Winter Roads Especially Dangerous for Colorado Drivers

March 10, 2011 (Press-News.org) Winter Roads Especially Dangerous for Colorado Drivers

A car accident that killed two teenagers and seriously injured two others demonstrates the hazards of driving on snow- and ice-covered roads in Colorado. In a state known for its snowy and mountainous terrain, it is important for Denver residents and other Colorado drivers to be especially cautious when driving during winter.

Tragic Auto Accident

In Jefferson County, an accident involving two vehicles took the lives of two teens and injured several others. The driver of a car traveling north on Highway 93 lost control of her vehicle on the snowy, icy road. The car spun across the center lane and was hit by an SUV traveling south.

The driver and a passenger in the northbound car, both teenagers, suffered fatal injuries in the accident. A third teenager in their car survived but was seriously injured. The driver of the SUV was treated and released from the hospital, but his passenger also suffered serious injuries.

Colorado State Patrol spokesman Sergeant John Hahn said investigators believe the accident was caused by the northbound car driving too fast for the slippery road conditions.

Winter Car Crashes and Personal Injury Lawsuits

All drivers have a duty to maintain and operate their vehicles in a way that is not dangerous to other people on the road. This includes driving at a safe speed during winter on snowy or icy roads.

If a driver fails to use due care and causes an accident in which someone is injured, the injured person may be able to sue the at-fault driver for negligence in a personal injury lawsuit. If a judge or jury determines that the person sued was negligent -- did not use the requisite caution and is responsible for the victim's injuries -- the injured person may recover damages from the at-fault driver, or his or her auto-insurance company.

Colorado Personal Injury Damages

In Colorado, there are three types of damages: economic, noneconomic and physical impairment. Economic damages include monetary compensation for:
-Past and future medical expenses
-Lost wages
-Loss of expected future income

Noneconomic damages include monetary compensation for:
-Pain and suffering
-Quality-of-life impairment

Damages for physical impairment are intended to compensate a victim for a permanent injury that substantially impairs his or her body or its functioning.

While recovery from a personal injury lawsuit can help a car accident victim pay for medical bills, rehabilitation and other adjustments required after an accident, clearly it is better if car accidents do not happen at all. Because Colorado's winter driving conditions can change rapidly, Colorado Department of Transportation officials urge drivers to be prepared for hazardous roads at all times.

CDOT maintenance crews apply liquid de-icers such as magnesium chloride at the beginning of a snow storm to help prevent ice from forming, and after a storm to break up snow and ice on roadways. While de-icers can vastly improve surface conditions, drivers should not expect that de-icing makes a road completely safe or that de-icers have been applied to all roads.

Winter Driving Tips

To avoid accidents on snow- and ice- covered roads, follow these winter driving safety tips provided by the CDOT:
-Slow down and leave more room to stop
-Give snowplows additional space
-Use low-beam headlights
-Do not use cruise control
-Keep the gas tank at least half full
-Carry extra windshield-wiper fluid
-Have at least 1/8 inch of tread on your tires
-Always wear your seatbelt

The CDOT recommends that drivers put together winter driving kits that include snow brushes, ice scrapers, coats, gloves, hats, blankets, flashlights, first-aid supplies, matches and nonperishable foods, and keep them in their cars.

If you get stuck in a storm, wait for help in your vehicle. Make sure that snow is not blocking the tailpipe, keep a window slightly open for ventilation and run the engine periodically to stay warm.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident during a storm or on a snowy, icy road, contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in your area. A lawyer with experience in car accident cases can help you with the various consequences of an accident, including hospital bills, wage loss and other damages.

Article provided by Gerash Steiner & Toray, P.C.
Visit us at www.gerashtoray.com