Icy roads cause multiple-vehicle crashes in Denver – This is what you need to know
Denver, CO – The first snows of the year are already causing misery to Denver drivers trying to navigate dangerous icy roads. Over 100 cars were involved in a huge pileup on Denver’s busy West 6th Avenue, bringing traffic to a standstill. As this is how it will be for the next three months at least, Denver drivers need to know what they have to do and how they can recover damages if they are injured in a crash caused by inclement weather.
To protect your rights you should reach out to an experienced Denver accident lawyer, especially if you were in a multiple-vehicle crash where negligence will be hard to establish.
What are the speed limits in Denver if there’s a snowstorm?
According to the law, if there are no speed limits posted in an area, drivers should assume they can go up to the limit allowed on that specific type of road.
- Any residential district – 30 mph
- Any business district – 25 mph
- Open highways that are not a part of the interstate system and are not four‑lane freeways or expressways – 55 mph
- Surfaced, four‑lane highways that are a part of the interstate system or expressways – 65 mph.
However, this does not mean that you can go at 65 mph in a blizzard. In Colorado, there’s a so-called “Basic Speed Law” saying that all drivers must maintain a speed that is safe given the conditions. In poor road conditions, all motorists must reduce speed accordingly, no matter what the sign says.
How can you recover damages in a crash caused by icy roads?
If you’re injured in a car accident, make sure to call the police right away. The police report will be the most important evidence your lawyers can use if you’re suing for damages. Under the Basic Speed Law, your Colorado accident lawyers can accuse the other driver of reckless driving even if they were below the speed limit, but the road conditions were dangerous and they should have gone slower.
To recover damages, the injured party needs to prove that the other driver had failed in their duty of care toward other road users. By not reducing the speed the other driver put your life at risk.
You’ll also need to prove that you were injured as a result of the accident, which means you must see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. For instance, if you suffer spine damage, you must present medical records saying you sustained an injury during the collision. Otherwise, the other party could argue your back problems are related to other activities or a pre-existing health issue that has nothing to do with the crash.
If you cannot prove your injury was caused by the crash you cannot ask for compensation for your medical expenses or your lost wages.
If you were also somewhat at fault for the crash, responsibility for the crash will be assigned under Colorado’s comparative negligence rule. You must have seasoned car accident lawyers working on your side to prove that the other driver’s share of the blame is greater than yours. If you’re found to be partially responsible for the crash, your damages will be reduced accordingly, but you can still recover some of your financial losses.
If you were recently injured or lost someone in a car accident, you should contact a knowledgeable lawyer at the Bryan & Terrill law firm to see how you can recover damages.
Contact info:
333 W. Hampden Ave., #420B
Englewood, CO 80110
(720) 923-2333
Source: Colorado General Assembly – State Speed Limits
