For the first time since 2005, the number of traffic accident deaths that took place on U.S. roadways over the course of a year has increased.

For the first time since 2005, the number of traffic accident deaths that took place on U.S. roadways over the course of a year has increased, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Preliminary Traffic Accident Statistics for 2012

Specifically, the number of traffic accident fatalities in the U.S. have consistently been decreasing each year since 2005, with the total percentage decrease being more than 25 percent from 2005 through 2011; however, in 2012, the number of traffic deaths jumped up more than 5 percent to 34,080 (as opposed to the reported number of similar deaths being 32,367 in 2011). Although NHTSA researchers are still reviewing various reports as they continue to compile 2012 traffic accident statistics, preliminary information suggests that the Northeast region of the U.S. reported the greatest increase in roadway deaths, with traffic accident fatalities in this region increasing by more than 15 percent in 2012.

While the overall number of traffic accident fatalities in 2012 increased, so too did the number of motorcycle accident deaths, with approximately 5,000 motorcyclists being killed on U.S. highways in 2012, representing a nearly 15 percent increase in motorcycle accident deaths from those reported in 2011.

Possible Reasons for the Increase in 2012 Traffic Accident Deaths

Despite the shocking nature of these traffic accident statistics, researchers have stated that the recent spike in traffic deaths is not surprising when considering that slowly decreasing unemployment rates have increased the number of people regularly commuting to work, which has put more people on the roads over the past few years and, therefore, has increased the number of potentially fatal accidents occurring.

As researchers continue crunching the numbers and compiling traffic accident trends for 2012, some are being to focus on steps that can be taken to bring these death rates back down for 2013 (and the future in general). One critical factor some NHTSA researchers have pointed to is the lack of helmet laws in more than 30 states in the U.S. Others have pointed out that there need to be stricter laws regarding curbing cellphone use when driving in the U.S. (coupled with a greater attention to enforcement of these laws).

If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of traffic accident, contact the skilled Fort Collins accident lawyers at the Shanahan Law Firm. Our trusted attorneys are committed to fiercely defending victims’ rights, and we will work tirelessly to help our Clients secure the settlements and justice they deserve. Call us at (970) 204-9999 to set up a free initial consult to learn more about your rights and entitlements.

Denver’s Heads Up campaign is a safety awareness campaign focused on reducing the number of car-pedestrian accidents that take place in Denver each year.

The Denver mayor, Denver Police Department and other Denver officials have recently banned together to enact a new safety awareness campaign known as Heads Up. Initiated last week and paid for by various sponsors, the campaign will involve posting a number of educational billboards throughout Denver in an effort to inform the public about car accident statistics and, ideally, help reduce the number of car-pedestrian accidents that take place in Denver each year.

While Denver officials have an ever-vigilant eye towards improving public safety both on and off the city’s roadways, this new campaign was specifically enacted after the first quarter 2013 accident statistics demonstrated that:

• Car accidents involving pedestrians increased by about 35 percent from those reported in 2012.
• Hit-and-run accidents, many of which include car-pedestrian accidents, reportedly increased by approximately 55 percent over those reported in Denver from January through April 2012.

Causes of Car Accidents Involving Pedestrians

By informing the public about some of the most common causes of car-pedestrian accidents, Denver officials hope to increase public awareness and minimize the number of pedestrian victims injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents. Some of the most common causes of car accidents involving pedestrians include:

• Drivers failing to obey traffic laws, such as by running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs
• Driver impairment (through alcohol or drugs) and/or driver fatigue (which is reportedly just as dangerous as driver intoxication)
• Driver distraction, such as cellphone use when driving or playing with GPS systems while driving
• Pedestrians failing to obey traffic laws, such as by jaywalking
• Hazardous roadway conditions, such as poor lighting at night, obscured signage or unclearly marked crosswalks that make it hard for drivers to see pedestrians

Car Accident Victims… You Are Not Alone…

If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of traffic accident, contact the skilled Fort Collins accident lawyers at the Shanahan Law Firm. Our trusted attorneys are committed to fiercely defending victims’ rights, and we will work tirelessly to help our Clients secure the settlements and justice they deserve. Call us at (970) 204-9999 to set up a free initial consult to learn more about your rights and entitlements.

Aurora police are currently searching for the driver of a white minivan who hit a teen riding on scooter in the early morning hours of Friday May 3.

Aurora police are currently searching for the driver of a white minivan who hit a teen riding on scooter in the early morning hours of Friday May 3. The car and scooter accident occurred in an intersection where witnesses have stated that the minivan driver, who is alleged to be a woman, had a green light and that it was unlikely that she was able to see the teen on the scooter, as the teen was wearing dark clothing and it was still extremely dark outside. However, the minivan driver fled the scene of the car accident before police could arrive, which has left the authorities searching for any information that could lead to the identity of the driver. At this time, the teen is seriously injured and is in the hospital in critical condition.

Although the authorities have not released any other details of this accident (other than those provided above), there are some strong possibilities regarding the reasons that the minivan driver did not stay at the scene of the accident – and many of these reasons point to potential negligence or recklessness on the part of the driver involved in the hit-and-run accident. Some of these include that the driver:

• Was intoxicated with drugs and/or alcohol at the time of the accident
• Did not have a valid driver’s license
• Had a warrant out of her arrest and, therefore, did not want to interact with police
• May have been driving a stolen car or participating in other illegal activities immediately prior to the accident

If any of the above factors are ultimately found to have played a role in causing the scooter accident, the injured teen will likely be entitled to compensation for her medical bills, property damage (to the scooter), injuries, lost wages (if the injuries prevented her from working) and mental anguish).

If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of traffic accident, contact the skilled Fort Collins accident lawyers at the Shanahan Law Firm. Our trusted attorneys are committed to fiercely defending victims’ rights, and we will work tirelessly to help our Clients secure the settlements and justice they deserve. Call us at (970) 204-9999 to set up a free initial consult to learn more about your rights and entitlements.

To highlight the problems of distracted driving in the U.S., the CDC has compiled research showing that U.S. drivers are more likely to drive distracted than European drivers.

As a continuation of Distracted Driving Facts and Statistics (Part 1), here are some additional statistics that highlight the prevalence and dangers of distracted driving, according to research conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Distracted Driving: U.S. Drivers versus European Drivers

The CDC reports that distracted driving, the most common form of which is cellphone use while driving, is responsible for more than 3,300 traffic accident deaths annually and that, in 2010, it caused about 1 in 5 car accidents in the U.S. These facts clearly point out that the use of cellphones while driving is a big problem for U.S. drivers, which becomes even clearer when comparing cellphone use between U.S. drivers and European drivers. As part of the CDC’s comprehensive study on distracted driving, the agency conducted a survey of drivers from the U.S. and various European countries, asking participants (between 18 and 64 years old) whether or not they had used their cellphone in some fashion while driving during the past month. The results indicated that:

• Nearly 70 percent of U.S. drivers admitted to talking on their cellphones while driving within the past 30 days
• Portuguese drivers were the most likely to talk on their cellphones while driving within the past month, as nearly 60 percent of these respondents admitted to doing so
• Drivers in the U.K. were the least likely to speak on their cellphones while driving, with only about 21 percent admitting to doing so within the past month

Among the reasons for less cellphone use while driving for European drivers, according to researchers, were that cellphone bans are more strictly enforced in Europe and that the design of European roadways (specifically with less signals and more roundabouts) doesn’t provide as much idling time for the driver to pick up his cellphone.

While U.S. lawmakers are working diligently to get bans on cellphone use while driving enacted into law, they are also urging drivers to do their part, put down their cellphones and focus on the road when driving.

If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of traffic accident, contact the skilled Fort Collins accident lawyers at the Shanahan Law Firm. Our trusted attorneys are committed to fiercely defending victims’ rights, and we will work tirelessly to help our Clients secure the settlements and justice they deserve. Call us at (970) 204-9999 to set up a free initial consult to learn more about your rights and entitlements.

Research conducted by the CDC highlights how dangerous and problematic distracted driving is by pointing out how many accidents it has caused.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that distracted driving causes more than 9 traffic accident fatalities and upwards of 1,060 traffic accident injuries every day in the U.S. Distracted driving is defined as performing any activity that pulls a driver’s attention off of the road and specifically can involve distractions that take your eyes off the road, your hands from the steering wheel or your mind/attention away from the activity of driving itself.

Because texting (or reading emails) while driving involves all three types of distractions, it has become a particularly hot topic in promoting drivers safety and reducing the number of car accidents. However, other forms of distracted driving can also involve talking on the cellphone (with or without a hands-free device) while driving, using GPS systems while driving, eating or putting on makeup while driving, etc.

Distracted Driving Statistics

The CDC reports that distracted driving has been responsible for:

• More than 3,330 car accident deaths in 2011
• About 387,000 car accident injuries in 2011 (which was actually down from more than 415,000 car accident injuries in 2010)
• Nearly 20 percent of all car accidents that occurred in 2010.

While U.S. lawmakers are working diligently to get bans on cellphone use while driving enacted into law, they are also urging drivers to do their part, put down their cellphones and focus on the road when driving.

If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of traffic accident, contact the skilled Fort Collins accident lawyers at the Shanahan Law Firm. Our trusted attorneys are committed to fiercely defending victims’ rights, and we will work tirelessly to help our Clients secure the settlements and justice they deserve. Call us at (970) 204-9999 to set up a free initial consult to learn more about your rights and entitlements.

Traffic accidents are the number one cause of traumatic brain injury deaths and account for more than 17 percent of all TBI cases each year in the U.S.

Approximately, 1.7 million instances of traumatic brain injury occur each year in the U.S., and more than 17 percent of these TBI cases – specifically, about 289,000 – are caused by car accidents, motorcycle accidents and other traffic accidents (according to the Center for Disease Control). In fact, traffic accidents were the number one cause of TBI-related deaths, accounting for nearly 32 percent of all traumatic brain injury fatalities that occur each year. Whether mild or severe, TBI can cause permanent damage that will significantly impair a person’s quality of life and, in many cases, will require lifelong medical treatments.

Traffic accidents can cause traumatic brain injury by causing a person to experience:

• A severe blow to the head
• A severe back-and-forth jolt that may cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull (possibly multiple times)
• Bleeding in or swelling of the brain
• Blood clots that can prevent oxygen from getting to the brain (the longer the oxygen supply is cut off, the more severe the brain damage will be)
• An object penetrating the skull and damaging the brain’s cells, blood vessels and protective tissues

While some symptoms of traumatic brain injury after a traffic accident may be immediately obvious, in many cases, it can take days or weeks for the symptoms of TBI to fully manifest themselves. When they do become apparent, symptoms of traumatic brain injury may include:

• Mood swings, including particularly depressed or agitated behavior
• Slurred speech or other problems articulating
• Persisting headaches
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Inability to waken from sleep
• Seizures
• Difficulty balancing
• Dilation of one or both pupils

Given how serious traumatic brain injuries can be, as well as the fact that TBIs require extensive medical treatment, it’s essential that car accident victims who develop mild to severe TBI contact the skilled Fort Collins accident lawyers at the Shanahan Law Firm. Our trusted attorneys are committed to fiercely defending victims’ rights, and we will work tirelessly to help our Clients secure the settlements and justice they deserve. Call us at (970) 204-9999 to set up a free initial consult to learn more about your rights and entitlements.

Research indicates that, overall, the number of car accident fatalities among teenage drivers has decreased by approximately 47 percent over the past six years.

Although car accidents are still the top cause of fatalities for American teenagers (as well as a leading cause of death for Americans, in general), research compiled by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and State Farm has found that, overall, the number of car accident fatalities among teenage drivers has decreased by approximately 47 percent over the past six years. Among the reasons cited for this dramatic and promising decline in teen driver deaths include:

• Increased use of seat belts among teen drivers and passengers alike
• Less distractions for teen drivers
• Better safe driving skills through Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs (These programs are designed to help teach new drivers safe driving techniques under supervised, lower risk conditions. Elements of GDL programs include more than 50 hours of adult-supervised driving training, restrictions on unsupervised nighttime driving and teen passengers within the first year of driving, mandatory seat belt use and prohibition of cellphone use while driving.)

In addition to the finding of a 47 percent decrease in teen driver fatalities over the past six years, other specific conclusions reached in this study include the following:

• Teen passenger deaths related to not wearing seat belts decreased about 23 percent since 2008.
• The number of drunk driving incidents involving teen drivers had decreased about 14 percent since 2008.
• Overall, the number of teen passenger deaths associated with a teenage driver decreased by approximately 30 percent since 2008.
• In 2011 alone, more than half of all teenage passengers agreed that they always wear their seat belts when riding in cars.

While such car accident fatality statistics are extremely promising, officials are still investigating what else they can do to continue the recent downward trend in these deaths and, therefore, improve road safety.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, contact the skilled Fort Collins accident lawyers at the Shanahan Law Firm. Our trusted attorneys are committed to fiercely defending victims’ rights, and we will work tirelessly to help our Clients secure the settlements and justice they deserve. Call us at (970) 204-9999 to set up a free initial consult to learn more about your rights and entitlements.

The National Safety Council is sponsoring Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April in an effort to curb cellphone use while driving and reduce the number of car accidents.

The National Safety Council (NSC) has made April the month to bring awareness to the dangers of distracted driving by asking the question What were you thinking?. The goal of the NSC April distracted driving campaign is to inform drivers of the dangers of using cellphones when driving and to encourage them to let go of their phones and focus on the road when driving. National Distracted Driving Awareness Month was first enacted in 2010 by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill driving this national campaign, which was overwhelmingly passed by the House, cites the tragic death of a 9-year-old Fort Collins girl who was killed in 2008 by a distracted driver.

As part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the NSC has:

• Reported that about 25 percent of all traffic accidents are caused by use of cellphones when driving
• Indicated that use of hand-free devices is not really a viable substitute for cellphone use, as talking on the phone (regardless of the device used) takes enough of a driver’s attention away from driving to significantly increase the risk of getting into car accidents (In fact, the president of the NSC has cited more than 30 research studies that have pointed to the dangers of distracted driving associated with hands-free headsets.)
• Made a number of free materials (such as posters, facts sheets and other media) available via its website to help businesses and the public spread the word about encouraging cellphone-free driving to prevent traffic accidents
• Encouraged employers to start cellphone-free driving campaigns when their employees are driving on the job (the NSC website has a starter policy kit that can help employers institute such a change.)

While the NSC’s valiant efforts to curb distracted driving will prevent some accidents from happening, unfortunately, some drivers will continue to flout this campaign and operate their cellphones on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident and you believe driver distraction played a role, contact the skilled Fort Collins accident lawyers at the Shanahan Law Firm. Our trusted attorneys are committed to fiercely defending victims’ rights, and we will work tirelessly to help our Clients secure the settlements and justice they deserve. Call us at (970) 204-9999 to set up a free initial consult to learn more about your rights and entitlements.

Denver police are currently seeking a driver who ran into a family crossing the street last Friday evening, leaving two children dead and the mother in critical condition.

Denver and Aurora police are currently seeking a driver who ran into a family crossing the street last Friday evening, leaving two children dead and the mother in critical condition, and then fled the scene of the accident. In an effort to step up the investigation, yesterday, law enforcement officials released a video of the car in the accident – a white or silver extended SUV with a visor over the front windshield and running boards – that had been captured by surveillance cameras for nearby businesses. At this time, the specific make and model of the car involved in the fatal accident is unknown.

According to official statements, witnesses to the accident, which occurred at 8pm last Friday, had seen the SUV strike all of the victims, who were crossing the street in a crosswalk, and then speed away from the scene dragging a stroller behind the vehicle; police are also looking for this stroller. While an 8-year-old boy died upon impact, the 6-year-old boy died shortly later at a nearby hospital. The mother of the victims had been in critical care but is now described as being in fair condition as she continues to be treated for her serious injuries.

News of this tragic accident unfortunately highlights the shocking findings of a report issued by the Denver Police Department, which found that the number of hit-and-run accidents in Denver for the first two months of 2013 has increased by about 46 percent (over similar accidents reported for 2012 and 2011).

While the SUV driver will certainly face criminal charges of hit-and-run (and possibly other crimes) if and when he is located, he will also be liable for paying the surviving victim a settlement for her injuries, losses and mental anguish if the mother chooses to follow through with a civil car accident lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident or in any type of traffic accident, contact the skilled Fort Collins accident lawyers at the Shanahan Law Firm. Our trusted attorneys are committed to fiercely defending victims’ rights, and we will work tirelessly to help our Clients secure the settlements and justice they deserve. Call us at (970) 204-9999 to set up a free initial consult to learn more about your rights and entitlements.

The victim of a hit-and-run accident that involved a car hitting the victim’s bicycle will likely be entitled to compensation for his injuries, medical bills and suffering.

A 62-year-old man is currently in critical condition after a car hit his bicycle in Greeley and left the scene of the accident before police arrived. The car accident involving the bicycle took place early on the morning of Thursday March 21, and cameras for nearby businesses were able to catch a glimpse of a dark, small sedan (which is suspected to be a Chevrolet Cavalier) that may have been involved in the accident. While law enforcement officials are currently urging the public to come forward with any tips associated with the driver suspected of the hit-and-run accident, they are also currently looking for the driver of a white pickup truck who may have been a critical witness to the accident.

News of this tragic accident comes on the heels of a jaw-dropping report issued by the Denver Police Department, which found that the number of hit-and-run accidents in Denver for the first two months of 2013 has increased by more than 45 percent (over similar accidents reported for 2012 and 2011). Common reasons that drivers leave the scene of an accident involving injury or death to a bicyclist (or pedestrian) involve that the driver:

The number of car accidents involving pedestrians in Denver has increased significantly in 2013, which has caused great concern among many officials.

The first two months of 2013 ushered in a 46 percent increase in the number of car accidents involving pedestrians that took place in Denver when compared to the past two years, according to the Denver Police Department. Other shocking Denver car accident statistics that have surfaced in the beginning of 2013 are as follows:

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident or in any type of traffic accident, contact the skilled Fort Collins accident lawyers at the Shanahan Law Firm. Our trusted attorneys are committed to fiercely defending victims’ rights, and we will work tirelessly to help our Clients secure the settlements and justice they deserve. Call us at (970) 204-9999 to set up a free initial consult to learn more about your rights and entitlements.

Proving emotional distress or mental anguish in a personal injury lawsuit is tricky.

When the victim of a car accident, a slip-and-fall accident or a similar event files a personal injury lawsuit, he can seek compensation for his medical bills, property damage and emotional distress, which is also referred to as mental anguish. While proving that the victim (i.e., the plaintiff in personal injury cases) was injured and/or his property was damaged can be relatively straightforward (as proof can lie in a medical diagnosis and/or photographs of injuries or property damage), proving emotional distress is far trickier.

The following is an overview of what constitutes mental anguish in personal injury lawsuits and how plaintiffs can prove they have suffered from and should be compensated for their emotional distress after a serious accident:

Denver police are currently looking for the driver of a silver Honda that hit and seriously injured three pedestrians .

Denver police are currently looking for the driver of a silver Honda hatchback that hit and seriously injured three pedestrians this past Sunday. While two of the injured pedestrians remain in critical but stable condition, the third injured pedestrian was in serious but stable condition and was, consequently, able to provide details of the car accident to law enforcement officials. According to witness statements and the police report, the driver of the Honda had been fleeing the scene of a street brawl and was driving recklessly just before hitting the three pedestrians. Immediately after hitting the three pedestrians, the driver sped off.

At this time, there are no details regarding whether the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident, though driver intoxication is among the top reasons that drivers leave the scene of a serious accident before police arrive. However, regardless of whether the driver was drunk, he or she will likely be facing both a criminal case and a civil case if and when police locate him or her. Investigators in this case are quick to point out that most hit-and-run perpetrators are caught through a combination of witnesses and technology (including surveillance cameras associated with local businesses and traffic light cameras).

While the criminal case will focus on seeking a conviction for the hit-and-run charges (and possibly for other charges), a civil case will be focused on securing compensation for the medical bills, suffering and losses sustained by the car accident victims. In the tragic event that any of the injured pedestrians dies as a result of the injuries sustained from this accident, the driver can face significantly harsher criminal charges (and penalties) and will likely be ordered to pay a significantly larger settlement to the victim’s family.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident or in any type of traffic accident, contact the skilled motor vehicle accident lawyers at the Shanahan Law Firm. Our trusted attorneys are committed to fiercely defending victims’ rights, and we will work tirelessly to help our Clients secure the settlements and justice they deserve. Call us at (970) 204-9999.

When a truck driver’s negligence or a trucking company’s negligence causes a truck accident, victims will be entitled to compensation, and a skilled lawyer can help them obtain the maximum possible settlement.

Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which may be unforeseeable and unpreventable and others that may be both predictable and preventable. For example, while weather conditions, which drivers can do nothing about, can cause an unpreventable accident, the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company may cause a truck accident that could have been prevented (if not for the negligent act).  In cases when a truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence causes a traffic accident, injured victims of these accidents:

• Should seek immediate medical attention for any potentially life-threatening injuries
• Should document the details of the accident as soon as reasonably possible (and, if possible, take pictures of all of the damage to one’s car and injuries sustained; any physical evidence you can gather will be supremely helpful.)
• Will have a legitimate and strong personal injury claim against the negligent party
• Should consult with a trusted Fort Collins truck accident lawyer at the Shanahan Law Firm as soon as possible.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys can adeptly identify situations in which:

• Truck drivers have behaved negligently: Examples of truck drivers’ negligence can include drunk driving, distracting driving, driving while fatigued and/or disobeying traffic laws.
• Trucking companies are acting negligently: Examples of trucking companies’ negligence can involve failing to adequately train drivers, hiring drivers without conducting proper background checks, improperly maintaining company vehicles and/or putting unreasonable schedules and loads on drivers.

When our skilled lawyers determine that the negligence of a truck driver and/or trucking company caused a truck accident, we will provide you with professional advice regarding the best manner in which to proceed with your claim. For those who choose to follow through with a truck accident lawsuit, we will help build them the strongest possible case so they can obtain the largest possible settlement for their injuries, suffering and losses. To set up a free initial consult, contact us at (970) 204-9999.

Here are some tips on how to get a police report revised after a car accident.

After a car accident, one of the most important documents associated with the crash will be the police report, which will:

Police are still investigating what caused a fatal rollover car accident that occurred early Monday morning on the I-25.

The second fatal car accident to occur within a week on the I-25 took place in the early morning hours of Monday February 18. According to police reports a 42-year-old woman lost control of her station wagon, which spun and then rolled over into oncoming traffic. Although no other vehicles were involved in this car accident, the driver – who was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident – was partially ejected from the vehicle and later died at the hospital. The two passengers in the car, who were both children under the age of 14, were also not wearing their seat belts at the time of the accident. Although the accident fully ejected the children passengers from the car, both children survived with non-life-threatening injuries.

At this time, police have not disclosed whether the driver’s negligence – or the negligence of some other party – played a role in causing the fatal car crash. However, investigators are currently looking into whether any of the following factors contributed to the car accident:

• The driver was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol while driving.
•  Equipment in the driver’s car was defective or somehow malfunctioned, causing the driver to be unable to control the vehicle.
• Some element of the roadway where the vehicle crash took place is inherently unsafe due to, for example, lack of signage, lack of lighting, lack of guardrails or lane dividers, etc.

Should the negligence of some party other than the driver be found to have contributed to the driver’s wrongful death, the driver’s family will have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party. However, the fact that the driver and the children were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident may be problematic, as the failure to wear a seatbelt constitutes a violation of traffic laws, which could mitigate the negligence of any other party in this situation.

In car accident and similar personal injury cases that present such complications, it’s critical that victims and their families work with the skilled Fort Collins car accident lawyers at the Shanahan Law Firm. While we have extensive experience aggressively representing our Clients’ rights, we are also fierce litigators who will work relentlessly to help our Clients secure the maximum possible settlement for their injuries and losses. Learn more about your legal rights and entitlements by calling us today at (970) 207-9999.

Tips on Proving Fault after a Slip and Fall Accident

Spills on floors, objects in the middle of walkways, uneven walkways or other factors cause a person to slip and fall in a store or business, that person could sustain some serious injuries, including broken bones, sprained joints or even back injuries and/or head injuries. In such cases, the injured parties may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and mental anguish if they can prove that unsafe conditions causing the fall were the result of the property owner’s negligence. While this may seem relatively straightforward on paper, in practice, proving liability can be difficult, as the injured person will have to prove that a reasonable person should have known about and fixed the unsafe condition while also proving that the injured party was as aware of his surroundings as a reasonable person should be.

If you have been the victim of a slip and fall accident, here are some questions to ask yourself when you are deciding whether you have a case and should contact an experienced Fort Collins slip and fall lawyer:

• How long had the unsafe condition been in place without being repaired?

  In general, the longer that the unsafe condition has persisted, the easier it will be to prove that a reasonable property owner or employee should have known about the unsafe condition and fixed or somehow properly addressed it.

• How often is the property inspected for possible safety issues? What proof is there that these inspections are regularly occurring?

  If such regular inspections are not conducted, it is more likely that unsafe conditions that should have been repaired will go unfixed, which can be a strong piece of evidence for plaintiffs in slip and fall accident cases.

• If the fall was caused by you tripping over an object on the ground, is there legitimate reason or a reasonable expectation that the object should have been there?

  This goes to establishing that people have a personal responsibility to be aware of their surroundings and that, in some cases, there is a reasonable expectation that certain objects will be on the ground or in walkways. For example, in an area coned off with signs that cleaning is in progress, a reasonable person should assume that brooms, mops or buckets would be on the floor in this area.

There are a number of other factors to take into consideration when deciding whether to file a slip and fall accident lawsuit, and the experienced Fort Collins slip and fall accident lawyers at the Shanahan Law Firm can help you figure out what your best option is. For a thorough assessment of your case at no upfront charge, contact us by calling (970) 204-9999.

Proving liability in slip and fall accidents can be difficult without the help of an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer

Slip and fall accidents are very common, but proving that a property owner is at fault for causing them can be difficult. Although property owners are responsible for making sure that their facilities/grounds are safe (i.e., that the floors are not excessively slippery, cluttered or uneven), personal injury law specific to slip and fall accidents also stipulates that a person has a responsibility to be aware of his surroundings. For example, this means that a person who trips over a rake leaning against a wall in a tool shed should have been aware – as any reasonable person would have been – that that tool would have been present (and out of the way of typical foot traffic).

However, when unsafe premises do cause a slip and fall accident, victims can prove that a property owner was liable for the accident (and resulting injuries) by establishing that the property owner:

• Should have been aware of the safety issues associated with the property, as any reasonable individual operating in this position would have be aware of the dangers and would have made efforts to correct them in order to prevent injuries to others.
• Was, in fact, aware of the unsafe condition and failed to rectify it (if an employee was aware of the condition, the property owner will still be seen as legally at fault for the accident).
• Was responsible for the unsafe condition (or if an employee caused the dangerous condition).

In most cases, the proof of fault relies on the victim’s personal injury lawyer being able to prove that the owner should have known about a dangerous or unsafe condition on his property. However, the ambiguity of what should or should not have been known can in itself be difficult to prove, as judges and juries will have their own interpretation about what was reasonable for a property owner to have been aware of.

In such cases, it will be essential that victims of slip and fall accidents work with the experienced Fort Collins slip and fall lawyers for the best chances of winning their case and securing the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Contact us by calling (970) 204-9999 to set up a free consult and learn more about your legal rights and entitlements.

Reckless Driving is a Major Cause of Car Accident Injuries and Deaths

No matter how careful you are when driving, it is impossible for you to control the choices and actions of other drivers, and unfortunately their reckless behavior can cause serious car accidents that may injure you and/or your passengers. In fact, driver error and negligence is among the top causes of car accident injuries, and common examples of such reckless driving include:

• Failing to obey traffic laws, which may mean that drivers run red lights, fail to yield or abide by right-of-way laws, speed, follow cars too closely, cut off other vehicles, fail to use blinkers when changing lanes, etc.
• Driving while intoxicated by alcohol and/or drugs, which is a criminal offense that can seriously impair a driver’s ability to focus on the road and properly respond to changing driving conditions
• Talking or texting on cell phones, which many states are moving to make illegal due to the fact that it pulls drivers’ attention off of the road
• Driving vehicles that are not properly maintained, which can involve driving vehicles with poorly maintained brakes or other essential components
• Driving without proper training or licensing

When such factors play a role in a car accident that results in injuries (or even in wrongful deaths), victims will be entitled to compensation for their:

• Medical bills and future treatment costs
• Permanent disabilities
• Lost wages
• Mental anguish
• Physical pain
• Property damage.

As a result, should you or a loved one be involved in any type of motor vehicle accident, it will be essential that you consult with a trusted Fort Collins personal injury lawyer at the Shanahan Law Firm. For years, we have been aggressively defending our Clients’ rights and have successfully helped them secure the maximum possible settlements for their injuries and losses. We strongly encourage car accident victims to learn more about their legal rights and entitlements by calling us at (970) 204-9999.

Structured Annuities versus Lump Sum Payments

When trying to reach a personal injury settlement out of court (or when the court has awarded the plaintiff a personal injury settlement), the plaintiff will generally have the choice between whether to receive the awarded compensation via a structured annuity or a lump sum payment. While structured annuities are arrangements in which the plaintiff receives a set amount of money at regular intervals over the course of years (or a lifetime), lump sum payments will involve the plaintiff receiving the total amount of compensation at one time. Both structured annuities and lump sum payments have their pros and cons, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific circumstances, as well as your present and future needs.

Here is a look at the possible benefits and disadvantages of structured annuities versus lump sum payments for personal injury settlements.

• Reasons to choose a structured annuity over a lump sum payment:
  • Structured payments can come with significant tax breaks for an individual as long as the person receiving the payments is not directly in control of the money.
  • Annuities prevent people from blowing all of their settlement funds in the short term. In fact, some research has shown that those who receive lump sum payments tend to spend all of their compensation within 5 years of receiving their payment; once this money is spent, these people tend to turn to government support in order to survive and receive the medical care they need.
  • Structured payments can include a number of contingencies that allow payments to be adapted to changes in the person’s medical needs or that allow someone to seek new, revolutionary treatments that were not available at the time the annuity was drafted.
  • Most states have laws that protect annuities, which means that, should an insurance company declare bankruptcy, the company will still be legally obligated to pay the annuity.
  • Structured settlements can help bridge the gap between the plaintiff and defendant when both parties are having difficulty reaching a mutually agreed upon settlement.
• Reasons to choose a lump sum payment over a structured annuity:
  • The IRS can start collecting taxes on annuities if the agency thinks the plaintiff has too much control of the money. In such cases, having a lump sum payment would be more preferable.
  • Annuities cannot keep up with inflation rates or unpredictable, yet ever-changing, economic conditions, which means that, in the future, the structured settlement payments may not be sufficient for the plaintiff to get the medical treatment he needs.
  • Insurers who propose annuities do not always reveal how much the annuity will cost them, which makes it difficult for the plaintiff’s lawyer to assess whether the proposed structured settlement is a reasonable offer. This creates a loophole for unscrupulous insurers to try to shortchange injured plaintiffs.

Some of the ways in which an experienced Denver personal injury attorney can help establish the defendant’s negligence include by proving that the defendant:

• Owed the plaintiff the duty to be acting in a more prudent or safer manner: For example, while city employees are working in a public park that is open to children will be required to take special precautions due to the known presence of children, proving such a duty will be more difficult in children have allegedly trespassed into private, roped-off work areas.
• Failed to live up the full extent of his duty to act safely: Evidence in this negligence argument will have to prove that the defendant did not behave a safely as he should have under the known conditions and that this failure resulted in the plaintiff’s injuries.
• Committed actions that directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries: Commonly referred to as the “but-for” argument of negligence, in these cases, the plaintiffs will argue that, if it were not but for the reckless actions of the defendant, the plaintiff would not have been injured.

By effectively proving that the defendant’s negligence caused your injuries, you can secure compensation for your medical bills and ongoing treatment costs, as well as for lost wages, property damage, impaired quality of life and mental anguish. The Denver personal injury attorneys at the Shanahan Law Firm strongly encourage those who believe they have a case to contact us at (970) 204-9999.

The program was designed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and it’s a program that provides information regarding prescriptions and over-the-counter medications and their effects on users.   You can customize the info you want, generating a report based on the medication, prescriptions and other supplements that you take.  Knowledge is your best defense against a mishap.  Staying in the know helps to keep you safe.

Our Fort Collins car accident lawyers understand that elderly drivers have a lot to deal with when driving.  They have to deal with deteriorating senses, including sight, flexibility, hearing, reaction time etc.  When you add the effects of the medications or prescriptions that they take, it only gets worse.  It’s important for drivers of all ages to understand how their pills are affecting them.  Consider talking with your doctor next time to see how they might be affecting your safety out on our roads.

“It is important for each provider to know all medications being consumed,” said Beth Mosher, with AAA.

It’s not only important to know how medication can affect you, but it’s also important to know how they will affect each other when you’re taking more than one at a time.

Don’t overlook over-the-counter medications either!  Take cold medicines or allergy medicines for example.  Many of them have diphenhydramine.  That’s a drug that can affect a driver’s skills badly enough to give them same abilities as a driver who is legally drunk.

By 2020, officials estimate that one out of every six drivers will be over the age of 54-years-old.  Most of them are expected to still be licensed to drive, too!  It’s important that we need an eye on each other’s driving and make sure that we’re all safe out there!

“Our thoughts go out to Tyler’s friends and family during this tragic time,” said FCHS principal Mark Eversole in an e-mail to students and teachers.

Our Fort Collins car accident lawyers understand that there were close to 50 teen drivers who were killed in car accidents in 2010 in Colorado.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were close to 2,000 teen drivers who died nationwide during this same time.  That’s in addition to the close to 200,000 who were injured.  And these were just the drivers, not the teen passengers in the vehicle.

The truth of the matter is that motor vehicle accidents continue to be the leading cause of death for this young age group.  Teen drivers account for less than 7 percent of the licensed drivers here in the country, but they accounted for about 10 percent of all of the drivers who were involved in fatal accidents in 2010.  They were involved in close to 15 percent of all of the police-reported accidents during the year.

To help to keep these inexperienced drivers safe out there, the state of Colorado has its very own Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program.  According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), young drivers in Colorado have to hold a restricted license for a year.  During this time they have to complete 50 hours of supervised driving time.  Ten of these hours must be completed at night.  When this is done, they can drive without an adult with their intermediate license.  During this time, they cannot drive from midnight to 5:00 a.m.  They’re also not allowed to have any young passengers in the vehicle with them for the first 6 months and no more than one young passenger during the following 6 months.

This year’s numbers serve as a near 4.5 percent increase in the number of Labor Day travelers in comparison to the 2011 figures.  Officials with AAA say the anticipated increase comes even though we’re enduring a sluggish economy and some higher-than-normal gas prices.  Rhona Wilson, an AAA spokeswoman, says that consumer confidence has improved since 2011 and Texas residents have an unwavering desire to travel.

Our Fort Collins car accident attorneys understand that there are more than 400 people who are expected to die in car accidents over the Labor Day weekend.  According to the National Safety Council (NSC), an additional 41,000 people are expected to be injured on our roadways during this time, too.  Drivers are asked to be safe during their holiday travels.  As a matter of fact, Labor Day is one of the most dangerous times to be on our roadways.

Officials with the NSC say that you should be focused on your safe driving habits just as must as you are on your day off of work.  Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel and review the following safety tips to help you travel safely over the busy travel holiday.

Safe Driving Habits for Labor Day:

-Always buckle up.  Make sure than all vehicle occupants are wearing their seat belt at all times.

-Never get behind the wheel if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

-Avoid driving during the evening hours when your risks for a drowsy driving car accident spike!

-Keep distractions away from the driver.  Drivers need to devote 100 percent of their attention to the road.

-Check out weather and traffic conditions before heading out.

-Leave for your destination with plenty of time to spare so that you can avoid any rushing or road rage.

Be safe out there and enjoy your weekend responsibly.  Happy Labor Day from our Fort Collins injury attorneys.

It was all a part of the insurance mogul’s “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report.”  This report ranks the country’s 200 largest cities based on their frequency of car accidents.  The study compares these rates to the national average.  There were four cities in the state of Colorado that were listed in the safest list, including Fort Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs and Aurora.

Our Fort Collins car accident lawyers understand that the study estimated that a driver in the state will experience a car accident every 13.7 years.  That’s more than 26 percent less than the national average.  Many of us know that not everyone’s that lucky.  Every day, our city sees its fair share of car accidents, some more severe than others.  What it comes down to is the responsibility of drivers.  Although we were ranked as one of the safest, we’re still asking drivers to look deep within and to make the changes necessary to make our streets even safer!

The most unsafe city in the nation to drive in, according to the study, was Washington D.C.  It has been ranked at the bottom of the list year after year for the last four years.

“It’s important that people stop and think about their own driving habits,” said Allstate spokesperson Stephanie Howell.

Drivers in Fort Collins are urged not to let their guard down.  Just because we may have made it on some measly list doesn’t meant that you can ease up behind the wheel.  Risks are still prevalent and you could get into a car accident at virtually any moment. We’re asking you to talk with your friends and your family members about the importance of not only knowing, but following the road laws.  They’re not there to be a pain, but they’re there to help to keep you safe.  Make sure you mind your speed, keep distractions away from the driver and keep your attention on the road.  You can help to prevent risks of accidents!

There were nearly 32,900 people who were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2010.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 4,500 pedestrians killed during this time, serving as a near 15 percent increase in these fatalities.  That means that someone was killed in a pedestrian-vehicle accident once every two hours and someone was injured every eight minutes.

Our Fort Collins car accident attorneys understand that the state of Colorado didn’t make it on the list of the most dangerous states in the country for these kinds of accidents, but we also didn’t make it on the safest list.  What might be most alarming about a good majority of these accidents is that they happened in normal weather conditions as opposed to in inclement weather.  Pedestrians were most oftentimes killed at non-intersection areas.  Alcohol was a big factor in these accidents too, for both pedestrians and drivers.  It was a factor in more than 45 percent of these fatal accidents.

Most people are pedestrians at some point in their day. That’s why we’re reminding the public to take precautions and use crosswalks or intersections whenever possible and wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross the street,” said David Strickland, Administrator with the NHTSA.

About half of all of the pedestrian fatalities that were recorded in 2010 happened on either a Friday, a Saturday or a Sunday.

We’re targeting the males with this information, too.  In 2010, about 70 percent of the victims of these accidents were men.

We’re asking drivers and pedestrians to lookout for one another.  It’s takes an effort from both parties to help to turn this number around and bring down the number of overall roadway fatalities.

Our Fort Collins car accident attorneys understand how dangerous it is to drive at night.  You might not think so because you can’t actually see these dangers.  The truth of the matter is that there are just as many, if not more, dangers while driving at night as there are driving during the daytime.  This is especially dangerous when you’re sharing the road with large and dangerous tractor-trailers.

Nighttime accidents are not only more likely, but they’re more dangerous and produce more severe injuries and fatalities than daytime accidents, according to Street Directory.  At night, the human eye isn’t able to see as much.

There’s no getting around it though.  Americans actually do about a quarter of their driving at night.   About 90 percent of a driver’s reaction depends on their vision.  When a person has 20/20 vision, their eyesight can be reduced to 20/50 when driving at night.  Light helps up to see.  There’s less light at night.  There’s no getting around it.  A 50-year-old driver needs about twice as much light to see as a 30-year-old driver.  So the truth of it all is that older drivers, and inexperienced, newly-licensed drivers, are most at risk.

Your best bet is to avoid driving at night if you can.  Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.  When you’ve got to drive at night, we’re asking drivers to slow it down.  Avoid speeding when it’s dark out.  You need all of the reaction time you can get when driving at night.  Slower speeds help you to gain reaction time.  You also want to be more cautious when approaching intersections.  Most importantly, avoid driving while tired.  Your biological clock usually tells you it’s time for bed when it gets dark out.  Don’t confuse your body.  When you feel tired, stay from behind the wheel as this will only greatly increase your risks for a potentially fatal accident.

“Establishing Fort Collins’ first bike-only parking lot on our property complements that balance, since commuting by bike is a balance between what’s environmentally friendly and healthy,” said Brewery owner Colin Westcott.

Our Fort Collins bicycle accident lawyers understand that bicycling continues to grow in popularity.  More and more riders are hanging up their keys and pedaling their way to work and other places around town.  With more cyclists along our roadways, not only do we need to make the area more accessible for them but we also need to make it safer.  Drivers are urged to be safe and alert and keep an eye out for these two-wheeled travelers on streets citywide.

The Equinox Brewery got rid of 6 vehicle parking spots that used to be located on the south side of the building and decided to throw in a few bike racks.  Now, up to 100 bikes can be parked in this area, instead of only 6 cars.  To help to make it more appealing, the brewery owners also decided to spice it up with some new curbing and some landscaping.

The owners recommend that you lock your bike up if you’re going to park here, but say that they’ve installed video surveillance cameras to make it a little safer for everyone.

Molly North, the Fort Collins Bikes Coordinator, says that the new parking lot at the brewery helps to enhance the whole downtown experience.  Not only does bicycling help to alleviate some of the vehicular traffic on our roadways, but it helps to bring in business to local shops.

Let’s help to continue to efforts in making Fort Collins a safe a bicycle-friendly city by recognizing these bicyclists as the travelers that they are.  They have rights to our roadways too, and they need to be respected.

Travel experts are looking into the reasons behind this increase.  The most common answer is the increase in vehicle miles traveled because of the warm weather we’ve seen in recent months.  When the weather is warmer, residents are more likely to hop in their car and head out on that much-needed vacation.  With more drivers logging more hours, we see an increase in the number of fatalities.  It’s a trend we’ve seen over and over.

Our Fort Collins car accident lawyers understand that these numbers are only expected to get worse.  Looking at previous year’s statistics, the first quarter is usually the safest with the fewest number of roadway fatalities.   What we need to do is spread the word about the dangers we’re facing out there and urge drivers to look at their own habits and make changes for the better.

“These data show there is more work to be done to improve driver safety such as limiting distractions, reducing impaired driving,” said Automobile Association of America’s Jacob Nelson.

During this time of 2011, about 6,720 people died in car accidents.  During the first quarter of 2012, we’ve already seen nearly 7,700 fatalities.

As a matter of fact, this year held the second largest yearly increase in these fatalities.

While we can’t predict the weather nor can we predict the number of miles that motorists are going to travel throughout the rest of the year, we can all work together to make sure that our driving habits are safe!  With an effort from everyone, we can all work to turn these numbers around.  Recent trends show that the year’s only going to get worse, but that’s not set in stone.  Be safe, be alert and practice defensive driving habits to avoid a potentially fatal accident out there.

“The motorcycle skidded for several feet before falling to the ground. The motorcyclist was thrown from the motorcycle and both the motorcycle and motorcyclist slid to a stop without colliding with the Schwan’s truck,” said law enforcement officials in an accident report.

Our Fort Collins motorcycle accident lawyers understand how bad motorcyclists have it on our streets.  Oftentimes, drivers of passenger cars and other large vehicles navigate around as if these two-wheeled vehicles didn’t even exist.  Motorcycles are involved in many accidents because they’re simply overlooked by other drivers.

Continuing one through the summer season, we’re sure you’ve noticed the increase in traffic.  But have you noticed the increase in the number of motorcyclists?  Most have not.  This time of the year provides the perfect opportunity for these motorists to dust of their helmets, rev up their engine and hit the open road.  Please help these motorists and help to improve our roadway safety by paying more attention at the wheel.  Your attention could have to save lives.

Safe Driving Tips for Motorists to Help Keep Motorcyclists Safe:

-Always turn around and check your blind spots.  Do not rely on your mirrors.

-Look in all directions before making a maneuver in traffic.

-Never share a lane with a motorcycle.

-Remember that these motorists follow the same laws and have the same rights to our roads as you.

-Always assume that a motorcycle is closer than it appears.  It may look farther away because of its small size.

-Always assume that a motorcycle is traveling faster that it looks to be.

To help to bring down this number even more and to help raise awareness about these accidents, the NHTSA recently teamed up with Safe Kids Worldwide.  Through the entire month, officials will be putting on events throughout the country to raise awareness.  Our Fort Collins injury attorneys are reminding parents, guardians and child care providers to check the entire car before turning it off, getting out and locking up.  Adults are urged to check both the front and back seats for children to help to reduce these risks.

Our weather has been in the mid to upper 90s lately.  This is alarming when you figure that it only takes temps in the mid-80s to induce a heatstroke injuries to a child left in a vehicle.  It’s not even okay to leave a child in a car with the windows cracked and the windows down.  It only takes a matter of minutes for their little bodies to heat up to deadly temps.

Tips to Reduce the Risks of Heat-Related Injuries:

-Never leave your kid alone in a motor vehicle.

-Teach children that vehicles are not playgrounds.

-Keep car keys out of reach and out of sight of small children.

-Make sure that you check both the front and the back seats before getting out of the car.

-Keep something important in the back seat so that you’re forced to turn around each time you exit.

-If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call authorities immediately.

Officials with the Thorton Fire Department help to put on the show for seventh graders at Shadow Ridge Middle School.  During the presentation, three law enforcement vehicles were speeding to the scene of an accident.  To add to the lesson, officers even “arrested” a drunk driver.   Thornton Police officer Jesus Mendez says that he is a supporter of these lifelike lesson plans.

Our Fort Collins accident lawyers understand the risks that our young children are at for pedestrian accidents. As children are let out of school, more and more of them will be playing near our roadways.  Unfortunately, our young ones don’t fully understand the workings and the dangers of vehicular traffic.  For this reason, it’s important to make sure that we talk to them about these dangers. Parents can’t be there all the time and when we’re not we want to make sure that our young ones can hold their own near traffic.

Consider sharing the tips, from SafeKids, listed below with the child in your family to help to keep them out of a potentially fatal pedestrian accident.

Child Pedestrian Tips:

-Children under the age of 10 should never cross the road aloe.

-Always walk along a sidewalk.

-Be on the lookout for vehicles that are turning or backing up.

-Children should walk along roadways that are away from busy, fast-traveling traffic.

-Walk on direct routes to your destination.  Chose the route with the fewest street crossings.

-Teach your child never to run out into a street for a toy, a ball, a pet or for any other reason.

-Make sure that your child is wearing clothing and accessories that have retro reflective materials on them when walking near dawn and dusk or in other low-light situations, such as rainy or foggy weather.

To help to bring these numbers down, there were also a number of safety campaigns that were used to target drunk drivers, aggressive drivers and speeding drivers.  State Patrol officers scattered throughout our roadways during busy travel times and searched out these drivers, stopping them before they caused an accident.  Officials also believe that the increase in the number of laws, rules and regulations on the young drivers in the state also contributed to the decrease.  Lastly, records indicate that the new location of the trauma center at the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland may have played a roll, too.  It’s located just miles away from some of the most dangerous roadways in the state.

Our Fort Collins car accident lawyers understand that there may have been a decrease in the number of traffic-accident fatalities, but according to national statistics the number of these kinds of accidents is on the rise.  Until we have safe roadways and no one is killed in these accidents, we need to stay awake and alert behind the wheel.  Now is no time for us to let our guards down in the driver’s seat.  To help to freshen up your driving skills, the Colorado Department of Transportation offers you the following tips:

-Expect the unexpected.

-Never tailgate.

-Pay attention to all road signs.

-Be on the lookout for and obey road flaggers.

-Keep all distractions out of the driver’s seat.

-Obey by all posted speed limits.

-Adjust your driving to compensate for the road, traffic and weather conditions.

-Be patient in traffic and stay calm behind the wheel.  Getting agitated does nothing more than increase your risks for an accident.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), all drivers in the state of Colorado are banned from text messaging behind the wheel.  Only drivers who are under the age of 18-years-old are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving.  Even with the laws in place though, there are far too many drivers engaging in distractions on our roadways and they’re increasing everyone’s risks for an accident in Colorado because of it.

Our Colorado car accident attorneys understand that these kinds of accidents are completely preventable.  In 2010, there were more than 3,000 people who were killed in distraction-related car accidents.  That’s 3,000 people who didn’t have to die.  In addition to those fatalities, another 420,000 people were injured.

In the Massachusetts accident, the young driver’s attention was taken off of the roadway when he was text messaging behind the wheel.  The average driver takes their eyes of the road for about 4.5 seconds when tending to a text message.  When you’re traveling at 55 miles per hour that means that you can drive about the length of a football field during that time and you wouldn’t see a thing.  So, while the teen driver was text messaging, his vehicle swerved across the center lanes and head on into a vehicle that was heading in the opposite direction.  In the collision, the driver was killed and the passenger in the vehicle was seriously injured.

We’re asking parents to sit down and to have a talk with the young drivers in their family about the risks that come with distracted driving.  These kinds of accidents are completely preventable.  Unfortunately, our young drivers are most likely to be involved in a distraction-related accident.  Talk with them today to help to raise awareness and to help to reduce their risks.  Your talk may be more effective than you think.

Officials with the Department are working to help to improve the forms of communication with motorists throughout the state.  The new variable message signs, or the electronic boards that drivers see along our roadways, will soon be installed to utilize fiber optic cables that are now available for use in certain areas of Colorado.

Our Fort Collins car accident attorneys understand how important it is to be prepared for all sorts of hazards and dangers along our streets.  Drivers are asked to check out the state’s Traveler Information website, which is also a service of the CDOT, to check out up to the minute traffic, roadwork and weather conditions.  Drivers can learn about road closures as well as help them to reroute their trip before heading out.  Being informed about these kinds of details can help to make your trip run a lot smoother and it can reduce your risks for an accident.

Officials with CDOT have been working since 2006 to upgrade these signs and to get the fiber optic networks launched.  In addition, officials have been working to replace the signs that were not compatible with the fiber optic cables.

With the new signs, drivers will be informed better and faster.  The new systems cost less for officials to both install and to maintain.  They’re actually the cheapest form of this technology available, saving taxpayer dollars.

The new signs are being installed by Glaser Electric Company, LLC, and the project is running the state nearly $2.5 million, but officials say that it’s going to wind up saving a ton of money in the long run.  The project is expected to be finished by August.

During the summer travel season, we can expect more traffic, more congestion, more accidents and more delays.  Do your homework and work to avoid these areas by checking out the state’s traffic advisory website before setting out.

Our Fort Collins accident attorneys understand that many residents and visitors will be heading out to attend some Memorial Day celebrations.  With the recovering economy, more travelers feel comfortable dishing out the cash to make the holiday weekend trip.  With more travelers, we see increased risks for accidents.

To help to reduce the risks of accidents on our roadways during this busy time of travel, law enforcement officers throughout the country will be hitting the roadways in search of speedy drivers, unbuckled motorists, intoxicated drivers and distracted drivers.  You’re urged to be on your best behavior behind the wheel not only to avoid a potentially costly ticket, but to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

Safe driving tips from the NSC:

-Check out your vehicle before heading out.  You want to make sure that your fluid levels are okay and that your tires are in good condition.

-Know where you’re going and how to get there before hitting the road.  This will help you to keep your eyes and your mind on driving and off of road maps and GPS devices.

-Leave for your destination with plenty of time to spare.  You want to avoid rushing during this busy holiday weekend.

-Make sure that everyone that’s in your vehicle is buckled up.  Seat belts are your best defense against injury and death in the event of an accident.

-Avoid drinking and driving.  If you’ll be drinking, make sure you’ve got a sober ride home!

Our Fort Collins car accident lawyers understand that many residents have summer travel plans.  We’re asking drivers to be cautious during these journeys.  We typically see more traffic on our roadways during the summer season and with the number of car accidents we’ve already seen in 2012, we can only expect a dangerous time on our roadways from here on out.  That’s why we’re asking drivers to plan out their trips and to keep safe driving skills as a number one priority.

According to the NSC, the was a 12 percent increase in the number of fatal car accidents during the first three months of 2012 compared to the first three months of 2011.  During this time in 2011, there were roughly 7,270 fatal accidents reported.  During the same time in 2012, there were more than 8,150 fatal accidents reported.

Why the increase?  Transportation officials haven’t narrowed it down to one factor, but say there are a few that could have influenced the increase.

Accidents may have been caused by:

-An increase in the number of vehicle miles traveled from 2011 to 2012.

-The improving economy is allowing motorists to feel more comfortable wish dishing out the money for a vacation.

-The mild winter.  Officials believe that the mild winter weather during the first part of the year allowed motorists to feel more comfortable venturing out on our roadways.

“The Council will be keeping a close eye on our monthly traffic accident fatality estimates to discern if the increase is just a temporary blip,” said the President of the NSC Janet Froetsher.

Drivers are urged to be extremely cautious on our roadways during the summer months.  It doesn’t matter if you’re heading out of state on vacation or down the road to the store.  Safe driving practices should always be a number one priority behind the wheel.  They could save your life!

Our Fort Collins motorcycle accident lawyers understand motorcycle accidents accounted for 20 percent of roadway fatalities in the state of Colorado in 2010.  In 2009, there were more than 80 motorcycle fatalities in the state.  About 70 percent of the motorcycle fatalities were of bikers over the age of 39-years-old.

To supplement the nationwide Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Colorado Department of Transportation uses its “Live to Ride” campaign.  This campaign is used to help motorcyclists to improve their skills of riding, focus more on safe riding skills and help save lives.

The three messages of the Live to Ride campaign:

-Get Training:  Improperly-trained drivers are a factor in most Colorado motorcycle accidents.  Riders are found to be at fault in about 70 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents.

-Sober Riding:  Impaired riding is a factor in about 40 percent of motorcycle accidents.

-Wearing the Right Protective Gear:  About 70 percent of riders who were killed in motorcycle accidents in 2009 were not wearing a helmet, or were not wearing it correctly, at the time of the accident.

Motorcycle riders have to fight for themselves on our roadways.  While we’re working to raise awareness in passenger-vehicle drivers, we have to be one step ahead of them and have to work to keep ourselves safe on the roadways.  With training, smart driving habits and the proper protective gear, we can all do our part.

Help us raise awareness about the month-long campaign and work to raise awareness about motorcycles on our roadways. Motorcycle riders are about 40 times more likely to die in the event of an auto accident than passenger-vehicle occupants are.  Help to keep them safe and pay attention on our roadways.  LOOK for our two-wheeled friends.

Motorcycle accidents in Fort Collins are quite common during this time of the year.  As we head into the summer season, motorcyclists across the state will dust off their handle bars and hit the open road.  For that reason, drivers of all kinds are asked to keep an eye out for these two-wheeled drivers.  In 2010, there were more than 80 motorcyclists killed in auto accidents on our state’s roadways.  Drivers can easily tweak their driving skills to help keep everyone safe, especially motorcyclists.  Review the following safety tips and share them with friends and family members to help keep our roadways safe.

Motorist Driving Tips:

-Give them room.  Allow motorcyclists with a full lane to travel.  Just because they’re smaller vehicles doesn’t mean they need less room.  They’re entitled to a full lane of travel.  Never share a lane.

-Always use your turn signal before changing lanes or making a turn.  This helps motorcyclists, and other motorists, to anticipate your movements and get out of the way if need be.

-Remember that motorcycles can easily get lost in your vehicle’s blind spots.  Always turn, look and check these areas for other motorists before leaving a lane of traffic.

-Don’t be fooled by a motorcycle’s turn signals.  They’re not self-canceling like the ones on passenger vehicles.  Make sure a turn signal on a motorcycle is for real.

-Remember that road conditions drastically affect a motorcyclists’ driving habits.  Be cautious and allow these riders with plenty of room when traveling near slippery roads, grooved pavement, railroad crossings, speed bumps, potholes, pavement seams, etc.

-Allow more following distance when you’re behind a motorcycle.  Allow them with enough time to move or stop in an emergency.  Remember that these two-wheeled vehicles can stop more quickly than cars.

Nearly 9,000 young lives were saved between 1975 and 2008 because of properly used child restraint systems, data concludes.  This number could have been even higher if more parents and guardians understood how to properly buckle in a child during every car ride.  It just as important to make sure your kid is in the the correct car seat for their height and weight.  Unfortunately, car accidents continue to be the leading cause of death for this young age group.    Just from 2006 to 2010, there were nearly 4,050 children under the age of 13 who were killed in motor vehicle accidents.

Our Fort Collins injury attorneys understand that it can get confusing, picking out the right car seat for your child.  Parents are urged to check out the Parents Central webpage for all the information you need to keep your child safely seated in your vehicle.  The message of the new campaign is to “make sure their child is in the right car seat.”

“Together, the new public service announcement and website will help parents understand the differences in child safety seats, make sure they choose the right seat for their child, and properly secure them every time they get behind the wheel,” said USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood.

The proper use of a car seat is a lifesaving move that all parents should take.  There’s no reason to jeopardize your kid’s safety on our roadways.  Listen up, stay informed and protect your kid!  You can check out the public service announcements, “The Right Seat,” online, on the radio, on television and in outdoor advertising across the country.

A Spanish version of the public service announcements will be released later in May.

“We hope our campaign not only helps caregivers avoid accidentally harming a child but also clears up some of the misconceptions about the causes of child heatstroke in cars,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.

Our Fort Collins car accident attorneys understand that these are some of the most tragic accidents, when children are left unattended in vehicles.  Sometimes it’s happens accidentally and sometimes kids are left in the vehicle with the windows down or the air conditioner on.  Regardless, both are extremely dangerous and can result in some serious child injuries.  Some of the injuries that are associated with these accidents include loss of hearing, loss of sight, permanent brain damage and even death.

During the next few weeks, the NHTSA will be spreading the word about keeping a careful eye on children near cars through a number of tool kits and local outreach programs.

Parents, childcare providers, guardians and daycare centers are urged to always keep a close eye on children when they’re in or around vehicles.  Check the entire car before getting out and locking up.  To help remind yourself to check the entire car before you head out, consider keeping your briefcase, purse or another important item in the backseat, forcing you to turn around before getting out of the vehicle.  With parental and guardian awareness, we can help to keep our kids out of these dangerous and completely preventable accidents.

For that reason, the Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program is pulling out all the stops to spread the word about the importance of safe driving habits with teen drivers.  The program will be helping to teach teenage drivers across the country how to stay safe behind the wheel during the spring and summer driving season.  The upcoming months are when teens will be heading to proms, walking across the stage at graduation and ultimately getting out of school for summer break, leaving more time to be on our roadways.  Now is the time to refresh the importance of safe driving skills.

“Unfortunately, safety can take a back seat to the excitement associated with the many celebrations around prom and graduation,” said Jim Graham, manager, Ford Driving Skills for Life.

Our Fort Collins car accident attorneys understand that auto accidents are the leading cause of death for kids aged 15- to 20-years-old.  According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), there was a slight increase in the number of accident-related fatalities experienced by this young age group during the last six months of 2011.  This increase serves as a predictor into what we can expect throughout 2012 and safe driving advocates are worried.

What these young drivers are often caught doing behind the wheel is driving while engaging in distractions.  One of the main points of the DSFL program is how to effectively avoid and curb these distractions, increasing their safety on our roadways.  After all, these drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than any other age group.

The DSFL program will be handing out roughly $100,000 to states that execute teen driving initiatives that incorporate the award-winning Ford DSFL program.  Throughout the entire month of April, this program is expected to reach about 1,000 teens across the country and provide them with the safe driving skills they need to stay safe on our roadways when their risks for accidents are the highest.  Make sure that you talk with your teen about safe driving habits.  Your talk could help to save their life during this dangerous driving season.

In fact, AAA reports that while almost all drivers– 96 percent–say drowsy driving is unacceptable, 32 percent admit to driving even though ‘they had difficulty keeping their eyes open’ within the last month. One AAA study found that one-in-six fatal car accidents and one-in-eight serious car accidents involved a drowsy driver.

While everything from lifestyle to obesity can be linked to driver fatigue, the National Safety Council reports that alcohol, cars packed with mind-numbing creature comforts, dull landscapes, and smooth, straight highways are major contributors to awakening a drowsy driving epidemic.

Last March, ABC World News reported 50-70 million American adults suffer chronic sleep disorders, leading to a more troubling observation — those nights of unrest equal daytime nodding off. More often than not, that nodding off happens behind the wheel.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that across the state, more than 26 percent of Colorado adults said they didn’t get enough sleep for 14 of the last 30 days. Colorado women were more likely than men to report insufficient sleep, with 28 percent of females and 24 percent of males admitting to poor sleep. Other interesting sleepless-in-Colorado statistics include:
~ the most sleepless–at 32.9 percent–are Coloradoans aged 25-34,
~ more (32 percent) unmarried partners report lack of sleep than their married counterparts (24.8 percent), and
~ 26.4 percent of employed people experience insufficient sleep compared to 32.9 percent of those unemployed and 51 percent of those unable to work.

The U.S. Department of Transportation offers a driver-fatigue quiz and safety tips to help motorists avoid driving while drowsy. They include:
~ Don’t drive tired. Period.
~ Don’t skip meals.
~ Take frequent breaks. Sometimes even a 20-minute nap can help.
~ Don’t take medications that will make you drowsy before driving.
~ Know when you are getting tired. Stop.

If your loved one has died as a result of a Fort Collins traffic accident, call Fort Collins injury attorney Steve Shanahan today to schedule a free consultations at (970) 204-9999.

POINT THREE–ACCESS TO ALCOHOL: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teenage drivers and passenger are far more likely to be killed in an alcohol-related car accident than any other age group of motorists. It is estimated that alcohol was a factor in almost a third of teen driver fatalities in 2006, with 77 percent of drivers unbelted at the time of the accident.

The American Medical Association estimates that approximately 11 million Americans age 21 and younger drink alcohol. Nearly half drink to excess, consuming five or more drinks in a row, once or more over a two-week period. Data reveals boys usually have their first drink by age 11; for girls it is 13.

The NHTSA believes that restricting teenage access to alcohol requires a multi-platform approach that includes broad-brush comprehensive community-based programs and a more directed, personal, parental-responsibility message. Targeting vendors who sell alcohol to minors, enacting traffic laws and implementing licensing restrictions are additional tools that can curb youth access to alcohol.

POINT FOUR–PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY: Experts from family psychology to traffic safety agree that it is ultimately parents who hold the keys to what kind of driver their teen will be. Whether it appears to be true or not, kids care and are influenced by what caregivers say and do. In short: the best example is to be a good driver yourself.

The NHTSA suggests that parents of soon-to-be drivers:
~ Talk about traffic safety issues, rules and laws (in your home and your state). Talk some more.
~ Teach by example: Be the driver you want them to be.
~ Practice, practice, practice: Log at minimum 100+hours of supervised driving with your teen. Have them spent time behind the wheel under all driving and weather conditions.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in an in Fort Collins car accident. Call Fort Collins injury attorney Steve Shanahan today at (970) 204-999 to schedule a free consultation.

Fortunately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has developed a strategy to help prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries among teen drivers. Their platform focuses on four key points: seat belt use, graduated driver licensing, access to alcohol, and parental responsibility.

In this two-part series on teen drivers, we examine how these key points can help teen drivers reduce their chances of being involved in a serious or fatal Colorado car accident.

POINT ONE–SEAT BELTS: That seat belt use saves lives is understood. The CDC reports that among drivers and front-seat passengers, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45 percent and reduces the risk of serious injury by 50 percent. Of all age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use with 12.5 percent of male high school students and 7.8 percent of female students admitting to rarely or never wear seat belts.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, Colorado is one of 17 states to have enacted a secondary seat belt law for drivers and front-seat passengers aged 18 and older. In addition, a primary seat belt law is in place for vehicle occupants under the age of 18. (A primary law allows law enforcement to ticket a driver singularly for not wearing a seat belt while a secondary law directs that a ticket can be issued only when there is another citable traffic infraction.)

POINT TWO–GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSING: The Colorado Department of Transportation reports that since implementing their GDL program in 1999, teen deaths linked to motor vehicle accidents have dropped more than 50 percent (from 112 teen deaths in 2002 to 48 in 2008). A review of the GHSA comparison of state-by-state GDL processes reveals that Colorado has one of the more substantive novice driving programs in the country.

Coming up next: the role of alcohol and parental involvement in teen driving habits.

The Denver Post reports that legislation similar to the current effort was defeated last year and was first proposed after states began authorizing medical marijuana use and law enforcement began to grapple with determining driver impairment when a chronic marijuana user is behind the wheel. That voters in Colorado will decide this fall whether to legalize the drug for recreational use only brings a new urgency to the debate, CBS News reports.

While pro-pot advocates agree that ‘driving while high’ should never be legal, many question the accuracy of traditional measures of alcohol and other drug impairment — specifically blood or urine testing — on drivers who are also chronic marijuana users.

Unlike alcohol and many other drugs which are absorbed and flushed rapidly from blood, marijuana chemicals are stored in the body’s fat cells. Thus, a driver who consumed THC regularly will test positive for the presence of chemical regardless of whether they ingested it 30-minutes before an accident or 30-days.

With that said, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is the most prevalent illegal drug detected in impaired drivers, fatally-injured drivers, and motorists or passengers injured in a car accident. Colorado injury attorneys know that evidence from both real and simulated driving studies indicates that marijuana can affect a driver’s attentiveness, perception of time and speed, and ability to draw on information obtained from past experiences.

The Colorado Department of Transportation reports that between 2006 and 2010, more than 150 drivers involved in fatal Colorado car accidents also tested positive for cannabis. During that same time, Colorado drivers linked to fatal crashes who also tested positive for THC has jumped from 2.9 percent of all drivers involved in fatal car accidents in 2006 to 7 percent in 2010.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins DUI accident or Fort Collins drugged driving accident call Colorado injury attorney Steve Shanahan to schedule a free consultation at (970) 204-9999 today.

The 29-year-old victim was walking in the eastbound bus-lane when she was struck and killed by the RFTA bus. A county coroner’s report indicates that the victim’s blood-alcohol registered at more than three times the state limit for a DUI charge at the time of her death, although authorities say her level of intoxication did not play a role in their decision to not charge the driver.

Fort Collins pedestrian accident attorneys know that pedestrian fatalities account for roughly one-in-ten of all traffic-related death in both the United States and in Colorado. In 2009, the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that the 4,092 pedestrian fatalities across the country represented about 12 percent of all car accident deaths nationwide. Across Colorado, 47 of the 465 traffic fatalities — or, 10.1 percent — involved pedestrians.

With that in mind, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Network offer the following safety tips for pedestrians of all ages:

~ Be seen: wear bright colors, carry a light when walking in the dark, and stand clear of obstacles (like bushes or signs) to ensure drivers see you before you step into the road.
~ Be smart: always walk on the sidewalk (if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic).
~ Be alert: walk sober, walk unplugged from distracting devices, and do your best to make eye-contact with drivers before you leave the side of the road.
~ Be careful: cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections when possible, obey traffic signals, and look across all lanes of traffic before you start to cross. possible if there are no sidewalks

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins pedestrian accident, call (970) 204-9999 today to schedule a free consultation with Fort Collins injury attorney Steve Shanahan.

According to the Sky Hi Daily News, the 33-year-old victim was struck in the crosswalk at Hwy. 6 and Rasor Drive around 7 p.m. after a day spent skiing with friends from Denver.

Both papers report that the intersection has been a concern for residents who say cars rarely stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. The Colorado Department of Transportation is investigating ways to make the location safer for pedestrian traffic.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2009, drivers with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher were linked to 10,839 motor vehicle fatalities in the United States. Translation: One-in-three fatal car accidents — or, 32 percent of driving fatalities — were tied to alcohol-impaired driving. It is estimated that across the nation, one alcohol-impaired fatality occurs every 48 minutes.

Of those killed in 2009 in alcohol-impaired car accidents:
~ 7,281 (67 percent) were drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher,
~ 2,891 (27 percent) were passengers, and
~ 667 (6 percent) were pedestrians or pedicyclists.

By age group, the percentage of drivers cited for a BAC level of .08 or higher is as follows:
~ drivers aged 21 to 24 (35 percent),
~ drivers aged 25 to 34 (32 percent),and
~ drivers aged 35 to 44 (26 percent).

According to the CDOT, each year more than 26,000 people are arrested in Colorado for DUI and more than 150 people are killed in drunk driving car accidents. Mirroring the national average, Colorado DUI fatalities make up one-third of all car accident deaths across the state.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins DUI accident, contact Fort Collins injury attorney Steve Shanahan at (970) 204-9999 today to schedule a free consultation.

One Littleton father was so concerned about his future drivers and current distracted driving statistics that he developed an app that can block email, text and calls on a driver’s cell phone while he or she is behind the wheel, NBC-9NEWS reports. The “Life Before Text” app is the brainchild of Troy Orner, father to 8-year-old triplets.

As Colorado injury attorneys noted previously, in 2009, more than 5,400 people were killed in fatal car accidents linked to distracted driving. Of those, 995 involved reports of a cell phone as a factor. Another 24,000 people were injured in distracted-driving crashes tied to cell phone use. Additional research reveals that 46 percent drivers 18 and younger admit to texting while driving. Daunting numbers for a father whose triplets will be driving age in seven years.

With that in mind, the AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety offers Colorado families a checklist of rules-of-the-road responsibilities for both parents and teens. Some highlights include:

~ Evaluate your teen’s road responsibility readiness,
~ Know your state’s novice-driver laws, restrictions and licensing process,
~ Be an active participant in your child’s learning-to-drive experience. (A good family goal: to complete at least 100 hours of supervised practice driving before your child drives solo.), and
~ Set a good example with your own good driving habits. (In short: always wear your seatbelt, stay off your cell phone, avoid aggressive driving, obey traffic laws, and don’t drink and drive.)

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Fort Collins car accident, the experienced staff of Fort Collins injury attorney Steve Shanahan is here to help. Call us today at (970) 204-9999 to schedule a free consultation.

For more than two decades, Fort Collins Trial Attorney Steve Shanahan has worked tirelessly to defend the rights of those who have suffered due to the careless or negligent actions – or inaction – of others.

Located in the heart of Fort Collins, the Law Offices of Steve Shanahan represents those who have been injured in all types of accidents, including car accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, ski accidents and premise liability accidents.

As a veteran Colorado injury lawyer, Steve Shanahan understands that when someone you love has been hurt, you hurt too. In the wake of a serious injury, not only must you endure the emotional turmoil of watching your loved one in physical pain, but many families often experience overwhelming financial upheaval as well. Most households thrive on the presence of two incomes. When one spouse has suffered an injury that has left him or her temporarily or permanently unable to work, each family member absorbs part of that blow.

Medical bills can begin to snowball, and families soon find themselves buried in debt. An experienced Fort Collins injury attorney can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

While so many injuries result from what we frequently term  “accidents,” that word implies no one is at fault. However, in many instances, this is not the case at all. Liability can fall on the shoulders of other drivers (in the case of car “accidents,”) employers (in the case of “work accidents”) or business owners (in the case of slip-and-fall “accidents”).

When the irresponsible actions of one person or group of people causes great harm to another, the judicial system is often the only recourse victims have to be rightfully compensated.

With so many of these accidents preventable, it is alarming that almost all these types of injuries in Colorado continue to increase. Consider this:

• More than 28,000 crashes happen on our roadways every single year, according to the Colorado State Patrol. The majority of Fort Collins car accidents are preventable.
• The No. 1 cause of car accidents in Fort Collins and elsewhere throughout the state was drunk driving.
• A pedestrian is injured every 8 minutes in the U.S.

• Nearly 1 in 5 crashes in Colorado involves a motorcycle, according to the state’s Department of Transportation. Often, these accidents are the result of careless or inattentive drivers.
• Distracted drivers account for nearly 5,000 car accidents in Colorado each year. That number is rapidly growing as newer technologies become more ingrained in our lifestyles.
• There are more than 200 bicycle accidents in Fort Collins alone every year, according to recent research by The Coloradoan. Nationwide, bicyclist deaths account for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities.
• Of the more than 500 people killed on Colorado roadways each year, nearly 10 percent were struck by a semi or trailer truck.
• Men ages 25 to 54 accounted for 90 percent of those hurt or killed in work place accidents in Fort Collins and throughout the state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As a former U.S. Air Force Reserve Lt. Colonel, Steve Shanahan is meticulous and aggressive in the pursuit of justice for each client.  If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in Fort Collins, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan.

Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

In the first instance, an 18-year-old Utah State University student was killed after she crashed her vehicle into the back of a slow-moving, uphill-bound, truck.  The JDJournal reports that the victim was texting ‘roughly every 90 seconds’ during the four-hour drive to her parents’ home. A traffic investigation revealed there were no signs she hit the brakes before the fatal car accident.

Her last Facebook post before the crash joked about the dangers of driving while texting: “I can’t discuss this now. Driving and facebooking is not safe! Haha.”

The second case involves a 19-year-old passenger who was killed in a fatal Colorado car accident along I-70 in the early morning hours of March 18. NBC-11News reports that alcohol and speed are both believed to have played a role in the crash. The Colorado State Patrol is investigating reports that the victim had been texting friends with concerns about the driver shortly before the accident.

According to Distraction.gov, Colorado law prohibits novice drivers from using either a handheld or hands-free cell phone while driving and no drivers can text while behind the wheel. And for good reason, in the time it takes to send a text a driver travelling 55-miles-an-hour will cover 300 feet of asphalt. In 2009, it is estimated that 5,474 people were killed in distracted-driving accidents and an estimated 448,000 were injured.

Even more troubling, the Pew Research Center reports that 40 percent of all American teens say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put people in danger. 

Fort Collins car accident lawyers know that perhaps the best way to protect yourself as a passenger (and your fellow drivers) if you are confronted with distracted driving is to speak up. Other than that, don’t drive impaired or distracted and stay away from drivers who are.

Fort Collins Wrongful Death Attorney Steve Shanahan knows how incredibly unfair these situations are, and that no amount of restitution or compensation is going to bring back the person you love. Sometimes, however, litigation is a necessary step to recouping the immense cost of medical care, funeral expenses and securing a reasonable financial future for you and your children.

In some cases, a claim is not about the money at all, but rather a principal. You want the person who is responsible to be held accountable, and you want to make sure that another family won’t have to suffer the way you have.

Consider the following facts about those who have died in Motorcycle Accidents:

• Ten years ago, men over the age of 40 represented just 30 percent of motorcycle fatality victims.
• Today, about half of all victims in fatal motorcycle crashes are men over the age of 40.
• Motorcycle crashes killed nearly 5,300 people in a recent year.
• Motorcycle deaths have risen every single year since 1997.
• Collectively motorcycle deaths and injuries cost about $12 billion in the U.S. each year. That accounts not only for medical costs but loss of productivity as well.

Consider the following facts about fatal Colorado car accidents:

• More than 2,550 people were killed on Colorado roadways between 2006 and 2010.
• About 30 percent of those fatalities involved someone who was driving under the influence of alcohol.
• About 29 percent of those deaths involved someone who was traveling too fast.

The top Colorado counties for fatal car accidents in 2010 were:

• El Paso County – 41
• Weld County – 41
• Denver County – 40
• Jefferson County – 35
• Adams County – 29

Each one of these individuals was someone’s mother, father, husband, wife, daughter or son. An experienced wrongful death lawyer in Fort Collins can help you determine what your next step should be.

A judge or jury is going to consider a number of things when deciding what kind of damages to award in a Fort Collins wrongful death case. Some damages you may be entitled to can include:

• Funeral and medical expenses;
• The loss of your loved ones’ anticipated earnings between the time he or she died and their estimated death or retirement;
• The loss of your loved ones’ pension, retirement or medical coverage;
• Loss of protection, care, companionship and nurturing;
• Loss of inheritance;
• Punitive damages;
• Compensation for pain and suffering.

If your loved one has died as a result of a Fort Collins accident you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Wrongful Death Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

In the immediate aftermath of a crash, a broken bone is going to cause excruciating pain. Soon after, medical bills will begin to pile up, even if you have insurance. Long term, the pain could continue and certain broken bones can result in medical complications that could last a lifetime. In the end, it could affect your ability to work and have a far-reaching, negative impact on your overall quality of life.

Any kind of a serious accident could result in a broken bone. Young children and older adults are generally more susceptible to these kinds of injuries. Some breaks are also more common than others, namely calf, shin and facial fractures.

Still, almost any bone in your body is vulnerable to a break in a motor vehicle collision. Because no claim is exactly like another, it’s difficult to say how much compensation a motorcycle accident victim could be awarded due to a broken bone. There have been cases in which serious fractures resulted in settlements or awards that exceeded $100,000. The amount of the award is going to depend on the specific facts of your case.

Bones may fracture in different ways depending on the type of impact. Some different types of fractures include:

• Transverse fracture. This is a break that is at a right angle.
• Oblique fracture. This is a break that appears sloped or curved.
• Simple fracture. This is a break that appears as if the bone has broken into two separate pieces.
• Greenstick fracture. This is a break that looks as if the bone is bent. It’s considered incomplete, and it most often occurs in children.
• Open fracture. This is a bone that has broken and has become exposed through the skin. In this case, not only is the break a serious concern, but infection becomes an immediate risk as well.
• Hairline fracture. This is when the bones stay in alignment, but the break shows up on an x-ray as a fine line.
• Impacted fracture. This kind of break is also known as a buckle fracture. This is when the ends are driven into one another.
• Compression fracture. This is a break that happens when the normal spacing between vertebrae is compacted or squished. This type of injury is especially common in a violent accident.

Medical professionals may recommend differing treatments for any of these breaks, depending not only on the type but also the age of the person and other factors. Any one of these breaks following a Fort Collins car accident can result in potentially life-threatening complications if not treated immediately. Those complications include:

• Damage to nerve or blood vessels;
• Infection to the bone;
• Infection to surrounding tissue;

Depending on the kind of break, this kind of injury could result in a recovery time that spans weeks or even months – and sometimes longer.

If you or a loved one has suffered a broken bone in a Fort Collins accident, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Fort Collins Accident Attorney Steve Shanahan is dedicated to battling for the rights of those who have suffered such debilitating injuries, each with its own unique challenges. Shanahan understands that just as no two accidents are the same, each accident claim is going to be different than the one before, requiring an attorney who is skilled and knowledgeable in both researching the facts, as well as presenting them before a judge and jury.

Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome/ Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

This is a chronic pain disorder that is often revealed in symptoms like:

• Serious burning pain;
• Excessive sweating;
• Severe sensitivity to touch;
• Tissue swelling;

This is essentially a malfunctioning of the nervous system, and it can sometimes be caused by a traumatic incident, such as a Car Accident. Even minor crashes that result in injuries like sprains can trigger this condition.

Fibromyalgia

Fybromyalgia, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association, is a chronic pain disorder that is identified as causing ongoing and widespread pain, tenderness, sleep problems, fatigue and other psychological distresses. About a quarter of all Fybromyalgia cases are triggered by a car or motorcycle accident.

People who suffer from Fybromyalgia may appear to look normal, and certain medical test results may not indicate any physical problems. A battery of tests may be required to rule out other problems before Fybromyalgia can be diagnosed.

The cost of Fibromyalgia is steep, with one study estimating that nearly 35 percent of sufferers shell out anywhere from $100 to $1,000 monthly – on top of their insurance – to cover the costs of treating this condition. Across the U.S., it accounts for a productivity loss of about 2 percent. About 25 percent of patients must seek permanent disability benefits.

Back and Neck Injuries

Injuries to your back and neck in a motorcycle accident will often severely limit your ability to move and perform everyday functions with ease.

Back Pain:

• About 40 percent of people who suffer neck pain in a wreck will additionally suffer back pain;
• In a broadside accident, low back pain is common;
• Back injuries can include herniated or bulging discs, which can in turn lead to spinal cord damage and even paralysis;

Neck Pain:

• Neck strains and sprains are some of the most commonly reported injuries in the event of a car or motorcycle accident;
• Whiplash refers to a number of neck-related injuries that can result from a car or motorcycle accident when there is a sudden jerking motion of the head and neck;
• The size of the vehicles involved as well as the speed will determine the severity of the crash;

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

This is another chronic pain disorder in which pressure on certain muscles causes a chain reaction of pain in seemingly unrelated parts of the body.

This could be caused by an acute injury to the muscle – such as a motorcycle or car accident.

No one cure-all exists for Myofascial Pain Syndrome, but those who suffer from it are often treated with pain relievers, antidepressants and sedatives. Physical therapy, which can quickly get expensive, has also been known to help.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins traffic accident, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Helmet laws vary from state to state. As of this writing, Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan understands that 20 states and Washington D.C. have helmet laws that extend to everyone. Three states had no helmet law and 27 states – Colorado included – have partial helmet laws. It’s important if you plan to ride in a surrounding state to know what the local rules are.

In Colorado, motorcycle riders who are over the age of 18 are NOT required to wear a helmet. Those under the age of 18 MUST wear a helmet that has been approved by the Department of Transportation.

Some facts for motorcyclists to consider when deciding whether to wear a helmet:

• Helmets have been known to reduce the risk of head injury by nearly 70 percent.
• An un-helmeted rider is about 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury than someone who is wearing a helmet.
• In Colorado, nearly 70 percent of motorcycle riders who were killed in 2010 weren’t wearing a helmet.
• Head injury is the top cause of death in a motorcycle accident.
• It’s estimated that nearly 2,000 lives are saved annually by motorcycle helmets.
• Helmets are believed to prevent nearly 40 percent of fatal injuries for both motorcycle operators and passengers.

Remember though: The fact that a motorcycle rider wasn’t wearing a helmet does not relieve the at-fault driver of liability.

If you are an adult, it is your choice whether you wear a helmet or not, and it’s perfectly legal in Colorado if you decide not to. Don’t think you can’t seek compensation just because you weren’t wearing one.

Still, motorcyclists may want to consider wearing additional safety gear, to decrease their chances of serious injury in a crash.

• Eye protection. This is going to not only keep the wind from causing your face to become tear-streaked, it’s also going to keep bugs and debris from flying into your eyes. Some helmets have visors that are built-in. Additionally, Colorado state law requires all riders – including passengers – to wear some form of eye protection.
• Gloves. These should be full-fingered, sturdy and well-padded. These will help to protect your hands, including palms, knuckles and fingers in the event of a crash, particularly if you are tossed from your bike.
• Jacket. Having a good riding jacket will help to protect your upper body from abrasion injuries.
• Pants. Motorcycle pants can help to protect your lower body from scrapes and burns in the event of a crash. You should never wear shorts on a motorcycle.
• Boots. Proper footwear can help protect your feet from flying debris, as well as help keep your feet planted firmly on the pegs. You should never wear sandals or flip-flops while riding a motorcycle.
• Bright colors. This will help other drivers see you more easily, and lessen your chances of a Fort Collins motorcycle accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins motorcycle accident, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Riding has gone mainstream.

Fort Collins Personal Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan understands that in Colorado, motorcycle registrations are steadily climbing. In fact, nearly 180,000 motorcycles were registered in 2010 – an increase of about 2.5 percent over the previous year.

This is great news for our pocketbooks (in terms of fuel efficiency) and our conscious (it’s better for the environment). Unfortunately, it does increase the chances for motorcycle accidents in Fort Collins and across the country. In fact, the number of motorcycle riders killed in crashes is higher than ever – it’s now at a rate of 35 for every 100 million miles traveled, as compared with about 2 for every 100 million miles for passenger cars and trucks.

In the 11 years between 1997 and 2006, the Motorcycle Industry Council reported that the number of motorcycle fatalities spiked by 127 percent. Even just from 2005 to 2006, the number of riders killed was up about 5 percent, from about 4,500 to about 4,800.

This also doesn’t include the approximately 88,000 riders who are injured in motor vehicle accidents each year.

Fort Collins motorcycle injuries can be life-altering. Many riders may suffer from temporary ailments such as scrapes, bruises, burns and broken bones. Other times, the injuries are far more serious. These include paralysis and traumatic brain injuries. Fatalities are also a real possibility.

Facts to consider regarding motorcycle injuries:

• About a third of motorcycle accidents that aren’t fatal do involve the rider having some incapacitating injuries. Motorcyclists were three times more likely than other motorists to be injured in a crash.
• It is very likely that if you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Fort Collins, you will be injured. According to the University of Southern California, the rate of motorcycle injuries is 98 percent when there are multiple vehicles involved and 96 percent when it’s a single vehicle crash.
• More than 45 percent of motorcycle injuries are serious and require hospitalization.
• About 50 percent of all motorcycle injuries impact your lower region, namely your thigh, knee, leg, ankle or foot.
• Groin injuries were reported in about 13 percent of crashes, usually in frontal wrecks with another vehicle.
• Crash bars don’t prevent injury.
• A motorcycle’s size, as well as high speed and alcohol all played high as factors in crashes resulting in injury.
• The deadliest motorcycle injuries were to the head and chest.

Some common types of motorcycle injuries include:

• Traumatic brain or head injury;
• Road Rash
• Scarring or burns;
• Knee damage;
• Shoulder injury;
• Whiplash
• Muscle, back, joint, neck or bone injuries;
• Damage to spinal cord;
• Paralysis – this can also include quadriplegia, which is loss of full use of both your arms and legs;

Sometimes, the injury sustained in a motorcycle accident is immediately apparent. There might be a lot of blood, physical pain or obvious wounds. However, certain injuries may not be noticeable until days later. These can include whiplash, sprains and sometimes even broken bones or head injuries. This is why it is so important if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident to contact an attorney who is experienced in these types of cases.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins motorcycle accident, you need the experience and dedication of Colorado Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

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Motorcycle riders must be especially alert and aware of potential hazards because as Fort Collins Motorcycle Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan has seen too often, other motorists aren’t looking out for them. Additionally, certain types of road hazards present danger to motorcyclists that wouldn’t necessarily be a problem for four-wheeled vehicles. One example is leaves. Others to be aware of include:

• Open bridge joints. On most bridges, there are joints that secure portions of the bridge to one another. Sometimes, these joints are very large, which can make it tough for riders.
• Gravel. This can pose one of the most precarious risks for motorcyclists, especially if you come across it while rounding a bend or making a turn.
• Bumpy roads. These can be rough either because of construction or because the road has simply been neglected. Either way, rough roads are accident-prone roads.
• Slippery surfaces. This is one of those aspects that tend to be more dangerous for motorcycle riders than for those in a car or truck, especially when the rider is mid-turn. Debris that can make road surfaces quite slick includes: oil, crosswalk lines, rain, mud and leaves.
• Puddles. These can cause your tires to hydroplane.
• Ice and snow. Again, these elements are more dangerous for motorcycle riders than for passenger vehicle operators.
• Objects in the road. These can include any number of things from rock or tree branches to items that have fallen off trucks to tire tread. Riders are at even greater risk because while these items can be the catalyst for a crash, riders could also be struck by the object itself.

In addition to actual objects or road elements that can create Fort Collins motorcycle hazards, other drivers pose some of the greatest risks. In fact, as Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan knows all too well, most motorcycle accidents result from other drivers who aren’t paying close enough attention. Here are some other people and drivers who may pose a risk to motorcyclists:

• Children. Kids often don’t think through each action before taking it. They are less likely than adults to watch for oncoming traffic before stepping out into it. Motorcyclists who suddenly swerve to avoid hitting a child – a natural reaction – are going to find themselves at greater risk of serious injury than someone in a passenger vehicle or truck.
• Slow drivers. While much is made about drivers who speed –and certainly, they are a serious concern – drivers who travel too slowly are also a danger. If you can spot them early enough, you can possibly prevent a crash. Specifically, look for construction vehicles, mopeds, farming vehicles or tractors.
• Drivers of rental trucks, such as U-Haul moving vehicles. Often, these individuals are not experienced in driving these larger vehicles and may not be fully adjusted to the way it limits their vision, particularly to the rear and sides.
• Parked vehicles. Bicyclists have long warned of the dangers of “dooring,” which is when someone inside a parked vehicle suddenly opens the door in the path of the bicyclist. Imagine the same thing happening to you while you’re traveling 25 miles an hour. Legally, it is the person inside the vehicle who is held liable for this action, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch out for activity inside parked cars as you pass.
• Work crews. They may sometimes be focused on the task before them rather than the motor vehicles zooming by them. Particularly if you are in a motorcycle, they may not see you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins Motorcycle Accident due to a road hazard, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Fort Collins Truck Accident Attorney Steve Shanahan and the staff at our law offices are dedicated to fighting for the victims of Colorado trucking accidents. This means taking on the large trucking companies and their insurers to protect the rights of Coloradoans. It’s a responsibility we do not take lightly, given the devastating injuries that too often occur when one of these 80,000-pound tractor-trailers is involved in a serious or fatal accident.

Colorado Truck Accidents: When, Where & Why

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports more than 74,000 people are injured in large truck crashes each year.

• Two-thirds of fatal trucking accidents occur in rural areas – only one-third in urban areas.
• About two-thirds of fatal trucking accidents occur during the day.
• 1 in 9 fatal accidents involve a large commercial truck.
• 75 percent of those injured in trucking accidents are occupants of other vehicles on the road.
• More than 11 million trucks operate on the nation’s roads.
• More than 80 percent of all fatal trucking accidents involve multiple vehicles.
• In half of all two-vehicle crashes both vehicles were driving straight at the time of the crash.
• Head-on collisions account for about 30 percent of all fatal trucking accidents.
• Trucks are four times more likely to be involved in rear-end collisions and faulty underride guards are responsible for most rear-end fatalities.
• Truck drivers were far less likely to have had a previous license suspension than the operator of a passenger car.
• Just two percent of truckers involved in fatal accidents test positive for alcohol.
• Truck drivers involved in fatal accidents were more likely to have had previous traffic citations, including speeding, than the driver’s of passenger cars.

Common Causes of Colorado Trucking Accidents

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the most common causes of trucking accidents include:

• Brake problems
• Traffic issues (often from congestion or previous accident)
• Prescription drug use
• Speeding
• Driver unfamiliar with road
• Roadway issues
• Failure to stop for traffic device, crosswalk, etc.
• Over-the-counter drug use
• Inadequate surveillance
• Fatigue

Many of these accidents are preventable. But proving the cause of an accident can be difficult. State and federal regulations, out-of-state drivers and trucking companies and vehicle maintenance records all play a role. Understanding the common causes involved in trucking accidents can permit an experienced law firm to more readily determine those at-fault. Still, pursuing a claim against large trucking companies and their insurers requires the resources necessary to stand up to some of the nation’s largest corporations.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a traffic accident in Fort Collins or the surrounding area, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

But whether you are navigating the roads of downtown Denver or traveling Independence Pass, Fort Collins Personal Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan and the staff at our law offices know other drivers may not be your only concern.

Defective and dangerous roads often share the blame when a serious or fatal accident occurs. How often do we hear on the news that another accident at a dangerous intersection has claimed a life? Or that a pedestrian was injured or killed in a community where the lack of sidewalks is an ongoing issue?

Fort Collins Traffic Accidents: Dangerous Roads

Common causes of Defective Road Claims include:

• Missing or inoperable street signs or signals
• Overgrown vegetation
• Lack of guardrails
• Crumbling roads/edges
• Missing sidewalks
• Damages streets or sidewalks
• Overwhelmed roads/arteries
• Poorly designed roads/intersections

Determining whether a dangerous or defective road shares blame for your accident can have a dramatic impact on your case. In some cases, particularly those in which an at-fault driver lacks insurance or does not have adequate insurance, making a claim against a municipality, homeowners’ association or other third-party can permit you to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.

An experienced Fort Collins accident attorney must carefully review the facts and circumstances of your case. Local accident statistics or those available through the Colorado Department of Transportation or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may also be helpful.  In most cases, a plaintiff’s attorney must prove that a government entity knew a location was dangerous and failed to take action to increase safety.

Such cases put the public at needless risk – typically because a municipality does not want to spend the money to make repairs, additions or modifications. In many cases, a transportation plan has already been done, identifying the need for such changes. However, government agencies frequently delay making such improvements and instead spend available dollars on other projects.

It’s important to contact an experienced law firm as soon as possible in such cases. Taking pictures of the scene can also be critical. In some cases, a dangerous condition may be repaired soon after a serious or fatal accident. In other cases, the changing seasons or landscape work may alter the view caused by obstructive vegetation, sun glare or other environmental factors. Your attorney can advise you on how best to preserve evidence and what other actions may be taken to document the scene and preserve evidence for an injury case that could take years to resolve.

Pursuing an injury case against a municipality is a complex process. But in certain cases it may be necessary to protect the financial well-being of an accident victim harmed by a government agency’s negligence or inaction.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a traffic accident in Fort Collins or the surrounding area, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Colorado Trucking Accident Attorney Steve Shanahan understands those at fault in the wake of a serious or fatal trucking accidents may be thousands of miles away from the scene of the accident. In a different state. Or working for a different company. Insured by a different conglomerate.

Filing a claim in the wake of a serious or fatal trucking accident in Fort Collins or elsewhere in Colorado will require a thorough investigation of the maintenance records and physical condition of the truck involved. This may include a truck’s owner or leasing company, as well as those responsible for performing routine and preventive maintenance. In some cases, even a truck’s manufacturer is involved.

Causes of Defective Truck Accidents in Colorado

Common mechanical defects involved in trucking accidents include:

• Faulty brakes
• Bad tires
• Steering problems
• Inadequate maintenance
• Cracked frames
• Fatigue
• Overweight
• Inoperative turn signals/lights
• Windshield/defroster/Wiper issues

In reality, the role faulty equipment plays in trucking accidents often goes unidentified.  And when that happens, victims lose the opportunity to collect damages from additional at-fault parties and their insurance companies.

Trucking accidents often lead to very serious or fatal injuries. Properly identifying all of those responsible is critical when it comes to preparing a case for trial or forcing a settlement favorable to those who have been injured.

Colorado Trucking Accidents: Making a Claim

Never is it more important to identify all of those responsible for a serious or fatal trucking accident than when a case involves catastrophic injury or multiple victims. Colorado trucking accident attorneys know 4 out of 5 fatal trucking accidents involve multiple vehicles. Properly staking a claim against all of those responsible – whether driver, trucking company, maintenance company, insurance company or manufacturer – will best position clients to recover deserved damages for pain and suffering, medical bills and lost wages.

Common questions to ask following a trucking accident

• What do the driver’s logs reveal?
• Was the driver talking or texting?
• What do the truck’s maintenance records show?
• When was the truck last serviced?
• How old is the truck?
• Who owns the truck and who performs maintenance?
• What was the truck hauling and who owned the load?
• What does the trucker’s driving record reveal?
• Has the trucking company been previously cited for maintenance or safety violations?
• Are there any manufacturer recalls involving the truck?
• What insurance companies share liability for some part of the accident?
• Was the trucker cited for a moving violation?
• Do drivers of other vehicles involved in the accident share blame?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Fort Collins or the surrounding area, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Fort Collins Trucking Accident Attorney Steve Shanahan knows the many challenges that go in to proving fault in a trucking accident. A truck driver may have violated state or federal rules. Company policies, demands or other negligence may have played a role. Or a truck maintenance company may share blame.

Each case is unique. But determining all of the potential causes of a trucking accident and identifying each of the at-fault parties is critical when it comes to assisting a client in fighting for the maximum compensation available in the wake of a serious or fatal trucking accident.

Fort Collins Trucking Accident: Drivers Often at Fault

We know most trucking accidents involve other vehicles and those injured or killed are typically occupants of other vehicles on the road. Drivers entrusted with piloting an 80,000-pound vehicle must be held to a higher standard. Unfortunately, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports the most common causes of trucking accident are often preventable.

The Top 10 associated factors for large truck crashes and their drivers:

• Brake problems
• Traffic issues (often from congestion or previous accident)
• Prescription drug use
• Speeding
• Driver unfamiliar with road
• Roadway issues
• Failure to stop for traffic device, crosswalk, etc.
• Over-the-counter drug use
• Inadequate surveillance
• Fatigue

Other common factors for trucking accidents include:

• Pressure from carrier
• Illegal maneuvers
• Inattention
• Distracted driving
• Tire problems
• Tailgating
• Jackknife
• Shifting cargo
• Illness
• Illegal drugs
• Alcohol

The government reports these 10 factors are most often associated with accidents with passenger vehicles – and may be the fault of the vehicle’s driver:

• Interruption in traffic flow
• Driver unfamiliar with roads
• Inadequate surveillance
• Too fast for conditions
• Illegal maneuver
• Inattention
• Fatigue
• Illness
• False assumption of other’s actions
• Distraction

The truth of the matter is that there are many, many factors that go into determining the cause of a trucking accident. And these cases often involve multiple at-fault parties and multiple claims made on behalf of victims. Seeking the advice and counsel of an experienced law firm with the resources necessary to stand up to large trucking companies and their insurers and attorneys is vital when it comes to protecting your rights. If you are involved in accident, we encourage you not to make any statements to insurance companies or their representatives before you’ve had a chance to speak to a law firm. Doing so may limit your ability to collect damages for property loss, pain and suffering, lost wages and other compensation you may deserve under the law.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Fort Collins or the surrounding area, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Fort Collins Truck Accident Attorney Steve Shanahan understands there are many factors that go into the representation of a family impacted by a serious or fatal trucking accident. Elsewhere on this site, we talk about driver negligence and the state and federal rules that govern the operation of large trucks on the road.

Here we will look at the common types of accidents and the dangers involved when tanker trucks or trucks carrying other unsafe loads are responsible for causing serious or fatal accidents on Colorado roads.

Underride Guards and Truck Accidents in Colorado

In 2011, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that underride guards often fail on tractor trailers – even in low-speed crashes. When a vehicle travels beneath a trailer, what should have been a minor crash suddenly becomes life-threatening. As the agency noted, when an underride guard fails, even in a low-speed crash, your chances of walking away from an accident aren’t good.

The agency found only 22 percent of crashes in which a vehicle struck the rear of a tractor-trailer did not result in underride. In 75 percent of the crashes in which someone died, there was severe or catastrophic underride damage. The IIHS found many trucks have underride guards that fail to meet safety standards and that the standards in the United States were inadequate to prevent serious and fatal injuries.

Other common types of Colorado trucking accidents include:

• 80 percent of fatal trucking accidents involve multiple vehicles.
• 30 percent of fatal accidents involve frontal impact.
• Trucks are four times more likely to be struck in the rear when compared to other vehicles.
• Only 2 percent of truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had a positive BAC.

Colorado Trucking: Tankers and Hazardous Cargo

In other cases, a truck’s load can create a hazard. This is particularly true when dealing with tankers hauling hazardous cargo or trucks carrying unstable loads, such as logs, rolled steel, or motor vehicles.

Trucks and trucking companies have an obligation to protect the public when transporting dangerous loads. Specific laws and routes exist, which govern the transportation of liquids or gases. Other laws are designed to ensure shifting loads are stable in transport. When these rules and regulations are ignored, or when a truck’s load otherwise breaks free and spills onto the roadway, motorists and those living in surrounding neighborhoods may be put at undue risk.

These are complex cases that must be carefully reviewed by a law firm with the experience and resources to thoroughly review the facts and circumstances of an accident, identify at-fault parties, and pursue a claim for compensation on behalf of those who have been victimized.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Fort Collins or the surrounding area, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Fort Collins Trucking Accident Attorney Steve Shanahan and the staff at our law offices understand these are complex cases, often involving very serious or fatal injuries and out-of-state trucking companies.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 3,000 motorists are killed each year in accidents involving commercial trucks – accounting for about 1 in every 9 traffic fatalities. Another 75,000 are injured in accidents with large trucks.

Colorado Trucking Accident Facts

• 75 percent of accident victims are occupants of another vehicle.
• 10 percent are non-occupants, including bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Only about 1 in 7 fatality victims are occupants of large trucks.
• Large trucks are more likely to be involved in deadly multiple-vehicle crashes. In fact, 81 percent of fatal trucking accidents involve multiple vehicles.
• In more than half of all fatal crashes involving large trucks, both vehicles were traveling straight at the time.
• Trucks are struck in the rear end four times more often than other vehicles.
• Two-thirds of trucking accidents occur in rural areas.
• 80 percent of trucking accidents occur on weekdays.
• Two-thirds of trucking accidents occur during the day.

Despite accounting for just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, commercial trucks account for 10 percent of the nation’s miles-driven each year. And the number of large trucks on the road continues to grow: from 8.9 million in 2000 to 11 million in 2009. These trucks traveled 205 million miles in 2000 compared to 288 million miles in 2009.

Fort Collins Trucking Accidents: Determining Cause

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports it’s not unusual for truckers involved in fatal crashes to have recorded a previous accident (14 percent), have been cited for speeding (21 percent) or have previously had a revoked or suspended license (7 percent).

Causes of Fort Collins Trucking Accidents

Determining the cause of a trucking accident is a complex process involving both state and federal regulations. These professional drivers are entrusted to pilot 80,000 pound rigs up and down the nation’s roads, and yet a causation study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found accident causes are often preventable.

And, while the U.S. Department of Transportation talks a good game, it has failed or resisted enacting a number of technological advancements and rules that would help prevent serious and fatal accidents, including:

• Data recorders: Could replace paper logs and keep drivers honest.
• Hours-of-Service rules: Have expanded and contracted over the years and lack the threat of serious enforcement because of the honor system that relies upon trucker’s log books.
• Drug use: Prescription drugs are too often permitted, even when the same drugs would be forbidden an airline pilot. And the lack of a national database for offenders makes it too easy for truckers who are busted to simply cross state lines and go to work for a different trucking company.
• Speed governors: Are available but too often not used. This technology would prevent trucks from speeding.
• Pay Structure: Truckers continue to be paid by the mile traveled, rather than by the hour, providing an incentive to cover the maximum possible distance, regardless of the rules.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Fort Collins or the surrounding area, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan knows that fatalities that result from crashes in which driver fatigue is a cited cause are absolutely preventable. There are a number of reasons why it happens, and it typically refers back to people who are trying to get too much done in a day and simply don’t get enough sleep. These may not be bad people, but their actions are irresponsible and put us all at risk.

Consider the following facts, as outlined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• It is estimated there are about 56,000 crashes that result from sleep-deprivation each year.
• These crashes result in some 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths.
• A recent survey discovered that more than 30 percent of drivers admit to having fallen asleep at least once behind the wheel within the last year.
• About 18 percent of all accidents are caused by sleep deprivation, although it’s not always identified as such in official crash reports. Some studies suggest that a portion of crashes attributed to driver distraction were actually a result of the driver not getting enough sleep.
• Somewhere between 30 and 40 percent of all large truck crashes involve drivers who were sleepy.
• Sleep-related crashes collectively cost the country more than $2 billion each year – and that doesn’t account for the priceless lives that have been lost.

Fatigue can be both physical and psychological. Most people would characterize it as feeling “tired” or “exhausted.” But fatigue can prove perilous on our roadways because it will inevitably impact a person’s judgment. Much like someone who is drunk, a person who is extremely fatigued may not even be able to gauge their own impairment.

Someone who is overtired behind the wheel might display the following symptoms:

• Yawning or drowsiness;
• Inability to concentrate;
• Eyes that are tired or sore;
• Delayed reaction time;
• Missing road signs;
• Making steering corrections that are fewer and larger;
• Finding it difficult to stay in one lane;
• Restlessness or Irritability;
• Nodding head.

The problem in cases where sleep deprivation is believed to be a cause or at least a contributing factor in a serious or fatal crash is that, unlike drunk drivers, sleepy drivers can’t be tested. You can’t check someone’s blood or breath to determine how drowsy someone is. An experienced Fort Collins injury attorney can help you determine what to do if you believe you have been struck by a fatigued driver. The National Highway Safety Administration has identified some characteristics that could indicate sleep was a factor in the crash:

• The accident happens either late at night or early in the morning;
• The accident happens on a high-speed roadway.
• The accident was serious.
• The driver did not appear to even attempt to avoid the wreck.
• The driver was alone in the car or truck.
• The driver was a young male between the ages of 16 and 29.
• The driver was a shift worker who was working long, irregular or night hours.
• The driver has a sleep disorder, such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea, that may or may not be treated.

None of these proves the driver was drowsy, but they could be indicators. It’s important if you’ve been in an accident to immediately contact a Fort Collins attorney who is experienced in handling cases of accidents caused by driver fatigue.

If your loved one has died as a result of a Fort Collins traffic accident, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

That poses problems not only for the uninsured driver, but also for everyone who shares the roadway with them. That’s because if you are involved in a crash with an uninsured driver, it’s YOUR insurance that will pick up the tab. Doesn’t seem fair, right?

This is why if you are involved in a Fort Collins car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you need to immediately contact an attorney with experience in dealing with these types of cases.

Some alarming facts about uninsured motorists nationwide:
About one in seven drivers on the road is uninsured.
The number of uninsured motorists is actually rising, spiking by 14.3 percent in a recent single year.
Colorado ranked 15th in the country for uninsured drivers.

Driving Without Insurance in Fort Collins

Driving without auto insurance in Colorado is illegal, and the state has ways of tracking these drivers. When you register your vehicle, you need to show your proof of insurance. State officials will regularly compare the registered vehicles in its database with the database of insured vehicles provided by insurance companies. If state officials discover a car that is registered, but not insured, you will receive notice. If you are nabbed by law enforcement for driving without insurance, under state statute 42-4-1409, the punishment is likely going to be severe:

• You could receive up to 4 points on your license.
• You will have to pay a minimum fine of $500 the first time you are caught, and your license will be suspended until you provide proof of insurance.
• If you are caught a second time, you will pay a minimum fine of $1,000 and your license will be suspended for four months.
• On your third and any subsequent offenses, you are looking at a minimum fine of another $1,000, plus an eight month suspension of your license.
• A judge could additionally order you to serve as many as 40 hours of community service, no matter how many infractions you have.

In order to be in compliance with state law, Colorado motorists must carry the following types of insurance:

• $15,000 for coverage of property damage;
• $25,000 for injury or death for any one person involved in a single accident;
• $50,000 for injury or death for any two or more people involved in a single accident;

This is just the minimum amount you are required to hold according to the law.

The state no longer requires personal injury protection (also known as PIP). Sometimes this is also referred to as no-fault insurance. It used to be a requirement in the state, but the legislature repealed it in 2003.

Drivers should always carry with them their proof of automobile insurance.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins car accident with uninsured or underinsured driver, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins injury attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Rear-end collisions happen when you are struck from behind by a vehicle likely following you too closely. The National Safety Council reports that more than 2.5 million rear-end car accidents are reported annually. Of those, about 20 percent display symptoms of whiplash.

Injuries from Fort Collins Rear-End Collisions

Researchers in Sweden found that a vehicle traveling just 6 miles per hour can cause a rear-end collision injury.

Steve Shanahan, an experienced Fort Collins rear-end collision attorney, understands that there are a host of injuries that can be sustained as a result of rear-end crashes. These include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Jaw Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries, including compression fractures and herniated discs
• Hip Fractures
• Lower Back Sprains
• Whiplash

The Spinal Research Institute of San Diego reports that whiplash, which is the main cause of cervical spine and neck injuries, is mostly caused by rear-end car accidents.

Whiplash, caused by a sudden jerking of the head, can have symptoms that are delayed more than 24 hours after a crash. Someone who has suffered from whiplash will generally begin to feel one of the following symptoms within a day or so:

• Dizziness
• Neck pain
• Headache
• Pain in shoulder or between blades
• Pain in lower back
• Blurred vision or ears ringing
• Numbness or pain in the hand or arm
• Difficulty remembering or concentrating
• Sleep disturbances, irritability, fatigue

Injuries sustained from a rear-end collision can require months of recovery time, and sometimes longer. Swedish researchers analyzing more than 200 rear-end crashes discovered that out of 75 who reported injuries, more than 50 required a month to recover. In 7 cases, whiplash and other back and neck problems lasted up to 6 months. And another 17 said they suffered from whiplash pains for longer than six months.

Those same researchers found that males were less likely than females to originally recognize their whiplash symptoms. Whiplash symptoms aren’t always obvious, even to doctors, and sometimes require a CT scan or MRI to formally diagnose.

If you are involved in a car accident and have any question about whether you have been injured, your first trip should be to the hospital. Your next should be to a Fort Collins Personal injury attorney who has handled hundreds of similar cases.

Avoiding a Rear-End Collision in Fort Collins

As a Fort Collins Personal Injury Attorney, Steve Shanahan recognizes that not every rear-end accident is avoidable. Sometimes, you can be doing everything right and still get hit.

However, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of avoiding a rear-end collision.

To avoid being hit:

• Have an idea of what is happening behind you. Make sure your back window is clean, and use your mirrors frequently.
• Make sure you use your signal well before you attempt to change lanes.
• Test your brakes regularly to make sure they are working and keep your brake lights free of snow and dirt.
• Sometimes, it’s unavoidable that you are going to be in someone’s blind spot. But don’t stay there. If that vehicle suddenly swerves into your lane, you may be forced to brake hard, which is going to expose you to the possibility of a rear-end crash.
• Get away from tailgaters. Change lanes safely, and use extra care when changing lanes or slowing down. Don’t allow the tailgater to drive unsafely.

To avoid hitting someone else:

• Pay close attention to the flow of traffic.
• Don’t follow someone so closely that you can’t see what is happening up ahead.
• When you do glance ahead, keep an eye out for things that might cause the driver ahead of you to stop abruptly.
• If you’re driving in snow or ice, make sure you are going to have ample opportunity to swerve to the right so you can avoid striking the vehicle ahead of you. If you swerve to the left, you’re a target for a head-on crash. The ice might make it difficult or impossible for you to completely stop in time, but if you can swerve to the right, you might be able to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins rear-end collision, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Fort Collins Trial Attorney Steve Shanahan, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, knows that when a person on foot is struck by a moving vehicle, there is a great chance of serious injury or worse.

Adult Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Collins

These days, more and more people – about 108 million nationally – are choosing to walk as a regular mode of transportation. According to the National Household Travel Survey, walking trips account for roughly 11 percent of all the trips we take in this country each year. People might choose to walk as opposed to drive for a number of reasons, including:

• Health and Exercise
• Recreation
• Personal Errands
• To visit with relatives or friends
• To get to school or work
• To walk to the dog
• To get to and from home

But this increase in the number of walkers means that there is an increased risk of a pedestrian accident in Fort Collins and across the country. If a person is fortunate enough to survive such an accident, he or she could be looking at months of recovery time, expensive medical bills and a limited ability to work. Students may be forced to miss or drop classes. And lost wages can quickly snowball, leaving the victim mired in debt.

Of those adults who were injured in pedestrian accidents throughout the country:
Almost 70 percent are men.
About three-quarters of those who died happen in urban areas.
Almost half of all pedestrian deaths happen on the weekend, and about 70 percent happen between 4 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Child Pedestrian Injuries in Fort Collins

Adults aren’t the only ones who suffer in Fort Collins pedestrian accidents. Safe Kids Colorado reports the following:
In a recent five-year span, more than 400 children in Colorado had to be treated in the hospital for pedestrian-related injuries. That breaks down to about 82 child pedestrian injuries every year.

About 87 percent of pedestrian injuries that required hospitalization happened on a highway or street, while about 11 percent happened in a driveway, parking lot or sidewalk.

More than 60 percent of pedestrian accident victims were boys.

For nearly 40 percent of the children who had to be hospitalized following a pedestrian accident, they had suffered a traumatic brain injury, such as an intracranial bleed, concussion or skull fracture.

Denver County had the highest rate of pedestrian hospitalizations in the state. The rate of pedestrians injured there was about 21 for every 100,000 residents, versus almost 10 per 100,000 throughout the rest of the state.

The total cost of pedestrian injuries and deaths for children under age 14 was more than $5 billion nationwide.

Most of the pedestrian accidents involving children in Colorado happen in the fall and spring, coinciding with the beginning and end of the school year

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins pedestrian accident, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins injury attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Personal Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan, an experienced Fort Collins DUI accident lawyer, has seen far too many of these tragedies. Mothers Against Drunk Driving breaks down the yearly state statistics like this:

• 127 – Number of DUI fatalities in the state.
• 28 – Percentage of all traffic deaths in Colorado.
• $673 million – The cost of drunk driving to the state.
• 19 – National ranking of Colorado in terms of DUI deaths.
• 400 – DUI arrests for those under the age of 18.

One method the state has employed that has somewhat reduced the number of impaired driving accidents in Fort Collins is the implementation of the ignition interlock program for everyone convicted of impaired driving.
Since 2009, people convicted of drunk driving have the option of getting a shorter license suspension if they agree to have an ignition interlock device placed on their vehicle. This essentially prevents the vehicle from being started if the driver is drunk. While this has helped to decrease the number of drunk-driving deaths in the state by almost 30 percent, it doesn’t account for drivers who are under the influence of drugs.

Fort Collins Drugged Driving Accident

Driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous because it affects so many aspects of the functions required to safely operate a motor vehicle. These include:

• Cognition
• Attention
• Perception
• Coordination
• Balance
• Reaction time

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a driver who is under the influence of drugs is just as likely to cause a fatality as one who has been drinking. In fact, the organization found that in a recent year, more than 10.5 million people across the country operated a motor vehicle under the influence of illegal drugs. The highest rate was among drivers between the ages of 18 and 25. Some other facts on drugged driving to consider:

• Nearly 25 percent of adult drivers between the ages of 21 to 25 admitted driving under the influence of drugs within the past year.
• About 6 percent of drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 admitted driving under the influence of drugs.
• Marijuana is the most frequently present illegal drug that is detected in drivers who are impaired or fatally injured. Other drugs involved included benzodiazepines, opiates, amphetamines and cocaine.
• Numerous studies have indicated that between 4 and 14 percent of drivers who were injured or killed in car accidents tested positive for marijuana.

You must also consider that these days, many people are prescribed prescription drugs that may alter their ability to drive a motor vehicle. While these drugs may have been obtained legally by a doctor, it’s likely if they are involved in an accident that they may not have heeded their physician’s advice for operating heavy machinery.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins DUI accident or Fort Collins drugged driving accident, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins injury attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.
Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

With gas prices showing no signs of any permanent drop, people in Fort Collins are taking the bus more frequently now than ever. When you combine that with the hundreds of buses that ferry our Fort Collins’ students to and from school and extracurricular events every day, there is great potential for an accident.

Fort Collins Bus Accident Attorney Steve Shanahan and the staff at our law offices understand these are complex cases. These accidents can occur for a myriad of reasons, including operator error or fatigue and the inattention of surrounding motorists. Particularly around school buses, other drivers get in a hurry, try to circumvent the bus and cause a tragedy.

Children can be particularly at risk for a bus accident, not only because of the frequency with which they ride but because their small stature may make them difficult to see and their inexperience may mean they won’t react as quickly in a dangerous situation.

Fort Collins School Bus Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there have been more than 1,200 fatal school bus accidents across the country since 2000. Parents in particularly should know:

More than 1,380 people have been killed in school transportation-related crashes since 2000. That breaks down to nearly 140 deaths each year.

Eight percent of those fatalities were the occupants of the school bus. Another 20 percent were pedestrians or bicyclists. The rest were the occupants of other vehicles.
Of the children who were killed in school bus crashes, 67 percent were struck by the school bus.

Of the school-aged pedestrians who were killed in school bus crashes, nearly half were between the ages of 5 and 7.

An average of 10 children pedestrians are fatally struck by a school bus every year.

Of those school-aged pedestrians who are killed, most are struck between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Still, you trust that when you place your children on the school bus, they arrive at school and back at home safely. When that doesn’t happen, you need an experienced Fort Collins bus accident attorney who will fight for you.

Fort Collins City Bus and Motor coach Accidents

The city of Fort Collins operates the Transfort bus system for its approximately 150,000 residents. These buses traverse roughly 500 street miles every day, according to city officials.

Additionally, Fort Collins residents will have access to MAX, which is intended to be Bus Rapid Transit that is intended to provide the speed and efficiency of a rail transit with the affordability of a regular bus.

Construction of stations is underway, and the system will include a transit-only guideway that will be parallel to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, between the South Transit Center and north of Horsetooth Road and again between Drake Road and University Avenue near Colorado State University.

City officials tout the new railway’s safety, but the facts remain to be seen.

With regard to motor coach deaths, it’s reported that more than 40 deaths resulted over an eight-year time frame – and that doesn’t count the number of injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins bus accident, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

But with more bicyclists on the road, the number of bicycling accidents in Colorado is on the rise. As a veteran Fort Collins bicycle accident attorney, Steve Shanahan and the staff at our law offices are dedicated to fighting for the rights of cyclists injured or killed by the negligence of other drivers.

Too often, inattentive drivers are to blame for injury-causing bicycle accidents in Fort Collins or elsewhere. A vehicle traveling just 18 miles per hour can be fatal for a bicyclist, even if the rider is wearing a helmet.

Every day in the U.S., an average of two bicyclists are killed. Throughout the course of a year, more than 50,000 are injured. Both of these figures represent an increase from the last few years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A recent survey conducted by the Colorado Department of Transportation found that a huge majority of bicyclists – more than 80 percent – believe enhancing bicycle safety should be either the most important or second most-important goal for the department.

It’s easy to understand why. Of course, the vast majority of bicycle accidents are not intentional, but that doesn’t mean they could not have been prevented.

Fort Collins Bicycle Accident Attorney Steve Shanahan has seen too many instances in which a driver’s failure to yield to the bicyclist’s right-of-way resulted in grave injuries for the cyclist. In fact, this action alone accounts for 30 percent of bicycle-related accidents.

• Of the more than 700 bicyclists who are killed annually in the U.S., more than 60 percent of those accidents happened on major roads, other than freeways and interstates. Another 35 percent happened on minor roads.

• On average, the vast majority of those injured and killed on bicycles are males between the ages of 25 and 64. Often, these are the primary income source for many families. A bicycle injury can result in an inability to work for extended periods of time, which can quickly plunge a family into a situation of escalating debt.

• The most common times for bicycle accidents are between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., and between June and September.

• Another action that motorists can be liable for involves “dooring.” This is when a person in a parked car fails to check to see if anyone is coming toward them before opening the vehicle door. Many safety advocates urge bicyclists to ride at least three feet away from parked cars for this very reason, but the scenario is nevertheless the fault of the emerging vehicle occupant.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins bicycle accident, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

If you’d like to reach me by telephone dont hesitate to call me at (970) 204-9999

By filling out this helpful contact form I can get in touch with you right away about your case.

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I am a graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer’s College, and actively support the College and its work.  The College provides cutting edge trial advocacy training for plaintiff’s Personal Injury Attorneys from across the United States.

I served as a Senior Assistant Attorney General at the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office for 7 years from 1980 – 1987.  From 1986 – 1987, I was in charge of one-third of the legal staff as the Chief of the Natural Resource Division. Over these years I served at various times as the lead counsel representing the Workers Compensation Division, the Public Service Commission, the Environmental Quality Director and Council, the Economic Development Commission, and the Industrial Siting Council.  I have been licensed to practice law in Wyoming since 1979.

I am a retired United States Air Force Reserve Lieutenant Colonel.  I served on active duty and as a reservist for 21 years (1973 – 1994) in the Judge Advocate General’s Corp as a military attorney at bases in the United States and overseas.  I served as lead counsel in about 60 military court trials and administrative hearings.

Fort Collins Premise Liability Attorney Steve Shanahan and the staff at our law offices are dedicated to representing victims of fall accidents. Common causes of fall injuries include:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Icy sidewalks
• Cracked or broken surfaces
• Dark stairwells
• Loose handrails
• Obstructed pathways
• Blocked exits
• Evacuation injuries
• Nursing home falls

Fort Collins Fall Accidents: Injuries Among Elderly

The elderly are among the most vulnerable when it comes to serious or fatal fall accidents.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports one-third of adults over the age of 65 fall ever year.

• 20,000 die as a result of their injuries.
• More than 2 million are treated in the emergency room.
• One-third suffer serious injuries, including cuts, hip fractures and head trauma.
• Nearly half of all fatal falls among older adults are the result of traumatic brain injury.
• Falls are the most common cause of fractures among older adults.

Falls can be especially devastating to an older adult. Healing may be slow and a senior may never regain the mobility enjoyed before an accident. What’s worse, he or she may develop a fear of falling, which may further limit mobility. In many cases, a fall accident can threaten or limit a senior’s ability to live independently and may even lead to an early death.

Colorado Nursing Home Falls

Unfortunately, the picture does not improve once an older loved one is placed in a nursing home – despite the fact that family members reluctantly decide upon such placement as a way to help protect an aging relative from the kind of needless injuries often suffered in a fall accident.

The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reports about 1,800 nursing home residents are killed in fall accidents each year. In fact, the typical 100-bed nursing home reports 200 falls annually. That means everyone fell twice! Between half and three-quarters of nursing home residents fall each year – twice the rate of falls suffered among seniors living in the community.

Common causes of such falls are lack of supervision, lack of proper nutrition and exercise and complications of medication. Unfortunately, other causes are even more negligent: One-fourth of such falls are due to poor lighting, wet floors, improperly fitted equipment and other environmental hazards.

The consequences of a fall accident may not be readily apparent. Even something as serious as a joint fracture or brain injury may take days or even weeks to present through symptoms. Seeking the advice of an experienced attorney is critical as soon as possible. Frequently, action is taken to correct negligent conditions in the wake of a serious or fatal fall accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins fall accident, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Many riders revel in the sheer rush of the winding mountain passes and open roads. Others see it as a practical means to travel to and from work or to run errands. Often, riders become immersed in the great sense of camaraderie among fellow, two-wheeled travelers.

Fort Collins Motorcycle Accident Attorney Steve Shanahan understands the dangers when a rider is involved in an accident. Broken bones, road rash and traumatic brain injury can result.

No matter how safe a rider aims to be, motorcycle accidents in Fort Collins and throughout Colorado continue to be a serious threat with the potential to instantly maim and kill. In many cases, accidents happen when the rider is doing everything right – following the speed limit, driving defensively and wearing a helmet. No matter how many bumper stickers may alert other motorists to watch out for motorcycle riders, the sad truth is they often don’t.

In fact, about a fifth of all fatalities on Colorado’s roadways were motorcyclists. Even the Colorado Department of Transportation calls this “alarming.” It continues to rise. More than 80 were killed in a single recent year.

Helmets for Fort Collins Motorcycle Riders

In the state of Colorado, motorcycle operators who are older than 18 do NOT have to wear a helmet when riding.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider wearing one, as almost 70 percent of all those killed in Colorado motorcycle accidents weren’t wearing a helmet.

However, not wearing a helmet doesn’t exclude you from the right to compensation if you or a loved one is seriously or fatally injured in a Fort Collins motorcycle accident. An experienced Fort Collins trial lawyer can help you begin to pick up the pieces in the wake of a devastating crash. This can include recompense to you not only for the negligence on behalf of the other motorists, but also for any medical bills you may have incurred, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Avoid Fort Collins Motorcycle Accidents

As so many motorcycle accidents in Fort Collins and throughout Colorado are the fault of the other driver, Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan offers the following advice for drivers of larger motor vehicles who must safely share the road:

• Scan traffic for motorcycles that may be around you;
• Glance at your blind spots prior to merging or changing lanes, especially if there is heavier-than-normal traffic flow;
• Triple-check for motorcycles when you are turning or pulling out at an intersection;
• It can sometimes be difficult to spot a motorcyclist, but look for the helmet, the tires or a shadow alongside your vehicle that you can’t see around;
• Allow a minimum of two seconds between you and the motorcycle traveling in front of you. If there is inclement weather or other poor road conditions, give yourself even more space.
• Be especially careful when you’re turning left. Most motorcycle crashes happen at an intersection, so this is crucial.
• Don’t drive in the same lane as a motorcycle. Not only is it dangerous, it’s against the law.
• Motorcyclists deserve the same courtesy and respect you would offer to other motorists.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins motorcycle accident, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

Fort Collins Trucking Accident Lawyer Steve Shanahan understands these are often devastating crashes. And they are typically complex cases, involving state and federal trucking laws, out-of-state drivers and trucking companies and large insurance companies and their attorneys.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, of the more than 33,000 people killed annually in U.S. traffic crashes, about 10 percent die in accidents involving large trucks. Additionally, more than 74,000 people are injured each year in accidents that involve tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks.

Semi-trucks and large trailers can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds or more. That’s tens of thousands of pounds of metal, rubber, glass and steel – not to mention whatever hazardous material the truck may be carrying – that can come barreling your way in a heartbeat. The potential for serious and fatal injuries is high when someone is involved in this type of a crash.

What’s more, most of the people injured or killed in these wrecks are not the truckers themselves. In fact, just 22 percent of those injured and 15 percent of those killed were riding in the truck at the time of the crash.

If you’ve been involved in a Colorado trucking accident, an experienced Fort Collins trucking accident attorney can help you navigate a number of issues. First, you will need someone to help you determine why the crash occurred. Were road conditions a problem, or was the truck driver fatigued? How many hours had the truck driver been on the road at the time of the crash?

Those who are injured in a crash involving a large truck are more likely to suffer major injuries, as compared to someone involved in an accident with another passenger car. People who have been injured in an accident involving a large truck could be entitled to compensation for:

• Lost wages, including your future lost earnings.
• Coverage of medical expenses, including future medical bills. Sometimes, the full extent of your injuries might not be apparent until long after the crash.
• Pain and suffering, which is particularly based on your quality of life now compared to prior to the accident, as well as what your future quality of life looks like.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the government organization that oversees the U.S. trucking industry, trucks account for 10 percent of all miles traveled in this country each year. They also account for 4 percent of all vehicles owned in the country. What that tells us is there is a higher likelihood that these vehicles will be involved in a crash, as compared to smaller vehicles.

When it comes to motor vehicle crashes, the FMCSA reported:

• Trucks were involved in 7 percent of all fatal crashes;
• Trucks were involved in 2 percent of all injury crashes;
• Trucks were involved in 3 percent of all crashes in which there was only property damage;

The most common kind of truck involved in crashes are tractors pulling semi-trailers. These are responsible for 61 percent of the trucks involved in fatal crashes, and 47 percent of trucks in non-fatal accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Fort Collins or the surrounding area, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

For the innocent victims involved, the kinds of injuries sustained can vary greatly, depending on how the person is impacted, the type of vehicles involved and the speed at which each vehicle was traveling.

Neck injuries, such as whiplash or strains, are common, as are back and facial injuries that can result in permanent pain or scarring.

In some cases, drivers and their passengers will endure head and brain injuries. These can be anything from a mild concussion to a traumatic brain injury. Unfortunately, these injuries might not be immediately or outwardly apparent. This is because the brain could have been rattled inside the skull, causing internal bruising or swelling. In some cases, the effects might not be truly apparent for weeks or months later. This is why it is so urgent to contact an experienced Fort Collins Personal Injury Attorney in the aftermath of a serious accident.

Having someone to guide you through the proper steps to take immediately following a collision can make all the difference in protecting your rights and the financial well-being of you and your family.

Consider this:

• More than 5.5 million crashes happen in the U.S. every single year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And those are only the instances that are reported to police – the actual number is likely much higher.
• Of those 5.5 million crashes, more than 1.5 million (or 28 percent) result in some form of injury.
• Motor vehicle crashes account for approximately 30,000 deaths in this country each year.
• More than 30 percent of all fatal crashes involve an alcohol-impaired driver.
• In Colorado, there are almost 13 fatalities for every 100,000 drivers on the road.
• Speeding was a factor in about 37 percent of all fatal crashes in Colorado.
• In one recent year, Denver accounted for 36 fatalities, Colorado Springs 19.
• Of those killed in traffic crashes, most were males, between the ages of 21 and 24.
• More than 95 percent of vehicles involved in crashes were either passenger cars or light trucks.

If you are injured in a Fort Collins car accident, you could be out of work for a week, a year – or possibly forever, depending on the extent of your injuries. You could also be facing a lifetime on medication, due to debilitating pain that may also prevent you from engaging in activities you once loved.

All of these entitle you to some form of compensation. While true justice would be getting things back to the way they were before the crash, when that’s not possible, Fort Collins Car Accident Attorney Steve Shanahan fights for you and for the best outcome possible in your case.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Fort Collins car accident, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

At the Fort Collins Law Offices of Steve Shanahan, we are experienced in handling a wide range of personal injury cases, from Bicycle Accidents and trucking collisions to work injuries and slip-and-fall injuries.

Each case presents a unique set of facts and circumstances that need to be carefully weighed and sifted. Protecting your interests in the wake of a grievous injury is the No. 1 priority for our Fort Collins personal injury firm and for each member of our team.

In car, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, a multitude of elements can factor into who is at fault.

• Was the person behind the wheel speeding or otherwise driving recklessly?
• Was he or she tailgating, making frequent or unsafe lane changes or disregarding traffic laws?
• Were they drunk?
• Were they distracted with their cell phone, radio or GPS?
• Did they fail to yield the right of way?
• Did they have the license to even be behind the wheel at all?

Regarding workplace accidents, did the employer properly train his or her employees to prepare for any reasonable risks? Was the employer following all of the prescribed safety guidelines set forth by local, state and federal officials? Were employees given the proper tools to do their job safely?

And in the case of slip and falls, did the property owner at the fall site take every reasonable precaution to ensure that the public was not put at undue risk of injury?

For more than two decades, Fort Collins Trial Attorney Steve Shanahan has committed himself to fighting for what is right on behalf of injured victims throughout Colorado. His reputation as a successful personal injury attorney has meant vigorous dedication to every client he has been honored to represent. It has meant careful and thorough preparation for each case, no matter how complicated or complex. And finally, it has meant a tireless commitment to justice.

Colorado Personal Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan tackles cases out of Fort Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs and within the surrounding suburbs.

Colorado injury cases we handle include:

• Car Accidents
• Bicycle Accident
• Bus Accidents
• DUI & Drug Related Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Rear End Collisions
• Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists
• Truck Accidents
• Driver Fatigue
• Trucking Accident Facts
• Types of Truck Accidents
• Truck Driver Negligence
• Defective Truck Equipment
• Dangerous Roads & Highways
• Colorado Truck Accident Stats
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Road Hazards
• Motorcycle Injuries
• Helmet Law & Motorcycle Safety
• Slip and Fall
• Personal Injury
• Neck Injuries/Back Injuries/Brain Injuries/Nerve/Soft Tissue Injuries
• Broken Bones
• Wrongful Death

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in Fort Collins, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation

The Law Offices of Steve Shanahan are exclusively focused on fighting for clients who have suffered traumatic injuries resulting from everything from car accidents to construction site falls. The firm has handled many cases in which victims suffered severe and life-long injuries, such as spinal cord and permanent brain damage. In some cases, the victims have even died as a result of these injuries.

Navigating the legal labyrinth is understandably overwhelming for most people. Not only have you just endured a devastating accident due to someone else’s negligence, now you must wage an uphill legal battle to get what is rightfully owed to you. The sooner you contact a Fort Collins injury attorney, the better your chances are of winning your case.

There is no such thing as a “typical” case. Each set of circumstances is unique, and requires someone who understands the law and is sensitive to your personal goals and needs.

The courtroom is no place for a novice. While some incidents may seem somewhat straightforward in terms of fault, never assume you can skimp on the quality of your legal representation. Our legal system is rarely a simple process. Victory in the courtroom requires skill, experience and a winning track record.

Our Fort Collins injury attorney practice areas include:

• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Slip and Fall
• Personal Injury
• Wrongful Death

These types of injuries in particular require someone with a thorough knowledge of the intricacies of personal injury law in Colorado. You will need someone who can ask pointed and deliberate questions, who has stood up to deep-pocketed businesses and who has the experience to have been on the winning side of thousands of personal injury claims.

Too often, it is the thoughtless actions of someone else that puts you in harm’s way.

On our roads, it is the responsibility of each driver to ensure they are driving sober, alert and following all of the appropriate traffic laws. In the workplace, it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure each worker is trained on how to handle the possible risks. It is also incumbent upon the employer to do everything in his or her power to ensure workers have a safe environment in which to do their jobs. In the retail business, it is important for companies to provide their customers and the general public with a safe place in which to shop, without fear they may be injured in a Fort Collins slip-and-fall incident.

Unfortunately, when someone has wronged you – even unintentionally – you usually can’t count on them to make it right of their own accord. You need a Fort Collins injury lawyer on your side who will analyze every facet of the case to work tirelessly toward the most favorable outcome for you.

I have practiced law since 1973.  I practiced law as an Air Force attorney at various bases in the United States and overseas for six years, and in Wyoming, before beginning my private practice in Colorado in 1987.

These services are offered throughout northern Colorado, particularly in:

• Fort Collins
• Denver
• Colorado Springs
• Boulder
• Loveland
• Broomfield
• Greeley
• Estes Park
• Littleton
• Longmont
• Lafayette
• Westminster

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in Fort Collins, you need the experience and dedication of Fort Collins Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.

Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation