Every month, the Colorado State Patrol estimates anywhere from 1,500 to 2,500 automobile accidents occur statewide. In many cases, these accidents are minor, with drivers and passengers walking away unharmed. However, anywhere from 100 to 500 of these accidents will involve serious injuries or even death.
In many instances, victims are injured or killed due to the negligence of other drivers. Reckless driving, drunk driving, and distracting driving are common culprits of severe damage.
If you are the victim of an automobile accident, we encourage you to contact an experienced Parker car accident injury attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you get in touch with our law offices, the more easily we can help you file your claims successfully. You can even contact us if you are still in the hospital.
We will work hard to help you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills and other expenses. Our skilled team of Parker, Colorado car accident injury experts will fight for your rights at every step of your recovery journey!
For a free legal consultation with a Personal Injury lawyer serving Colorado, call 303-777-1000
Tell us about your caseLet Us Help You Get the Legal Assistance, Aid, and Closure You Deserve
Sometimes, the nightmare has only just begun after you survive an automobile accident. From fighting with insurance companies to filing claims, getting your life back can be difficult. This is especially true if you have been severely injured in an accident at the fault of another driver! Our experts will do everything possible to help you get your life back.
If you have been involved in a car accident recently or in the last three years, call our offices and get the assistance you need. We can provide specific advice that fits your unique situation. Our team members are available during business hours via telephone at 720-464-3600. You can also read on to find the answers to many frequently asked Colorado automobile accident questions.
What are the most common causes of automobile accidents?
There are many causes of accidents in the United States. You may have already guessed it, but distracted driving is the number one cause of automobile accidents in the United States. Distracted driving causes more accidents every year than speeding, drunk driving, and inclement weather.
Top Causes for Automobile Accidents
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Blowing Through Red Lights or Stop Signs
- Drunk Driving
- Ignoring Traffic Laws
What constitutes negligent driving?
Negligence occurs when a driver fails to use reason or care while operating a motor vehicle. In Colorado, the law states that a driver operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner (without regard for road conditions, traffic laws, or other drivers) could be at fault for reckless driving.
Top Causes of Automobile Accidents in Colorado
- Driving while distracted
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving recklessly or with road rage
- Failing to abide by traffic signals or laws
- Driving while talking on a cellular phone
- Speeding or driving too slowly
- Texting and driving
- Heavy traffic and rush hour on the I-25
- Inclement weather
What are some of the most common injuries sustained from an auto accident?
Injuries resulting from an automobile accident can range from minor bruises and lacerations to major issues such as paralysis or even death.
In order, the most common types of injuries sustained from automobile accidents are whiplash, neck injuries, head injuries, soft tissue injuries, lacerations, broken bones, and bruised ribs. On the body, the most frequently injured areas are usually the neck, back, spine, head, legs, and arms, in that order.
Most Common Injuries:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations, scrapes, bruises
- Fractures and broken bones
- Back Injuries
- Burns
- Internal injuries
What are the most catastrophic injuries from a car accident?
Obviously, the most catastrophic thing that automobile accidents can cause is death. Otherwise, the most catastrophic injuries are usually to the spinal cord and head. These injuries can lead to permanent damage, coma, and sometimes paralysis.
Also, burns can cause permanent physical scarring, neurological damage, extreme pain, and more. Third and fourth-degree burns that cover large areas of the body can be life-threatening. Burns impact all layers of skin as well as the soft tissues beneath.
Colorado Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 303-777-1000
Tell us about your caseWhat should I do first after a car accident?
There are a few steps that you can take to protect yourself immediately after an automobile accident. The most important thing is to get to safety and call 911. If you can, you should also gather information about the at-fault driver. This includes insurance information and pictures of their license plate.
You can also take pictures of the damages to your vehicle, the crash site, and your injuries. After that, seek medical attention.
After your physical safety needs are addressed, call a skilled auto accident attorney as quickly as possible. Your lawyer will work to protect your rights and ensure your legal and financial needs are addressed.
Safety FirstFirst, you should get to safety. If it is safe to get out of your vehicle, you can, but be careful. Secondary accidents often occur on the side of roads, highways, and interstates after initial accidents happen. Do not move your car unless you absolutely have to protect yourself and others. Check the safety of the others involved in the accident as well, if possible.
Call for Law Enforcement / Seek Medical AssistanceNext, call 911. Police and ambulance services are there for these kinds of accidents. Get the medical attention you need. Even if you seem okay, it is wise to have your physical state fully addressed by a medical professional. You could be in shock or have internal injuries. If you start to feel pain later in the day or wake up the following day with physical pain, swelling, or other abnormalities, seek medical treatment immediately.
Exchange insurance information with the other driver. Take pictures of the scene of the accident if possible. Images of the crash scene, damage to your vehicle, and any injuries you have sustained may be helpful later. You can keep track of the progression of your injuries with pictures as well. Make sure to get pictures of the license plate number of the at-fault driver as well. This is key in the event they flee the crash scene.
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Tell us about your caseCall a Skilled Colorado Auto Accident Lawyer
After that, it is time to call an experienced Colorado automobile accident lawyer. The at-fault driver should have insurance that will protect their interests. Contacting an experienced attorney as soon as possible can help you get the compensation that you deserve. Your lawyer will also be able to protect your legal rights and interests during these troubling times.
What are the Colorado accident reporting requirements?
The law requires you to report any accident that causes injury or property damage. In Colorado, law 42-4-1606 requires you to make an “immediate” report of any car accident. The police will usually file reports as well. For this reason, it may be wise to contact an attorney before speaking with the police. If you are positive that the other party is at fault after an accident, call our offices before speaking with the police if you can. If you have been taken to the hospital, the police may arrive to get a statement from you within a couple of hours. Sometimes, this statement can be used by the insurance company to get out of paying your claims.
What is the Colorado statute of limitation for auto accidents?
For personal vehicle accidents, you have up to three years to file a claim. The statute of limitations is shorter for government-owned vehicles. For these government vehicles, the limitation is only 182 days in Colorado.
Who can be held liable for an automobile accident?
In most automobile accidents, there will only be one liable party. The liable person is the driver who caused the accident. However, in some circumstances, liability can extend to one or more additional parties. Inclement weather can also constitute no-fault circumstances. (Read more: Is Colorado a No-Fault State?). For this reason, it is important to contact an experienced automobile accident attorney as soon as possible.
Determining liability in Colorado: how does it work?
The amount of liability placed on an individual after an accident is determined by comparing the carelessness of each driver. The percentage of liability will determine the percentage of any resulting damages the at-fault driver must pay to the victim. This rule is often referred to as comparative negligence. Determining liability can be a complex process. This is why it is important to take pictures of the scene of the accident whenever possible. It is also important to speak with an attorney (before making an official statement to police if possible) as soon as possible in situations where liability is disputed.
What kinds of compensation and damages might be available?
After an automobile accident, the victim may be entitled to many different types of Damages. These damages can involve resulting issues from things such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Permanent physical impairment
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Loss of income
- Diminished earning capacity
- The death of a direct family member or household earner
Types of Claims in Parker, Colorado:
- DUI/drunk driver accidents
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Passenger injury accidents
- High-speed crashes
- Uninsured motorist accidents
- Low-speed crashes
- Rear impact crashes
- Side-impact collision claims
- Hit and runs
- Parking lot collisions
- Reckless drivers causes accidents
- Distracted driver causes accidents
Should I go to the hospital or see a doctor?
Yes, if you are experiencing physical pain of any kind, you should see a licensed physician. Keep track of appointments and bills, as you may need these documents later. Certain injuries like whiplash, bruised ribs, and internal damage, might not show up right away. If you are injured, it is important to document everything as soon as possible.
Are there comparative fault laws in Colorado?
Under Colorado’s latest modified comparative negligence laws, a plaintiff’s (victim’s) damages are reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault for the automobile accident. With this in mind, if the plaintiff’s fault is greater than (or equal to) the combined fault of the defendant (the other driver), the plaintiff gets nothing. This can be devastating for those suffering. Sadly, some insurers may attempt to place blame on victims. To avoid being faulted when you are innocent, hire an attorney immediately.
What kind of compensation is available to injured victims of car accidents in Colorado?
There are two types of compensation that Parker, Colorado car accident victims may be entitled to. These are economic damages and non-economic damages.
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Matlin Injury Law can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What are the Colorado Auto Accident and Insurance Laws?
Yes, the state does have insurance requirement laws and a Colorado car insurance minimum. First, $25,000 for bodily injury or death to any individual person in an accident is required. Then, $50,000 for bodily injury or death to all persons involved in any single accident is mandated. Also, $15,000 for property damage from any one accident is required. These are the minimum coverages required by the state of Colorado.
Will my insurance rates increase after an accident?
This depends on whether you caused the accident. If an accident was not your fault, your insurance rates should not go up.
How to file a specific vehicle accident lawsuit in this state?
If you wish to file a vehicle accident lawsuit, it is best to contact an auto injury attorney such as those at our firm. We will take care of the paperwork for you and walk you through each step of the lawsuit and claims process. To learn how to file an automobile accident lawsuit in Colorado, contact our offices. We offer free consultations to victims in and around Parker. We advise clients on compensation amounts for damages and injuries in each unique auto accident case.
Should you accept the insurance company’s settlement?
Are you done with treatment? Do you feel like you have been fairly compensated for damages? If you are still undergoing treatment, you should not consider settling with an insurance company. Their settlement offer may not pay all of your bills, damages, or subrogation claims in the long run. Instead, contact our law offices. Sometimes, when an insurance company is looking to settle, it is trying to find the least expensive way out of a claim. We can help you settle things in a way that benefits you the most.
Do I have a strong lawsuit or claim in Colorado as a victim?
If you were in a car accident that was caused due to someone else’s negligence, you will likely be able to file a claim. This is especially true if you are having trouble getting your damages paid by their insurance company.
A lawsuit may be necessary if the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer. The Auto Accident attorneys at our Parker law firm can fight for your rights to get the compensation and financial reimbursement that you deserve. Call us to find out if you have a claim or lawsuit on your hands. We will give you a free consultation and review the details of your case.
Why choose Matlin Injury Law after an automobile accident
The team at Matlin Injury Law understands that motor vehicle accidents can be stressful and life-changing. We want to help you understand your legal options and get the services you need.
With years of experience in motor vehicle accident claims, our diverse background allows us to assist you with a variety of cases. With our firm, you will receive excellent representation at every stage of your recovery journey.
We understand that insurance companies can be difficult to work with. When insurance companies fail to keep their obligations, the legal burden can fall on the victim. We help victims obtain the compensation they deserve to alleviate the financial burdens of an automobile accident.
We proudly represent car accident victims in Parker, Colorado, and beyond. For a free consultation and personalized case review, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible after surviving an automobile accident in Parker or the surrounding areas of Douglas County, Colorado.
Matlin Injury Law will provide you with a free consultation regarding your accident over the phone. We can also visit you in the hospital!
Our considerate team will focus on getting you the help and compensation you deserve. We want to help you get your life back on track! After all, we will not get paid unless you get paid. Our team never makes more money than you in claims or lawsuits. Our skilled legal team has the experience and know-how that you need to start getting your life back on track.
Contact our skilled Colorado car accident lawyers today at (720) 464-3600.
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