Colorado Personal Injury Blog - Automobile Accidents - Most Commented

Risks of Cell Phone Use While Driving

Margaret Embry — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:14:50 GMT

A year ago, Michelle Smith hit and killed a 9-year-old girl, Erica Forney, riding her bike in the bike lane in Fort Collins. Though she doesn't have a clear memory of the crash, it is believed that Smith was distracted after finishing a cell phone call while driving. As part of her plea agreement, Smith was required to write a letter of apology to the victim's family which was recently published, according to The Denver Channel, ABC 7 News.

The newspaper [Fort Collins Coloradan] reported that Smith wrote in the letter that, if she had appreciated the risks associated with cell-phone use while driving, Erica Forney might still be alive.“My heart and prayers are and will always be with the Forneys,” she concluded in her letter.

Below are some cell phone driving statistics provided by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

Distraction from cell phone use while driving (hand held or hands free) extends a driver's reaction as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08%. (University of Utah)

The No.1 source of driver inattention is use of a wireless device. (Virginia Tech /NHTSA)

Drivers that use cell phones are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. (NHTSA, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

10% of drivers aged 16 to 24 years old are on their phone at any one time.

Driving while distracted is a factor in 25% of police reported crashes.

Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%. (Carnegie Mellon)

Please see the Governors Highway Safety Association to check your state cell phone driving laws.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Margaret Embry

Will the Denver Democratic National Convention Lead to Personal Injury Lawsuits?

Kyle Bachus — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:47:39 GMT

The craze has begun, as the City of Denver works hard in anticipation and preparation for the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Set to take place on August 25 - 28, 2008, the DNC may generate more than a nominee for the Presidency. The DNC may generate a “suit-boom” in Denver.

As a Denver resident, anticipating the increases in traffic and pedestrians on the streets, the use of public transportation, accommodating out-of-state guests and members of the media with lodging and rental cars, and welcoming the arrival of politicians in private aircrafts poses some concerns. Will all this spark a “suit boom” in Denver?

The estimated $40 million it will cost to host the DNC will likely be spent, in large part, on the implementation of federal anti-terrorism procedures and security during the week. According The Rocky Mountain News, Sara Burnett reported the DNC is expected to draw thousands of protestors, and from the sounds of it, there are also thousands of rumors of what security measures will be taken by organizers of the DNC and how it will accommodate both Denver residents and visitors.

Noelle Leavitt, from the Denver Business Journal, reported Airspace around Denver is likely to be severely restricted when top political figures, Democratic Party sponsors and celebrities visit for the Democratic National Convention in August. General aviation airports in the metro area expect a huge surge in business from attendees who choose not to fly through Denver International Airport during the convention. But the event could temporarily ground some private aircraft. All forms of transportation will likely have to operate differently during the DNC. With these expectations, it is only logical to prepare for the worst.

All this leads me to the very real possibility that the DNC, and the 35,000- 50,000 people it will bring to the city, will inevitably ignite a small “suit- boom.” Think about it. More traffic and more pedestrians mean more accidents and more insurance claims for bodily injury. Visitors, by foot or by vehicle, will hurriedly and carelessly try to get downtown in time for floor sessions, scrambling through mobs of lobbyists and news reporters. Residents will become frustrated with the incessant traffic on their journey to and from work. One thing is probably true—Denver Police will not only be busy keeping protestors in line, they will be filling out traffic accident reports and issuing citations constantly.

Niki Skaggs
Law Clerk
J.D. Candidate 2009
University of Denver

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Kyle Bachus

Motor vehicle safety tips for winter weather

Staff Writer — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 10:00:40 GMT

News Channel 13's web site put out a helpful list of safety tips for motorists and others this winter during their "Winter Weather Awareness Week." The article not only offers basic tips for staying safe and avoiding dangerous situations during winter weather, but it provides specific tips for motorists to avoid accidents.

By preparing your car or truck for the winter weather, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the roads:

A well equipped vehicle has adequate tires...Tire chains...Tow rope...Sand or cat litter for traction...Shovel...Tool kit... Windshield scraper and brush...Battery cables...First aid kit... Flashlight...Extra batteries...Blankets...Sleeping bags... Extra clothing...Candles... Waterproof matches...High calorie packaged food for quick energy...And an empty can to melt snow for drinking.
The best way to prevent treacherous winter travel is to avoid it. This can be done by staying informed about the current weather and road conditions as well as the latest weather forecasts. Information on road conditions in colorado is available on the internet at http://Www.Cotrip.Org/ or by dialing toll free 1-877-315-7623. Department of transportation road reports from other states can be obtained from a web search or by calling information.
If you should become stranded during a winter storm...Stay with your vehicle and do not panic. If accompanied by others...Take turns sleeping. Run the motor every hour for about ten minutes to maintain warmth...But keep windows open a little to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked. Keep the car visible with brightly colored cloths tied to the side view mirrors...Door handles...Or external antenna. Exercise periodically by vigorously moving arms... Legs...Toes and fingers.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer

More Ford Defective Products: Spark Plugs Spit

Staff Writer — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 09:09:15 GMT

ConsumerAffairs.com today discussed a problem with Ford F-series trucks. Apparently the engines don't like the taste of their spark plugs and are spitting them out.

The website says they have received more than a dozen complaints already this year, and the issue involves vehicles from the model years 1999-2004.

A federally mandated recall would have devastating financial implications for Ford because 17 million SUVs, pickups, Crown Victorias and Mustangs are potentially involved.
Recalling the vehicles to fix the cylinder heads would generate the largest, most labor intensive and perhaps most expensive recall in automotive history.

The problem is costing consumers between $2,000 and $5,000 to repair at Ford dealerships, and many mechanics say they know what the problem is - not enough threads machined into the hole. Therefore, the plugs are blowing out when they are under stress.

Read more about the Ford defective products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer

Texting Law Goes Into Effect In Colorado

Chrissie Cole — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:33:00 GMT

New laws involving cell phone use while driving go into effect in Colorado tomorrow banning texting for all drivers and cell phone use for drivers under 18.

The new law will make it a primary traffic offense, which gives law enforcement the authority to cite any driver seen texting while driving. And it’s illegal for 16 and 17-year-olds to use a cell phone – even with a speakerphone or headset - while behind the wheel.

For an initial offense, drivers can be fined $50. Repeat offenders will be fined $100.

Unlike some new laws that allow for a grace period to help educate drivers about the new law before citations are issued – officers with Fort Collins police and the Colorado State Patrol will be handing out citations immediately upon the law taking effect, according to spokespersons from each agency.

The legislation was introduced after 9-year-old Erica Forney was hit and fatally injured Nov. 25, 2008, by a woman who police said had just finished talking on a cell phone.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Six Teens Injured In Rollover Accident In Grand Junction

Chrissie Cole — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:57:00 GMT

Three teens are in critical condition at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction following a single-car accident on Wednesday.

In total, six teenagers, all from Glenwood Springs, were injured.

It appears a westbound Nissan Sentra driven by a teen, 17, veered off the roadway and through a deer fence, according to Colorado State Patrol troopers.

The vehicle then went airborne over a dry creekbed before hitting the side of an embankment and rolling over.

The kids range in age from 15 to 19. Four of them were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected from the car.

Speed is being investigated as a possible contributing factor, but alcohol and/or drugs are not thought to be involved. The investigation is ongoing.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Colorado Teen Ticketed For Careless Driving After Hitting A Parked Vehicle

Chrissie Cole — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:46:00 GMT

A Colorado Springs teen was ticketed for careless driving after he allegedly struck a parked vehicle that two men were working on, according to authorities.

The accident happened on Sunday afternoon on the 2800 block of Richmond Drive, near Constitution Ave. and Peterson Road.

The teen reportedly told authorities that his cell phone rang, but when he tried to pick it up, it fell. When he tried to grab the phone gain, he lost control of his vehicle and struck the parked car.

Both men, which were working on the car, were taken to the hospital with injuries that don’t appear to be life-threatening.

In December, a new Colorado law will prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from using their cell phones while driving.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Denver Airport Traffic Snarled Following Accident

Chrissie Cole — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:56:00 GMT

Traffic was snarled Thursday afternoon following a car accident which involved a Denver Police car.

The accident happened early afternoon, near the toll plaza and wait area approaching Denver International Airport.

The officer was reportedly responding to a two car accident when another vehicle rear-ended the officer’s parked cruiser, according to police.

No one was injured in the crash. Following the accident, Pena Boulevard was closed for about two hours and later re-opened.

In a separate accident on Friday night, a Denver Police officer was injured when his patrol car was struck by a suspected drunk driver.

The officer was taken to the hospital but treated and released for minor injuries.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Rollover Accident Kills One In Grand Junction

Chrissie Cole — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:36:00 GMT

A truck rolled over into a median on I-70, in Grand Junction, on Thursday night, killing one.

The accident happened just before 8 p.m. about a mile east of the 24 Road exit. According to State Patrol, there were no other vehicles involved in the accident.

At this time officials are still working to piece together the cause of the accident and it is unknown how many people were occupying the truck when it crashed. But State Patrol did confirm one person died.

Patrol verified the truck had California plates but no further information was available The investigation is ongoing.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury in a car or truck accident, use the form to the right to contact one of our lawyers for a free and confidential consultation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Woman Survives Five Days In the Wilderness After Crash

Chrissie Cole — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:56:00 GMT

A Colorado woman survived five days in the wilderness with no food or water by drinking rainwater from her hair, after crashing her vehicle.

Cynthia Blair-Hoover, 52, swerved to avoid a deer when her car ran off the road and plunged down a hillside, landing on its top. She suffered 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung among other injuries.

Armed with only a golf club, she faced the threat of wild animals, rain, freezing temps and no food, but she managed to stay alive by draining water from her hair into her mouth.

Eventually she was able to crawl 450 yards to a mine where she cried out for help and was heard.

She is recovering in a hospital in Denver.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole