Photos and video of a nearly unrecognizable Jeep Wrangler after it plummeted from a popular off-road driving trail near Telluride offer a new warning about the danger that comes with trail rides.
The vehicle was nearly completely destroyed when it slid off of Black Bear Pass, outside of Telluride, according to The Drive. A woman who was in the car with two dogs at the time was ejected as the Jeep rolled down several switchbacks and onto the road below.
The woman was sent to the hospital with spinal injuries, the car’s owner told The Drive.
The vehicle’s driver told police officers he had stopped the car, applied the emergency brake and got out to help a driver behind him navigate a tight turn. He said he tried to jump back in the Jeep and steer when it started to slide but was also ejected from the vehicle.
Black Bear Pass is widely considered one of the most dangerous trails in Colorado. The one-way road winds nearly 13,000 feet with a number of tight turns before nearing Bridal Veil Falls and leading into Telluride.
Dashboard camera video footage taken from a passing car shows the Jeep tumbling violently in the moments after the woman was thrown from the vehicle.
Legal Rights for People Injured in Colorado Car Accidents
Whether it is a plummet off of the side of an off-road trail or a fender bender on a busy highway, anyone injured in a car accident in Colorado has the right to seek compensation from those responsible.
State law requires drivers, for example, to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner. That means abiding by traffic laws and refraining from a wide range of dangerous activities behind the wheel. Similarly, the law also imposes responsibility on car manufacturers and parts makers to put reasonably safe vehicles on the road.
When a driver or manufacturer does not live up to these obligations, they are likely to be deemed negligent and legally liable for any injuries that happen as a result.
The money damages typically available in Colorado car accident cases include compensation for current and future doctors’ bills, as well as property damage, missed wages, and any long-term impact on a person’s earning capacity. In the tragic event that a person dies in a crash, his or her loved ones can seek similar compensation for wrongful death.
Speak with a Denver Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in Colorado, a Denver car accident lawyer at Levine Law can help.
Our attorneys combine decades of experience helping people injured in accidents get the money they deserve. We have dedicated our careers to guiding clients through the legal process with experience and personalized attention.
Our firm is pleased to serve clients throughout Colorado, including in Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins and Loveland. Call us at 303-333-8000 or contact us online to speak with a Denver car accident lawyer.
