Intersection Accident Attorney in Denver
Intersections are among the most common sites of motor vehicle accidents*. These areas where multiple vehicles travel in different directions can be hazardous when drivers fail to pay attention or yield the right-of-way to other motorists. Victims of intersection collisions can suffer severe injuries that cost them thousands of dollars in hospital bills and lost income, in addition to their pain and suffering.
If your life has been turned upside down by injuries you sustained in a Denver car accident, a personal injury claim can allow you to pursue compensation for your losses. An experienced Denver intersection accident lawyer at The Wilhite Law Firm can take care of every aspect of your claim while you focus on healing. Call us today or contact us online for a free case review to learn more about how we can help you.
Who Has the Right-of-Way at an Intersection?
Under Colorado law, the vehicle with the right-of-way at an intersection depends on the circumstances. Here are some examples:
- When two vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time, the driver on the left should yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on their right.
- Drivers turning left must yield the right-of-way to vehicles closely approaching the intersection from the opposite direction.
- Motorists must observe all stop and yield signs and wait for pedestrians approaching crosswalks.
- If a driver is entering the street from an area that is not a road, such as a parking lot or driveway, they must yield the right-of-way to traffic already on the road.
What Are the Common Causes of Intersection Accidents?
Some common causes of crashes at intersections include:
- Drivers running red lights or stop signs – This shows a blatant disregard for traffic signals and right-of-way rules.
- Failure to yield right-of-way – Sometimes, a driver fails to properly yield to oncoming traffic when turning left or entering a road. This often happens when drivers misjudge gaps in traffic.
- Speeding through intersections – Drivers traveling over the speed limit have less time to react and stop at intersections, making collisions more likely.
- Driver distraction – Eating, texting, adjusting music, and other distractions take a driver’s eyes off the road at the worst possible place and time.
- Blind spots and obstructed views – Large vehicles, buildings, signs, or vegetation can block a driver’s view of oncoming traffic. This makes judging gaps more difficult.
- Rain, fog, or sun glare – Weather conditions can obscure views and make braking distances longer, heightening risks.
- Alcohol or drug impairment – Intoxicated drivers have delayed reaction times and poor judgment, increasing the risk of an accident.
Who Is Most Vulnerable in Denver Intersection Collisions?
While intersection crashes can harm anyone, certain groups face heightened risks, including:
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Motorcyclists
- Children
- The elderly
What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Denver?
Intersections are potentially dangerous places everywhere, but Colorado’s intersections are particularly hazardous. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly a third of pedestrian deaths in the state occur at intersections. This represents a higher proportion than anywhere else in the country.
Some of Denver’s most dangerous intersections include the following:
- Colorado Boulevard and East Colfax Avenue
- West Mississippi Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive
- West Mississippi Avenue and South Platte River Drive
- East 56th Avenue and North Tower Road
- East 40th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard
What Should I Do If I’m in a Denver Car Accident?
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident in Denver, be sure to take the following steps:
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene to preserve visual evidence.
- Alert your own insurer and the other driver’s insurance company right away.
- Save all medical records to prove the nature of your injuries, their connection to the accident, and your medical bills.
- Gather pay slips, tax forms, and correspondence with HR to prove lost income due to missed time at work.
- Contact an experienced Denver car accident attorney as soon as possible.
How Is Fault Proven in an Intersection Collision?
Determining fault begins with a thorough investigation of the wreck. Your car accident attorney may use the following to prove the at-fault driver’s liability:
- Police reports provide officer accounts of crash details, witness statements, and citations issued. These suggest which driver was at fault.
- Accident reconstruction analyzes skid marks, vehicle damage, and debris patterns to recreate what happened. This reveals each car’s speed, position, and actions.
- Traffic camera and dash cam footage, if available, offer visual evidence of what occurred right before and during the crash.
- Cell phone records check if distracted driving played a role.
- Expert testimony from accident investigators, doctors, and other specialists lend authority to arguments.
What Compensation Could I Be Owed After an Intersection Accident?
The compensation you receive after suffering injuries in an intersection accident depends on the immediate and long-term effects on your financial, professional, and personal life.
An experienced Denver intersection accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for losses such as:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost income due to missed time at work
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries force you to take lower-paying employment
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Consult with a Denver intersection accident lawyer for an informed estimate of your claim’s value.
Is There a Deadline for Filing an Accident Claim in Colorado?
The deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Colorado depends on the nature of the incident that caused the injury. For motor vehicle accidents, the statute of limitations requires injury victims to file a claim within three years of the accident date. While this might seem like a long time, it is essential to consult with an experienced Denver intersection accident attorney as soon as possible so they can begin collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses before too much time passes. They can also work to ensure that you complete all filings on time.
Contact a Denver Intersection Accident Lawyer
The Wilhite Law Firm has successfully handled car accident claims on behalf of injured Coloradans since 1977. Our experienced legal team has the skills, resources, and knowledge to fight for the compensation you deserve so you can move on with dignity. Contact our Denver intersection accident attorney today for a free case review to learn more about your legal options.
*Most common sites of motor vehicle accidents.
