Low-Speed Impact Crashes in Denver, CO – All You Need to Know

When most people think of car accidents, they often imagine high-speed collisions with severe damage and injuries. However, low-speed impact crashes in Denver, CO, are common and can still result in injury and property damage. These accidents may happen at low speeds but still carry significant consequences.

What Is a Low-Speed Accident?

A low-speed accident is a collision that occurs at relatively low speeds. These crashes typically happen in environments like parking lots, residential neighborhoods, or during stop-and-go traffic. While these accidents may appear minor when compared to high-speed crashes, they can still lead to noticeable damage to the vehicle and sometimes even cause injuries to the occupants.

Low-speed accidents often involve rear-end collisions, sideswipes, or fender benders. Due to the slower speeds, the visible damage to vehicles may be less severe, but the forces involved can still be substantial enough to cause bodily harm, especially to the neck and back.

What Is a Low-Impact Crash?

A low-impact crash refers to an accident where the vehicles involved experience minimal force upon collision. These are generally associated with low-speed accidents and typically result in minor damage to the vehicles.

However, the term “low-impact” can be misleading because even minor collisions can cause injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage. The extent of vehicle damage doesn’t always correlate with the severity of injuries.

Even a low-impact crash can be disruptive and lead to medical issues, especially if passengers are caught off guard and not bracing for the collision.

Can You Get Whiplash From a Low-Impact Collision?

Yes. Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, and it can occur in low-impact collisions. Whiplash is the result of jerking the head and neck forward and backward in rapid succession. This can strain the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. It is particularly common in rear-end collisions, even at speeds as low as 10 to 15 mph.

Have Car Accidents Gone Up in Colorado?

Colorado has seen an increase in car accidents in recent years; this includes low-speed impact crashes. Several factors contribute to this rise, including population growth, increased traffic congestion, distracted driving, and adverse weather conditions. Denver, in particular, has experienced more traffic congestion as the city continues to grow, leading to more frequent accidents, even at lower speeds.

However, in 2024, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported that traffic fatality rates were falling across the state.

Common Causes of Low-Speed Impact Crashes in Denver

Several factors can lead to low-speed impact crashes, many of which are preventable. Some of the most common causes in Denver include:

• Distracted driving. Using a smartphone, adjusting the radio, or other distractions can cause drivers to miss important cues and lead to a low-speed accident.
• Tailgating. Following another vehicle too closely can result in a rear-end collision when the car in front of you suddenly stops.
• Poor visibility. Driving in low-light conditions, during rain or snow, can reduce visibility and reaction times, increasing the risk of a low-speed crash.
• Backing out of parking spots.
• Stop-and-go traffic. Traffic congestion can create conditions for low-speed rear-end accidents.

Injuries From Low-Speed Impact Crashes

While low-speed crashes may seem minor, they can still result in several types of injuries. Even at low velocities, the sudden deceleration of the vehicle can jolt the body, leading to:

• Whiplash. This is a common injury in low-speed rear-end collisions.
• Soft tissue injuries. Strains, sprains, and bruises can occur.
• Concussions. Although rare, low-speed accidents can cause head injuries if the head strikes a hard surface inside the car, like the steering wheel or a window.
• Back injuries. Sudden jolts can also cause herniated discs or other spinal injuries, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Passengers in low-speed collisions may experience these injuries even if there is minimal visible damage to the vehicle. This is why it’s important to seek a medical evaluation after an accident, no matter how minor it seems.

Determining Liability in Low-Speed Impact Crashes

Even in low-speed crashes, determining who is at fault is crucial for insurance purposes and compensation for damages. In Colorado, fault is determined by investigating the accident scene, reviewing traffic laws, and gathering witness statements.

Since Colorado is an at-fault state, the party responsible for the accident can be liable for damages. In many cases, the rear driver in a rear-end collision is presumed to be at fault, though there can be exceptions, like if the front driver stopped abruptly, without cause. Other types of low-speed crashes, like sideswipes in parking lots, may require more investigation to determine who was at fault.

FAQs

Do My Insurance Rates Go Up After a Low-Speed Accident?

Whether your insurance rates increase depends on your insurance policy and whether you were found at fault. In Colorado, if you are the at-fault party in a low-speed impact crash, your insurance premiums may rise. However, if you’re not at fault, your rates may not be affected, but this can vary by provider.

Can I File a Claim for Vehicle Damage From a Low-Speed Crash in Denver?

Yes, you can file a claim for vehicle damage after a low-speed crash. Even at low speeds, damage to bumpers, lights, and alignment can occur. Your insurance or the at-fault party’s insurance should cover the costs of repair (depending on the policy and fault determination). In addition, you can file a claim for any personal injuries incurred.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Low-Speed Crash Claim in Denver?

The time it takes to settle a claim after a low-speed impact crash depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries or damage, and the cooperation of both parties. It is recommended that you seek legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure you receive everything you are due.

Do I Need to File a Police Report After a Low-Speed Accident in Denver?

In Denver, it’s recommended to file a police report for any car accident, including low-speed crashes, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report helps document the accident, which can be useful for insurance claims or potential legal disputes. Don’t delay; report your accident as soon as possible.

A Legal Team That Can Help You

Low-speed impact crashes in Denver, CO, can still cause serious injuries and complications, even when the damage to the vehicles appears minimal. Victims of low-impact crashes have rights when it comes to compensation and protection following any car accident in Denver, CO.

If you were involved in a low-impact accident, Cheney Galluzzi & Howard are ready to support you as you navigate the legal system. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you get on with your life.