The car accident apparently happened when the car was travelling westbound on Colorado Highway 14. After losing control on a right hand turn, the car overturned. It rolled once before landing on its wheels in the bed of the river.
]]> A 36-year-old man was killed in the accident. His body was found floating in the river sometime around 6 a.m. The other man was found on a bank of the river and was airlifted by helicopter to the Medical Center of the Rockies. Further word on his medical condition was not immediately available.As police continue to investigate the cause of this tragic car accident, they may be able to determine which of the men was driving the car at the time of the crash. This determination is often central to determining the root of the collision. Other factors that help in the investigation include physical evidence, such as skid marks found on the highway. Of course, there are many unanswered questions, which investigators will have to sort through as they reconstruct what happened.
Many victims of car accidents have legal rights under Colorado personal injury laws. This is true when evidence suggests that injuries were caused by the negligence of a party. In this particular case, the first concern is for the full recovery of the injured victim. On the other hand, what may have been intended as a beautiful drive through the high country quickly turned deadly. It is only hoped that the injured man quickly recovers, and that he is able to help investigators piece together exactly what occurred for the benefit of surviving family. Ultimately, a completed investigation may reveal some civil options for the living victim or the surviving family.
Source: Coloradoan.com, "UPDATED: 1 killed in Poudre River crash west of Fort Collins," Coloradoan staff, May 1, 2012
]]>Police say that a sports utility vehicle was travelling on Perry Street, possibly at a high rate of speed, when the driver lost control of the vehicle. Without braking, according to witnesses, the SUV ran head-on into a tree in a residential yard. The truck was described as being wrapped around the tree with the trunk of the tree in the driver's seat.
]]> Authorities believe that there were four people in the SUV at the time of the car accident. Three died at the scene, including the driver. Another passenger was taken to Denver Health Medical Center with serious injuries. He was listed in critical condition.The families of the deceased victims of this accident and the victim who received serious injuries probably suffered serious emotional turmoil as a result of this crash. As police continue to investigate this fatal collision, they will seek to discover exactly what occurred and make an official determination as to the cause of the car accident. The families involved will likely assess all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the collision to determine what, if any, legal action they can to pursue under Colorado law. Ultimately, if an investigation reveals that the driver was at fault for the accident, a negligence suit could ensue.
Source: 9news.com, "3 killed after SUV 'wrapped around tree'," Paris Elliott and Nick McGurk, April 22, 2012
]]>Colorado police report that a driver ran a red light on 8th Avenue and Speer Boulevard. As a result, the SUV was struck. The heavy impact caused the SUV to topple into a creek land upside down in the water. Witnesses, including security guards from nearby Denver Health Medical Center, saw the collision and are credited with saving the life of the unconscious SUV driver. They sprang into action, jumped over the embankment and one used a chunk of concrete to break the window of the vehicle and unlock the vehicle to remove the victim, who had suffered serious injuries.
]]> Local police and firefighters responded to the accident scene. The SUV driver was taken to a local hospital as a result of his injuries. He was listed in fair condition on the Monday morning following the car accident.In addition to the injuries of the SUV driver, a firefighter was hurt as he jumped down the embankment to assist the driver. Police investigated the collision and have cited the driver for running a red light. No other charges were reported.
The driver who ran the red light will have to answer the traffic citation and may also face further legal troubles. Under Colorado law, both the SUV driver and the injured firefighter may have the right to pursue personal injury claims for any serious injuries. If it is determined that the driver who caused the accident acted negligently in a manner that contributed to the injuries sustained, those harmed may potentially collect reimbursement for medical expenses, lost income and other damages incurred.
Source: CBS Local, "Denver Attorney Hospitalized After Car Crashes Into Creek," April 16, 2012
]]>A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association focused on the 6,783 people who died in car crashes in the country over the last three decades on tax day. This number was compared to the weeks prior to and after tax day. The research found a national average increase of 13 fatalities on April 15.
]]> Some doctors credit the accident increase to sleep deprivation, alcohol use and the preoccupation with filing taxes. In other words, individuals are simply stressed out. Even in the age of online filing options, people routinely put off the process until the last minute. This ultimately leads to greater road stress.Yesterday was tax day, and the crash statistics have not yet been released. Chances are that accident rates were slightly higher. If you are reading this blog right now, hopefully you made it through traffic without bumps or bruises. Nevertheless, next year, when the middle of April nears, you now know that you should avoid major roadways. If you can't, be on the lookout for careless or inattentive motorists.
Source: CNN Money, "Fatal car wrecks jump on tax day," Aaron Smith, April 11, 2012
]]>Denver police say that it all started when an SUV was driving out-of-control at high speeds on West Hampden Avenue. The jogger was hit first, causing his death. The SUV then barreled across the lawn of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, went through a backyard fence and crashed into a home. It was the second car accident that pinned the resident against appliances inside his house. The driver and the harmed man were taken to a local hospital where they were treated for minor injuries.
]]> At this time, the Denver police are still trying to figure out what happened. What caused the driver of the SUV to lose control of the vehicle in such a manner? The deceased jogger's family will surely want to know how such a senseless accident could have occurred. Once the official accident report is reviewed, it is possible that the family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Colorado law.A wrongful death claim can be filed when someone is killed due to the negligence or intentional will of another. Once all of the facts and circumstances are clear, the family can decide what legal steps, if any, it wishes to pursue. While nothing can bring back the deceased victim, holding liable parties accountable may help in finding closure with this horrific experience.
Source: Denver 7 News, "Speeding SUV Kills 45-Year-Old Denver Jogger," Alan Gathright and Deb Stanley, April 8, 2012
]]>Police suspect that prescription drugs may have played a part in the horrible collision. The pickup driver was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence of drugs. He was also charged with vehicular homicide. He was booked into Morgan County Jail and was scheduled to appear in court on March 19 to formally answer criminal charges.
]]> The surviving family of the motorcyclist will likely be interested in reviewing all evidence and the results of any investigation. This review will assist them in determining whether they have legal rights that may be addressed under Colorado's personal injury laws. Typically, a wrongful death claim is appropriate when it is determined that someone's death was caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another. In this particular case, if authorities determine that the pickup driver was negligent in his operation of the vehicle, the family will have a potential wrongful death case against the motorist.Nothing can truly atone for the loss of a loved one in such a sudden and senseless manner. However, the family may gain some measure of solace in holding responsible parties accountable. Losing a family member can create a lot of hardship; however, this pain may be somewhat alleviated by an award for wrongful death damages when the circumstances warrant such action.
Source: Fort Morgan Times, "Motorcyclist dies Friday in accident east of Wiggins," John La Porte, March 19, 2012
]]>There were five people in the 2003 Saturn at the time of the accident, according to reports. A passenger seated in the middle of the rear seat died in the collision after being ejected from the vehicle. Four others were injured. Another passenger had to be airlifted from Pueblo to Denver. He was said to be in critical condition.
]]> Though the cause of the accident is still under investigation, Colorado authorities suspect that several factors may have contributed to the tragedy. These include speed, alcohol and drugs. While it is too early to know the specifics, the official report will likely cite all factors that led to the collision.Assuming that authorities determine that the motorist was negligent, this can be a potential option for legal recourse. The surviving family of the deceased victim, as well as the injured passengers, may have grounds to pursue monetary damages resulting from the collision.
In Colorado, a surviving family of a person killed due to the negligent or reckless conduct of another may file a wrongful death lawsuit against all parties that are deemed responsible. Similarly, those suffering serious injuries may seek compensation to reimburse themselves by way of a personal injury claim. Therefore, as the families and victims come to terms with what happened, they would likely benefit from assessing their legal rights and responsibilities following the tragic incident.
Source: Valley Courier, "Crestone car accident kills one," Julia Wilson, March 13, 2012
]]>In recent news, authorities say that an unexpected collision occurred near the intersection of 19th and Cedar in Boulder. According to reports, a pick-up truck driving northbound sped through the intersection and hit a vehicle. In addition, the truck continued, hitting a parked car and four additional vehicles before coming to a stop.
]]> Ten people, including children, were injured as a result of the truck accident. All were taken to local medical facilities for treatment. No reports have yet been made as to the severity of the injuries of the victims.Officials continue to investigate the cause of the multi-car collision. As the review of the evidence continues, authorities will likely consider all actions of the driver, including possible impairments or distractions. Once a final determination is made concerning what occurred, an official accident report will probably be published, and parties to the incident may use it as a guide in assessing liability on the part of any party deemed negligent for the injuries suffered by the accident victims.
The victims of this accident may have legal recourse available to them under Colorado's personal injury laws. These claims may help the victims recover some or all of the costs suffered as a result of the accident. Medical expenses, damages and lost wages are just a few of the potential costs that can be awarded. For this reason, a victim of a truck accident would benefit from considering a review of all available evidence and preserving all documentation concerning the incident.
Source: ABC 7 News Denver, "9-Vehicle Crash Closes Boulder Intersection," Wayne Harrison, Mar. 12, 2012
]]>It's difficult to get the elderly to hand over the car keys. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that when older drivers are involved in a collision, they are usually the wounded. Feeble drivers or passengers can be easily harmed by the impact of a crash. Moreover, the Traffic Injury Prevention journal notes that intersection accidents make up around half of the deaths in accidents among drivers over the age of 84.
]]> The problem is that older individuals simply fail to see other vehicles or obstructions. It's true that no group of drivers is more harmful than teenagers. Teens are extremely inexperienced. Even so, while teens' driving habits improve with development, increasing age decreases the driving skills of the elderly. Once a person turns 70, his or her crash rate significantly climbs.Multiple states have restrictions on license renewals for older drivers. For example, some states require a statement from a physician, which validates that the person is fit to drive after a certain age.
Also, motor vehicle agencies can issue licenses with restrictions. For example, a person may only be permitted to drive to work or the grocery store. Nevertheless, it is hard to take someone's license away. People depend on driving to get around.
Unfortunately, the individual who was harmed in the accident last fall has endured more than $250,000 in medical expenses. However, her husband explains, "We're not bitter. We're unhappy the other couple was killed. But they should not have been out driving anyway."
Source: Slate, "Give me the keys, Dad," Emily Yoffe, Mar. 7, 2012
]]>Unfortunately, a recent story reports that a Colorado school bus driver struck and injured three students crossing the street. An article explains that a substitute school bus driver was making a left from an east street onto a southbound road. He had a green light; however, three girls were heading east across the intersecting street. The girls had the walk signal, and witnesses say they looked both ways. All three of the 14-year-old students from a local school were hit by the bus.
]]> All three victims were taken to a nearby medical center. Subsequently, one was airlifted to a children's hospital. Authorities note that she had serious bodily injuries at the time of the accident. A spokesperson for the hospital has indicated that she has progressed to a fair condition, which is between good and serious condition.Though the driver was a substitute, he was still given thorough driving instructions. Reports note that the motorist has been with the district since October and received 98 hours of training, which is required. Nevertheless, the driver failed to observe the crossing students. If authorities find that the driver was negligent and inattentive, the victims of the accident could initiate a potential personal injury claim for injuries sustained.
Personal injury cases allow injured victims to recover against a negligent wrongdoer. As the victim takes the time to heal from the incident, he or she may potentially obtain damages for any expenses incurred from the recovery.
If you have been injured by a negligent motorist, you may want to speak to an attorney. A personal injury lawyer can inform you about compensation possibilities.
Source: 9News.com, "Police: Bus driver who hit 3 teen girls will be charged," Eric Kahnert, Feb. 22, 2012
]]>Researchers from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development installed state of the art equipment in teen drivers' cars. The new motorists were monitored for 18 months, and researchers kept track of any crashes or close calls. The equipment was used to record g-force events, such as abrupt starts, stops and sharp turns.
]]> For every 100 miles of driving, the equipment recorded from close to zero to about 50 g-force events. Out of more than 68,000 driving trips, there were 37 crashes and 242 near crashes. As the rate of g-force events during driving increased, the number of crashes and close calls increased. G-force events in one month helped predict crashes in the next month.If you are worried about your erratic teen driver, products that evaluate teen driving are available for about $500. Nevertheless, parents can try to make sure their teens avoid risky driving situations like night driving, driving with multiple passengers or driving with the radio on.
While these advanced machines may help inform teens about their bad driving habits, researchers feel that practice is the key to safe driving. Nevertheless, with a little more awareness, we can potentially decrease the number of reckless accidents caused by newly-licensed drivers.
Source: Reuters, "Risky starts and stops predict teen crashes," Feb. 20, 2012
]]>Starting this spring, a new, three-year-long drug treatment program aimed at combating the effects of spinal cord damage will kick off. The treatment initiative, however, will be for canines only. Specifically, dachshunds, beagles and corgis with spinal cord injuries will undergo a series of shots that block a particular protein released after a disc rupture. The hope is to stop the inflammation that causes the damage after the initial spinal cord rupture.
]]> Linda Noble-Haeusslein, professor in the departments of neurological surgery and physical therapy and rehabilitation at the University of California-San Francisco, is collaborating with the School of Veterinary medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M. They will work with pet owners to initiate the drugs.Prior to approving the upcoming treatment for canines, the medicine proved effective on mice. Humans are next in line if the drug is successful.
The U.S. Department of Defense has high hopes that the treatment will work and has agreed to pay $750,000 to fund the project.
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, over 250,000 people are presently disabled from spinal cord injuries. It is estimated that 37 percent of SCIs are caused from vehicular accidents.
The treatment will no doubt offer hope to both canine owners and spinal cord victims alike.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times, "Treating dogs' spinal cord injuries could help humans, too," Sharon L. Peters, Feb. 6, 2012
]]>In a local story, a couple and their three children were driving on a highway home from a vacation in Colorado. In West Texas, a vehicle coming from the opposite direction swerved into their lane. The accident killed the parents and paralyzed two of the children. The wreck also killed the wife of the other motorist.
]]> What caused this terrible head-on collision? Reports say that the motorist was distracted as he looked for a DVD in his vehicle. The uncle of the children commented on the incident: "I would want people to know that in that split second of not paying attention, they could devastate a family."Sources say that the abundance of personal electronics has added to the distracted driving problem. Various awareness groups are trying to draw attention to the issue. The United States Transportation Department indicates that drivers are 23 times more likely to crash if texting while driving.
The National Transportation Safety Board encourages all states to ban cellphone use by motorists. Reports explain that there were more than 3,000 deaths in distraction-related accidents in 2010.
This story brings to light some of the dangers of distracted driving. Unfortunately, there are so many careless motorists out on the road that have no problem risking lives for a simple text message. If you have been injured by an inattentive driver, you may want to speak to an attorney about your recovery possibilities. You could receive compensation from the wrongdoer for any harm sustained.
Source: San Antonio Express-News, "Distracted driving gets attention," Michelle Koidin Jaffee, Feb. 13, 2012
]]>According to reports, officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Highway 50 and Frontage road. When officers arrived, they found that a man had been hit by a car. The pedestrian was transported to a local medical center with serious injuries. The crash is under investigation, and sources say that alcohol and drugs may have played a factor in the accident.
]]> Like motorists, pedestrians must obey the laws of the road. Nevertheless, drivers have the responsibility of sharing the road with them. They must watch out for individuals who are lawfully crossing at corners or crosswalks. Careless or distracted driving is a common cause of accidents in Colorado.Harm that is sustained in a pedestrian accident is usually life-altering. While the local story did not specify this pedestrian's injuries, head injuries are common in these situations. Furthermore, if authorities find that the motorist was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the driver may be liable to the injured man for any harm that he sustained. Driving under the influence is legally considered to be careless driving. In this case, the victim would have a potential negligence claim against motorist in which he could recover damages for his medical expenses that are related to the accident.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian strike, you may want to look into your recovery possibilities. As you scrap to obtain suitable medical care for your harm, you deserve to be financially secure.
Source: KXRM Fox 21, "Man in hospital after being hit by a car," Alia Willson, Jan. 31, 2012
]]>In a recent local story, a Colorado woman faces a lawsuit related to the wrongful death of a tow truck driver. According to reports, a tow truck driver was hauling an illegally parked SUV. In the process of removing the car, the owner of the vehicle jumped into the SUV and took off. Unfortunately, the truck driver's leg was caught in a cable that was attached to the car. The man was pulled by the car for more than one mile before his legs separated from his body.
]]> The victim died in this gruesome accident. As a result, the woman faces serious charges including manslaughter, vehicular homicide, reckless driving and failure to obey a traffic control device. The family of the suspect claims that the motorist did not know she was dragging the man.Nevertheless, the victim's wife has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the woman. These lawsuits are usually brought on behalf of the deceased by his surviving spouse, child or parent. The widow argues that the motorist was negligent and careless. If the wife is correct, she could potentially recover monetary damages for loss of support, medical expenses or lost benefits.
Undoubtedly, the family of the victim is probably confused as to how this accident resulted. When unexpected misfortune occurs, we tend to ask questions. What steps could have been taken to prevent the disaster? What went wrong? Hopefully, within the process of the wrongful death suit, the victim's family will find some answers in their quest for the truth.
Source: TheDenverChannel.com, "Jury selection under way in dragging death of tow truck driver," Deb Stanley, Jan. 31, 2012
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