Car accidents are unsettling events that can disrupt your life in countless ways. Beyond the immediate shock and potential injuries, you might be facing vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost income, and considerable stress. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Colorado due to someone else’s negligence, understanding your rights is the first step toward recovery. Navigating the legal aftermath can be complex, which is why seeking guidance from a car accident lawyer in Colorado is often crucial to protect your interests and secure the compensation you deserve.
At Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers, we believe in a personalized approach to every case. We understand the profound impact a car accident injury can have on you and your family. Our experienced team takes the time to evaluate each case individually, focusing on how the accident has affected your life, your ability to work, and your overall well-being. We are committed to providing clear communication, sound legal advice, and dedicated representation to help you through this challenging period. Our goal is to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible, allowing you to focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life.
Your Rights After a Car Accident in Colorado
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver in Colorado, you have specific legal rights designed to protect you and provide recourse for your losses. A Colorado car accident lawyer can be your strongest advocate in understanding and enforcing these rights.
The Right to Medical Care
Your immediate priority after a car accident should be your health. You have the right to seek medical attention promptly, regardless of who was at fault. Documenting your injuries and starting treatment is vital not only for your well-being but also for building a solid foundation for any potential injury claim. Even seemingly minor injuries can have long-term consequences if left unaddressed.
The Right to File a Personal Injury Claim
Colorado law allows you to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance to recover compensation for your losses. These losses, also known as damages, can include:
- Medical Expenses: Covering past, present, and future medical bills related to the accident injuries.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to your inability to work because of your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Costs associated with repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle and other personal property.
A skilled car accident lawyer in Colorado can meticulously assess your damages and build a compelling case to maximize your potential compensation.
The Right to Legal Representation
You are entitled to have legal representation to act on your behalf. Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line and may attempt to minimize payouts. Having a car accident attorney in Colorado levels the playing field. A lawyer will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident.
- Gather crucial evidence to support your claim.
- Handle all communication and negotiation with insurance adjusters.
- Represent your best interests in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
The Right to Fair Compensation Under Comparative Negligence
Colorado operates under a “comparative negligence” system. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your share of the fault is not greater than 50%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. A Colorado car accident lawyer will protect you from unfair fault assignment and ensure your compensation is not unjustly diminished.
The Right to File a Lawsuit
If settlement negotiations fail to produce a fair outcome, you have the right to file a lawsuit to pursue your claim in court. A Denver car accident attorney can guide you through the litigation process, representing you vigorously to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Determining Fault in a Colorado Car Accident
Establishing fault is a critical aspect of any car accident claim. While a police officer may investigate the accident scene, their opinion on fault isn’t always definitive or accepted by all parties involved. This is where a car accident lawyer in Colorado becomes invaluable.
In many cases, insurance companies will conduct their own investigations, and they may dispute fault to minimize their liability. Our experienced Colorado car crash attorneys are adept at conducting independent investigations, gathering evidence, and reconstructing accident scenarios to clearly demonstrate fault.
The Role of Traffic Tickets in Fault Determination
While a traffic ticket issued to the other driver is not directly admissible as evidence of fault in a civil lawsuit in Colorado, it can still be relevant. The investigating officer’s opinion on who caused the accident may be admissible. If the officer testifies that the other driver was at fault, it can strengthen your claim. However, police investigations are not always exhaustive, and officers may have varying levels of accident reconstruction expertise.
Comparative Negligence and Its Impact on Your Claim
Colorado’s comparative negligence law means fault can be shared. Insurance companies often use this to their advantage, arguing that the injured party was partially to blame to reduce or deny claims. For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your potential compensation will be reduced by 20%. If you are deemed 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
A skilled Colorado car accident lawyer will anticipate and counter these tactics. We will conduct a thorough investigation to uncover all relevant evidence and build a strong case to refute any claims of comparative negligence against you.
Why Choose Our Colorado Car Accident Lawyers?
Following a car accident, you might consider handling the claim process on your own. However, navigating insurance companies and legal complexities can be overwhelming, especially while you are recovering from injuries. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers whose goal is to minimize payouts. You need an experienced advocate on your side.
Our car accident lawyers in Colorado at Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers have a proven track record of success in handling personal injury claims. We offer:
- Experience and Expertise: We are the largest personal injury law firm in Colorado, with decades of experience and a deep understanding of Colorado car accident law.
- Personalized Attention: We provide a client-focused approach, ensuring you are informed and involved throughout the legal process.
- Contingency Fee Basis: You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This eliminates upfront costs and aligns our interests with yours – maximizing your recovery.
- Proven Results: Our reputation and track record speak for themselves. Many clients are referred to us by other attorneys and satisfied clients.
American Association of Attorney Advocates 2023 Memeber – Personal Injury Law 2023 Award Winner
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Denver and Colorado
Understanding the common causes of car accidents in Colorado can highlight the importance of responsible driving and the potential for negligence. In Denver and throughout Colorado, frequent factors contributing to car crashes include:
Distracted Driving
Anything that diverts a driver’s attention from the road, such as texting, phone calls, eating, or adjusting vehicle controls, constitutes distracted driving. Even momentary distractions can have devastating consequences.
Speeding
Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for weather or road conditions significantly increases the risk of accidents. Speed reduces reaction time and amplifies the force of impact in a collision.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs (including prescription medications), severely impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making impaired drivers a major cause of car accidents.
Reckless Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, ignoring traffic signals, and street racing demonstrate a disregard for safety and are leading causes of collisions.
Poor Weather Conditions
Colorado’s diverse climate can bring challenging driving conditions like snow, ice, rain, and fog. Drivers must adjust their speed and driving techniques to account for reduced visibility and slippery roads.
Damages You Can Recover in a Colorado Car Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Colorado due to another’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for various types of damages. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Colorado will ensure all your losses are considered when pursuing your claim. These damages typically include:
Economic Damages
These are tangible financial losses directly resulting from the accident:
- Medical Expenses: All medical costs incurred, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Past and future lost earnings due to your inability to work.
- Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement costs and damage to other personal property.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are more subjective and relate to the intangible impacts of the accident:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and discomfort.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the diminished ability to participate in hobbies, activities, and aspects of life you enjoyed before the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological trauma stemming from the accident.
Our attorneys are skilled at assessing both economic and non-economic damages to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for all your losses.
Common Injuries in Colorado Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in a wide spectrum of injuries, ranging from minor to catastrophic. Some of the most frequently seen injuries in Colorado car accident cases include:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
These soft tissue injuries to the neck are caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head during a collision. Symptoms can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited mobility.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the back and spinal cord, such as herniated discs or fractured vertebrae, are common in car accidents. Severe spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBIs, including concussions and more severe head trauma, can result from the impact of a car accident. TBIs can cause cognitive impairments, memory problems, and long-term neurological issues.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of impact in a car accident can cause fractures to arms, legs, ribs, and other bones. These injuries often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
Damage to internal organs can occur due to blunt force trauma from the accident. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Psychological Trauma
The emotional aftermath of a car accident can be significant. Many victims experience anxiety, depression, and PTSD, which can be as debilitating as physical injuries and require professional mental health support.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Colorado
Taking the right steps immediately after a car accident is crucial for protecting your health and legal rights. Here’s a checklist of actions to take:
1. Call 911: Report the accident to the police, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report is a critical piece of evidence for your claim.
2. Check on Others: Ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the accident. Provide aid if necessary and safe to do so.
3. Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s).
4. Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
5. Be Cautious with Statements: Avoid admitting fault or discussing the details of the accident with anyone other than the police and your attorney. Do not apologize, as it can be misconstrued as accepting responsibility.
6. Seek Medical Attention: Get prompt medical evaluation and treatment for any injuries, even if they seem minor at first.
7. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Colorado: Reach out to a Colorado car accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your rights and options.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Colorado
In Colorado, you generally have three years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims arising from a car accident, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. Claims against government entities may have even shorter deadlines.
It is crucial to consult with a car accident lawyer in Colorado promptly to ensure you meet all applicable deadlines and protect your right to pursue compensation.
Let Our Colorado Car Accident Lawyers Fight For You
Franklin D. Azar, a leading Colorado car accident attorney.
At Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers, our dedicated car accident lawyers in Colorado are committed to providing you with the strong legal representation you need during this challenging time. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on healing and moving forward.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us at (303) 757-3300 or fill out our online contact form. We are available 24/7 to assist you.
Convenient Office Locations Throughout Colorado
With multiple offices across Colorado, including Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Greeley, Pueblo, and Thornton, we are readily accessible to serve you. We are the largest personal injury firm in Colorado, ready to put our resources and experience to work for you.
Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers – Denver Office
4704 N Harlan St
Suite 205
Denver, CO 80212
P: (303) 529-2104
