If you have been seriously hurt in a car crash, contact the Denver car accident lawyers at The Law Firms . Your top priority should be your health and well-being, but this does not come easy without the compensation needed to obtain medical treatment and cover other damages.
The experienced Denver car accident attorneys understand the challenges that car accident victims face. Physical pain, mental distress, and emotional anguish can weigh heavily on your shoulders. Our team can help alleviate that burden so you can focus on your recovery.
We are committed to delivering personalized attention. We love to get to know our clients personally. To us, our clients are more than a case number; they are people who are experiencing what is often the worst tragedy of their lives. That is why we fight hard on their behalf. With a deep passion for achieving excellent results, we work diligently to secure maximum compensation for you
We understand how difficult this time can be for victims and their families. From dealing with life-altering injuries to being unable to return to work for weeks or months, car accidents impact every facet of life. We’ll listen to your story and fight for you. If you are ready to hold the person who hurt you accountable for their negligence.
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
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Many car accident victims assume they can handle the aftermath of a car accident themselves. They believe that insurance companies have their best interest in mind and will work hard to reach a fair agreement. Unfortunately, insurance companies take advantage of car accident victims every day by severely undercutting their claims or flat out denying them. By hiring an experienced and aggressive car accident lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that someone is standing in your corner with your best interest every step of the way while you concern yourself with the only thing that matters—your recovery.
Car accident lawyers are not only skilled in the law, they know how to get things done to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of. From guiding you through every phase of filing a claim to negotiating with insurance companies and even representing you in the courtroom, a car accident lawyer will protect your rights and give you the best possible chance of recovering every penny you need to pay for damages so you can move on with your life.
How The Law Firms Can Help
Our Denver car accident lawyers care deeply about our clients. Car accidents are traumatic experiences for everyone and can result in months or even years of physical, mental, and emotional pain. So, when you walk through our doors, we do everything we can to immediately take the burden of your accident off of your shoulders. Not only do we make our clients feel cared for and like family, but we also believe we’re the most committed personal injury lawyers in the Denver area. To us, you aren’t just another client on a long list. You’re a priority for us – you are the reason we get up and go to work every day.
We know the financial strain car accidents can put on victims who are trying to recover from their injuries while thinking about when they’ll be able to return to work and how they’ll be able to provide for their families. That’s why we not only work round the clock to make sure you get the financial compensation necessary to move on with your life, but why we also work on a contingency-fee basis. Bottom line: we don’t get paid unless you do.
Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident
The moments after an accident are simultaneously frightening, disorienting, and stressful. They’re also incredibly important for protecting your physical health and safety, as well as the future outcome of your case in regard to compensation. Above all, make sure you and everyone inside both vehicles aren’t in life-threatening danger. After assessing the damage, follow these steps, whether you were responsible for the accident or not:
- Call 911 to report the crash and any immediately visible injuries. If you or someone else is seriously hurt, limit movement as much as possible and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Once on the scene, law enforcement will survey the accident and write up an accident report. You will need this report when you file a claim, so make sure you get a copy and don’t lose it. You should also make sure to get the name and badge number of every responding officer.
- Get everyone to a safe location while you wait for emergency personnel. If you’re able to move your vehicles, do so. If not, safely exit the vehicle and move to the side of the road or a sidewalk.
- Get the other driver’s name and contact information. If possible, you should also get their driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance company and policy number.
- Talk with anyone who might have witnessed the accident and write down their names and contact information. Even if they only remember or saw one detail that may seem insignificant at the time, it could be the difference in winning your case down the road.
- Document the crash scene as much as possible. Take notes and pictures of everything at every angle, including the position of the vehicles, damage to the vehicles, nearby traffic lights or signs, skid marks, and anything else you notice.
- Call your insurance company. Notify them of the accident so they can start the claims process. Then contact a Denver car accident attorney.
What Does a Car Accident Investigation Look Like?
After meeting with a professional Denver car accident attorney and then hiring they will immediately begin working on your case. One of the first steps is investigating the car accident to determine the cause and who was responsible. Insurance companies will launch their own investigations, but we believe it’s in your best interest to conduct our own, even if you believe you were 100 percent not at fault.
Accident investigations are incredibly involved and can only be done with an experienced law firm on your side that has the necessary resources. In many cases, we hire forensic experts and other experts to look at the evidence, reconstruct the accident, and reach a scientifically-sound conclusion on what occurred.
Some common examples of the type of evidence we will collect and work to uncover include:
- Accident scene photos and witness statements
- Any video evidence from surrounding surveillance cameras
- Police reports that might contain statements from the other driver
- The other motorist’s phone records to see if they were texting or talking on the phone when the crash occurred
- Inspection of the road where the crash happened as well as its maintenance history to see if it was properly cared for or if the road’s design contributed to the crash.
- Inspections of the vehicles to determine if a vehicle defect or poor maintenance caused the accident.
- Medical records and other related documents showing the extent of your injuries and required medical care.
As a fault car accident state, the driver who was at fault for the accident is required to pay damages suffered by the other party. That’s where the other driver’s insurance company comes in. If insurance companies act in bad faith and refuse to pay damages, we will then proceed with a personal injury lawsuit and pursue compensation to cover losses like medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, and more.
Car Accident Cases We Handle
The Law Firm is committed to providing clear communication and guidance through every step of the litigation process.
Our team is equipped with extensive knowledge of Colorado’s legal system. This, combined with our work ethic, has allowed us to effectively help our clients recover maximum compensation time and time again.
We can handle a variety of car accident cases, including:
- Hit-and-Run Accidents – When an individual involved in a car accident leaves the scene either behind the wheel or on foot before law enforcement shows up. These can be especially devastating for victims, especially if they’re in need of medical attention, and the fleeing motorist could’ve helped.
- Drunk Driving Accidents – The driver is under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and is physically and mentally impaired. Like many other states across the country, Colorado motorists cannot have a blood-alcohol level above 0.08%.
- Drugged Driver Accident – The driver of the vehicle is under the influence of illegal or prescription medication and is unable to safely operate their vehicle.
- Rear-End Collisions – A common accident where one driver runs into the back of the other, causing whiplash and other neck and back injuries. Common causes include tailgating, texting while driving, or speeding.
- Accidents Caused By Distracted Drivers – Driving requires uninterrupted focus, and when a motorist is distracted by their smartphone, GPS system, the radio, or a passenger, it can lead to severe mistakes.
- Highway Rollovers – An accident where a vehicle’s wheels leave the road by tipping on its side, flipping over onto its roof, or flipping side to side one or multiple times.
- Situations Involving Uninsured/ Underinsured Drivers – Unfortunately, not all drivers obey state law and operate vehicles without the state-mandated minimum coverage. Unless the victim has underinsured/uninsured insurance on top of their normal coverage, legal action may be necessary to get the compensation you need.
- Road Defect Accidents – When roadways are not properly maintained or repaired by municipalities, drivers have an increased risk of an accident. Some common examples include potholes and damaged guardrails.
- T-Bone Accident – Also known as a side impact accident, this happens when one vehicle collides with the side of the other vehicle on either the driver or passenger side. The most common cause of a T-bone accident is when one driver fails to stop at a stop sign or stoplight at an intersection.
- Head-On Collisions – A crash where the front ends of both vehicles slam into each other. Head-on collisions are incredibly violent and can cause catastrophic injuries to everyone involved.
- Speeding Accidents – When one motorist is driving their vehicle above the posted speed limit. Speeding not only limits a person’s time to react and avoid an accident, but it also makes crashes more violent and increases the risk of serious injury.
- Single-Car Accident – When only one vehicle is involved due to bad road conditions, severe weather, or distracted driving.
- Multi-Vehicle Accident – A crash that involves three or more vehicles. These are common on highways where cars are traveling at higher speeds and don’t have the time or the space to avoid an accident.
- Inclement Weather Accidents – Severe weather such as heavy rain, hail, or snow can increase the risk of a car accident by decreasing visibility and tire traction. In many cases, inclement weather can cause roll-over or multiple-vehicle accidents.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Denver
Although you may follow the rules of the road, other drivers may not be so responsible. In the United States, most car accidents are the result of human error, which means they could have easily been prevented with additional caution and attention.
A number of situations may increase the likelihood of a motor vehicle collision, such as:
- Distractions – Includes anything that can divert a driver’s eyes and attention from the road and hands from the wheel; can include talking or texting on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio or A/C, or reaching for items on the floor.
- Drunk Driving or Driving Under the Influence – Under no circumstance should an individual under the influence of drugs or alcohol get behind the wheel. Some studies have found that states with legalized recreational marijuana have seen an increase in accidents.
- Bad Weather – Rain, sleet, ice, and snow can cause slippery roads. Fog can decrease road visibility.
- Speeding – The speed limit is set to ensure the safety of all drivers. Accidents with a car moving at excessive speeds can cause serious damage or even be fatal.
As a number of factors can affect the collision, it is essential to seek legal aid to begin investigating the situation and gathering all the facts.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries
Every car accident has its own unique causes and circumstances. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, victims may sustain any of the following injuries:
- Broken Bones
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Head, Neck, and Back Injury
- Cuts and Scrapes
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Chest, Rib, and Sternum Injury
- Contusions
- Concussions
- Internal Bleeding and Organ Trauma
- Mental or Emotional Trauma
- Chronic Pain
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Wrongful Death
Car accidents can result in expensive medical bills, additional transportation expenses, property damage, and more. You should not have to pay for the consequences of another driver’s negligence. If you or your loved one has been hurt in a car accident in Denver.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
With the seemingly unending tally of costs that accompany a car accident—medical care, vehicle repairs, lost wages—adding “legal fees” to the list is likely a real stretch, if not impossible. At Law Firms , we know this and that’s why we work on contingency. After a completely free consultation with one of our legal representatives, victims then have complete access to our team of experienced and skilled attorneys without any upfront costs or fees. From there, we don’t collect any payment unless we secure financial compensation from an insurance claim or by order of a judge in the courtroom.
Colorado Laws Related to Car Accident Cases
Like many areas of life, the law can significantly impact your car accident case, especially if you don’t have a good understanding of a few key components. That’s why it’s vital to speak with a Denver car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Here are some of the laws that could impact your car accident case:
Statute of Limitations – One of the most common laws victims need to be aware of is the statute of limitations, the law that limits how long a potential plaintiff has to file a lawsuit. Unlike other states, the statute of limitations for car accident cases is different in Colorado compared to the one that applies to all personal injury cases. The Colorado Revised Statutes section 13-80-101 states that all tort actions related to the use or operation of a motor vehicle have to occur within three years of the accident. In the event that a victim dies in an accident and the surviving family members wish to file a wrongful death lawsuit, they have two years from the date of the person’s death.
Comparative Negligence – Not all car accidents are cut and dry when it comes to who was at fault. That’s where “comparative fault” comes in. These laws differ from state to state. For Colorado, the Colorado Revised Statutes section 13-21-111 says that victims can recover from any party who was more at fault for the accident than they were. Financial damages will be reduced by the exact percentage the driver is determined to be at fault, making Colorado a modified comparative negligence state.
For example, if you were awarded $10,000 in financial damages but it was determined that you were 30 percent at fault, you would receive $7,000.
Offer of Settlement Clause – In an ideal world, all car accident cases would end amicably without the need for a lawsuit. Insurance companies and victims would settle on a mutually agreeable remedy and move on. This is a common outcome, especially if fault is clearly defined, damages are easy to calculate, and both sides have an incentive to avoid the time and costs of going to court.
While car accident victims are by no means required to settle cases outside of court, the state “offer of settlement” statute is in place to encourage it. This Colorado state law says that if the responsible party’s insurance company offers a settlement that is a better outcome than an eventual verdict, the plaintiff who didn’t accept that offer has to pay the ensuing legal fees for both sides.
Car Insurance – Like most states, Colorado requires drivers to purchase a minimum amount of insurance coverage. This minimum amount of coverage required includes:
- $25,000 for liability for bodily injuries per person
- $50,000 total for liability for injuries if more than one person is injured
- $15,000 in coverage for liability for others’ property damage
Before 2003, Colorado was a “no-fault” state, meaning car accident victims filed claims under their personal insurance policy. Under today’s “tort system,” the responsible party’s insurance company pays the claim.
What to Do While You Are Recovering From a Car Accident
When you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in an auto collision, the recovery process can leave you dealing with steep medical bills, stress, and anxiety. But it doesn’t have to.
With our team by your side, we’ll make sure to handle all the complexities of dealing with the other driver and insurance companies, so you can focus on recovering.
In the aftermath of your accident, it is important to take the following actions:
- Continue Medical Treatment – The first step to recovering from any car accident is protecting your health. It’s important that you follow your doctor’s instructions and continue treating your injuries. Your physical safety should always be your number one priority. Throughout your medical treatment, remember to:
- Be honest and truthful with your doctor(s)
- Take medication and follow care instructions as prescribed
- Do NOT stop medical treatment unless your doctor tells you to do so
- Attend all appointments
- Save medical documents and bills
- Collect documentation of all medical treatment
- Document Everything – Evidence is essential to building a strong case. Collect all of the following items as proof of the other driver’s negligence and damages you sustained:
- Police and traffic reports
- Photos of the accident scene
- Photos of your injuries and damages
- Medical bills and documents
- Avoid Posting on Social Media – The defendant’s insurance company will try to manipulate any information you post online to reject the validity of your claim and reduce the compensation you could be awarded.
Types of Compensation You Can Receive
It is common for those filing a personal injury claim to wonder how much compensation is available for the injuries they have suffered. The cost of filing and the likelihood that you may recover damages may also be a top concern.
Although there is no set value of compensation the victim of an auto collision can expect to recover, the following factors may add value to a claim:
- Medical Bills – The cost of current and future medical treatment and rehabilitation can be recovered.
- Loss of Wages – Compensation is available for current and future wages that you cannot earn as a result of reduced capacity to work due to your injuries.
- Disfigurement – You may be able to recover compensation for an alteration to your physical appearance that impacts your quality of life.
- Emotional Anguish – Psychological issues that result from the accident may be compensated if they impact your well-being and capacity to function.
- Reduced Quality of Life – If an accident results in diminished enjoyment of life, relationships, and activities, then damages may be available.
- Loss of Consortium – A victim, their spouse, or children can be compensated if the accident has negatively impacted their relationship.
In the event that you have tragically lost a loved one to a serious car crash, our Denver car accident attorneys can assist you in recovering damages for the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of household income or duties
Contact Denver Car Accident Lawyers
The Denver car accident lawyers at Law Firms know that the injuries and expenses that arise after a car accident can be terrifying. Our commitment to you is to provide individualized attention to your case and help you come out of the situation by recovering the maximum compensation available. We put clients first and secure maximum settlements for victims of car accidents.