Injured in an Accident on I-70 in Colorado?

Just about every day brings a new report of an accident on I-70 in Colorado. The headlines often include news of one or more individuals who are seriously injured and even killed on Colorado’s longest interstate highway.

Your safety and the safety of any passengers are the priority if you are in an accident on I-70 in Colorado. If you were injured or someone you love was severely hurt or killed, it is also important to understand your legal rights in the aftermath of a car accident.

Burg Simpson Law Firm has decades of experience representing the victims of car accidents in the Denver Metro and areas throughout the state. We understand the dangers motorists face on I-70, and we are committed to helping clients and their families pursue fair compensation.

Call 303-792-5595 today for a FREE and confidential case evaluation. We represent clients throughout Colorado who have been injured or lost family members in an accident on I-70.

How Many Accidents Occur on I-70?

I-70 is among the deadliest interstates in the country. Nationwide, approximately 6 fatalities are recorded per 100 miles of the interstate.

According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 30 fatal accidents were recorded in 2020 on the nearly 450 miles of I-70 that lie in Colorado. These figures account for crashes in which someone died; the number of people injured is likely much higher.

In total, 8 of these fatal accidents occurred in the City and County of Denver. Nearly half of the deadly crashes on I-70 occurred in largely rural areas where a particular city was not specified in the FARS data.

What to Do If You Are Injured in an Accident on I-70 in Colorado

Accidents on interstate highways are particularly dangerous. The high rate of speed increases the risk of severe injuries and fatalities, and the high volume of traffic presents a threat of secondary collisions.

Your well-being should be your main concern. There are also steps you can take to ensure your legal rights are protected. Here is what you should do if you have been in an accident on I-70 in Colorado:

1. Move to a Safe Location

If your vehicle is operational and the way is clear, move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe area off the highway to prevent further accidents. You should also turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

2. Check for Injuries

Assess yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. Call 911 immediately if there are serious injuries or you are unsure of the severity.

3. Call the Police

In Colorado, you are required to report any accident to the police if there are injuries, fatalities, or any property damage (see C.R.S. § 42-4-1606). Call 911 or the non-emergency police number to report the accident.

4. Gather Information

You will need the following from any drivers involved in the accident:

• Names
• Contact information
• Driver’s license numbers
• License plate numbers
• Year, make, and model of all vehicles
• Insurance information

If you are in an accident with a semi-truck (a distinct possibility on I-70, which is a major commercial route), you will also need to know the name of the driver’s employer, the owner of the truck and the trailer, and their insurance information.

5. Take Photos

Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, their positions on the highway, and any relevant road conditions.

6. Obtain Witness Information

If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. You and/or your attorney may need to reach out to eyewitnesses in the course of preparing your accident claim.

7. Provide a Statement to the Police

When the police arrive, cooperate fully with the responding officer(s). Provide them with accurate information about the accident, and be prepared to show your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

Depending on the location of the accident, either the local police or the Colorado State Patrol may respond to an accident on I-70. Ask the officer for their name, badge number, and agency so you can request a copy of the accident report at a later date.

8. Be Cautious with Statements

Be careful what you say to the other parties involved, witnesses, and insurance adjusters. Avoid admitting fault, as this can impact your right to compensation.

9. Seek Medical Attention

Paramedics will evaluate your injuries and provide any necessary treatment. You may be treated and released at the scene, or you may need to be taken to the hospital.

Even if your injuries do not seem serious, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, but severe complications may occur if they are not addressed promptly.

10. Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible. Provide any necessary details, but do not speculate as to who was at fault.

11. File a Report with the Colorado Department of Revenue

If the police did not respond to the accident, you will need to report the accident to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles. You may file the report online.

12. Preserve Evidence

Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical records, police reports, and insurance correspondence.

13. Focus on Recovery

Your health is the top priority. Follow your doctor’s advice and focus on your physical and emotional recovery.

14. Consult an Attorney

If you sustained injuries and you believe the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, it is advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you understand your rights and potential compensation.

Read More: Why Choose Burg Simpson?

15. Follow Legal Procedures

If you decide to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim, work closely with your attorney to follow the procedures for filing a lawsuit. Colorado law allows a maximum of 3 years to file suit for bodily injury suffered in motor vehicle accidents and a maximum of 2 years to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Contact Us If You Were Injured in an Accident on I-70 in Colorado

Burg Simpson was founded in Colorado in 1976. We have an in-depth understanding not only of the legal landscape but the key facets of living in Colorado.

Whether you are commuting for work or driving to the mountains, I-70 is a fixture of many people’s travels through the state. Serious accidents are commonplace. If you find yourself in this situation, our lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Need help after an accident on I-70? Contact Burg Simpson for a FREE and confidential case evaluation. Our attorneys serve clients in the Denver area and throughout Colorado.