Thomas Garrity and a female passenger were driving west on C-470 near Highlands Ranch when he lost control of the vehicle. He went 50 feet up a grass embankment. When he slid back down, he hit two construction workers that were working on the C-470 bridge. Both workers – Joseph Schwartz, 47, and Jesus Villalobos, 27 – died from their injuries. Garrity’s vehicle also hit a Honda Pilot; the Honda’s driver did not sustain injuries.

Careless Driving Causing Death

Garrity received a misdemeanor charge of careless driving causing death. The Colorado State Patrol is currently investigating the accident. A spokesperson said that Garrity’s brakes could have malfunctioned, and that police always investigate the vehicles involved in fatal car accidents for such malfunctions.

Colorado Construction Accidents

The Denver Post reports that Colorado saw 830 crashes in construction zones in 2011. Since 2000, at least six construction workers died in accidents, not counting Schwartz and Villalobos. The Colorado Department of Transportation says that 58 workers have died in accidents since 1929.

Construction workers risk their lives every day they work on an open road. We urge all drivers to slow down and use extra caution when driving through construction areas.

Family members who lost loved ones in traffic accidents have a right to seek justice against the negligent party, whether that happens to be a driver, a manufacturer or a repair shop that installed faulty equipment. For no charge, we can discuss your story and give you an honest assessment of your options. Call today: (866) 377-3800.

Metier Law Firm, LLC – Denver injury attorneys