Colorado Car Accident Lawyer

You probably haven’t planned on getting a Colorado personal injury lawyer, but, then again, getting into a car accident in Colorado isn’t usually an event that someone plans for. Car accidents can range from minor to devastating events, but you need to make sure you’re well protected in the event that one occurs while you’re behind the wheel.

A Colorado car accident lawyer is here to help protect your rights if you’ve been injured in a car accident. We will investigate the case and gather all of the information that is needed to negotiate a monetary settlement with the opposing insurance company and file a lawsuit for you.

Common Car Accident Causes in Colorado

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) investigates about 30% of traffic accidents and 70% of car accidents involving fatalities. In 2020 the CSP responded to 268 fatal crashes, the majority of which were caused by DUI/DUID, Lane Violations, and Exceeding Lawful Speeding.

Other common reasons that car accidents occur in Colorado are:

• Inattentiveness while driving (using a cell phone or eating)
• Following too closely
• Failure to give right of way
• Improper passing
• Running stop signs
• Driving on the wrong side of the road

Common Injuries as the Result of a Car Accident in Colorado

Even minor car accidents can result in injuries. It’s important that you get the best Colorado car accident lawyer after a car accident so they can help you with the next steps and get you the compensation you deserve.

Common car accident injuries are:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Soft tissue injuries
• Chest injuries
• Internal injuries
• Sprains, strains, and muscle tears

What to do After a Car Accident in Colorado

The steps you take after you’ve been involved in a car accident in Colorado are crucial because they determine the future of your claim.

• Move your car out of traffic, if possible
• Wait for emergency services. Medical personnel will evaluate you when they arrive
• Do not leave the scene or touch any evidence
• Take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident, road conditions, debris, traffic signals, signage – anything that could be pertinent to building a case
• Exchange insurance information with the other involved driver(s)
• File a police report
• Don’t speak to any insurance agents until you get the best car crash lawyer

Filing a Car Insurance Claim Without a Police Report in Colorado

It’s possible to file a claim with your car insurance company without a police report in Colorado. As a policy holder, you have the right to receive compensation after you’ve been involved in an accident, whether a police report was filed or not. If no police report was made at the time of your accident, you should call your insurance company and let them know that you were involved in a crash. You may be able to receive compensation through our own policy.

Another option is to get the compensation from the other involved party’s insurance company. However, you should leave this responsibility to a Colorado car accident lawyer. They will handle the conversation carefully to get you the compensation you deserve.

All of that said, it’s always best to file a police report after you’ve been involved in a car accident in Colorado. The police act as a neutral third party and filing a report with them will ensure that there is a record detailing exactly what happened at the time of the accident. Police may also be able to make a professional opinion on who the responsible party is.

Without a police report, insurance companies may look at the situation as though it is one party’s word against another. This could make it difficult for your Colorado car accident lawyer to present a strong case to a judge.

Requirements for a Personal Injury Claim after a Car Accident in Colorado

In order to file a personal injury claim in Colorado, your claim must meet the following requirements:

1. There must be an identifiable at-fault driver
2. You must have bodily injuries
3. A medical professional must have your injuries documented
4. You must be able to prove that your injuries are a result of the accident

Once you have all of the above information it’s time to call the best Colorado car accident lawyer, if you haven’t already. Consult with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement, written statement, or signing any insurance papers.

Damages That Can Be Recovered After a Car Accident in Colorado

There are two types of damages that a Denver car accident attorney can recover for you after you’ve been in a crash:

1. Economic damages – this refers to medical expenses, loss of wages, and any additional costs that are related to how your injuries alter your life.
2. Non-economic damages – this generally refers to pain and suffering; damages that occur as a result of your (or a loved one’s) physical and non-physical injuries.

In order to have medical expenses paid, you will need to give your car accident attorneys a copy of your medical records, tests, prescriptions, etc.

To have your wages reimbursed, you will have to provide your car accident attorneys with a recent tax return or recent pay stubs so they can verify your income.

Car Accident Laws in Colorado

Car accident laws vary from state to state. The following laws are applicable in the state of Colorado:

• The at-fault driver must pay for the provable damages that occurred as a result of the accident.
• There is a 3-year (from the date of the incident) statute of limitations for a car accident-related injury or loss
• There is a 2-year (from the date of death) statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim against the driver who was at fault
• Any party is able to receive compensation from another party that has been determined to be more at-fault in an accident, even if they are both considered to be liable

There are three reasons you might not be eligible for receiving compensation after a car accident in Colorado:

1. Your vehicle was damaged by another vehicle that you own
2. You were driving for a ride share service (Uber, Lyft, etc.), or taxi company
3. You are at fault for your own damages

Hiring a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer

It’s always a good idea to call a Colorado car accident lawyer, especially if there are serious damages to you, a loved one, or your property. A car accident has the potential to alter your life in a significant way. The best Colorado car accident lawyer will be able to help get you what you need to live a healthy and comfortable life. Let one of our Colorado car accident lawyers help you. Call today!

In a Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver In Colorado?

All Colorado drivers are required to have car insurance policies, but not everyone does. If you are ever in a car accident and the at-fault driver does not have a car insurance policy that will help pay for damages, you might need a Colorado car accident lawyer on your side.

You’ll want to make sure that you will be able to receive fair compensation from the responsible party, in the event that you become hospitalized, are unable to work, lose a loved one, or experience pain and suffering as a direct result of the accident, the best Colorado car accident lawyer will be able to help get you recovered.

We often get a lot of questions about what to do if you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver. Read through the following questions and answers so you can be ready if that day ever comes your way.

What is UM and UIM Insurance?

UM (Uninsured Motorist) and UIM (Under-Insured Motorist) insurances will protect you in the event that you’re involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver or one that doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the cost of your damages. The Insurance Information Institute reported in 2019 that 16.3% of drivers in Colorado are uninsured. Having UM and UIM insurance on your policy will make sure you can recover from financial loss after a devastating accident.

How Does UM and UIM Work in Colorado?

UM and UIM will pay for the rest of the damages that were not paid by the responsible party’s insurance. For example, if your medical bills are $15,000 after being injured by an uninsured driver, and you have UM coverage up to $50,000, your policy will cover all of your medical bills.

Now, let’s say that your medical bills are $100,000 and the driver who caused your injuries is insured, but only for up to $75,000. Your UIM insurance will cover the remaining balance.

Who is Responsible for Damages After a Hit-and-Run?

Your auto insurance will cover your expenses if you are injured and/or your vehicle is damaged in a hit-and-run accident, so long as you have UM on your policy. If the police are able to catch the person who hit your vehicle, you may be able to receive monetary compensation from their insurance company.

Do I Need UM and UIM Coverage?

Although insurance companies are required to offer uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage, the state of Colorado doesn’t require drivers to have it included in their auto insurance plans. A Colorado car accident lawyer would tell you that UM and UIM coverage is a good thing to have on your insurance policy, even if it increases your premium. The cost you pay to have the coverage might be minimal compared to the cost of medical bills, property damage, and your pain and suffering.

If you run into a situation where the driver responsible for your damages is uninsured and unable to pay for your recovery, those financial responsibilities could be devastating. In Colorado, over 16% of drivers are uninsured. A Colorado personal injury lawyer would say that it isn’t worth the risk to skip over including UM insurance on your policy.

Ultimately, the choice to have UM and UIM insurance on your policy resides in the hands of the policyholder. It will be up to you to decide whether or not you are willing to risk being responsible for your financial and personal losses, even if you are not responsible for the car accident in Colorado.

What is Liability Insurance?

Auto liability insurance covers drivers in two ways:

1. If a driver injures another person, bodily liability insurance will help them pay for medical bills.
2. If a driver damages a vehicle or other property, property damage liability coverage will help them pay for repairs and replacements.

Do I Need a Lawyer if I Am Injured by an Uninsured Driver?

It is not required to hire a Colorado car accident lawyer, but it can certainly be helpful. The fact of the matter is that insurance companies want to get away with giving you as little money as possible. If you don’t know how – or are unable to – fight for your rights after you’ve been injured in a car accident, that insurance company is likely to get away with paying you a minimal amount.

The best Colorado car accident lawyer will not only be able to fight for what you deserve but they will be able to do so in a quick and efficient manner. Dealing with the physical and emotional ramifications after a car accident can be tough enough without having to constantly be on the phone, participate in meetings, and deal with paperwork. Your car accident attorney will speak to the insurance companies and advocate for your rights so you can focus on your recovery.

Is it Illegal to Drive Without Insurance in Colorado?

Yes. If a driver is caught without any auto insurance, they could face community service hours, jail time, and hefty fees. It’s possible for an uninsured driver to have their license revoked or suspended for a certain amount of time or until they have obtained auto insurance.

What do I do After I am Injured by an Uninsured Driver in Colorado?

If you have been hit by an uninsured driver, wait at the scene for emergency medical services to arrive. They will evaluate your condition and take you to the hospital, if necessary. Be sure to allow emergency medical services to evaluate you even if you don’t feel as though you have any injuries. There is always the possibility of internal injuries or those that don’t present themselves right away. A medical examiner will keep a record of your condition that is necessary in order to make a claim against the uninsured driver.

Hire The Best Colorado Car Accident Lawyer

Our team of attorneys have the experience and skill that is necessary to win your case against uninsured drivers and get you the compensation you need to recover. Call today for a consultation.

How A Colorado Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Car accidents that result in injuries and fatalities are on the rise in Colorado. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, a Colorado car accident lawyer can help. Car accident injuries range from minor to severe, but they almost always cost money and peace of mind. A Colorado car accident lawyer will be able to evaluate your case, make a claim against the responsible party, and get you on the path to recovery.

The law and insurance policies can be difficult enough to navigate without also dealing with personal injury or loss. Let a Colorado car accident lawyer handle everything from negotiating with insurance companies to presenting evidence in court, if your case comes to that.

Although thousands of car crashes happen every day, people are rarely well prepared for the day they are injured in one.

Colorado Car Accident Lawyer

Is it necessary to have a Colorado car accident lawyer after a car accident? No. No one is required to hire a car accident lawyer, but it is an incredibly valuable resource that could very possibly save you from going bankrupt.

Car accidents cost a lot of money. Between damages to your vehicle, damages to your property inside your vehicle, medical bills, and the time you missed at work, you could be looking at a devastating loss – a loss that you might not ever be able to recover from. A Colorado car accident lawyer can help you avoid having to pay for these damages and lost wages by making sure the responsible party and their insurance company cover the costs.

The distress that comes after a car accident doesn’t end when you go home, get a new car, or heal from your injuries. People usually experience long-term effects that can be difficult to work through. When you are struggling through each day, trying to get things back to how they were before your accident, the mere thought of fighting for compensation can be exhausting.

A Colorado car accident lawyer will fight for your compensation so you can focus on your physical and mental health, as well as that of your loved ones.

Determining Fault

Colorado is a “fault” state, which means the at-fault diver has to be over 50% liable in order to be required to pay damages. The amount of liability, or “fault” that a diver has will determine how much compensation they are responsible for. For example, if a driver is found to be 40% at fault, they would have to pay significantly more than if they are found to be 10% at fault.

Fault is determined with:

• Witness testimony
• Photos of the scene, injuries, and damaged property
• Information from the police report

Insurance companies will also take into consideration the weather, road conditions, lighting, and any other factor(s) that might have contributed to the accident.

Colorado Insurance laws

The state of Colorado requires that all drivers have auto insurance. The minimum requirements for auto insurance are as follows:

• $25,000 in bodily injury coverage
• $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for multiple injured parties
• $15,000 in property damage coverage

It’s recommended to raise your coverage if you have the financial means to do so. The increase in your insurance premium is usually negligible compared to the cost of paying for someone’s recovery, especially if you are in an accident that injured more than one person.

Car Accidents Involving Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

Although Colorado required all drivers to have the previously mentioned auto insurance coverage, 16.3% of drivers neglect to follow the rule. That means that if you or a loved one is injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver you may be responsible for covering your own damages.

In order to protect yourself against uninsured drivers, it’s recommended to have UM (Uninsured Motorist) and UIM (Under-Insured Motorist) insurances included in your insurance policy. These types of insurances are not required to have, but a Denver car crash attorney would tell you that having the protection of UM and UIM is better than not having it.

Essentially, what UM and UIM does is fill the payment gap between what the responsible party can pay and what you are owed. If you have $50,000 of medical bills after an accident, and the responsible party can only cover $25,000, your insurance company will cover that $25,000 gap. If the at-fault driver is unable to pay for any of your damages, your insurance company will cover 100% of the cost.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Colorado

If you are responsible for a car accident in Colorado and you do not have auto insurance you might not have to pay for any damages, but you could face serious legal consequences.

Drivers that don’t have auto insurance in Colorado could face community service or jail time, a minimum of a $1,000 fine, and license suspension. If the driver has a poor driving record and many points on their license, it’s possible that they lose their license altogether and are not allowed to drive for a certain amount of time.

The cost of driving without auto insurance is much higher than the premiums you will have to pay. All drivers should meet the minimum insurance requirements in Colorado and add to their coverage if they have the means to do so.

Your Colorado Car Accident Lawyer is Here

Don’t fight the systems yourself after a devastating car accident. Let our team of experienced and skilled lawyers fight for your rights and get you the compensation that you deserve. Call today to learn more about what a Colorado car accident lawyer can do for you.