At Levine Law, we understand how devastating road shoulder car accidents can be for victims and their families. As a dedicated Denver car accident lawyer, we aim to provide compassionate support and aggressive legal representation to help victims recover the compensation they deserve.
What Are Road Shoulder Accidents?
Road shoulders, the space between the main roadway and the curb or ditch, serve as safety zones for emergencies. Drivers pull over to shoulders to address car troubles, allow emergency vehicles to pass, or avoid sudden dangers on the road.
Unfortunately, these areas are not immune to accidents. In Denver, drivers who veer off the roadway, fail to account for stopped vehicles, or engage in distracted driving can cause devastating collisions on road shoulders.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), shoulder accidents account for a significant percentage of roadside fatalities yearly. These accidents are often preventable but can result in catastrophic injuries when negligence plays a role.
Why Do Road Shoulder Accidents Happen in Denver?
Several factors contribute to road shoulder car accidents in Denver. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, eating, or adjusting controls may not notice vehicles or pedestrians on the shoulder until too late.
- Reckless Maneuvers: Speeding or aggressive lane changes can cause a driver to lose control and swerve onto the shoulder.
- Poor Visibility: Fog, rain, or nighttime driving can make it difficult for drivers to see hazards on the shoulder.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving: Intoxicated drivers often fail to maintain control of their vehicles, increasing the likelihood of shoulder accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: When drivers experience mechanical issues, they may pull over to the shoulder without fully exiting traffic lanes, putting themselves at risk.
How Colorado Laws Protect Road-Shoulder Accident Victims
In Colorado, motorists are required to exercise reasonable care when driving, which includes taking precautions to avoid accidents on the shoulder. Under Colorado Revised Statutes §42-4-1008, drivers must maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and reduce speed when approaching stopped vehicles on the shoulder. This law also applies to emergency vehicles, requiring drivers to move over or slow down when passing.
Additionally, Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning that accident victims can recover compensation if they are less than 50% at fault for the incident. For example, the court may assign partial fault to both parties if a driver was stopped on the shoulder without proper hazard lights and a distracted driver collided with their vehicle.
As experienced road-shoulders car accident attorneys in Denver, we work to build strong cases that minimize our clients’ liability and maximize their compensation.
Find Out How Much Your Case in Worth
Call us for a FREE consultation. No Fee Unless We Get You Money.
The Consequences of Road Shoulder Accidents
Road shoulder accidents can lead to severe physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Collisions at high speeds can result in life-altering brain injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Victims may face partial or complete paralysis due to spinal cord damage.
- Fractures and Dislocations: Broken bones can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain and limited mobility.
- Wrongful Death: Tragically, many road shoulder accidents result in fatalities, leaving families to navigate overwhelming loss.
The financial toll of these injuries is significant. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs can quickly add up, leaving victims and their families struggling to recover.
How We Can Help
At Levine Law, we are committed to helping road-shoulder accident victims in Denver navigate the legal system and secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Our team of experienced Denver car accident lawyers understands the complexities of these cases and works tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable.
We begin by conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and identify all liable parties. This may involve gathering evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Surveillance footage
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Medical records
Once we have built a strong case, we negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to ensure our clients receive fair settlements. If insurers fail to offer adequate compensation, we are prepared to take the case to court and advocate for our clients before a judge and jury.
Compensation for Road Shoulder Accident Victims
Victims of road shoulder car accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost during recovery and compensation for diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage: Compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Punitive Damages: Courts may award punitive damages to deter similar behavior in cases involving egregious negligence, such as drunk driving.
We understand that no amount of money can undo the harm caused by a serious accident. However, securing fair compensation can provide the resources necessary for medical treatment, financial stability, and a sense of justice.
Why Choose Levine Law?
Our personalized approach sets us apart. We take the time to understand each client’s unique situation and craft legal strategies tailored to their needs. When you work with us, you can expect:
- Compassionate Support: We treat every client with respect and empathy, guiding them through the legal process with care.
- Aggressive Representation: Our team relentlessly pursues justice for our clients through negotiation or litigation.
- Transparent Communication: We keep clients informed at every step and are always available to answer questions.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a road shoulder accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence. At Levine Law, we offer free consultations to help you understand your options and take the first step toward justice.
Call us today to speak with a dedicated road-shoulders car accident attorney in Denver. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve and help you move forward after this challenging time. As a trusted car wreck attorney near you, we support you every step of the way.
