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The Six Most Common Causes of Fatal Car and Truck Accidents
Every year in Colorado, hundreds of lives are lost in car and truck accidents. Behind every statistic is a family grieving, a community changed, and often, a crash that could have been prevented. Understanding the most common causes of fatal accidents is essential, not only for prevention but also for holding negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.
At The Gold Law Firm, our Denver, CO wrongful death attorneys have decades of combined experience representing accident victims and their families. We have recovered more than $100 million in verdicts and settlements, and we offer free consultations to help families understand their rights after a devastating crash.
Top Six Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Car and Truck Crashes
Driver Impairment
Can I Recover Damages for a Car Crash If I Was Not Buckled Up?
After a car accident, one of the most pressing questions you may wonder about is whether you can pursue compensation even if you were not wearing a seat belt. This is a common concern, as many drivers assume that failing to buckle up means you automatically lose the right to sue. Thankfully, that is not the case.
Under Colorado law, you may still recover damages for your injuries after a car crash, even if you were not wearing a seat belt. However, your compensation could be reduced if the insurance company or the at-fault driver successfully argues that your injuries were worse than they would have otherwise been because you were not buckled up. To understand more about the process and your options, speak with a qualified Colorado personal injury lawyer.
How Does Colorado Law Address Seat Belt Use in Injury Claims?
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence system under C.R.S. § 13-21-111. This means you can recover damages as long as you were less than 50 percent responsible for the crash. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
Why Do Head-On Crashes Often Cause Catastrophic Injuries?
On June 8, 2025, a crash on I-25 in Denver killed one person and injured four others. A Dodge Caravan was heading in the wrong direction when it hit a Subaru. The Dodge’s driver died in the accident, and the passenger in that van had to be extricated before being transported to a nearby hospital. Three of the Subaru’s occupants were also hospitalized, with two of them having serious injuries. That same Dodge was spotted driving the wrong way earlier in the day in another area.
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents, often causing severe or even fatal injuries. The higher your damages, the harder an insurance company is likely to fight against paying your claim. Our determined Denver, CO personal injury attorneys will fight to recover the highest amount of compensation available for your claim.
Do More Multi-Vehicle Collisions Happen on Interstates?
Multi-vehicle collisions can happen on any road, but interstates see more of these crashes than most other roadways. These car crashes can stretch both wide and far, with each vehicle involved potentially being struck several times. Multiple impacts make insurance claims extremely complex. You are unlikely to collect the compensation you deserve without the help of our knowledgeable Denver, CO car accident lawyer.
Why Are Chain-Reaction Crashes More Likely on the Interstate?
Interstate travel is often faster than alternate routes. However, some of the same factors that make interstates faster also contribute to the high number of chain-reaction pileups:
- Higher speeds: Fast-moving cars need more time and distance to stop, which may be impossible on an interstate.
- Limited options: Particularly on interstate stretches with multiple lanes, cars cannot always switch lanes or pull off the road to avoid a collision.
How Common Is Road Rage?
On April 11th, 2025, two vehicles collided on I-25 in Colorado Springs. This crash killed one person, and several others were injured. According to the police, a road rage incident caused the deadly accident. The allegedly at-fault driver was arrested on felony charges. Statistics report that around 92 percent of U.S. respondents witnessed at least one road rage incident in the past year. 89 percent claimed to have been a road rage victim.
The Colorado State Patrol reportedly received 54,956 calls in 2023 related to road rage. This form of driver aggression seems to be on the rise. Understanding common behaviors associated with road rage may keep you safer on the roads. However, if you are injured in a car accident caused by road rage, our dedicated Denver, CO personal injury lawyers are here to help you collect maximum compensation.
The At-Fault Driver Who Hit Me Was Not Ticketed. Can I Sue?
On March 13th, a crash on I-70 in Wheat Ridge claimed the life of a woman with a toddler in her vehicle. The suspected at-fault driver was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes when he crashed into her vehicle almost head-on. The suspect was injured and transported to a nearby hospital. He is facing multiple charges, including driving a vehicle on the wrong side of a divided highway, vehicular homicide, failing to show evidence of auto insurance, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Sometimes, there is only one contributing factor in a car accident. Situations like these combine several risk factors, making a collision much more likely. Although law enforcement often charges drivers with various traffic violations, citations are not always issued. Injured victims and the families of those killed often wonder if they can still file a claim for compensation if an at-fault driver is not ticketed. Your knowledgeable Denver, CO car accident lawyer can investigate your accident and assist with your claim.
Is Illegal Street Racing a Growing Problem?
On February 1st, two cars were apparently street racing close to the Denver International Airport. One lost control and crossed into oncoming traffic, causing a crash that killed one person and injured three more. In 2024, almost 2,000 complaints were made to local police agencies and the Colorado State Patrol about street racing. Although it is illegal, the problem seems to be growing.
If you see street racing taking place, we join the Colorado State Patrol in urging you to report it online or by dialing Star CSP (*277). If you are injured in an accident caused by a street racer, whether in a direct collision or a miss-and-run, our dedicated Denver, CO car accident lawyers can help you collect the compensation you deserve.
Why Is Drowsy Driving Dangerous?
According to the Colorado State Patrol, crashes involving drowsy drivers are on the rise. In 2023, the agency reported 39 collisions that resulted in injury or death. In 2024, totals rose to 56, representing a 43.5 percent increase over 2023 and a 107 percent increase over 2020 figures. While you might think fatigued long-haul truckers caused all these crashes, others also continue to drive when they are overtired.
Why is drowsy driving dangerous? Are you entitled to compensation if a fatigued driver injured you? An experienced Denver, CO car accident lawyer can investigate your crash and explain your legal options.
What Are the Risks Involved With Drowsy Driving?
Nowadays, people are constantly on the go. Parents may work a full day and then take their kids to play sports in the evening. Young adults often work or study during the day and enjoy time with their friends until late at night. There are only 24 hours in a day, and getting enough sleep is often secondary to other activities.
Semi-Trucks, Colorado Chain Laws, and Injury Accidents
Although Denver typically does not see as much snow as other nearby areas, the city’s annual snowfall averages 57 inches. The Colorado Department of Transportation implements chain laws during inclement weather to reduce the risk of auto collisions, with special requirements for larger vehicles, including tractor-trailers.
If a truck caused an accident that injured you, a determined Colorado personal injury attorney can help you collect the compensation you deserve.
Large Vehicle Chain Laws in Colorado
Semis carrying goods need to deliver them regardless of road conditions. These enormous trucks can cause severe injuries in ideal conditions, but snowy and icy roads compound the danger. Colorado recently updated chain laws for larger commercial vehicles, requiring all drivers to carry chains or alternative traction devices for four drive tires from September 1 until May 31 when driving in the state. For some roads, these vehicles must utilize ATDs or chains regardless of weather conditions.
Officer Death: Impaired Driving May Have Been a Factor
Three Golden, CO police officers responded to an accident on Highway 58 in early November. They were walking through and investigating the scene when a driver reportedly suspected of being under the influence struck two of the officers, killing one immediately and seriously injuring another. This tragic event reminds us that Colorado law requires drivers to move over when approaching stopped emergency vehicles and highlights the dangers of drunk driving and pedestrian accidents.
Whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist, motorist, or passenger, if a drunk driver causes an accident that injures you, you may be eligible for compensation. A skilled Denver lawyer from The Gold Law Firm can advocate for you to get as much as you deserve.
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