Denver Police Arrest Suspect In Connection With Hit & Run Death

Arrest Follows Discovery of Car Involved in Crash

UPDATE 10/25/2012 - Authorities have set Esquibel's bond at $100,000 after his arrest for suspicion of failing to report an accident causing death in connection with the hit and run killing of Laura McDermott.

Denver Police have arrested the suspected driver of a silver or gray 1987-1989 Toyota Corolla in connection with a fatal hit and run accident that took place at the intersection of South Broadway and East Cedar Avenue at approximately 1 A.M. Sunday morning.

The Denver Police department released a video to the public showing the suspected vehicle speeding by on Broadway. Seconds later, several witnesses begin running down the sidewalk towards the accident scene where the injured victim lay motionless outside of the scope of the camera's view.

The driver, Dennis Esquibel, is suspected of speeding and is estimated to have been traveling at about 65 mph in a 30 mph area. After colliding with the victim, Esquibel did not stop or attempt to help the injured person and continued driving without contacting the police.

Laura McDermott, 32, was crossing Broadway westbound on Cedar Avenue when she was struck by the Toyota. She was transported to Denver Health Medical Center where she was later pronounced dead.

The Toyota suffered significant damage to is front passenger side, including a missing turn signal and shattered windshield. It was later found in an abandoned parking lot near Louisiana Avenue and Jason Street.

"Absolutely no doubt, they knew they hit someone," traffic detective Dave Carroll told the Denver Post.

Esquibel has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident in addition to vehicular homicide. Both charges are felonies.

If you are injured in a hit and run accident, or any accident in the Greater Denver Area, contact The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger today for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!

Sources: Denver police release new information in hit-and run death, Denver police hope new video will lead to arrest in deadly hit-and-run

Man Ticketed for Honking Spree Targeted at Cyclists

Former Professional Cyclist Posts Encounter on Youtube

A viral Youtube video of an incident between two cyclists and a driver of a Ford Explorer has resulted in the ticketing of the driver in addition to an outpouring of criticism and debate surrounding cyclist-motorist encounters.

The altercation took place on a road just east of Longmont, CO this past Sunday. Dirk Friel, former professional cyclist and founder of a software development company targeting coaches of endurance athletes, was riding with a friend on the shoulder of the road when a an older male driver approached them from behind in his grey SUV. The driver began honking repeatedly, and would not speed up to pass the two cyclists even after they slowed to a near halt.

After a two day investigation, Colorado State Patrol located the driver. James Ernst, 75, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of harassment, impeding the flow of traffic, and improper use of a horn or warning.

Friel indicated that less experienced cyclists could have easily become distracted and crashed as a result of the excessive honking. The both bikers and police are still baffled as to why the driver initiated the honking spree, though it appears that the vehicle has been involved in other situations with cyclists.

"We were single file even when he approached us," Friel said. "At least we kept our cool."

In the description section of Friel's video on Youtube, expresses more frustration: "Here is what was supposed to be my relaxing Sunday morning ride with my teammate until things became a bit unsettling when an older male driver came up behind us in his Ford Explorer (license plate Colorado 893 EKG)."

If you are injured in a bicycle-car accident, or any car accident in the greater Denver area, call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!

Sources: Longmont-area driver honks at cyclists nonstop; Colorado State Patrol investigates, Man ticketed on suspicion of harassing cyclists

Cycling Laws Gain Attention from Drivers and Bikers

Study Group in Jefferson County to Analyze Road Safety Issues

The Jefferson County Commission will be creating a new focus group to analyze and interpret many of the issues raised during several meetings conducted regarding public road safety between cyclists, motorcycle drivers, as well as standard motorists.

The bulk of the participants were cyclists, though individuals representing an array of driving factions were present at the meetings.

Donald Rosier, Jefferson County Commissioner, said a group of 11 would be formed with approximately one month to analyze and create solutions to the problems created by an influx of cyclists over the last 10 years.

"Whether it's putting signage on the road that talks about the rules for both motorists and cyclists, or identifying hills you're about to ride, we need to take a real look at how we address what has become a large issue," Rosier explained.

The meetings were intended to raise awareness and education regarding the growing issues that are present when cyclists and motorists are forced to share the roadway. The various groups maintained a tranquil environment for debate and brainstorming.

"Everyone was well-behaved, and Rosier was very receptive," said Kelly Garrod, road-safety-advocacy chairman with Team Evergreen.

A sheriff from Jefferson County Sheriff's Office was present to disseminate statistics regarding cyclist-motorist conflicts, which helped shape the discussion and lead Garrod and Rosier to the same conclusion. Education is the key.

"From cyclists, it came out that a lot of the cyclists don't really understand the laws. People have different interpretations of what the 3-foot law means," Garrod said in reference to the state law that requires motorists to allow 3 feet between their auto and a cyclist when passing.

If you are injured in a bicycle-car accident, or any car accident in the greater Denver area, call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!

Source: Jefferson County creating group to study roadway safety issues

4 Colorado Cities Among Nation's Safest in Terms of Driving

Allstate's "America's Best Drivers Report" is Good News for Coloradans

Of America's 200 largest cities, Fort Collins ranks third overall behind only Boise, Idaho and Sioux Falls, SD, in terms of accident rates compared to a national average. 

Colorado Springs, Denver, and Aurora all were listed within the top 60, showing a positive trend of Colorado drivers.

The study, conducted by Allstate insurance with the goal of sparking conversation nationwide regarding safe driving, has consistently ranked Fort Collins in the top 10 safest driving cities in their annual report.

"Allstate's Best Driver's Report was created to boost the country's discussion on safe driving. Each year we hope the report will increase awareness about the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel," said Mike Roche, senior vice president of claims at Allstate

Colorado Springs was ranked at number 23, while Denver and Aurora came in at 55 and 54 respectively.

The Allstate study aims to quantify how frequently drivers in specific cities are involved in car accidents. Using its claims information, the study computes an average number of years between accidents for an average driver in a specific city. 

Fort Collins' ranking as the third safest city to drive in coincides with a 13.6 year gap between accidents for the average driver, 27.6% less likely than the nationwide average.

The least safe city for driving was Washington D.C., which has reluctantly held that spot for 4 consecutive years.

If you are injured in an car accident in the greater Denver area, do not hesitate to contact an attorney. At the Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C., we offer a free initial consultation to help you understand possible legal action you may want to pursue with your case. We help injured people - it's all we do!

Sources: 4 Colorado cities rank in Allstate's 'Best Drivers Report', Where do American Cities Rank in Eighth Annual "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report™?"