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Why Choose Matlin Injury Law
Choosing legal representation is an important decision after a serious accident, and Matlin Injury Law focuses on personal injury and car accident litigation throughout Colorado to provide strong, dedicated support to those injured by negligence. We never treat clients like numbers, instead delivering personalized service that keeps your specific needs at the center of your case, while our experience with high-stakes liability disputes, including head-on collisions, allows us to thoroughly investigate every claim and build powerful, evidence-based cases. Our legal team is committed to pursuing the maximum compensation available through aggressive negotiation or litigation when necessary, and because we operate on a contingency-fee basis, you pay no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your case.
Legal Representation for Head-On Collisions in Colorado
A head-on collision occurs when the front ends of two vehicles hit each other. These vehicles usually travel in opposite directions. These crashes account for a small fraction of total accidents. However, they cause many traffic fatalities. The impact is often as severe as hitting a concrete wall at full speed. Even at moderate speeds, a frontal impact can be life-altering.
Victims of these accidents often require legal representation. The injuries sustained are frequently permanent or require long-term care. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. Additionally, victims may suffer multiple bone fractures or internal organ damage. Families who lose a loved one may need to pursue a wrongful death claim. This helps cover funeral expenses and the loss of financial support.
Handling the Details of Frontal Impact Claims
Successfully resolving a head-on collision claim requires a deep dive into the crash details. At Matlin Injury Law, we use various resources to strengthen your claim:
- Accident Reconstruction: We work with experts who recreate the accident scene. They use physics to prove how the collision occurred. This evidence is critical in establishing liability and demonstrating the severity of the impact.
- Black Box Data: Most modern vehicles have Event Data Recorders. We use court rules to secure this data. It provides information about speed, braking, and steering. This objective data often proves invaluable in determining liability.
- Witness Statements: We move quickly to secure statements from witnesses. We also obtain video footage from nearby businesses or dashcams. Witness testimony can be crucial in establishing what actually happened at the moment of impact.
Colorado’s geography also plays a role in these cases. Head-on collisions are a risk on narrow mountain passes. They also happen in winding canyons and busy corridors like I-25. While interstates are divided, wrong-way driving still causes crashes. Our Denver car accident lawyers understand the unique challenges of Colorado’s roadways and terrain. If you’ve been injured in a head-on collision in Denver, we can help.
Evaluating the Strength of Your Claim
Several factors influence the value of your case:
- Severity of Injuries: Severe and permanent injuries often increase the claim value. This is due to higher medical costs. Catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury, typically result in higher settlements. These injuries require ongoing medical care and significantly impact quality of life.
- Clarity of Liability: The claim is stronger if evidence clearly shows the other driver was at fault. Our car accident lawyers excel at establishing liability through thorough investigation. Clear liability often leads to faster settlements and better outcomes.
- Insurance Policy Limits: The available insurance coverage often dictates the maximum recovery. Understanding the defendant’s policy limits helps set realistic expectations. In some cases, you may need to explore uninsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.Evidence
- Preservation: Quality evidence preserved after the crash is important for proving your case. Acting quickly to gather dashcam footage, witness statements, and accident scene photos strengthens your position. Learn what steps to take after a car accident to preserve critical evidence.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery with Matlin Injury Law
The aftermath of a head-on collision is overwhelming. However, you do not have to face it alone. Matlin Injury Law provides the legal guidance needed to handle the Colorado legal system. We fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team is committed to helping you rebuild your life. Contact our Colorado personal injury lawyers today.
Contact Matlin Injury Law today for a free consultation. We will review your accident and explain your legal options. This helps you determine the path forward. Learn what to expect in a free consultation with an auto injury accident lawyer.
Call us at (303) 854-6078 or fill out our contact form to get started.
FAQs
How is fault determined in a Colorado head-on collision?
Determining fault involves gathering evidence to show which driver was negligent. We review police reports and analyze tire skid marks. Additionally, we examine vehicle damage and interview witnesses. Often, one driver crossed the center line. This violation of traffic laws helps prove fault. Under Colorado law, establishing negligence is critical to your case, and our Colorado car accident lawyers have extensive experience building compelling evidence. Understanding how fault is determined in a car accident is essential to your claim.
What if the other driver was traveling the wrong way?
Wrong-way driving is a leading cause of head-on collisions. This happens often on divided highways or one-way streets. Under Colorado law, driving the wrong way typically triggers negligence per se. This means the driver is presumed negligent. This rule strengthens a victim’s claim for damages. If you were injured in a wrong-way driving accident, our team can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our Denver head-on collision lawyers specialize in these complex cases.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes, Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation if your fault is 49% or less. However, the court reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you receive 80% of the damages. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. This is why consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer early in your case is essential. Learn more about what happens if a car accident was partially your fault.
What types of compensation can I seek after a head-on crash?
Victims can seek economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering. Under the new law (HB 24-1472), effective January 1, 2025, the cap on non-economic damages has increased to $1.5 million, and the wrongful death cap is now $2.125 million. The cap for wrongful death is $550,000. Understanding the full scope of available compensation is crucial, and our team can explain how these types of damages apply to your specific situation. Learn about the average settlement for a car accident in Colorado.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for car accidents is three years. However, wrongful death claims generally have a two-year limit. It is important to consult with a lawyer early. This helps you meet all deadlines. Waiting too long to seek legal representation can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Understanding when to hire a lawyer after a car accident is critical to protecting your rights.
How long does it take to resolve a case?
The timeline varies based on the case details and your medical treatment. Some cases settle within months. Others involving severe injuries may take a year or longer. This is especially true if the case goes to court. Our ultimate guide to accident and personal injury claims provides detailed information about what to expect throughout the legal process. Many clients ask how long the car accident claim process takes.
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Exercise caution before accepting an initial offer. Insurance adjusters often offer low settlements early. They do this before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept, you cannot ask for more money. Our team recommends consulting with an attorney before accepting any settlement to ensure you receive fair compensation. Many clients benefit from understanding whether they should settle a car accident claim without a lawyer.
Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court. However, we may take the case to trial if the insurer is unfair. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial. This gives us more leverage. Our litigation experience ensures you have strong representation whether your case settles or proceeds to trial. Understanding how the truck accident lawsuit process works can help you prepare for potential litigation.
Do I need a lawyer if the other driver was at fault?
Insurance companies may try to shift blame even in clear cases. A lawyer protects your interests. Our legal team handles all communication with insurers. We help you avoid unfair agreements. Even in seemingly straightforward cases, having an experienced Colorado personal injury attorney on your side can significantly impact your outcome. Learn about how an attorney can help with your car accident claim.
