Denver Personal Injury Law Blog

Motorcyclists in Colorado are likely thrilled to be able to take to the open roads after the long, cold winter. With the excitement and freedom come the hazards of riding without any of the protective systems and devices offered to motorists. Motorcycle accidents are known to cause severe injuries, but the physical and emotional stress, known as pain and suffering, is different for each victim.

If the negligence of another party caused the injuries, economic damages might be recoverable through the Colorado civil justice system. Economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages and property damage are easy to prove with invoices, sales receipts and statements. However, determining the value of a claim for noneconomic damages is more complicated.

You get in a car accident in rush hour traffic on the way home from work in Englewood. Another driver tries to merge in even though there is no space. They hit the side of your car and push you into the oncoming traffic lanes. There's nothing you can do to avoid a second collision with another car.

In the accident, your head strikes the side window. No one is riding with you in the car, so you don't know if you really lose consciousness or not. It does feel like everything goes dark for a moment and the world spins, but, the next thing you know, you're getting out of the car to survey the damage and talk to the other drivers.

Driving on the highway is different than driving in the city. Not only are you moving at a higher rate of speed, but you're also more likely to find yourself in close proximity to large commercial vehicles.

There's nothing you can do to control other drivers, but there are safety tips you can follow to help prevent an accident. Here are five to keep in mind every time you find yourself on the highway:

• Obey the speed limit: It can be a challenge, especially if traffic is moving fast, but obeying the speed limit improves your safety. Also, don't hesitate to slow down if traffic is heavy, you're in a construction zone or there is inclement weather in the area.
• Leave more space: A safe following distance is a must, as this gives you more time to react if the vehicle in front of yours comes to an abrupt stop. As a general rule of thumb, leave a minimum of three seconds stopping time between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Share the road: Being a good driver means sharing the road with others, including passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. Don't cut people off, brake suddenly (unless necessary) or attempt to run another driver off the road.
• Stay in the right lane: The left lane is for passing, so you shouldn't stay here for an extended period of time.
• Avoid distractions: From texting to talking with passengers, distractions are everywhere. Avoiding these when driving on the highway is a must, as even a minor distraction can cause a major accident.

Every summer, people flock to parks and their own backyards to celebrate Independence Day. Unfortunately, while it is a fun day full of celebration, it can also be a day of increased danger.

Specifically, those who wind up driving anywhere on the 4th of July or the day before will have a higher risk of getting into a car crash caused by a drunk driver. They are two of the deadliest days on the road each year. There are several factors that contribute to the increased risk, and they are all good reasons to plan ahead for the 4th of July in order to minimize your time on the road, especially late at night after fireworks displays.