A recent report from AAA highlights a surprisingly deadly problem on American roadways—road debris. The report, entitled The Prevalence of Motor Vehicle Crashes Involving Road Debris, United States, 2011-2014, warns of the serious dangers posed by drivers who do not properly secure their load and the debris that can accumulate on highways as a result. In and around Aurora and Denver, our car accident lawyer is all too familiar with this growing problem.
Nationwide, AAA reports that road debris were responsible for
- 204,587 auto accidents
- 39,000 injuries
- 500 deaths
The Colorado Department of Transportation has also noted an increase in road debris, from parts of wrecked cars, to a rodeo clown mannequin! Other common debris includes furniture, appliances, tools, and even entire trailers that become detached.
Many states have imposed hefty fines and even jail time for those who fail to secure their loads. In Colorado, the infraction is punishable by fines up to $300 and 90 days in jail. These penalties still pale in comparison to the potential consequences of causing a serious accident, however.
At Shafner Law, our Aurora and Denver car accident attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of those injured in car accidents. Please call our office today at (303) 796-0555 for your free consultation. We represent clients throughout Greenwood Village, DTC, Denver, and the state of Colorado.