Aurora’s roads are notoriously dangerous, with countless serious injuries caused by car crashes every year. If someone else was at fault, you shouldn’t have to suffer because of their mistake. Even if you were partly to blame, Colorado laws may allow you to gain compensation if the other party shared some of the responsibility too.
Our licensed Aurora car accident lawyers offer free consultations and are well equipped to fight aggressively so you can receive the maximum compensation required for your recovery. Feel free to contact us today.
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Colorado Car Accident Statistics
Colorado is home to over 5.7 million people and many of them drive cars, trucks or buses. But sadly, it’s also home to a vast number of car accidents.
In 2024, Colorado state troopers responded to a total of 560 fatal crashes on Colorado roadways. As terrible as this sounds, statistics don’t reveal the true pain and trauma experienced by victims, families and communities.
Here’s a breakdown of car accidents statistics in Colorado:
Total Car Crashes in Colorado
Data from CODOT.gov reveals that car accidents in Colorado have been increasing in recent years.
Statistics
- 2011: 106,321
- 2012: 109,117
- 2013: 108,228
- 2014: 114.752
- 2015: 112,575
- 2016: 121,123
- 2017: 118,842
- 2018: 124,021
- 2019: 120,777
- 2020: 126,014
Injury Causing Collisions in Colorado
Over the past decade or so, Colorado has seen the following number of total injury-related car crashes per year:
Statistics
- 2011: 12,664
- 2012: 12,564
- 2013: 12,324
- 2014: 12,570
- 2015: 12,838
- 2016: 11,786
- 2017: 10,998
- 2018: 11,142
- 2019: 10,668
- 2020: 10,220
Fatal Car Accidents in Colorado
Here are the statistics for car accident deaths across the state over the past decade or so:
Statistics
- 2011: 407
- 2012: 434
- 2013: 431
- 2014: 451
- 2015: 507
- 2016: 558
- 2017: 600
- 2018: 588
- 2019: 545
- 2020: 574
Why Should I Hire an Aurora Car Accident Lawyer?
If you’re in a car accident in Aurora, Colorado, an Aurora car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Aurora has many dangerous roads, with busy intersections and high-speed highways, leading to thousands of injuries every year. You need a skilled lawyer to help you through the complicated process that follows these accidents.
Here’s why legal assistance is important after your accident:
- Determining who is at fault in Colorado’s system where the person responsible pays
- Negotiating with insurance companies that usually offer low settlements
- Collecting important evidence before it goes away
- Consulting medical and accident experts
In Colorado, even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still receive car crash compensation in Aurora as long as you’re less than 50% responsible. An Aurora car accident lawyer knows these details and works hard to get you the most money possible for your medical bills, lost wages, or long-term disabilities.
Understanding Car Accidents in Aurora, Colorado
Driving through Aurora, Colorado’s third-largest city, can be quite challenging. The Colorado Department of Transportation keeps track of collision data to understand the extent of traffic safety issues in the area. According to recent statistics, there are thousands of crashes each year on Aurora streets, with many resulting in injuries or deaths. These figures highlight the fact that every time you drive through the city, you are taking real risks.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Aurora
Car accidents in Aurora, CO can happen due to various reasons related to driver behavior and road conditions:
Distracted Driving: Drivers who use cell phones, adjust GPS systems, or engage with passengers while driving create dangerous situations on the road.
Speeding: When drivers exceed the speed limit, their reaction time decreases and the severity of crashes increases.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Impaired drivers pose serious threats to others on the road, especially during evenings and weekends.
Aggressive Driving: Behaviors such as tailgating, making unsafe lane changes, and exhibiting road rage contribute to preventable collisions.
Failure to Yield: Some drivers ignore right-of-way rules at intersections and merge points, leading to accidents.
Reckless Driving: Careless actions like following too closely and improperly using lanes can result in crashes.
The Impact of Car Accidents
The consequences of car accidents can be severe for victims. Injuries may range from minor soft tissue injuries to catastrophic trauma that requires long-term medical care. As a result, you may find yourself facing:
- Mounting medical bills
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Rehabilitation costs that strain your finances
In addition to these physical challenges, there is also an emotional burden that comes with being involved in a car accident. This can affect your quality of life and have an impact on your family’s well-being.
The Legal Framework for Car Accidents in Colorado
Colorado operates as an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for causing an accident bears financial liability for resulting damages. This system requires you to identify and prove who caused your crash to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
The state’s comparative fault laws provide a critical advantage for accident victims. You can still pursue compensation even when you share some responsibility for the collision. Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule: you remain eligible to recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation amount decreases proportionally to your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% responsible for an accident, you’ll receive 80% of your total damages.
Proving Fault in Car Accident Claims
Proving fault in car accident claims requires building a solid case through multiple evidence sources:
- Police reports documenting the accident scene and officer observations
- Eyewitness testimonies from people who saw the crash occur
- Photographs and videos showing vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signals
- Medical records linking your injuries directly to the accident
- Expert analysis from accident reconstruction specialists
Liability in Car Accidents
Liability in car accidents extends beyond just drivers. Depending on your case circumstances, you might pursue claims against vehicle owners, employers of commercial drivers, government agencies responsible for road maintenance, or even manufacturers of defective vehicle parts. Establishing negligence means demonstrating the at-fault party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused your injuries through their actions.
Immediate Steps to Take After an Aurora Car Accident
The moments following a collision can determine the strength of your case. You need to take specific actions to protect both your health and your legal rights.
Stay at the scene and move your vehicle to a safe location if possible. Leaving the scene can result in criminal charges, even if you weren’t at fault.
Call 911 immediately to report the accident. The importance of police reports in car accidents cannot be overstated, as this document serves as crucial evidence when establishing fault and filing claims.
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries like whiplash or internal trauma don’t show symptoms immediately. Keep all medical records, doctor’s notes, and bills from these visits.
Preserve evidence of car crash by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and other drivers involved. Never admit fault at the scene or apologize, as these statements can be used against you later.
Insurance adjusters often contact victims within hours, offering quick settlements. Resist accepting these offers before consulting an Aurora Car Accident Lawyer who can accurately assess the full value of your claim, including future medical expenses and lost wages you haven’t yet calculated.
The Role of an Experienced Aurora Car Accident Lawyer
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, an experienced Aurora car accident lawyer becomes your strongest advocate. These legal professionals understand Colorado’s complex insurance laws and know how to build compelling cases that stand up to aggressive insurance company tactics. You need someone who can accurately calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical expenses and long-term impacts you might not immediately recognize.
The cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Aurora shouldn’t deter you from seeking representation. Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only collect payment when you receive compensation. You won’t pay any upfront costs or hourly fees. This arrangement allows you to access top-tier legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
A skilled lawyer handles critical tasks you can’t manage alone:
- Investigating your accident thoroughly and gathering compelling evidence
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters who try to minimize your payout
- Consulting medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists
- Filing all necessary paperwork within Colorado’s strict deadlines
Most firms offer a free consultation, giving you the opportunity to discuss your case without any financial commitment. During this meeting, you’ll learn about your legal options and the potential value of your claim.
Types of Car Accidents Handled by Lawyers in Aurora
Aurora car accident lawyers represent clients involved in a wide range of collision types. Each accident category presents unique legal challenges that require specialized knowledge and investigative approaches. You need an attorney who understands the specific circumstances surrounding your particular type of crash.
1. Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents Aurora present some of the most frustrating scenarios for victims. When a driver flees the scene, you face the dual challenge of identifying the responsible party while dealing with your injuries and vehicle damage. Aurora experiences a significant number of these incidents annually, leaving victims feeling helpless and uncertain about their options for recovery.
The challenges multiply when the at-fault driver remains unidentified. You cannot pursue a claim against someone you cannot locate. Even when police identify the fleeing driver, many hit-and-run perpetrators lack adequate insurance coverage or any insurance at all. Colorado’s 16.3% uninsured driver rate means you have a substantial chance of being struck by someone without proper coverage.
Your Aurora car accident lawyer can explore alternative compensation sources when the responsible driver cannot be found or lacks insurance:
- Uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy may cover your damages
- Underinsured motorist protection fills gaps when the at-fault driver’s insurance proves insufficient
- Personal injury protection (PIP) can provide immediate medical expense coverage regardless of fault
Building a strong hit-and-run case requires immediate evidence collection. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and witness statements become critical when the other driver disappears. Your lawyer works quickly to preserve this time-sensitive evidence before it disappears or gets erased.
2. Intersection Accidents
Intersection accidents in Aurora present unique challenges when determining liability and pursuing compensation. These collisions often involve complex questions about right-of-way rules and traffic control devices.
Determining fault in intersection crashes requires careful analysis of several factors:
Traffic signal timing and functionality – Malfunctioning lights or unclear signals can contribute to crashes
Right-of-way violations – Establishing which driver had legal priority at the intersection
Visibility obstructions – Trees, buildings, or other obstacles that may have blocked driver views
Speed and approach angles – How fast vehicles were traveling and their position before impact
Witness statements – Testimony from bystanders who observed the collision
You need an Aurora Car Accident Lawyer who understands how to investigate traffic signal records, obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and reconstruct the accident scene. Red light and yellow light violations frequently cause intersection collisions, making it essential to prove whether signal timing gave drivers adequate warning. Your attorney will work with traffic engineers and accident reconstruction specialists to build a compelling case showing exactly what happened at the intersection.
3. Rideshare Crashes (Lyft/Uber)
Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber have changed the way people get around in Aurora, making it more convenient to travel. However, this convenience also comes with a higher risk of accidents.
Unique Challenges of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents have specific challenges that regular car accidents don’t have. Some of these challenges include:
- Driver fatigue: Rideshare drivers often work long hours, leading to tiredness and decreased attention on the road.
- Background screening issues: Inadequate background checks may allow unsafe drivers to operate rideshare vehicles.
Complex Liability in Rideshare Crashes
Determining who is responsible for a rideshare accident can be complicated. An experienced Aurora Car Accident Lawyer will need to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision and establish whether the driver was actively using the app, waiting for a ride request, or transporting a passenger at the time of the crash.
Each of these scenarios has different implications for insurance coverage:
App off: The driver’s personal insurance policy will apply
App on, waiting for request: The rideshare company’s coverage may be limited
Active ride: Full commercial insurance coverage will come into play
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Policies
It’s crucial to have legal representation that understands these specific details about rideshare accidents. Rideshare companies often challenge liability claims by arguing that their drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. This classification can have a significant impact on your ability to receive full compensation for your injuries and damages.
If you find yourself involved in a rideshare accident, it’s essential to consult with an attorney who specializes in such cases. They will navigate through the complexities of liability and insurance coverage, ensuring that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
4. Trucking Collisions Involving Large Commercial Vehicles
Colorado trucking injury cases require specialized legal knowledge that sets them apart from standard vehicle accidents. When you’re involved in a collision with a commercial truck, you’re dealing with a complex set of federal regulations that govern everything from driver hours-of-service limits to cargo securement practices. An Aurora Car Accident Lawyer understands these intricate rules and knows how to investigate violations that may have contributed to your crash.
The size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means these accidents often result in severe injuries. You need a lawyer who can identify all potentially responsible parties; not just the truck driver, but also the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or cargo loaders. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations create strict standards that trucking companies must follow, and violations of these rules can significantly strengthen your case.
Your lawyer will examine driver logbooks, vehicle maintenance records, and black box data to build a strong case. These accidents require immediate action to preserve critical evidence before trucking companies can destroy or alter records.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents & Compensation Claims in Colorado
Motor vehicle collisions in Aurora result in a wide range of injuries that can dramatically change your life. You might experience whiplash from rear-end impacts, suffer fractures and broken bones from the force of collision, or sustain traumatic brain injuries that affect your cognitive function for months or years. Spinal cord damage can lead to partial or complete paralysis, while burn injuries from vehicle fires cause excruciating pain and permanent scarring. Other common car accident injuries include soft tissue damage, crushing injuries, amputations, and degloving wounds that require extensive reconstructive surgery.
Financial Impact of Car Accident Injuries
The financial impact of these injuries falls into two distinct categories:
- Economic damages: These represent the tangible costs you can document with receipts and bills. Your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, future earnings you’ll never receive, and the price of medical equipment or in-home care you now require.
- Non-economic damages: These address the invisible wounds that don’t appear on hospital bills. Your pain and suffering, the mental anguish that keeps you awake at night, the depression or PTSD that follows you through each day, the permanent disfigurement that changes how you see yourself, and the loss of life’s simple pleasures you once took for granted.
Securing Fair Compensation for Car Accident Injuries
When you’re negotiating with insurance companies, these non-economic damages personal injury claims Colorado require careful documentation and persuasive presentation to secure fair compensation that truly reflects your experience.
Dealing with Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists: A Guide for Victims
Colorado has a significant problem with 16.3% of drivers on the road without insurance. If you’re in an accident with one of these drivers, getting compensated for your injuries and damages can be more challenging than in regular accident cases.
Uninsured Motorist Claims in Colorado
Uninsured motorist claims typically involve situations where the at-fault driver has no insurance policy whatsoever. In these cases, you’ll need to rely on your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to seek compensation. This coverage is designed to protect you when the person responsible for the accident cannot pay.
Underinsured Motorist Claims in Colorado
Underinsured motorist claims occur when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are not enough to cover all your damages. For example, if you have $100,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, but the other driver only has $25,000 in liability coverage, your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage will make up the difference.
Challenges of Filing Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims
Filing these claims can be tricky because you have to deal with your own insurance company. This can create an awkward situation where the insurance adjusters may try to downplay your claim value, even though you’re technically their policyholder.
To successfully navigate this process, you’ll need to gather thorough evidence of your injuries, treatment costs, and how the accident has affected your life. An Aurora car accident lawyer can help negotiate with your insurer and ensure that you receive the full amount of coverage you’re entitled to based on your policy terms.
Evidence Needed To Support Your Personal Injury Claim After An Accident In Aurora
Building a strong personal injury claim requires concrete documentation that proves both the accident occurred and the extent of your damages. You need to understand what evidence carries the most weight when pursuing compensation.
The Importance of the Police Report in Establishing Fault in Colorado
The official police report serves as a foundational document in your case. Law enforcement officers document critical details at the scene, including driver statements, visible injuries, property damage, road conditions, and their professional assessment of who violated traffic laws. This report often becomes the primary reference point when insurance adjusters and attorneys evaluate fault. You should request a copy of this report as soon as it becomes available through the Aurora Police Department.
Essential Documentation You Need
Your claim’s strength depends on multiple forms of evidence working together:
Eyewitness testimonies – Independent observers provide unbiased accounts of how the collision unfolded, corroborating your version of events and countering false claims from other parties
Photos and videos – Visual documentation captures vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, visible injuries, and the overall accident scene before anything changes
Medical records – Detailed documentation linking your injuries directly to the accident, including emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and ongoing care requirements
Driver information – Names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers from all involved parties
An Aurora Car Accident Lawyer knows how to collect, preserve, and present this evidence effectively. They work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and investigators who can uncover additional proof supporting your claim.
Compensation Amounts & Factors Influencing Recovery In Auto Injury Cases In Aurora
When you’re wondering how much compensation car accident victims typically receive, the answer depends on multiple interconnected factors. An Aurora Car Accident Lawyer evaluates your case by examining the severity of your injuries, their impact on your daily life and work capacity, property damage costs, and anticipated future medical expenses.
Types of Damages in Auto Injury Claims Colorado
Colorado law recognizes three distinct types of damages in auto injury claims:
Economic Damages: These cover quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, transportation expenses, and in-home care services.
Non-Economic Damages: These address intangible losses like physical pain, mental anguish, permanent scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages: These may apply in cases involving particularly reckless or intentional conduct by the at-fault party.
How Compensation Amounts are Determined
Your compensation amount reflects how profoundly the accident altered your life. A minor fender-bender resulting in whiplash carries a different value than a catastrophic collision causing paralysis or traumatic brain injury.
Your lawyer considers current medical expenses alongside projected long-term care needs, potential permanent disabilities, and how injuries affect your ability to work or participate in activities you once enjoyed. The documentation you’ve gathered directly influences the strength of your claim and the compensation you ultimately recover.
It’s important to remember that the process of pursuing a personal injury claim can be complex and time-consuming. Your lawyer will likely engage in negotiations with the insurance company, aiming to reach a fair settlement that adequately covers your losses. If a settlement cannot be reached, they may advise taking the case to court. Throughout this process, your lawyer will provide guidance and support, ensuring you are informed about your options and advocating for your best interests.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Aurora, CO
Free Consultations
If you’ve been involved or injured in a car accident in Aurora, CO, then contact our licensed Aurora car accident attorneys for a free consultation as soon as possible. Within a few minutes, we believe that you will understand that you can trust us.
With a combination of a proven track record, impressive financial resources, esteemed legal reputation and a compassionate approach, we believe there is no better Denver personal injury attorney team than us.
