Denver Car Accident Lawyer

Vehicle accidents can be traumatic and life-changing, leaving a trail of medical bills, insurance claims, and legal complexities. The Denver car accident attorneys at Matlin Injury Law are dedicated to easing this burden for people like you, allowing victims to focus on healing and recovery.

If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident due to another party’s negligence, we’re here to serve as your legal advocates. Matlin Injury Law has a team of Denver personal injury lawyers committed to fighting for maximum compensation.

We provide comprehensive support, even if you’re still hospitalized, guiding you through every step of your recovery journey.

Contact us today for a free review of your case.

Let Us Help You Get the Legal Assistance, Aid, and Closure You Deserve

After an accident, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You are likely dealing with injuries, financial stress from missing work and medical bills, and the emotional trauma of it all.

Having legal assistance means having someone in your corner who can deal with aggressive insurance companies, complicated paperwork, and anything else that comes your way, including:

• Communicating with all other parties, including insurers and the at-fault party’s legal representatives
• Collecting evidence to prove all aspects of your case
• Presenting your case to the insurer and/or before a judge and jury in court
• Hammering out a settlement agreement, if possible, and reviewing it with you before you sign anything
• Keeping you updated daily through an app and encouraging you to reach out with questions at any time through whichever means you are most comfortable with

If you were in a car accident and believe someone else was at fault, Matlin Injury Law can provide the assistance you deserve. Our Denver car injury attorneys can discuss your legal options and what we can do to protect your rights.

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 compensation for an injured party.

Economic Damages and Your Car Crash

Economic damages are awarded to compensate an accident victim for the measurable monetary losses incurred due to an accident. They are based on bills, receipts, and financial loss evidence. Economic damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency services, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to the present or future inability to work post-accident.
• Property Damage: Expenses for repairing or replacing damaged property, especially your vehicle.
• Other Financial Losses: Additional out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the injury, such as travel for medical appointments.

Non-economic Damages and Your Car Crash

Non-economic damages are awarded for non-monetary losses that address the broader impact of an injury. They are subjective and may 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 the impact on relationships with a spouse or partner due to the injury.

Our Denver car accident lawyers carefully listen to your story and examine your losses so that we can fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

In some cases, we may also consult with medical professionals and financial experts about the long-term impacts of your injuries. We use this information to build a case for maximizing your settlement.

What Types of Accidents Are Common in Colorado?

Page 5 of a report from the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) says that there were 3,809 crashes with injuries or fatalities in Colorado in 2024. There are many causes of accidents like these. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reports that Denver County accidents in 2024 often involved:

• Failing to observe surroundings and stay alert
• Following other vehicles too closely and other aggressive behaviors
• Failing to yield
• Distractions from inside or outside the vehicle

When Can I File a Car Accident Case?

You have the right to file a claim when the following three criteria are met: someone else was negligent (liability), this negligence caused an accident (mechanism of injury), and you suffered losses because of the accident (injury).

Determining Liability in Colorado

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 modified comparative negligence.

Under modified comparative negligence, if you are less than 50 percent at fault, you are still able to recover compensation. However, your compensation is proportionately reduced.

Unfortunately, some insurers may attempt to place blame on victims to lower or deny a settlement, and 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 our Denver lawyers so we can protect your rights.

How Our Denver Car Accident Lawyers Investigate to Prove Negligence

Determining liability in a car accident comes down to establishing who was at fault for causing the crash. We thoroughly investigate your accident to prove that negligence occurred. Our legal team may use evidence like:

• Police reports, which include officer observations, citations, and initial fault assessments.
• Witness statements from bystanders or other drivers.
• Physical evidence like vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions.
• Dashcam or surveillance footage, if available.
• Driver statements and admissions made at the scene or to insurers.

At Matlin Injury Law, we analyze these sources to reconstruct what happened and determine who breached their duty of care on the road. Sometimes, multiple drivers share fault, in which case Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rules come into play.

In complex cases, accident reconstruction experts may also be brought in to provide technical analysis and clarify the sequence of events.

What Are Some of the Most Common Injuries Sustained in 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 manifest as sprains, strains, or contusions.
• Lacerations: Cuts or tears in the skin may be caused by 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: Bruised ribs are 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.

How Do Catastrophic Injuries Change Your Car Accident Case?

While any injury can be catastrophic when severe enough, the most common ones that occur in car accidents are often those to the head or spinal cord. These types of injuries may result in permanent disabilities, such as paralysis or cognitive impairment.

Burns and lacerations can cause intense physical pain. They may also lead to scarring and disfigurement, which can affect you mentally as well. Additionally, serious burns can be life-threatening and cause neurological damage. 

Catastrophic injuries often result in higher settlements because of the need for more intensive medical care and long-term life impacts. Our personal injury attorneys can help you maximize recovery by proving the extent of your injuries.

Wrongful Death Damages After a Car Accident in Denver

When a loved one is killed in a car accident, the emotional toll is devastating. In Colorado, the law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial compensation for their loss.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Colorado limits who may file based on your relationship to the deceased:

• In the first year after death, only the spouse may file.
• In the second year, the spouse, children, or a designated beneficiary may bring the claim.
• If no spouse or children exist, the parents may be eligible.

Fatal Car Accident Damages

Wrongful death damages can include economic damages like:

• Loss of the deceased’s income and financial support
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to final care

You could also qualify for non-economic damages like:

• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Grief and emotional suffering
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased

Why Legal Support Can Help

Wrongful death claims are complex and emotionally charged. Our Denver wrongful death lawyers can help surviving families navigate deadlines, gather critical evidence, and pursue full and fair compensation while honoring their loved one’s memory.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Denver

The steps you take after an accident can significantly impact your health. Some actions can also preserve your right to compensation. The most important thing is to assess your situation so that you can get to safety and receive appropriate medical care.

If you have serious injuries, prioritize emergency medical treatment at a facility like Denver Health.

Below, we’ll describe these steps in more depth:

After a Collision, Put Safety First

Ensure that you are safe where you are. If your vehicle is in the path of oncoming traffic, move it if it is safe for you to do so. Check the safety of the others involved in the accident as well, when possible.

If you hurt your head, neck, or spine, try to move as little as possible. In some cases, spinal cord injuries can be worsened when a victim tries to move.

Call 911 for Help After a Crash

Next, call 911. The Denver Police Department officers and medical staff who arrive on the scene are equipped to handle emergencies. They will ensure the safety of everyone involved.

After an accident, it’s imperative to get medical attention. Many injuries will worsen without proper treatment. Some, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Time is often critical in these cases. The earlier you see a doctor, the higher your chances may be of making a full recovery.

If you do not receive emergency medical care, follow up with your doctor as soon as possible.

Document the Accident to the Best of Your Abilities

Exchange insurance information with the other driver. However, if the other driver seems aggressive or inebriated, wait and have the police get this information for you instead.

Document the accident by taking photos or videos of the accident scene, if you can. Some important elements to include are: vehicle damage, debris, environmental damage (such as skid marks or cracked safety barriers), and your visible injuries.

If the other driver flees the scene, try to remember as many details as possible, including the make, model, and color of their vehicle, and any numbers from their license plate.

Call a Denver Auto Accident Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident ensures that your legal rights are protected. Matlin Injury Law can handle communication with the at-fault driver and their legal or insurance team.

Your lawyer is there to serve your best interests during a challenging time. Call now for a free consultation.

FAQs: Colorado’s Auto Accident Reporting and Other 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 points, such as accident reporting and filing deadlines.

These frequently asked questions provide essential but general insights into Colorado’s legal landscape for auto accident cases. Our car accident lawyers in Denver can provide information and advice specific to your situation when you reach out to us.

What Are the Colorado Accident Reporting Requirements?

The law requires you to report any accident that causes injury, death, or property damage. Failing to report an accident could make it much harder for you to recover compensation.

If you have been taken to the hospital, police officers or insurance adjusters may question you while you are still recovering. If you apologize for the accident, even out of habit, it can be seen as you admitting fault for the crash.

If your lawyer is unable to be there with you, answer questions briefly and factually. Do not hypothesize about your actions, and if you don’t remember something, say you are unsure.

What Is the Colorado Statute of Limitations for an Accident?

For personal injury cases where a motor vehicle is involved, you typically have up to three years to file a claim.

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado is generally only two years from the date of your loved one’s passing.

However, it’s important to note that specific circumstances can affect this timeframe. Understanding these exceptions can be difficult, so if you are worried about the legal timeline, it’s best to consult with our car accident attorneys. Matlin Injury Law can answer your questions and create a legal strategy to meet the deadline for your case.

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Automobile Accident?

Often, another driver is the liable party in a car accident. However, any party that displayed negligence when they should have been acting cautiously can be held liable. For example, if your accident involved a commercial vehicle, both the driver and their company may be liable for the accident.

For this reason, it’s helpful to contact an automobile accident attorney as soon as possible. We can investigate to determine all liable parties.

What Are Common Types of Claims in Denver, CO?

Accident victims commonly file claims for:

• Drunk driving crashes
• Accidents involving commercial vehicles, such as trucking or rideshare vehicles
• Accidents where a passenger was injured or killed
• Accidents where the liable party was an uninsured or underinsured motorist
• Rear-end crashes
• Front impact collisions
• Side-impact collisions
• Hit and runs
• Accidents in parking lots

What Are the Colorado Auto Accident and Insurance Laws?

Colorado does have insurance requirement laws and a car insurance minimum:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death to any person in an accident is required. 
• For crashes where more than one person is injured, there is also a minimum requirement of $50,000 for bodily injury or death.
• Finally, you must have a minimum of $15,000 coverage for property damage.

Will My Insurance Rates Increase After an Accident?

Possibly. Your insurance rates may depend on whether or not you were at fault in the accident, although some insurers will raise rates regardless of fault. It all depends on the specifics of your accident.

Does My Personal Injury Case Have to Go to Trial?

Not necessarily. In most cases, vehicle accident claims are settled out of court. However, our Denver lawyers are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to recover compensation.

Matlin Injury Law offers free initial consultations to car accident victims throughout Denver. We can talk through your legal options, including whether a trial is the best strategy for your case.

Should You Accept the Insurance Company’s First Offer?

Generally, no. Insurance companies know that accident victims are often financially stressed and may be desperate to regain their economic stability. Because of this, they may offer a lowball settlement amount and hope that you will take it.

Our car accident law firm can advise you on any offers you receive, and if a settlement does not meet your needs, we can continue to fight for fair compensation.

Our goal is to compensate you for your current needs as well as those you can expect in the future (such as for long-term medical care or reduced earning capacity).

What if My Accident Claim Is Denied by the Insurance Company?

It can be frustrating and stressful to receive a denial from the insurance company, but do not panic. A denial is simply one step in the process. The insurance company is required to give you a reason for denying your claim, and we can appeal the denial based on that reason.

For example, if they state that there is insufficient evidence for your claim, Matlin Injury Law will conduct further investigations to gather more evidence. If we believe that an insurance company denied your claim in bad faith, we will also fight against that.

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 goal is to alleviate the stress and financial burden that often accompany automobile accidents, especially when dealing with uncooperative insurance companies.

Our Denver car accident attorneys are committed to representing injury victims with compassion. We offer free consultations and personalized case reviews, available over the phone or even at your hospital bedside if needed.

With our legal team, you can trust that you’re getting the representation you deserve as you navigate your case and start rebuilding your life post-accident. Contact us today.