Where Do Most Denver Car Accidents Occur?

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality in modern society, and Denver is no exception. As the state capital and its largest metropolitan city, Denver sees the highest traffic accident volume statewide. Many Coloradans rely on the city’s congested highways, including several major trucking arteries, to commute to work and school. However, these roads often carry a greater risk of accident and injury.

If you or a loved one were in a car crash, don’t hesitate to reach out to Fuicelli & Lee to learn about your rights to legal recourse. Our car accident attorneys are ready to help you through every step of the process toward your financial recovery.

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A Closer Look at Traffic Accidents in Denver: Colorado’s Mile-High City

The Colorado Department of Transportation counted over 120,000 traffic accidents in one recent year. Over 20,000 of these occurred in Denver. Identifying where and why these accidents happen can help motorists protect themselves and plan ahead for the conditions they might encounter in certain areas. Here, we will explore the most common locations for car accidents in Denver and data demonstrating their risk for drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.

I-25

Interstate 25 is one of the busiest highways in Denver and has earned a reputation for frequent car accidents. With high-speed limits and constant construction, this area can quickly become a hotbed of collisions. In particular, the stretch of I-25 that runs through the downtown area is notorious for rush-hour traffic jams, making it a prime location for accidents.

Other I-25 intersections known for accidents include:

• I-25 and U.S. 287
• I-25 and Arapahoe Road
• I-25 and Lincoln Avenue

According to the Denver Regional Council of Governments, many of these accidents involve large commercial trucks, and nearly one-third occur at intersections. However, an even greater number occur on non-intersecting stretches while traveling straight. Collisions involving large trucks can cause a chain reaction leading to multi-vehicle accidents.

Chambers Road

Chambers Road and its major intersections are well-known spots for Denver-area car accidents. This major road hosts several large shopping centers, leading to a high volume of vehicles traveling through the area daily.

The intersection of Chambers Road and 40th Avenue is known to be particularly hazardous for motor vehicles and pedestrians alike. During a three-year period, 51 crashes occurred at this intersection, nearly half of which involved rear-end collisions. Safety auditors have also observed that the nearby hotels in this area, combined with short crosswalk times, create a high risk for pedestrians. In addition, the complicated traffic light system and frequently congested roads can lead to confusion and, subsequently, car accidents.

Broadway

Broadway is a major north-south thoroughfare in Denver, Colorado, extending from the southern suburbs through downtown Denver and continuing north towards the city’s northern neighborhoods. As one of the busiest streets in the city, Broadway experiences heavy traffic volume and, consequently, a significant number of car accidents.

Some of the most notoriously accident-ridden spots include:

• Broadway and Speer
• Broadway and Alameda
• I-25 and Broadway

Broadways downtown intersections are especially hazardous for pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, the presence of many parked vehicles can reduce visibility, especially during low-light conditions.

Federal Boulevard and Colfax Avenue

Federal Boulevard is a well-traveled road that runs north to south through Denver and sees many vehicle and pedestrian accidents. Together, these two streets have seen more than 200 serious injuries since 2013.

This elevated risk stem from limited visibility, congested traffic, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure. Notorious intersections along Federal Boulevard include Alameda Avenue, Evans Avenue, and Mississippi Avenue.

Colorado Boulevard

Colorado Boulevard is one of Denver’s busiest streets and an integral part of its arterial network. Running north to south, this street experiences a significant number of car accidents, particularly during rush hour, making it part of the city’s high injury network. Intersections along Colorado Boulevard with significant injury potential include those at Colfax Avenue, 17th Avenue, and 6th Avenue.

E-470 Tollway

Though the E-470 tollway does not see the same volume of traffic as other roads mentioned, it is still a dangerous area for car accidents. This tollway is known for higher speed limits and long stretches of road with limited access points. Drivers who use this corridor often engage in speeding and other reckless driving behaviors. As a result, severe accidents occur on the E-470.

Why so Many Accidents Happen in These Areas

Colorado’s Vision Zero proposes infrastructural improvements, collaboration with law enforcement, and education to reduce traffic fatalities and accidents.

To reduce motor vehicle accidents, Denver could address:

• Traffic volume: Roads and intersections with high traffic volumes often have a greater risk of accidents, simply due to the sheer number of vehicles sharing the space.
• Limited visibility: Areas with limited visibility due to hills, curves, or obstructions can lead to accidents as drivers struggle to see other vehicles or pedestrians in time to react appropriately.
• Complex traffic patterns: Complicated traffic patterns, such as multiple lanes, merging, and confusing intersections, can increase the risk of accidents as drivers become confused or make sudden movements to adjust to traffic flow.
• Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure: Roads and intersections that lack proper pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks and crosswalks, can contribute to severe and fatal accidents when combined with hazardous driving. In a recent year, pedestrian accidents accounted for nearly as many fatalities as motorcycle crashes in Denver.
• The transportation industry: Transportation incidents are the leading cause of work-related fatalities in Colorado. Many of these deaths occur in the transportation and shipping industries, including trucking. However, transportation accidents may also occur in other professions, such as ride-sharing, service, and food delivery. Time constraints, long hours, and irregular sleeping patterns are just some factors that can contribute to work-related accidents and injuries.
• Road, weather, and traffic conditions can play a role in accidents. However, ultimately, the underlying risk factors usually involve negligence.
• Negligent behaviors that can increase the likelihood of an accident in Denver include:
• Speeding: Breaking speed limits and stretches of road that encourage speeding can contribute to more severe accidents, as drivers have less time to respond to potential hazards and are more likely to lose control of their vehicles.
• Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents and can take many forms, including texting while driving, using a GPS, eating, or adjusting the radio. In a survey conducted by Denver’s Vision Zero Network, over 70 percent of respondents listed distracted driving as a primary concern for road safety. When drivers divert their attention from the road, even for a moment, their ability to react to potential hazards significantly diminishes.
• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can greatly impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Drivers impaired by these substances often possess reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and diminished motor skills, all of which contribute to an increased risk of accidents.
• Fatigued driving: As with the use of alcohol and drugs, tired or drowsy drivers may have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and a reduced ability to focus on the road. In a recent year, the Colorado Department of Transportation registered over 1,100 citations for driver fatigue and over 1,500 counts of falling asleep at the wheel.

Staying Safe While Driving in Denver

Even the best drivers cannot avoid all car accidents. If you sustained injuries due to someone else’s careless actions, a personal injury attorney can determine the best path to move forward. However, knowing the risk factors for motor vehicle collisions can ensure that regardless of where you are or what situation you find yourself in, you will protect yourself, physically and financially.

Educate Yourself and Others

Observing traffic laws, driving at a responsible speed, and avoiding distracting and intoxicating behaviors while behind the wheel can substantially reduce your risk of an accident. If you notice others behaving recklessly in traffic, never hesitate to contact the authorities and get yourself to a safe place.

Take Detours if Necessary

You may hesitate to change your route, even in the face of heavy traffic or an aggressive driver following closely behind you. However, sometimes the best course of action is to avoid a particularly dangerous stretch of road, even if it means running late. When possible, checking traffic conditions, weather reports, and posted construction zones ahead of time can prepare you for what awaits you during your journey.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

Even the best drivers can find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. The consequences of an unexpected accident can have long-lasting effects on both your health and your financial stability. If, despite the best safety practices, you find yourself injured in a Denver car accident, reach out for professional legal guidance as soon as possible. Your attorney can file and process your claim, investigate your accident, and negotiate a fair settlement.

Fuicelli & Lee Helps Denver Car Accident Victims Seek Justice

While good driving practices can reduce risk to you and others, you cannot avoid crossing the path of every negligent driver or reckless behavior. If you or a loved one was in an accident in Denver, you deserve fair treatment and compensation for your losses. At Fuicelli & Lee, we know where and why motor vehicle collisions happen and will put our local knowledge and legal experience to work for you.

Contact us online or call us today for a free case evaluation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to navigate your car accident claim with compassion and determination.