A total of 57 lives have been lost in car accidents in Dever this year, according to new data that raises questions about the city’s highly publicized effort to eliminate traffic fatalities.
The most recent death came when a 47-year-old Denver man was mowed down in a hit-and-run accident in late September. Police appear to still be looking for the driver who sped away after the collision.
The crash underscores that Denver “is a long way from accomplishing” its mission of reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries from car crashes, Westword recently pointed out. The Vision Zero action plan launched by Mayor Michael Hancock was designed to make those collisions a thing of the past by 2022.
That deadline has since been pushed to 2030, according to Westword.
The online publication also found that only about one-third of the traffic fatalities this year have so far resulted in criminal charges against a driver involved. Charges have been prepared in another five cases, but the perpetrators have not yet been identified or taken into custody.
Another 15 of the deaths came from single-vehicle accidents in which the driver died, while an additional seven were from accidents in which cops said no one was at fault.
“There can be many reasons why we do not file a criminal case, such as not being able to meet our ethical obligation of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury,” Denver District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Carolyn Tyler told Westword. “Unlike most other cases prosecutors with our office handle, often people involved in vehicle accidents did not intend to cause harm and must now live with the consequences of their actions every day for the rest of their lives.”
Injured in a Car Accident? Speak with a Denver Car Accident Lawyer
Although not everyone who causes a car accident in Denver will face criminal charges, they are still legally responsible for the injuries and property damage that results from the crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you have the right to seek compensation from negligent drivers and others responsible for the collision. The proof required in these cases (that the driver was more likely than not liable for the crash) is lower than in criminal cases, in which prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
A Denver car accident lawyer at Levine Law can help you identify those who are to blame and maximize your money damages. We combine decades of experience in auto accident cases and have a strong track record of successful results for the people that we represent.
Our firm is pleased to serve clients throughout Colorado, including in Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins and Loveland. We are pleased to be able to take many cases on a contingency basis, which means that we do not collect a fee unless we recover compensation for you. Call us at 303-333-8000 or contact us online to speak with a Denver car accident lawyer.
