What Factors Determine Who Is at Fault in Colorado Car Accidents?

 Posted on September 26, 2019 in Car Accident

From a minor fender-bender to a rollover accident, car accidents can cause emotional and physical damage to a motorist. It may be nerve-wracking to get behind the wheel again, or an injury can completely change a person’s quality of life. Knowing the main causes of a vehicle accident can help a person become a more defensive driver, and it may also help determine if an accident victim is eligible for a personal injury settlement. 

Determining Fault in an Auto Accident 

How much a person contributes to the cause of a motor vehicle accident will determine who is liable and who is eligible for compensation. An important part of proving fault is whether or not the other driver acted negligently when the accident occurred. These common causes of car accidents often have a negligent party involved, and are the result of human error: 

• Distracted Driving: One of the biggest problems on the road today are people who are not paying attention while driving. In 2017, distracted driving took the lives of over 3,000 people. One of the most common causes of distracted driving is cell phone use, but it can include anything that takes a driver’s focus away from the road, such as eating, engaging in conversation, or adjusting the radio. While it may be difficult to not speak to a passenger while driving, cell phone use can be eliminated. Even glancing at a device for a couple of seconds can cause a crash. It is illegal to text and drive in Colorado, so if a texting driver causes an accident, he or she may be found liable. 

• Drunk Driving: Across the county, the legal limit for a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 percent or lower. Although this is the legal limit, any amount of alcohol in a person’s system can impair his or her driving. Depending on an individual's height and weight, this can equal one or two drinks. It is that personal limit that determines if a person can face criminal charges of driving under the influence (DUI). A person who drinks and drives may not purposely act in a malicious way, but his or her actions can have severe consequences.   

• Reckless Driving: Whether a person is in a hurry or is just careless, reckless driving is a form of negligence. Speeding is the second most common reason for car accidents, and while often categorized as a separate offense than reckless driving, it is still reckless and against the law. Not looking before turning, disobeying traffic lights, and changing lanes too quickly can also lead to a serious car accident. 

Contact a Larimer County Personal Injury Lawyer

Regardless of the cause of a car crash, it can result in serious injuries to the driver and any passengers. If you were hurt as a result of a collision, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. At the Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we have handled numerous personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents. Our experienced Fort Collins car accident attorneys will carefully examine the details of your case and discuss your options for seeking compensation. Call our office today at 970-225-2190 to schedule a free consultation. 

Source: 

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/top-15-causes-of-car-accidents_b_11722196