What are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Denver?
Request Free ConsultationWhether you’re a resident of Denver or just a visitor, you know how busy the streets all over the city can get. Denver, Colorado, is a popular city to live and vacation in, meaning the area sees plenty of people and traffic year-round.
Car accidents can happen anywhere in Denver. However, certain intersections within the city are known to be more dangerous, where accidents happen frequently.
If you’re in a car accident in a dangerous intersection in Denver, do not hesitate to take action against the at-fault driver. A local Denver car accident attorney can handle your case and vigorously strive for the best possible result.
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Denver is a Large, Popular City
Denver, Colorado, also known as the “Mile High City,” is a wonderful destination for residents and visitors of all ages. Individuals fond of the outdoors particularly enjoy Denver, as there are many outdoor activities throughout the year. There is always something to do and see in Denver.
On the list of most populated cities in the United States, Denver is number 19, with almost 700,000 residents in the City of Denver and almost 3 Million residents in the Denver Metropolitan area. With hundreds of thousands of full-time residents and countless visitors throughout the year, it’s no wonder car accidents happen with such frequency in Denver.
Residents are often aware of some of the more dangerous roads in the city, but visitors may not know where accidents are more likely to occur. Additionally, as the weather changes, visitors may not have the skills to drive in the snow, increasing the chances of collisions, especially on the more populated, risky roads.
The Most Dangerous Intersections in Denver
Intersections can be hazardous areas to drive in, but Denver features some intersections throughout the city that are more dangerous than others. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the local police department retain information concerning car accidents and their locations.
Based on this information, Westworld compiled a list of dangerous Denver intersections drivers should avoid or at least approach with caution.
Some of the most hazardous intersections in Denver, and the number of accidents at them in one recent year, include:
- Colorado Boulevard and East Colfax Avenue: 44
- West Mississippi Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive: 33
- West Mississippi Avenue and South Platte River Drive: 32
- North Tower Road and East 56th Avenue: 31
- Colorado Boulevard and East 40th Avenue: 30
- West Alameda Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive: 27
- South Quebec Street and East Alameda Avenue: 26
- Park Avenue West and North Globeville Road: 25
- West Colfax Avenue and Kalamath Street: 24
- Colorado Boulevard and East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard: 24
Consult a qualified car accident lawyer in Denver if you’re colliding in these intersections. An attorney can thoroughly investigate your accident, determine cause and fault, and pursue justice and monetary recovery.
The Risks of Driving Through Intersections
It’s no secret driving through intersections can be dangerous. Every year in the U.S., intersections account for about half of traffic injuries and a quarter of traffic fatalities. But why are intersections so dangerous?
The key to driving through an intersection safely is paying attention to road signs and lights. Intersections are controlled, either by stop signs or traffic lights. To keep the peace and avoid accidents, every driver driving through an intersection should pay close attention and respect road signals and rules.
Unfortunately, drivers violate street laws and signage, contributing to intersection accidents. Additionally, drivers often engage in dangerous driving behaviors while traversing through intersections, including:
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Unsafe turns
- Failing to yield
- Distracted driving
Intersections are helpful and necessary to connect individuals to their desired routes. However, hazardous driving makes intersections dangerous for everyone on the roadways.
Driving Through Dangerous Intersections Can Result in Several Different Types of Accidents
Everyone on the road is in danger in an intersection, not just other drivers. Intersections are used by drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians every single day. When a driver violates road rules and negligently drives through an intersection, they are putting every individual at risk.
Car accidents of all kinds are common at intersections, including side-impact collisions and rear-end collisions. However, individuals not in vehicles, like pedestrians and bicyclists, are often hit by negligent drivers crossing through intersections. This is often due to failing to properly yield and improper turns. Distractions also play a big role in both pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
If you’re a cyclist or pedestrian hit by a negligent driver in an intersection, you, too, can have a valid claim against the at-fault party. Anyone who experiences an accident in a Denver intersection should speak to a car accident attorney for personalized legal guidance.
What To Do After a Car Accident In Denver
Following an accident in a dangerous Denver intersection, you may feel stressed and confused, unsure of what to do or where to turn. You need to recognize that what you do (or don’t do) after a car accident can greatly impact your rights and future financial recovery.
You should prioritize certain tasks right after your collision so you can complete other steps in the days following your car crash.
Immediately After Your Collision
Right after your accident, you should pick up the phone and call 911. Under Colorado law, you must report certain vehicular accidents, specifically property damage, injuries, or death. When you call the police, they can gather critical details at the scene of your accident to compile into a police accident report.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, start collecting evidence at the scene. This can include photos and videos of the scene vehicles involved and witness contact information. Also, get the other driver’s license, contact information, and insurance information.
EMTs can assist if your injuries are serious and you require emergency medical aid. Should your injuries require more extensive care, EMTs can transport you to a local hospital.
In the Days Following Your Accident
After an intersection accident, it’s common to need a day or two to rest your mind and body and begin recovering from your injuries. Still, there are additional tasks to handle as quickly as possible.
You must report your accident to your auto insurer. While there is no strict timeline to let your car insurance company know what’s occurred, insurers expect to be made aware of accidents involving their insured vehicles as soon as possible. When you speak to your insurance company, you can provide specific details concerning your collision and resulting damage and injuries.
You should seek follow-up medical care in the days after your car crash. You may or may not have gone to a hospital after your accident based on your injuries. If you didn’t get any medical care from a healthcare professional, you should. A thorough medical examination can shed some light on the severity of your injuries and facilitate access to a comprehensive treatment plan, aiding in your fullest possible recovery.
Finally, you should schedule a consultation with a local car accident attorney to discuss your case. A lawyer can address your concerns, answer your questions, and provide much-needed guidance regarding your potential case. After you meet with a lawyer, you’ll possess better readiness to progress and pursue the financial recovery you rightly deserve.
Pursuing Compensation After a Denver Car Accident
You may have a valid compensation claim if you’ve suffered losses and injuries in a Denver car accident. Navigating a claim can be difficult, as every case has unique challenges. Nonetheless, a car accident lawyer can lead your case, providing quality representation and protecting your best interests until you resolve.
Depending on the specifics of your case, you may begin by filing a collision claim through the insurance. Filing a lawsuit may also be necessary to continue your pursuit of fair compensation.
Filing an Insurance Claim
If the at-fault driver of your collision has auto insurance, you’ll likely begin by filing a claim against their car insurance. Based on Colorado’s fault insurance for car accidents, victims can pursue compensation from the responsible driver’s insurance. Therefore, you can file a third-party insurance claim through their insurance company.
Filing a collision claim may seem straightforward, but it can be tough. When you file your claim, you should provide helpful evidence to strengthen your case. Upon opening your claim, the insurance company assigns an adjuster who investigates your accident and related losses and determines whether to approve or deny your claim.
When the insurance company approves your claim, they’ll offer you a settlement detailing what they intend to pay you. You should not accept anything from the insurance company without first running it by a knowledgeable lawyer. Car insurers are untrustworthy, and the settlement offer may not adequately cover your collision losses.
If the insurance company refuses to settle your claim fairly or they deny your claim altogether, you may have additional legal options. A car accident attorney can determine the best subsequent steps based on the situation.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Under certain circumstances, you may need to pursue financial recovery by filing a personal injury lawsuit. For example, you can file a legal claim against the insurance company if they are unwilling to fairly settle your claim, or you may have to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if they do not have car insurance.
If filing a personal injury lawsuit is appropriate, your car accident attorney will handle everything on your behalf. Filing a lawsuit is complex and requires many essential steps, including, but not limited to:
- Investigating your accident
- Drafting and filing court documents
- Determining cause
- Proving fault
- Calculating the value of your claim
- Communicating with the insurance company
- Gathering pertinent evidence
- Engaging in settlement negotiations
Your car accident attorney’s goal is to settle the case outside of court. Depending on your case, you may need to go to trial. Whether your case settles pre-trial or goes to court, you can rely on your lawyer to stand by your side and represent your best interests at every step.
Proving Fault for an Intersection Collision
Establishing fault on the other party’s part is a crucial piece of your puzzle. Doing so can significantly aid in opening the doors to compensation for your losses.
For intersection accidents, most cases rest upon a theory of negligence. When a driver is negligent, they have failed to act reasonably considering the circumstances. To successfully show negligence, you must show the following:
- The driver owed you a duty of care
- The driver’s actions caused them to breach their duty of care
- The driver’s breach caused your collision
- You sustained injuries and damages because of your accident
Certain pieces of evidence can assist in proving liability, including street camera footage, witness statements, and police reports. In some cases, demonstrating the other person’s fault can be tricky. Still, car accident attorneys have the resources and skills to establish negligence and get you one step closer to financial recovery.
What is My Denver Car Accident Case Worth?
If you’re involved in a vehicular accident, one of your most pressing questions may be, “What’s my case worth?” Calculating your damages and determining the value of your claim is necessary to help ensure you’re getting full and fair compensation.
Damages aid in financial recovery for losses related to your accident, from medical expenses and lost income to pain and suffering and disability. You may be entitled to receive compensation for both tangible and intangible losses.
Thankfully, you don’t have to shoulder the burden of determining the value of your car accident case. You can rely on your lawyer to review the factors that heavily influence the value of your case and decide how much compensation you’re eligible to obtain.
Seeking Justice for a Dangerous Intersection Accident with a Denver Car Accident Attorney
Legal assistance is readily available to you in times of need. If sustaining injuries from a collision occurs in one of Denver’s most dangerous intersections, do not delay scheduling a consultation with a local car accident lawyer. Opting for prompt legal representation can significantly enhance your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your case. Consulting a personal injury lawyer promptly after such an incident ensures you can navigate the legal complexities and secure a positive resolution for your situation.