Tens of thousands of automobile crashes take place each year in the state of Colorado. While no two Colorado automobile accidents are identical, most of them have one thing in common: injuries to drivers and passengers. The severity of auto accident injuries can range from mild to severe. Not to mention, hundreds of fatalities from car crashes occur each year in the state. After being in a serious collision, victims are often left wondering what to do next. That is where an auto injury lawyer can help.
Auto injury accident attorneys can guide victims as they seek compensation after being wrongfully injured in a collision. Indeed, an experienced car crash lawyer can help the injured plaintiff gather evidence, file claims with insurance adjusters, sue the at-fault party for damages, and more. Not to mention, hiring an automobile accident lawyer often vastly improves an injured victim’s chances of receiving a higher settlement amount.
If you were injured in an automobile accident in the state of Colorado, you probably have quite a few questions about what should be done next. Only a qualified Colorado personal injury attorney with experience handling automobile collision cases will be able to fully answer your questions as they pertain to your unique situation. However, at Matlin Injury Law, we want all of our clients and potential clientele to be fully informed on the legal processes following auto accident injuries. As such, we have created this in-depth guide that goes over what to expect from a Colorado automobile injury attorney, the process of settling after a collision, and more. That way you can proceed with confidence and peace of mind as you seek compensation and justice following your car accident.
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Tell us about your caseSearching for the Best Colorado Auto Accident Injury Lawyer? Matlin Injury Law is Here for You! Serving Aurora, Parker, Denver, Thornton, Broomfield, Loveland, Englewood, Colorado Springs, Centennial & More, Injured Victims Can Call Us for a Free Consultation!
If you were hurt after a car accident in Colorado that was caused by someone else, our team is here to help you. Our knowledgeable and experienced auto accident personal injury attorneys can answer your questions, help you file claims, and more. We will fight hard to make sure that you acquire the justice and settlement you deserve. At our firm, we want to ensure that each client receives the individual time and attention that their case requires. Don’t fight to get your life back alone, let us help! You can reach an attorney by calling 303-487-8911 or clicking here to fill out an online form for a free case consultation.
When to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident
If you were in a car accident in Colorado, you should consider hiring an attorney right away. The sooner you retain a lawyer, the better your results in court are likely to be. Even if you do not plan on filing a lawsuit, a lawyer can help you deal with insurance adjusters and file insurance claims that cover your damages. After all, some insurance adjusters will try to coerce you into divulging information that can damage your claims. This is the last thing that injured victims should have to fear!
Moreover, many people do not realize how costly injuries from an automobile accident can actually be. Sometimes, unexpected legal issues arise that victims are not prepared to deal with. Unexpected physical problems and financial burdens can also become an issue. On the flip side, if you have an attorney helping you, you will be able to more easily navigate the complexities of your car accident case. In short, the sooner you hire a lawyer, the easier things are likely to go for you from the start.
It is wise to hire a lawyer after a collision if:
- The automobile accident was not your fault
- The at-fault party was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- You or your passengers were injured in the accident
- You suffered physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially
- You lost time at work because of the accident
- Your capacity to earn income was damaged
- Your vehicle was totaled
- The at-fault party is trying to deny liability
- You are concerned that insurance adjusters may try to reduce your claims
- You do not have experience speaking with insurance claims adjusters
- You and your family would prefer to focus on healing and recovery instead of legal issues
How does fault impact a car accident case?
Colorado follows a system based on Traditional Fault. This is true for all Colorado car accidents that involve liability and losses following a collision. This means that in Colorado, the person who is responsible for causing a car accident must be held liable for the damages that they caused. This includes physical injuries, monetary damages, loss of life, etc. So, if you are not the at-fault party (the plaintiff), you have time to file a lawsuit against the person who caused the accident (the defendant).
Bearing this in mind, it is still best to file claims and lawsuits as soon as possible following your collision. An attorney can get the ball rolling on your claims or lawsuit while you focus on recovering and healing from your injuries.
Choosing The Best Car Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in an automobile accident in Colorado, you should hire a lawyer that knows what they are doing. After all, following an automobile collision, matters can quickly become complicated. This is especially true if you were seriously hurt in the accident! Knowing what to look for in a car crash lawyer can be incredibly helpful.
For one thing, hiring an attorney to represent your interests can ensure that you get the best possible settlement. Plus, a great lawyer can simplify claims, settlements, lawsuits, trials, and other issues that would be difficult for most people (especially those who are injured or financially burdened) to face alone.
Choosing the Best Attorney for Your Car Crash Injury Case in Colorado
When searching for a great car crash attorney, look for a law firm that practices in the state where the collision occurred. That way, your lawyers will be familiar with the laws in your region and equipped to handle your case. Ergo, if you were in a Colorado car accident, you will need a Colorado attorney.
In addition to this, you will need to hire a lawyer that has in-depth knowledge of personal injury law. Also, they should be particularly familiar with personal injury law as it applies to automobile collision cases, as not all lawyers specialize in automobile accident injury law. Pick an attorney that can help with filing car accident claims, lawsuits, suing for damages, and getting recovery for victims.
What to look for in a car accident lawyer?
- A caring and dedicated staff team
- Experience in automobile accident law and personal injury claims
- Plenty of resources online and 24/7
- An understanding of the laws in your state
- The trust of the local community
- Good testimonials from real clients in the past
- A good track record in court
- Free case consultations and fair pricing
- Professional attorneys who can go to trial if the need arises
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Tell us about your caseHow an Attorney Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
A personal injury automobile crash attorney can help you with claims in many ways. For one thing, your attorney will work hard to help you get the most desirable outcome for your case. Not only will they look at the unique details of your situation, but they will use their legal knowledge to assist you through the filing process from start to finish with the ultimate objective of getting you the largest monetary settlement possible.
Moreover, a lawyer can help you prove your claims. Many injured victims do not realize that they will be required to provide evidence of their injuries, damages, medical bills, financial losses, and so on. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to back up your claims. This increases the likelihood of those claims being paid in full.
Hiring a Lawyer Can Increase Your Likelihood of Getting a Fair Settlement
Insurance adjusters are known for doing everything they can to reduce the claim amounts of car accident victims. Unfortunately, it is in the best interest of insurance companies to pay as little as possible to those who were wrongfully hurt following a collision. A skilled lawyer will be able to defend your interests and make sure that your claims are fairly paid.
Not only will your lawyer go to bat for you against insurance claims adjusters, but they will take all of your damages into consideration. Many injured people do not realize that their losses could grow over time. Some injuries take a long time to present and your physical condition may worsen with time. This can lead to an array of unexpected costs.
Not to mention, you may not be able to return to work as quickly as you initially hoped. Your lawyer will take all of the factors surrounding your claims case into careful consideration. Then, they will make sure that the total claim amount will cover your actual expenses, current and future.
When Is It Too Late to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
In many cases, injured victims are worried about the time constraints of hiring an attorney after a car accident. After all, if you were wrongfully hurt in a car crash, healing, and recovery should be your top priorities! Fortunately, Colorado’s Statute of Limitation leaves plenty of time for injured victims to retain legal guidance.
In fact, plaintiffs have up to three years to begin a lawsuit to seek compensation after an accident. Still, there are some constraints to these statutes. As such, hiring an attorney right away is usually the best option. As long as you file your lawsuit within the three-year time limit of the date of the collision, your case is likely to be accepted. However, if you are even one day past this three-year statute of limitations, it is too late.
Colorado Has a Special Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits
In many states, the statute of limitations for automobile accident lawsuits is the same as any other personal injury lawsuit timeline. However, in Colorado, a specific deadline was passed that applies to lawsuits involving car accidents. This includes personal injury lawsuits, lawsuits seeking property damage compensation, or both.
Colorado revised Statute section 13-80-101 says that any injury claim arising from a vehicle accident must be filed within three years of the date of the accident. As such, on the day of your accident, a time limit begins, and the clock starts ticking. If you wait more than three years to file a car accident claim or lawsuit, your case will not be accepted.
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Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Was My Fault
Few people are happy to be held liable for causing a car accident. However, regardless of your position in a car accident case, having a skilled professional represent your legal interests is important. There are many different types of lawyers. If you caused a car accident, hiring a lawyer may be a good move.
Not only will your lawyer represent your interests in court, but they can keep you from making mistakes that could worsen your situation. Personal injury attorneys are there to help injured victims recover after being wrongfully harmed. They usually represent the plaintiff (victim). Defense attorneys represent the interests of the person at fault for a collision, or, the defendant. Apart from hiring an attorney, there are a few things that defendants can do to prevent further problems from arising after an accident.
To avoid problems, defendants should consider:
- Reporting the accident to authorities
- Contacting their insurance company
- Staying at the scene of the accident
- Working calmly with first responders
- Providing their insurance information to the other party
Do Injured Victims Need a Lawyer?
Sometimes, injured victims do not understand why an attorney is necessary for an injury lawsuit or insurance claims. After all, if you didn’t cause a car accident, why should you have to hire a lawyer to help you?
You are not required to have an attorney to file claims or a lawsuit if you are the victim of a collision in Colorado. However, hiring a lawyer vastly improves your chances of receiving an equitable settlement and insurance claims large enough to cover the cost of your actual damages. Not to mention, most attorneys are paid on a fee contingency basis. this means that they don’t get paid until you do! so, for many injured victims, hiring a lawyer actually means getting more money.
Should You Settle a Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer
Most personal injury attorneys will agree, it is never wise to settle with an insurance provider unless you have adequate legal representation. There are many reasons for this. First of all, most insurance companies have their own interests in mind. Insurance claims adjusters often do everything they can to reduce the settlement amounts of injured victims.
In addition to this, many injured victims do not take all of their expenses into account when pondering a settlement amount. Future expenses could be greater than what a hurt individual initially anticipates. Bills may begin to pile up and returning to work on schedule might not be an option. Having a skilled personal injury attorney representing your interests is the best way to make sure that you receive a fair settlement following your automobile accident.
What are the advantages of hiring a lawyer before settling?
There are many reasons to hire an attorney before accepting a settlement. First off, a lot of car accident injury attorneys offer free case evaluations to injured victims. So, having your settlement reviewed by an attorney might not cost you a penny. You could have the chance to get free legal assistance with very little risk and no obligations.
Moreover, some personal injury lawyers specialize in car accident cases. This means that the right lawyer can investigate your crash comprehensively and help provide evidence that will back up your claims. This strengthens your position when negotiating with an insurer. Also, a lawyer can make sure that your settlement amount is actually fair and will cover your past, current, and future expenses thoroughly.
Ultimately, your lawyer may end up collecting their fees from your settlement amount. Many people receive settlements that are up to three times larger when they are represented by a skilled attorney. In a situation like this, you might never have to pay out-of-pocket legal expenses.
Do I Need an Attorney if I Was Offered a Settlement
Some people wonder whether they should hire an attorney if the at-fault party’s insurance provider has already offered them a settlement. Insurance companies are often motivated to settle claims outside of court. They may even send you a settlement check in the mail. This saves their company money and time. So should you accept this fast settlement or call a lawyer?
Although each case is unique, in most situations, it is best to hire an attorney before accepting a settlement from the other party’s insurance provider. Chances are, if the other fault party’s insurance provider is trying to settle with you quickly outside of court, they have hidden motives. Your case could be worth more than what you are being offered. A lawyer can investigate matters and make sure that your offer is fair.
Do you have to hire a lawyer to get a settlement for your claims?
No, you are not required to have a lawyer represent your interests if you are filing personal injury claims. However, when you have a skilled personal injury attorney on your side, you are more likely to get a larger settlement amount.
Not only will your personal injury attorney know exactly how to deal with pushy claims adjusters, but they will also look over every detail of your case to make sure that nothing is left on the table. Many personal injury attorneys are paid directly out of the settlement you receive. So, they don’t get paid until you do. Therefore, if you want a larger settlement, hiring an attorney is often best.
It is also important to note that many personal injury attorneys have experience taking cases to trial. This means that if the other insurance party tries to deny your claims, your lawyer will be there to help you fight for your rights in court. Your attorney can present evidence about your claims, help you gather witness statements, show how high your medical bills are, and more. A lawyer can fight to ensure that everything will be paid for fairly and that you won’t be left with unnecessary financial burdens.
The other party’s insurance company just sent me a settlement check, should I cash it?
If the insurance company of the person at fault for your collision has sent you a check, do not cash it. By cashing or depositing this check, you could be giving up your rights to seek further compensation for all of your damages. Instead, call a personal injury attorney immediately to discuss the details of your case. While seeing a large amount on a check in your name can be exciting, it may be a sign that your case is actually worth far more.
Will My Car Accident Claim End in a Settlement?
Many people want to know if they can expect to get a settlement after a car accident that resulted in them being injured. To find out what legal processes will apply to your unique car crash case, getting a lawyer may be the best option. No two automobile accidents are exactly the same. So, without speaking with an attorney, it is hard to tell whether your car accident claim will end in a settlement. Hiring a skilled lawyer will help you figure out if your case should be settled outside of a courtroom or if you should file a lawsuit after your accident.
Automobile accident cases can be complex and many factors must be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to settle. How strong are your claims? Do you have evidence to support these claims? How extensive are your injuries? Is the other party trying to deny fault? Questions like this must be investigated thoroughly. Your attorney will examine your claims case and decide how best to proceed. So, speaking with a lawyer before you settle is usually the smartest move.
Trials Can be Risky and Insurance Companies are Often Motivated to Settle
Injured victims are often surprised to learn that insurance companies are often highly motivated to settle claims outside of court. Trials, just like automobile accidents, can be unpredictable. Insurers know this and want to do everything they can to protect their interests.
Settling can be good for plaintiffs as well. Some people think that proving fault and legal liability will be a simple process. However, witnesses may need to take the stand, and proving damages can be complicated. Plaintiffs are sometimes afraid that they will get an unfair settlement or have to pay expensive legal fees to attorneys.
However, with satisfactory legal representation, going to trial may actually be a good thing. It all depends on the circumstances of your case. In many situations, victims choose to settle with insurance companies to avoid lengthy trials. This could be good or bad, it will all depend on the distinctive facts of your case. Your attorney will be able to advise you on whether or not to settle, and if so, which offers to accept and which offers to rebuff.
Five Things to Know About Car Accident Settlement Agreements
People who have been unfairly injured in automobile accidents are often unfamiliar with the legalities of their situation. To be sure, no one expects to be severely hurt in a car accident. Consequently, many questions about settlement agreements are left unanswered. So what should you know about car accident settlement agreements? Here are five things to be aware of.
1. You Have the Right to Seek Compensation After Being Injured
After an automobile accident, both parties have legal rights. Injured victims have the right to seek compensation for their damages. You are legally entitled to seek a settlement to recover damages after your car accident. Your settlement can cover things like medical bills, pain & suffering, the loss of the ability to earn an income, wrongful death, and more.
2. Insurance Adjusters Might Not Have Your Best Interests at Heart
It is important to be careful what you say following an automobile accident. Insurance adjusters may try to get statements from you to reduce your claims. This can ultimately damage your settlement. If you are not sure how to proceed after your accident, hire an attorney to represent your interests and keep you from accidentally decreasing your claims by saying the wrong thing to an insurance adjuster.
3. The First Settlement Offer Will Probably Be the Lowest
With settlements, negotiations often start off at the low end. Insurance companies may try to get you to settle for the smallest amount possible. Accepting the first settlement offer is usually not in your best interests. A lawyer can look at any offer you receive and let you know whether or not it is fair.
4. Settlements May Resolve Faster Than You Think
Going to trial can be expensive and insurance companies are well aware of this. As such, an insurance company could very well be motivated to settle with you as quickly as possible. The insurance provider of the at-fault party is likely to negotiate with you for a little while and then come to a settlement agreement with your attorney outside of court. This process generally can take anywhere from six months to a year, a timeline that is comparatively fast in the world of personal injury law.
5. Faster Does Not Always Mean Better
We get it, if you are injured and out of work, getting your settlement as quickly as possible is important. Our personal injury car accident settlement lawyers agree with this. That is why we will do everything we can to help you get your money as quickly as possible. However, sometimes, negotiating is worth the wait.
After hiring an attorney and engaging in negotiations, your settlement could wind up being a lot bigger. This means taking the time to do things correctly could result in you getting a much higher amount than what you were initially offered. It all depends on the circumstances of your case, so contact a lawyer to find out how much your claims are really worth before settling for less.
What to Expect in a Free Consultation with an Auto Injury Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a car accident, you may be wondering how you can possibly afford an attorney. You can’t work, your medical bills are adding up, and the stress you are under might feel overwhelming.
The good news is that many injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that they are paid out of your final settlement amount. Some victims can get legal services without having to pay anything upfront. Moreover, the legal expenses could be negligible for those who ultimately obtain a large settlement.
Some personal injury car accident attorneys (like Matlin Injury Law) offer free case consultations to injured victims. But how do these case consultations actually work? Understanding what you can expect from a free personal injury case consultation is helpful. Here are a few things that you can expect during your case consultation.
• Discussing Your Injuries and the Incident
Talking about your injuries in depth with a lawyer is an important part of your free initial case consultation. If your injuries worsened over time, begin from the start of things and walk the attorney through the entire story in as much detail as possible. Try not to leave anything out. In the same way that hiding symptoms from a doctor can hurt your health, leaving out details of an accident when speaking with an attorney can harm your case in the future.
• Talking About Your Present Medical Condition
Apart from describing the accident itself, you should also be prepared to speak in detail about your current medical condition. Explain how your injuries are currently and talk about any symptoms that you have had in detail. If you’ve had a recent doctor’s visit, discuss this with the lawyer as well. Bringing along any medical bills or reports from your physician can also be helpful.
• Bringing Supporting Documents
Although you do not necessarily need to bring supporting documents to your personal injury case consultation, having these items with you can be helpful and may expedite the process of retaining legal guidance. If you can, bring a copy of your police report, medical bills, injury reports, and other pertinent information. You can also bring any witness statements or pictures of your accident. Depending on the situation, your lawyer may or may not need these articles.
• Retaining Legal Services
After discussing the details of your accident, a lawyer will be able to tell you whether or not your case is a good fit for their law firm. If a lawyer does want to work with you, you will have the option to sign a retainer agreement. This agreement is a contract between you and your attorney to set the terms of your future legal services.
• Contingency Fee Basis
Some personal injury law firms work on a contingency fee basis. This means that attorneys agree to be paid a percentage of your overall recovery settlement amount. If no recovery is made, the attorney will not be paid. Ergo, the attorney’s payment will be contingent upon receiving a settlement amount from a third party.
The Car Accident Injury Lawyers at Matlin Injury Law Are Ready to Fight For You Now! Call Or Schedule Your Free Case Consultation Online.
Are you the injured victim of a car accident in Colorado? Here at Matlin Injury Law, we have a highly skilled team of personal injury car accident attorneys available to assist you with your automobile collision case. Our team works diligently to provide each client with the care and consideration that they deserve! If you were wrongfully hurt, we will do everything in our power to defend your rights, represent your interests, and get you the largest settlement possible.
Experienced Parker, Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs Auto Accident Lawyers
Our team proudly serves clients in the greater Parker, Colorado area. This includes Colorado Springs, Denver, Thornton, Centennial, Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Aurora, Broomfield, or any of the other nearby areas. Our experienced lawyers specialize in various legal areas related to automobile accident law. As such, we have the knowledge and expertise needed to make sure that your case is handled correctly.
With an in-depth understanding of Colorado State Law, as it relates to automobile collisions and personal injuries, we can help injured victims navigate complex cases. Moreover, our experienced legal team and dedicated staff members are devoted to providing you with the best legal services possible in Colorado.
Our Experienced Lawyers Fight Diligently to Ensure That You Are Represented Fairly and Compensated Fully
Our team is here to work painstakingly on your behalf. After all, if you are the injured victim of a Colorado car accident, chances are, you have suffered enough. Let us take on the opposition so that you can focus on healing and recovery! Apart from doing everything we can to make sure that your case is treated with care and consideration, we will also try to help you get a settlement large enough to compensate you for everything you have been through. Our team will take all of your bills and damages into complete consideration to get you the largest settlement possible as quickly as possible.
We Are Here to Help Your Case at Any Stage
Although we highly recommend calling an automobile accident attorney as soon as possible following your collision, many injured victims are incapable of reaching out to a lawyer right away. This can lead to concerns that your Colorado car accident case is outside of the statute of limitation. However, certain exceptions may apply to injured victims. No matter what stage your case is in, our team can review the details of your unique situation and provide you with answers. Simply schedule a free case consultation to find out if we can help you!
Book Your Free Colorado Car Accident Case Consultation Now
The sooner you let our team assist you with your Colorado accident case, the better. Hiring an attorney as soon as possible can help you protect your best interests and get a fair settlement, faster. So, if you were hurt in a collision that was caused because of the defendant’s negligence, we encourage you to reach out to our team as quickly as possible. We make it easy to schedule case consultations online! Just fill out a fast and easy online consultation form and one of our team members will be in touch with you right away. You can also call our Parker Colorado auto accident injury law firm during business hours at 303-HURT-911 (303-487-8911).
Ready To Speak with a Car Accident Injury Lawyer In Colorado? Contact Matlin Injury Law and Speak with an Attorney at 303-487-8911 or Fill Out a Free Case Consultation Form Anytime.
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