Winter Risks and Personal Injury in Denver: What to Know and Do

Snow, black ice, impaired driving, and hazardous walking surfaces contribute to personal injuries in Denver. After an incident, seek medical care, document the scene, report to police and insurers, and consult a local personal injury lawyer. Colorado sets time limits for filing lawsuits; act promptly to preserve your rights.

Winter hazards and everyday risks in Denver

Denver's winters bring snow, freezing temperatures, and patches of black ice. Even with plowed streets, slick conditions increase the chance of motor vehicle crashes, slips and falls, and other injuries. Drivers, pedestrians, and property owners all share responsibility for safety, but accidents still happen.

Common causes of personal injury claims

Slippery roads and black ice often contribute to serious collisions. Impaired driving remains a factor in many crashes, especially on weekend nights. Slip-and-fall incidents on sidewalks, parking lots, and building entrances also lead to injury claims when hazardous conditions are not addressed.

Steps to take after an injury

Get medical attention first. Document injuries and treatment. If you can, move to a safe place and call the police so an official report is created.

Photograph the scene: road conditions, skid marks, damaged property, and visible injuries. Collect contact details for drivers, passengers, and any witnesses. Save any medical records, bills, and correspondence about the incident.

Legal basics and timelines

Colorado law provides legal avenues for people injured because of another's negligence. Common steps include filing an insurance claim and, if necessary, pursuing a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Many claims depend on timely action. Colorado generally sets a deadline to file most personal injury lawsuits; missing that deadline can bar your claim.

Who is responsible?

Liability depends on the facts: whether a driver was negligent, whether a property owner failed to address a dangerous condition, or whether another party's conduct caused harm. Insurance carriers often handle initial claims. If fault is contested or injuries are serious, consult an attorney who handles Colorado personal injury law.

Practical tips to protect your case

• Seek medical care and follow treatment plans.

• Report the incident to police and to involved insurers.

• Preserve evidence: photos, correspondence, and receipts.

• Get witness contact information.

• Consult a local personal injury attorney early - they can explain liability, insurance issues, and filing deadlines.

Why speak up

Many injured people do not pursue a claim. Bringing a claim can secure medical bills coverage, financial recovery for lost income, and accountability when others' negligence causes harm. The law exists to protect injured people and to promote safer behavior in the community.

1. Confirm Colorado statute of limitations for filing most personal injury lawsuits and cite the exact statute and time period.
2. Verify any specific Denver municipal ordinances that require property owners to clear sidewalks after snow and the applicable time frame.