auto accident attorney colorado springs

Auto accident attorney colorado springs - If you've been in a car or motorcycle accident in Colorado Springs, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. However, the process of dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be complex, with various factors that can complicate matters. It can be helpful to seek the advice and guidance of a qualified and experienced Colorado Springs auto accident lawyer to navigate the legal requirements, police reports, medical issues, and other details involved in the process. An attorney with expertise in auto accidents can provide valuable support as you navigate the complexities of the situation.

In 2003, Colorado became a "fault" state when it comes to car accidents, which means that payouts for damages or injuries are reduced based on the percentage of fault that each party is found to be responsible for. Determining fault can be a complex process, and it can be challenging to defend your rights against an experienced insurance adjuster. Injured drivers and passengers have several options for seeking compensation for medical bills and other losses, including filing a claim with their own insurance company, filing a third-party claim, or pursuing a civil lawsuit against the other driver for a specific amount of damages. However, complications can arise if the other driver decides to file a claim against you for your percentage of fault. It is important to understand your rights and options in these situations and to seek the help of a qualified attorney if necessary.

What to do after a car accident in Colorado Springs

If you are involved in a car accident in Colorado Springs, there are a few steps you should follow to protect your rights and ensure that you are able to get the help you need:

1. Stay at the scene: If you leave the scene of an accident, you could face criminal charges. Stay put and check to see if anyone is injured. If necessary, call 911 for medical assistance.
2. Gather information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, as well as any witnesses to the accident. Take photos or videos of the damage to both vehicles, as well as any injuries you or the other driver sustained.
3. Report the accident: In Colorado, you must report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to the police. You can do this by calling the Colorado Springs Police Department or by filing a report online.
4. Seek medical attention: If you are injured in the accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don't think you were seriously injured, you may have sustained hidden injuries that could become more serious over time.
5. Contact your insurance company: You will need to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Be prepared to provide them with the details of the accident, including the date, time, location, and any information you have about the other driver.
6. Consider seeking legal help: If you are unsure about how to proceed after an accident, or if you are having trouble getting the help you need from your insurance company, it may be helpful to seek the assistance of a qualified Colorado Springs auto accident attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

why do i need a car accident lawyer in co springs?

If you have been injured in a car accident in Colorado Springs, hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer can be a valuable resource. Insurance companies are primarily focused on maximizing their profits, which means they may have lawyers who are prepared to contest your claims in order to protect their financial interests. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. They can handle communication with the insurance company and defend your rights, taking a significant burden off of your shoulders.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Working with insurance adjusters and lawyers to reach a settlement that you are satisfied with can be a complex and time-consuming process. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the case may need to go to trial, which can involve extensive preparations such as securing expert testimony and conducting lengthy depositions. An experienced car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs can handle all of these tasks on your behalf, freeing up your time and energy to focus on your recovery. A lawyer with expertise in handling car accident cases can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate the process of seeking compensation for your injuries.

Proving Negligence

In Colorado, as in other states, winning a car accident lawsuit typically requires showing that the other driver was negligent. This means demonstrating that they were careless or failed to take reasonable precautions under the circumstances. Proving negligence can be challenging, as it may require investigating factors such as whether the other driver ran a red light or was distracted by their phone at the time of the accident. An experienced car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs can help you gather the evidence you need to build a strong case and hold the other driver accountable for their actions. They can also provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate the legal process.

In some cases, it may not be clear who is entirely at fault in a car accident. For instance, two drivers may both have run stop signs or one driver may have been distracted by their phone while the other was speeding. In situations where liability is disputed, the case may go to a jury to determine fault. In Colorado, the state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that a plaintiff's compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault in the accident. However, if the plaintiff is found to be more at fault than the defendant, they will not be eligible for any compensation.

In order for a single plaintiff to receive compensation in a car accident case with a single defendant in Colorado, the jury must determine that the plaintiff is less than 50% at fault. It is in the plaintiff's best interest to minimize their percentage of fault as much as possible in order to receive an adequate amount of compensation. This can be a complex matter, but a skilled attorney can assist with every aspect of the process.

Who Else is Responsible?

In some cases, third parties may also be held liable for a car accident. These could include the manufacturer of a vehicle involved in the accident, the government for failing to maintain the roads, or even the employer of the other driver if they were acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident (e.g. delivering packages or pizza). Determining whether third parties may be held liable can be difficult for someone without legal knowledge, but an experienced car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs will be able to investigate and ensure that all parties who are responsible are held accountable.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including car accidents, is two years from the date of injury. This means that the time to take legal action begins immediately after the accident. It is important to act quickly and seek the assistance of an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you are able to file a claim within the time limits set by the statute of limitations.

What Types of Damages Will I Be Able to Recover?

In a personal injury case arising from a car accident, plaintiffs may seek two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are the tangible costs that you incur as a result of the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and lost future earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to work. It is important to keep documentation of these expenses and receipts for any related costs.

Non-economic damages are damages for your pain and suffering, both physical and emotional, and can be more difficult to quantify. However, an experienced attorney can work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for these types of damages. Non-economic damages may also include compensation for loss of consortium if you lost a loved one, such as a spouse, in the car accident.

Hire An Experienced Auto Accident Attorney

If you are facing complications in your car accident case, if your insurance company is not being cooperative, or if you are running out of time to pursue a resolution, it may be helpful to seek the assistance of a professional Colorado Springs personal injury attorney. Once you have an experienced attorney representing you, it is important to let them handle communication with the insurance company and avoid dealing with the insurer directly. Your attorney should be skilled in representing policyholders in insurance coverage or bad faith litigation, and should be able to stand up to the insurance company's legal team. Insurance companies often take into account the strength of your legal representation when deciding whether or not to settle a case, so it is important to have a knowledgeable and experienced auto accident attorney on your side.