Car accidents are never expected. The impact of a car accident on your life can be significant and may carry consequences that complicate your immediate and distant future. Automobile accidents can be scary, painful, inconvenient, and expensive. After an accident, you have to ask yourself questions that you are probably not prepared to answer. How do you file a claim? Are you entitled to compensation? Do you need a lawyer?
We understand that automobile accidents can be complicated. At Matlin Injury Law, we represent the interests of injured automobile accident victims. We can help you deal with the aftermath of an auto accident and will walk you through the legal process stage by stage so you won’t be left wondering what to expect next. Below are five situations in which a victim should consider retaining the services of a personal injury attorney after a car accident in Colorado.
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Tell us about your case1. When You Become the Victim Of Someone Else’s Negligence
First and foremost, any person who has been victimized or injured due to the negligence of someone else may be entitled to legal compensation. This isn’t the wild west. If you have been injured or suffered a significant loss, you have rights. A lawyer will help you protect them.
You don’t want someone to get away with damaging your property, finances, or person. Carelessness, negligence, or recklessness must be addressed, especially when these behaviors cause harm to others. The at-fault person’s insurance company is obligated to pay for your damages after an accident. For this reason, certain legal statutes exist to protect your rights in Colorado.
With that being said, the legal system can be complex. Sometimes, to get the justice you are entitled to, a lawyer is necessary. Personal injury attorneys can help you get compensated after an accident.
Therefore, if you have been injured in a motor vehicle or pedestrian accident caused by someone else’s negligent actions, you should hire a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
2. If You Want to File A Claim With An Insurance Company
In the United States, all motor vehicle operators are required to carry some kind of insurance. In Colorado, there are mandatory minimum liability insurance requirements that require the at-fault party to pay for damages. Usually, when an accident takes place, one driver will be found at fault. The driver who wasn’t at fault should then be compensated for their losses.
However, things aren’t always this cut and dry. In fact, sometimes accident fault is attributed to multiple parties after an accident. This can make it difficult for a victim to get the compensation they actually deserve. For this reason, it is important to hire a personal injury attorney to protect your interests after an accident.
Moreover, insurance companies are businesses. This means that they will usually act in their financial best interests. In layman’s terms, the insurance company might not jump at the first opportunity to pay for your losses. Insurance claims adjusters might even try to use less-than-wholesome tactics to pin the blame in places it does not belong. This isn’t personal, it’s business. That’s why you need a professional on your side.
Filing your claims correctly can be a complicated process as well, even if the at-fault party admits they caused an accident and expects their insurance company to compensate you. If you know that you are entitled to certain damages but are concerned that the at-fault party’s insurance company will put up a fight, it may be best to hire a personal injury attorney as soon as you can.
3. After a Commercial, Professional, or Work-Related Accident
What if you were in an automobile accident while at work? What if you drive for Uber or Lyft? Perhaps, you drive a government vehicle and aren’t sure how long you have to file a lawsuit. Did someone hit you while you were following your regular delivery route? These are all questions that a personal injury attorney can help you answer.
Whenever businesses are involved in an automobile accident, professional legal counsel can benefit your cause. You can be sure that the business you work for has access to an abundance of legal resources. It is important that you exercise your legal rights accordingly.
If you have been in an automobile accident associated with the commercial operation of a vehicle, driving for a company, or something similar, it may be time to hire an attorney. After all, you don’t want to go up against a seasoned corporate lawyer alone.
Additionally, victims of commercial collisions may be entitled to different types of damages. For instance, let’s say you were driving your personal vehicle for non-work-related reasons when suddenly, you were hit by a semi-truck. The driver of that truck and the company they work for might both owe you some type of compensation.
It will all depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident. To ensure that you are being fairly compensated for your suffering, it is best to have a personal injury attorney on your side.
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Tell us about your case4. If The Other Driver was Drunk
Be aware that if you were hit by an intoxicated driver, you are the victim of more than just negligence. Driving under the influence is an act of recklessness. In fact, Colorado has many laws that concern DUI charges. A personal injury attorney will help you understand what your rights as a victim are after a DUI automobile accident.
Victims of DUI accidents are almost always entitled to compensation, both financial and otherwise. However, a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you get everything you deserve. Since driving under the influence is a crime in Colorado, district attorneys could be involved.
Additionally, the at-fault driver will be given access to an attorney as well. You should have a personal attorney working with you to ensure that your best interests are being prioritized. DUI cases can get tricky in the blink of an eye. Having a legal professional in your corner to ensure that your rights are being upheld can make all the difference.
5. If You Are Hit by A Distracted Driver
Distracted driving involves negligent behavior. These days, there are plenty of ways that drivers can get distracted behind the wheel. A few examples include texting, taking phone calls, eating, or even having an unrestrained dog in the car. Although distracted driving accidents are rarely caused intentionally, the repercussions can be very serious.
If you were hit by a distracted driver, you could have a solid legal case. This is true whether you were driving your own vehicle, riding a bicycle, or even walking. Liability insurance covers victim damages up to a certain amount. These damages could help you pay for your injuries, damaged property, lost wages, and more.
If you were injured due to someone else’s distracted driving, you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately. The sooner you retain qualified legal counsel, the better your chances of receiving a favorable outcome will be.
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Matlin Injury Law can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Other Important Things to Remember After A Car Wreck
If you have been in an automobile accident, there are a few things you should know. Not all cases are the same and your unique situation should be evaluated by a professional. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you decide how to proceed after your accident.
Whether you realize it or not, you could be entitled to compensation.
Remember, if you have injuries, expenses, or damages, compensation may be available. Even if you aren’t sure that you have a case on your hands, you should still contact a personal injury attorney.
Your attorney may be aware of Colorado laws that apply in your favor. Each case is unique and must be treated accordingly. Most personal injury lawyers will give you a risk-free consultation so that you can find out if you have a case. If you think that there is even a chance that compensation is available, you have nothing to lose by calling an attorney.
Insurance companies are not usually on your side.
The sad truth is that insurance companies are likely to do everything they can to avoid paying you a dime. If they have no choice but to pay your claims, they are likely to opt for the minimum amount of compensation.
Before speaking with an insurance claims adjuster, it may be wise to contact an attorney first. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry. You don’t want to slip up and say something over the phone that an insurance company can use against you to avoid paying a claim. It’s better to take your time and avoid speaking with a claims adjuster than to take a call and say something that can hurt your case.
Moreover, auto accidents can be traumatic. There’s nothing wrong with taking some time to recover from this trauma. The statute of limitations to file claims in Colorado is three years.
This means that you have plenty of time to build a case. You have the right to remain silent with insurance claims adjusters until you have decided what to do next or spoken with a lawyer.
Having a lawyer on your side can increase your compensation.
After an automobile accident, you may have been injured, incurred property damage, or sustained losses for some other reason. Problems like lost wages, medical expenses, and bills can pile up long after the accident is over.
Studies show that automobile accident victims with legal representation obtain significantly higher compensation amounts than unrepresented victims. In fact, the awarded settlements may be up to three and a half times more for victims with a personal injury attorney representing them.
There are many reasons for this. Personal injury attorneys are familiar with the legal tactics of corporate insurance companies. Your personal injury attorney can help you negotiate a better claims deal and will stand up to insurers who are trying to push you into a quicker, lower settlement. It is not unusual for an insurance adjuster to try and discourage a car accident victim from hiring an attorney. This is sometimes used as a strategy to reduce the compensation or payout amount.
Moreover, the losses from an automobile accident may not always be evident right away. It can take days, weeks, or months after an accident to see how much loss has actually been sustained. An experienced personal injury attorney will help you better estimate what your potential future expenses are likely to be. Then, this amount can be included in your claim.
Sometimes, minor issues like whiplash can turn into bigger problems and present ongoing medical costs. The nature of an automobile accident could reach further than you had originally expected. Don’t underestimate your costs and expenses. Let a professional help you figure out what you will actually need in a fair settlement. After all, you’ve been through enough. You don’t need to be victimized by the insurance company as well.
Legal missteps could reduce your compensation.
It is also important to understand that the law applies specifically to automobile accidents. Many car accident claims are settled out of court. This leads people to believe that the law is not involved in the claims or insurance payout bargaining process. However, this couldn’t be further than the truth.
Incorrect interpretations of the legal processes surrounding an accident can lead to lower compensation and payout amounts. If you do not have a strong legal claim in your car accident case, you will have a weaker position in the negotiation process with the insurance company. Insurance companies know this.
As such, knowing the law is the key to a successful claim. Apart from the issue of proving fault after an accident, your attorney can help you with a range of other issues that could legally impact your case position and compensation. What you say to an insurer over the phone can also be used against you. Don’t make unnecessary legal mistakes. Let a professional personal injury attorney handle things for you.
You are not fighting the at-fault driver, but the insurance agency.
Not only are automobile accidents traumatic, but they can also be emotional. If you are filing a claim in a car accident case, you need to understand that you are not opposing an individual. Instead, you are going against the insurance company.
The individual who was at fault in the accident has likely been paying their insurance provider for years. The entire point of paying these premiums is to ensure that anyone accidentally injured in an automobile accident will be taken care of. You aren’t fighting the person who hit you. You are seeking justice in a legal case from a corporation obligated to pay for your damages.
You shouldn’t delay.
Although the statute of limitations in Colorado is three years, you shouldn’t wait this long to begin the claims or lawsuit filing process. The sooner you get the ball rolling, the better. Yes, you should take some time to recover and gather your records. Medical expenses, auto shop bills, and other forms of documentation will matter in your case and may take time to round up.
In the meantime, you can call an attorney. We recommend contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible, potentially before you give a statement to the police. Your lawyer will help you proceed with surety as you file claims in the right time frame.
At Matlin Injury Law, we are happy to walk you through the claims process. We can even talk to you if you’re still in the hospital. While you shouldn’t make hurried statements without thinking things through, you should know that time is of the essence.
Contact us as soon as possible after your accident so that we can do everything in our power to protect your rights from the very beginning. Contacting an attorney immediately is one of the best things you can do to ensure a favorable case, claims, or lawsuit outcome.
Injured in an Auto Accident? Call the Best Colorado Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have been involved in a car accident, you probably have many questions. If you suffered injuries or property damage, you should call an experienced personal injury attorney right away. Injury law, we understand Colorado’s laws comprehensively. We will do everything we can to represent your interests and get you the compensation you deserve. Let us help you at every step of the claims and filing process. We will work together with you to choose the best course of action for your unique situation. You can contact us via email or over the phone at 720-464-3600. Don’t wait; the sooner we schedule your consultation, the better.
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