passengers and vehicle occupants have. The most common injuries Denver pedestrians sustain are broken bones, lacerations, scrapes, head trauma, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and death.
The death rate for pedestrians involved in motor vehicles is disproportionately high compared to the percentage of overall accidents that pedestrians account for. That is, while pedestrian accidents only account for about 1% of all traffic accidents, they make up about 17% of all traffic fatalities. If you sustained catastrophic injuries in a Denver pedestrian accident, contact a Denver personal injury lawyer who can help you recover the compensation you’re entitled to.
Head-on Collisions
Head-on collision is when two cars collide into each other at full force. They collide “head-on,” meaning both are traveling at a high speed towards each other. Many times head-on collisions result in significant damages or death.
The most common cause of head-on collisions is when a driver swerves or oversteers to avoid hitting an object or animal in the street, and finds themselves going the wrong way down a traffic lane. As a result, they collide home-on with an oncoming vehicle. Other causes include distracted driving, such as texting while driving, drunk driving, and passenger distractions.
T-Bone Crash
A T-bone collision is when one car rams into the side of another car, most often occurring at intersections. T-bone accidents that occur at higher speeds or with larger vehicles will be more severe, but the nature of a T-bone crash inherently makes it more deadly for the occupants on the side that get hit. When a car gets hit from the front or back, there’s more metal to protect occupants and absorb the impact of the crash. However, when a car gets hit in the side, the driver or passengers are more vulnerable to the crash impact because they have a higher likelihood of getting crushed and trapped inside the vehicle. Common injuries we see after a T-bone crash include:
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Limb amputation
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Penetrating injuries
Rollover Accidents
A rollover crash is one of the most dangerous types of crashes with a high probability for severe injury outcomes or death. This type of accident occurs when a car rolls over and flips over one or several times. They happen when a vehicle loses balance or has poor traction and ends up toppling over, and can involve just one or several cars. A single vehicle could lose control on slippery roads and get into a rollover accident alone. In another scenario, a car might be going around a sharp turn and lose control, causing the vehicle to roll over several times and hit multiple other vehicles on its way.
Off-Road Accidents
Off-road accidents can also be single-vehicle or multi-vehicle crashes. A single vehicle may veer off the road and hit an inanimate object such as a tree, light pole, or traffic barrier. The most common cause of off-road accidents involve alcohol, drowsy driving, oversteering, poor driving conditions (including inclement weather), and distracted driving. All of these causes usually involve some degree of driver negligence. As such, if you were injured by a driver who lost control of the wheel and started to veer off the road, you can hold them accountable with the help of an experienced Denver car accident lawyer.
What to Do After a Dangerous Car Crash in Denver
After getting into a car accident, you need to take certain steps to protect your legal rights and ensure your injuries don’t worsen. Here are some critical steps to take after a dangerous Denver car accident:
- Get medical attention right away
- Report the accident to local authorities (e.g., call the police)
- Notify insurance companies
- Hire a Denver personal injury lawyer
- File a denver personal injury claim
An attorney’s job is to help you through every stage of this process and they have garnered experience through working with different clients that have unique cases. Part of what makes a personal injury case complex is analyzing the individual circumstances of the case and tailoring a legal plan accordingly. They will also complete a lot of steps on your behalf so you have more energy to focus on healing.
The Importance of Seeking Early Medical Attention
AFter getting into a dangerous car accident, you may need to see a doctor for your injuries. The first reason why you shouldn’t delay, even if they don’t feel like severe injuries, is that car accident injuries often have delayed symptoms. A serious injury like a concussion can cause long-term damage if left untreated and is often missed due to the adrenaline and shock people feel that can make injury symptoms after a crash.
By seeing a doctor right after the accident, you help establish a clear connection between the accident and your injuries. Having this documentation and the medical records will serve as evidence for your case.
Filing a Police Report
You’ll want to call the local police after the accident to ensure there’s an official police report on file. It’s best to call them as soon as possible after the accident, and if anyone is injured, all parties are legally required to remain at the scene until they arrive. The insurance company will almost always ask for a police report as well.
Notifying Insurance Companies
Once you’ve gotten medical care and notified local authorities, it’s time to notify the insurance companies. You’ll need to notify your company and file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance. As such, it’s important to get contact and insurance information for all parties involved in the accident before you leave the scene. If multiple parties were involved and you’re unsure of whose insurance is liable for your damages, your attorney can assess your case to make a determination on liability.
When you speak with an insurance adjuster, remember to keep the conversation strictly to facts. Don’t try to explain the cause of the accident or make any admissions or apologies. Insurance companies are known for using your own statements against you in a cunning manner that can undermine your claim and even suggest you are at fault rather than the other party.
Hire a Denver Dangerous Car Accident Lawyer
Getting damage compensation after a car accident should not be an uphill battle. A lawyer knows how to navigate car accident claims effectively and efficiently. For example, they can help you identify the liable parties and prove negligence from the beginning so you don’t lose time for your claim. They can also advise you on the merits of the insurance company’s settlement offer, whether it’s fair or not, and whether you should continue negotiating or take your case to trial.
You Might Need to File a Lawsuit
IF you are unable to come to a mutual agreement that works for both parties through an out of court settlement, you might need to take your court to trial. That would entail filing a lawsuit to recover a fair financial award. Denver law only allows a certain time frame for personal injury claimants to bring forth a lawsuit, so you must act in a timely manner. Your attorney can help ensure you know the correct deadline for your case and get all the necessary requirements fulfilled to pursue your case in court.
What if My Loved One or Family Member Died in a Denver Car Crash?
Sadly, many car accidents are bad enough to end in fatalities. If your loved one died in a dangerous car accident, we are very sorry for your loss and want to help you. You might be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit, depending on your relationship to the deceased person. In most cases, the family members who are allowed to file a wrongful death suit are limited to the immediate family members (e.g., husband, wife, parent, or child), with some extenuating circumstances.
If your loved one died in a car crash, reach out to our Denver wrongful death attorneys to discuss your options and legal rights.
Contact a Denver Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Our Denver Personal Injury Lawyers understand the devastation and tragedy that result from car accidents, and that’s why we work to help families get justice. Whether your loved one was injured or killed, an unexpected car crash can cause dramatic changes and uncertainty along with financial burdens.
We have helped clients with all types of personal injury cases throughout Denver, Colorado Springs, and the surrounding areas. We continue to do so with the utmost compassion, professionalism, and dedication. Most importantly, are ready to work hard for you and will not let up until we get the outcome you deserve.
Call today for your free initial consultation with experienced attorneys who have a successful track record and really care about you.
