If you or a loved one is injured after a rear-end vehicle accident in Denver, Dulin McQuinn Young is the right firm to help you.
With experienced Denver rear-end accident attorneys who understand Colorado’s statutory complexities, we are committed to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Request your free case review today with our Denver car collision lawyers.
What Is A Rear-End Accident?
A rear-end accident is when a vehicle traveling forward is hit on the back bumper by another vehicle’s front end. Additionally, it can be when a vehicle reverses into a stationary object.
The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) determined that rear-end accidents cause fewer fatalities than head-on or t-bone collisions, therefore, they are not studied as extensively as those types of crashes.
How a Denver Rear-End Accident Lawyer Can Help
The Denver rear-end car accident attorneys at Dulin McQuinn Young work diligently to ensure you receive the best possible representation. This starts with making sure you understand Colorado car accident law and how it affects your situation.
We handle every aspect of your accident claim from dealing with any insurance company correspondence to building a trial-ready case on your behalf. This is especially important if the insurance company is trying to deny your claim or shift the blame for the accident to you.
We have the resources and knowledge necessary to:
- Thoroughly investigate the accident scene;
- Gather documentary evidence like photos, and camera footage;
- File a timely lawsuit;
- Calculate your total losses;
- Approximate any future accident-related expenses;
- Negotiate a fair and just settlement; or
- Take your case forward to trial.
Evidence can fade with time. Reach out to Dulin McQuinn Young now to start your claim.
Why Do Rear-End Accidents Happen in Denver?
Like many other types of motor vehicle accidents in Denver, a negligent party is often driving while distracted. However, this becomes especially prevalent in rear-end accidents.
A victim may be driving the speed limit and needing to avoid an obstacle or braking quickly to avoid rear-ending an abruptly stalled vehicle. If the person driving behind them isn’t paying attention, that can cause a rear-end accident quickly.
NHTSA’s research found that if a driver is driving 55 MPH and takes their eyes off the road for just 5 seconds, that’s the equivalent of driving with closed eyes for the entire length of a football field.
Causes Of Distracted Driving In Rear-End Accidents in Denver
Common reasons why individuals drive distracted on Denver roads include:
- Texting, messaging, or browsing the internet – which is illegal under Colorado statute
- Placing a call
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Configuring the stereo or changing stations
- Navigating using GPS
- Personal grooming or putting on makeup
- Changing clothes
Common Injuries in Denver Rear-End Accidents
Distracted drivers, including those involved in truck accidents in Denver, may be speeding at the time of a rear-end accident. This can intensify injuries as can a difference in vehicle type and weight.
Other accident factors that may worsen rear-end accident injuries include:
- Passenger body position;
- Use of seat belts; and
- Whether the front vehicle is at a full stop.
Common injuries suffered by rear-end accident victims are:
- Whiplash;
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI);
- Facial cuts and bruises;
- Sprains and strains;
- Back and spinal cord injuries;
- Bone breaks and fractures;
- Neck and shoulder injuries;
- Limb loss; and
- Severe burns.
Severe rear-end accidents may result in a wrongful death in Denver.
Determining Fault In Denver Rear-End Accidents
Most of the time in rear-end accidents, the fault is determined to be the third party who rear-ends the victim. Considering Colorado has a specific statute that prohibits vehicles from following too closely, there seems to be a good chance that fault will be determined to be that of the person who rear-ended the victim.
Not every rear-end accident is the following driver’s fault. There are some circumstances where the at-fault driver may be the one who is rear-ended.
This may include any of the following instances:
- When the front driver slams on their brakes for no reason;
- When a driver backs out of a parking space without looking;
- If a driver changes lanes without signaling; or
- When a driver has malfunctioning brake lights.
Drivers in these situations will want to contact an attorney as soon as possible for advice about avoiding blame for any accident-related injuries.
Understanding Damages And Comparative Negligence In Denver Rear-End Accidents
Modified comparative negligence means that a victim can recover damages as long as their percentage of fault is less than or equal to 49%. However, if the plaintiff is found to be more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover damages.
For example, if a driver is rear-ended while texting and driving, but the other driver was also speeding, the court might find that the driver texting is 40% at fault and the other driver is 60% at fault. In this scenario, the rear-ended driver could recover damages, but the amount would be reduced by 40% to account for their share of fault.
Compensation Available in Denver Rear-End Accident Claims
Rear-end accident victims can pursue damages for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are losses with assignable costs and may include:
- Current and future medical bills;
- Prescription drugs;
- Nursing care;
- Counseling services;
- Rehabilitation;
- Medical devices and home modifications;
- Lost wages; and
- Loss of earning potential.
Non-economic damages have no assignable dollar amounts. Rather, they are subjective losses such as:
- Physical pain and suffering;
- Mental and emotional trauma;
- Loss of companionship;
- Disfigurement; and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
An experienced rear-end accident attorney in Denver can evaluate your claim and advise you of damages to which you may be entitled.
Dulin McQuinn Young: The Legal Allies You Can Trust
Our Denver rear-end lawyers have a proven track record of success in rear-end accident cases and are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been injured in these accidents. Our track record of millions in successful jury settlements and trial verdicts says it all.
If you’re looking for justice in your Denver personal injury case, we have a lightning-fast 24-hour turnaround for our free case reviews. Request yours today.