Vehicle accidents can be traumatic and life-changing, leaving a trail of medical bills, insurance claims, and legal complexities. Matlin Injury Law is dedicated to easing this burden, allowing victims to focus on healing and recovery. With the Colorado State Patrol estimating 1,500 to 2,500 accidents monthly, the need for expert legal assistance is essential.
If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident due to another’s negligence, including reckless or drunk driving, seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Matlin Injury Law, with a team of experienced Denver personal injury lawyers, is committed to ensuring victims receive maximum compensation. They provide comprehensive support, even if you’re still hospitalized, guiding you through every step of your recovery journey.
For a free legal consultation with a car accident lawyer serving Denver, call 303-777-1000
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For many accident injury survivors, the traffic accident is only the beginning of the nightmare. From fighting with insurance representatives to filing personal injury claims, getting your life back can be difficult. This is especially true if you suffered severe injuries due to the negligent actions of another driver! Our experts will do everything possible to help you get your life back.
If you were in a bad car accident in the last three years, call our offices to get the assistance you need. We will provide specific advice tailored to your situation.
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 a major cause of automobile accidents in the United States. Other top causes of automobile accidents include:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Inclement weather
- Blowing through red lights or stop signs
- Ignoring traffic laws
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Tell us about your caseWhat 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 Interstate 25
- Inclement weather
What Are Some of the Most Common Injuries Sustained from an Auto Accident?
Injuries from automobile accidents vary in severity and impact different parts of the body.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types of car crash injuries:
- Whiplash: Often occurring in rear-end collisions, whiplash is a neck injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, similar to the cracking of a whip.
- Neck injuries: Apart from whiplash, other neck injuries can include strains, sprains, and more severe cervical spine injuries.
- Head injuries: These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), often resulting from the head striking an object like the steering wheel or window.
- Soft tissue injuries: Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often manifesting as sprains, strains, or contusions.
- Lacerations: Cuts or tears in the skin, which can occur from shattered glass or metal in the aftermath of a collision.
- Broken bones: Common in severe accidents, broken bones can occur in any part of the body but are particularly common in the arms and legs.
- Bruised ribs: Caused by strong impacts, such as from seat belts or steering wheels, leading to painful but typically non-life-threatening injuries.
- Injuries to the back and spine: These can range from herniated discs and lower back strains to more serious spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis.
- Injuries to legs and arms: Injuries in these areas can include fractures, bruises, and sprains, often caused by the force of impact or being crushed in a collision.
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.
Understanding Economic and Non-Economic Damages in Denver Personal Injury Cases
In personal injury law, compensation is categorized into economic and non-economic damages. These are key in determining the compensation for an injured party.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are measurable monetary losses incurred due to an accident. They are based on bills, receipts, and financial loss evidence. Economic damages are also known as special damages and may include:
- Medical expenses: Costs for emergency services, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost wages: Income lost due to the inability to work post-accident, including future earning capacity loss.
- Property damage: Expenses for repairing or replacing damaged property, like vehicles in auto accidents.
- Other financial losses: Additional out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the injury, such as travel for medical appointments.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are non-monetary losses that are not easily quantifiable, addressing the broader impact of an injury. They are more challenging to calculate because they are subjective and vary based on injury severity, life quality impact, and individual factors. These can include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort and pain due to injuries.
- Emotional distress: Covers psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
- Loss of quality of life: Compensation for the inability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies.
- Loss of consortium: Addresses impact on relationships with a spouse or partner due to the injury.
Understanding these damages is crucial for accurately assessing the full impact of an injury and ensuring appropriate compensation for both tangible and intangible losses. Legal expertise can be invaluable in calculating and negotiating these damages in complex cases.
Punitive Damages in Colorado Personal Injury Cases
Punitive damages in Colorado serve a distinct purpose in personal injury law. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which compensate the accident victim, punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for particularly harmful or egregious actions.
These damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s behavior is deemed willful and wanton, indicating a conscious disregard for the safety of others. This aspect of punitive damages aims to deter similar conduct in the future, emphasizing accountability and responsibility.
In Colorado, the awarding of punitive damages is subject to stringent criteria and limitations. To pursue these damages, a plaintiff must provide clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s willful and wanton conduct, a higher standard of proof compared to other damage types.
Additionally, Colorado law caps punitive damages, generally limiting them to an amount that does not exceed the actual damages awarded. While not common in every case, punitive damages can play a crucial role in instances of gross negligence, serving as a powerful tool for justice and deterrence.
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What 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. 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 and document your care with medical records. These records can be important to support your car accident claim.
After your physical safety needs are addressed, call a skilled personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible. Your lawyer will work to protect your rights and ensure your legal and financial needs are addressed.
Safety First
First, 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 and Seek Medical Assistance
Next, call 911. Police and ambulance services are there for these kinds of accidents. Get the medical care 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 and Gather Info
Exchange insurance information with the other driver. Take pictures of the scene of the accident. Images of the auto collision 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 accident scene.
Call a Skilled Colorado Auto Accident Lawyer
After that, it is time to call an experienced auto accident attorney. The at-fault driver should have insurance that will protect their interests. Contacting a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible can help you get compensation to cover medical expenses, wages, back pay, and more.
Your lawyer will also be able to protect your legal rights and interests during these stressful times.
FAQs: Colorado’s Auto Accident Reporting and Legal Requirements
Navigating the complexities of auto accidents in Colorado involves understanding a range of legal requirements and procedures. This FAQ section is designed to clarify key aspects such as accident reporting, liability, compensation, and more.
Whether you’re dealing with immediate actions post-accident, figuring out the statute of limitations, or understanding comparative fault laws, these frequently asked questions provide essential insights into Colorado’s specific legal landscape for auto accident cases.
This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and protect your rights following an auto accident in Colorado.
What Are the Colorado Accident Reporting Requirements?
The law requires you to report any accident that causes injury or property damage. In Colorado, the law requires you to make an “immediate” police report of any car or motorcycle accident.
For this reason, it may be wise to contact an attorney before speaking with the police. If you are positive the person who hit you was the at-fault party, call our offices before speaking with the police if you can.
If you have been taken to the hospital, law enforcement may arrive to get a statement for their police report within a couple of hours. Sometimes, this statement can also be used by the insurance company to get out of paying your accident claim.
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.
Additionally, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado is two years from the date of your loved one’s death.
However, it’s important to note that specific circumstances can affect this timeframe. For instance, if the death resulted from a hit-and-run accident, the statute of limitations may be extended. Given the complexities and variations in the law, it’s advisable to consult with a legal professional for accurate guidance based on the specific details of the case.
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.
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 the police if possible) as soon as possible in situations where liability is disputed.
What Kinds of Financial Compensation 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 Denver, CO
- DUI or drunk driver accidents
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Passenger injury accidents
- High-speed crashes
- Uninsured motorist accidents
- Low-speed crashes
- Rear-impact crashes
- Head-on collisions
- Side-impact collision claims
- Hit and runs
- Parking lot collisions
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 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 negligent 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 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 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 do You File a Vehicle Accident Lawsuit in Colorado?
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 initial consultations to victims in and around Denver. 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 were offered fair compensation for your 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 motor vehicle accident 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 Denver law firm can fight for your rights to get the financial compensation 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 to review your case and discuss the legal process.
Why Choose Matlin Injury Law for Your Automobile Accident Case
At Matlin Injury Law, we recognize the profound impact that a motor vehicle accident can have on your life. Our law firm has the top auto injury accident lawyers in Colorado, offering expert representation tailored to the unique aspects of your case. Our goal is to alleviate the stress and financial burden that often accompany automobile accidents, especially when dealing with uncooperative insurance companies.
Serving Denver and the surrounding areas, our personal injury attorneys are committed to representing car accident victims with compassion and expertise. We offer free consultations and personalized case reviews, available over the phone or even at your hospital bedside if needed.
With our skilled legal team, you can trust that you’re getting the experienced representation necessary to navigate your case and start rebuilding your life post-accident. Contact us today.
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