How Car Accidents Cost All Colorado Drivers

If you are involved in a Colorado car accident, it can be an expensive, time-consuming process. However, are you aware that accidents in Colorado you aren’t a part of can also cost you money?

Furthermore, there are a lot of factors surrounding Colorado car accidents. Wrecks are sadly on the rise in the Centennial State and have been for quite some time. Now, record levels of accidents are being reached and it’s all starting to add up.

Car insurance coverage in Colorado premiums continue to rise. There are many factors for this but at the end of the day, more wrecks mean more claims. If there are more claims, carriers are going to charge higher premiums as a result.

Saddest of all, accidents aren’t just on the rise but so are fatalities and many of the causes are completely preventable. Driving safely is important not only for your benefit but for the benefit of everyone else around you on the road.

Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about accidents in the Centennial State. From the statistics and factors to helpful safety tips, and of course, how to save on coverage, we’re covering everything you need to know about auto accidents in CO.

 

How Many Car Accidents Per Day in Colorado?

Every year, there are between 95,000 and 100,000 Colorado car accident reports. Each Colorado car accident is documented by multiple entities, including the Colorado Department of Transportation (CODOT). In total, this would put the daily figure for car accidents in Colorado between 261 and 274 per day.

It’s unfortunate because the trend we see today is showing that these figures are not only on the rise but at their highest levels in decades. Furthermore, there is an uptick in fatalities associated with these Colorado accidents.

 

Fatal Car Accidents in Colorado

In 2022, Colorado lost 754 lives to traffic fatalities, which was an increase not seen in over four decades. To make matters worse, the 57% increase from a decade before would also bring in a record number of Colorado car accidents involving those on motorcycles and pedestrians.

Depending on where you live, you may be at a higher risk of fatal car accidents in Colorado. During 2022, these are the leading counties throughout CO that produced the highest number of automobile-related fatalities:

• El Paso County (83)
• Adams County (82)
• Denver County (67)
• Arapahoe County (56)
• Weld County (53)
• Jefferson County (46)
• Pueblo County (40)

 

Risks associated with each event will vary from location to location as will the costs in the aftermath of a wreck depending on where you drive. For example, even a Denver Colorado car accident and a car accident in Aurora, Colorado will have different risks associated with them.

It’s important to understand the risks on a local level wherever you drive, however, it’s also important to practice safe driving techniques no matter where you are. This can help you avoid a car accident in Colorado and create a safer road for all.

The plan moving forward to help mitigate deaths on the road is for CODOT to partner with others and deliver the Advancing Transportation Safety Program (ATSP), an initiative to promote a variety of safety techniques and reduce the number of deaths in the Centennial State.

In 2023, CODOT plans to allocate over $10 million from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to local partners for awareness and law enforcement against dangerous driving in Colorado.

Engineering upgrades are also being looked at to help enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety. CODOT’s Main Streets program has granted $63 million for projects promoting activity and economic vitality.

However, CODOT also maintains its stance that mass transit remains the safest ground transportation, prompting the organization’s expansion of Bustang and Front Range rail evaluation with stimulus funds.

While the leading cause of car crash death in Colorado is distracted driving, many continue to wonder about the effects of legalizing marijuana and operating motor vehicles. However, statistics point out that the issue is much more complex than any one source of unsafe driving.

Historically, Colorado has been one of the states where drivers are most likely to suffer a fatal car accident. Therefore, if you are in a wreck, even though you most likely won’t die, you’re at greater risk in most cases when compared to the United States.

 

Have Car Accidents Increased in Colorado Since Legalization?

The simple truth is that yes, you are more likely to be involved in a Colorado car accident since the state voted to legalize marijuana. Moreover, the number of incidents where drivers were high at the time has also taken a considerable jump.

In 2022, impaired driving deaths rose to 278, marking a 6% increase from the year before, according to the CODOT.

Since 2019, deaths involving impaired drivers have surged by nearly 60%. Alcohol remains a primary cause of impairment, but drivers testing above the legal THC limit rose from 50 in 2020 to 79 in 2021.

The matter continues to be complicated further by the issue of drug combinations while driving. In Colorado, 25% of impaired drivers in fatal crashes have multiple substances in their blood, often alcohol and cannabis, which can make it difficult to fully understand the bigger cause.

The county with the most impaired driver fatalities was Adams County with 35 deaths. Denver County and El Paso both tie for second place with 21 deaths each.

But there is more to the story than simply putting the fact that marijuana was legalized and now there are more car accidents in Colorado. This includes the following:

• Driving while high is never a good idea, but it’s not the leading cause of fatal accidents. It’s not even the leading form of impaired driving accidents in Colorado as alcohol leads the pack.
• In 2012, when it was announced that legalization would occur two years later, there were more than 5.19 million people living in Colorado. Today, there are around 5.84 million residents. If you have more people living in a state, you’re going to be more likely to have more accidents.
• Despite being one of the better states nationwide when it comes to speeding, according to Drivewise, Colorado drivers still struggle with speeding. Behind distracted driving, excessive driving speeds are the leading cause of accidents within the Centennial State.
• Seatbelt usage is also a factor. In the United States, 90% of those in vehicles wear them, but in Colorado, this figure dips to 87%. Sadly, many of those who die in Colorado car accidents aren’t wearing their seatbelts.

 

Is Colorado a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

Despite the misconception by some, Colorado is an at-fault state. Therefore, if you are found to be the cause of a Colorado car accident, you’re going to be responsible for restoring the losses to other parties. This is why Colorado makes liability coverage mandatory for all drivers.

Driving without insurance in Colorado is a very risky prospect and ill-advised. If you are in a wreck and it’s your fault, you’ll be protected from paying out-of-pocket and the other parties will be able to have their losses restored and move forward.

Considering the previously mentioned risks, this can be quite a costly responsibility to ignore. Not only is Colorado rising in car accidents but fatalities are too. All car accidents in Colorado have the potential to be costly, but any time a death is involved, things can become astronomical.

You’re going to be left facing a variety of expenses when you are the cause of a Colorado car accident. Here’s how these costs break down:

• Personal property lost will need to be restored. This includes the other party’s vehicle but it also means any contents within. The same goes for pedestrians and other parties that may also suffer a loss.
• Medical expenses are always in play, even with moderate accidents. But if something severe is needed, such as surgery, the cost can easily reach tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Some lingering medical costs may also include physical therapy to recover from the injuries sustained as a result of the accident.
• Furthermore, in the event of a fatal car accident in Colorado, you’re also going to face funeral costs. It’s also likely that the medical care the party receives before death will be quite expensive as well.
• Then there are lost wages. If someone is injured and can’t work, they can sue you and likely will. But depending on the nature of the injury and the accident, you can avoid this route and the legal expenses that come with it.

 

Tips for Avoiding a Car Accident Colorado Drivers Should Follow

Driving holds a vital role in our daily lives, but safety must remain paramount. Practicing safe driving is going to go a long way in helping everyone stay safe.

To start, avoid exceeding speed limits. Speed limits exist to safeguard everyone. Speeding reduces your reaction time and magnifies accident consequences. Comply with speed limits and tailor your driving to road and weather conditions, which will vary.

Minimizing distractions is crucial. Keep your focus on the road, steering clear of distractions like texting, eating, and makeup application that divert your attention from driving.

Staying sober is non-negotiable. Driving under the influence imperils lives and is against the law. If consuming alcohol or drugs, always have a sober driver designated and help reverse a disturbing trend Colorado continues to suffer from.

Adopting defensive driving techniques is also wise. This allows you to predict potential hazards and stay alert to react as needed. Maintaining safe distances, using mirrors frequently, and anticipating the actions of other drivers will help you avoid car accidents in Colorado.

Choosing a secure vehicle can also help, although it stands to reason that for some, this can be an expensive endeavor. Nevertheless, if feasible, opt for a vehicle with modern safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and collision avoidance systems.

Steering clear of hazardous conditions is another key to safe driving. In severe weather or low visibility, consider postponing your journey. Risky conditions elevate the likelihood of accidents and if you have an opportunity to avoid hazards, you’ll help protect yourself and other drivers.

Using seatbelts is a simple yet important action that not enough people within Colorado take seriously. Accidents are going to happen. Drivers are human. Even if you do everything by the book, mistakes can be made. But seatbelts greatly diminish injury or death risks in collisions. Ensure all passengers are properly buckled at all times.

Vigilance towards others is also essential. Watching out for other vehicles is important, but it’s also important to look out for others. Remember, you share the road with pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. Do so responsibly. Always check blind spots before maneuvering, remember that others may be on the road, and even stay alert to the potential of wildlife.

Keep your vehicle organized to prevent danger. Loose items can become hazardous projectiles during sudden stops or crashes. They can even get stuck beneath your gas and brake pedals, further endangering you. Secure or remove such items from your vehicle to reduce risks.

Being patient can make all of the difference. In fact, it can be the difference between getting to your destination late or not at all. Rushing escalates stress and impairs decision-making. It also gives way to speeding. Allocate sufficient time for your journey to drive safely and responsibly.

These tips are for not only your safety but also the well-being of everyone on the road. Complying contributes to a safer driving environment. Stay attentive, composed, and accountable behind the wheel, ensuring a secure journey every time.

Additionally, you can save money on auto insurance in Colorado by driving safely in a number of ways. This includes:

• Avoiding accidents in the first place. When you cause car accidents in Colorado, carriers will see you as a riskier driver to insure and raise your premiums.
• Additionally, you’ll find that your premium will also rise in the event you receive a moving violation. Furthermore, too many points on your license from moving violations can cause you to lose your license altogether.
• You can also enjoy safe driving discounts depending on the company. Many carriers reward drivers for driving safely in numerous ways.
• Technology even allows car insurance companies to see exactly how you drive. This can provide you with a telematics discount, in which either an app or device, tracks your driving for savings to those who exercise safe practices.

 

How to Protect Yourself in a Colorado Car Accident

Accidents may happen but driving safely can help you avoid them. However, when mistakes are made, you’ll want to be sure that you’re covered correctly. That’s where the team at Freedom Insurance Group can come in.

We’ve been helping drivers since 2005 save money with personalized auto coverage and on average, our clients save 40%. Here’s how we do it:

• Instead of working for a singular brand, we’re working for you. Our many partnerships with top-rated brands allow us to shop your coverage and focus on getting you the lowest rate, regardless of carrier.
• We don’t provide you with just any coverage. Our agents focus on your risks and protect against them. This means assessing the ways you need to be covered along with the discounts that fit your lifestyle for maximum savings, including bundling with home insurance.
• Liability coverage is helpful for an accident in Colorado and necessary by law, but this doesn’t cover your vehicle. Collision coverage is available to help restore your own vehicle after an accident. If you combine these coverages with comprehensive coverage, you’ll also receive discounts for what is known as full-coverage auto insurance.
• We also provide options for accidents involving uninsured motorists and hit-and-run situations.

 

Because of the increased rate of accidents, particularly fatal accidents, in the state, auto insurance continues to rise. Now more than ever, it’s important to shop around for coverage to be sure that you aren’t just covered but that you have the lowest possible price available.

Avoiding a Colorado car accident isn’t always an option, but safe driving and maintaining the right coverage for less is. Contact our agents at the number above or get a free auto insurance quote today to learn more.