A car crash in Denver could result in significant injuries and economic losses. Although you might be dealing with several serious physical injuries your mental and emotional recovery may take a while. There are also medical bills, repairs, and income loss that make it difficult to pick up the fragments after a catastrophic crash.
As one of the top lawyers for car accidents in Denver We understand the issues that accident victims encounter following traffic collisions We can guide you through the legal system so that you can get the compensation you might be entitled to. From beginning to end we'll be your reliable advocates in ensuring that we ensure you get the best outcome in your case.
Why should you choose Us?
Choose Bell & Pollock, P.C. because you're looking for unbeatable representation, warm and caring support, and seasoned Personal injury attorneys that can help you prepare your case to be successful. What our law firm can bring to the table and the reasons people who have been injured in a car accident in Denver will always come to us whenever they need to investigate their best legal options:
- more than 35 years of experience since 1984 Our lawyers have represented victims throughout a wide range of accident cases. From impaired driving claims to multi-vehicle accidents that raise complicated liability issues, Our lawyers have the knowledge that our clients can rely on to offer the best representation when they require it the most.
- Compassion We are aware of how frightening the aftermath of a car crash can be. We also understand how crucial individual legal services are for people who have suffered devastating losses. This is why our injury lawyers adapt their services to the particular needs and situations that our customers face. We also respond promptly whenever clients need to know something and always offer honest responses. We care about our clients and treat our clients as we would like to be treated.
- Dedication We're dedicated to being the tough and unstoppable champions that our clients require at each stage in their cases. We're not going to let others undermine our client's rights or recoveries and we'll continue to fight on behalf of our clients till we're able to get the best possible outcome for their cases. In addition to court proceedings, our commitment extends to the community by regular volunteerism, including pro bono work, and by supporting youth groups as well as other organizations across Colorado.
- The commitment to building stronger cases We thoroughly look into crashes, gather every piece of evidence we can and do our best to increase the strength of our client's claims. We also fight insurance companies and take advantage of all legal options to ensure our clients maximize their compensation.
If you're still unsure of what to do or why you should choose us, take a look at the following reviews. Contact us for a no-cost consultation that is no obligation to see our professionalism firsthand.
Why do I require an attorney? Denver Car Accident Attorney?
You can when you're committed to having a strong case with the highest chance of getting the full settlement you're due. It's a fact that the accident you're in could not be the only occasion you've been victimized in an accident, in the absence of a skilled Denver automobile accident attorney by your side.
You may be one of the victims of insurance companies' nefarious strategies. Insurance companies job is to find strategies in which they can not give money away so they can safeguard the bottom line of the business. This means that for you, that you can't trust an insurer to provide you with all the truth regarding your rights and choices. This also means that you should not rely on insurers to:
- Correctly assign the fault The police can search for ways of blaming you in the incident at any time, whether it is partially or in full. This could include long stretches of the interpretation of evidence to justify their decision.
- Respect the coverage Insurance companies may attempt to argue that the accident or driver wasn't covered. In some instances, they might go to extreme extents, for example, by changing their policies after the fact to avoid the burden of having to cover damages.
- Give you an acceptable settlement If you do not have a lawyer, an insurance company is inclined to give an amount that is low, knowing that you're not informed of what your legal rights are.
By hiring a Denver lawyer for car accidents the victims will gain more knowledge about their options and rights while having an important ally in the fight against insurance companies and/or another party who might try to limit the rights of their clients, claim, or compensation.
What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Colorado?
Accidents are caused by many different factors. Some are obvious while some aren't. The majority of the time there is a form of negligence that can be found. If so typically the case, it will be one of the below kinds.
- Drinking and driving Drivers who drink alcohol or drugs (including legal substances) have their perception, judgment, and reaction time can be affected, and several terrible accidents are common.
- Driving while distracted like drunk driving, driving distracted can hinder drivers from the situation in a clear and precise manner and reacting quickly to signals that are important to their surroundings. This can lead to far more preventable crashes.
- Reckless driving and speeding These reckless actions can not only violate traffic laws but can increase the danger of drivers losing control of their vehicles and causing fatal collisions.
- Unskillful driving In the event of a failure to wear blinkers, to drifting across lanes reckless driving could be as dangerous as reckless driving.
- Vehicle equipment that is defective Incorrect design, poor installation, or the inability to maintain equipment could lead to malfunctioning equipment, which could make vehicles difficult, but not impossible for drivers to manage safely.
- Poor road conditions Lack of guardrails damaged traffic lights and potholes, cracks, or even potholes in the blacktop could result in catastrophic collisions.
- Other elements depending on the circumstances that led to the crash, additional factors might comprise the negligence or inattention of the driver's employers, a vehicle or highway work zone team, or a third party.
Finding all the causes and contributing elements to an accident is essential to determine the parties responsible for the accident and who is accountable for the accident. This is only one of the numerous ways that an attorney's involvement is essential following an accident.
What Are Common Injuries?
The types of injuries that typically result from accidents involving motor vehicles vary from minor and nil to serious, life-threatening, and even fatal. Most often, the injuries that result from accidents typically include:
- Whiplash is caused by necks and heads moving back and forth in a collision, whiplash could take a while to show the severity of the symptoms in full.
- Injuries to the back Herniated discs injury to the spinal cord, as well as vertebral fractures, are all prone to causing chronic and permanent discomfort. Although these injuries may require medical intervention they also can cause permanent impairment to people injured's living quality.
- Brain and head injuries Concussions and puncture wounds to the head and even a severe brain injury could all result in irreparable brain injury.
- Bone fragments or internal organ damage If bones break, crash victims may be afflicted with internal bleeding or organs in the internal cavity as well as other serious injuries.
- Injuries to soft tissue scraps and bruises, cuts, and many more are extremely painful, and could even cause permanent consequences due to disfigurement or damaged nerves and much more.
No matter if the injuries sustained in a car crash are serious or not or not, it's essential to seek prompt medical care in addition to the required follow-up treatment. Although this may help the victims get better results regarding their physical recovery it is also crucial to the case and possibly a financial recovery.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
It's not common for the possibility of an auto crash to occur. If it does happen it is important to know what you can do. could make a huge difference in your ability to recover. For that reason this is what you need to do in the event of an accident (even if you're not severely injured):
- Find a safe location as soon as possible and look for injuries.
- Contact 911 or a non-emergency police number.
- Stay at the scene, and discuss the incident with the other parties involved.
- See a doctor immediately Even if you don't think you're suffering from serious injuries.
- Make videos or photos of the scene of the accident.
- Do not accept blame or even say "sorry" at any point.
- Do not make any declarations about your injuries.
- You must report the incident to your insurer as quickly as possible after you leave the accident site.
- Don't assume that you must start a case on your own.
- Consult an attorney for essential information regarding your rights, potential claim, and options for recovering your financial debt.
If you've suffered a serious injury the only thing you must do is to take #10. An attorney will assist you with everything to aid you in recovering when the negligence of another has hurt you.
How to Report a Car Accident in Colorado
Report any accident that occurs in Denver by calling the police immediately following the incident so that they can respond to the incident, or make a claim after the accident has occurred. In general, you should attempt to notify the police as soon as you can so they can take action such as:
- Assist victims in removing debris from the crash and redirecting traffic
- Examine the crash, gather evidence, and speak to witnesses
- Create the official report of an accident including the findings and evidence related to the fault
If this isn't possible but you can file a claim for the incident online and submit it to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can also utilize the online report tool to modify or modify collision reports within a specific timeframe and obtain an exact copy of the accident report.
Colorado Auto Accident Statistics
The figures of Colorado automobile accidents reveal a dark tale about the frequency with which preventable accidents take place. This is what the most recent information provided by CDOT: the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) shows:
- Accidents are the leading reason for deaths in Colorado.
- Since 2017 the number of deaths occurring on Colorado roads has increased.
- Speeding can be a factor in more than 1 of three fatal accidents in Colorado. Since 2022, the number of deaths caused by speeding has increased by 9.9%.
- Drunk driving is also a factor in almost one in three fatal accidents in Colorado.
- The number of deaths caused by traffic on Colorado's urban roads has increased at the fastest rate, increasing by 8% in 2022.
What are Colorado Car Insurance Laws & Requirements?
The minimum auto insurance coverage is established through Colorado laws and is mandatory for all motorists within the state. The law requires coverage of 25-50-15 for bodily injury and property damage. The table below provides what this means.
| Minimum Coverage Amount | Coverage Type |
|---|---|
| $25,000 | Injuries to the body or death of anyone involved during an accident |
| $50,000 | Injuries or death to any person in any one incident |
| $15,000 | Property damage from any single accident |
There's more information about the requirements for minimum car insurance for Colorado here It's best to go over the minimum coverage whenever possible. It's also wise to assume drivers only receive the minimum amount and, if you're able to afford it, consider getting additional coverage that could be lifesaving when you're struck by an uninsured or uninsured motorist.
Is Colorado a No-Fault State for Auto Accidents?
For automobile crashes, Colorado is a fault-based state. This means that the need to prove the fault is essential for having legal rights to claim damages. This also means that after an accident in a vehicle victims are typically required to pursue damages through civil lawsuits or insurance claims.
The insurance claim is usually the first step to seeking compensation for an accident. They may be filed with third-party insurers, or with an insurance firm of yours dependent on how the accident occurred, the kind of insurance the other party has, and the type of coverage you've got.
If the claims can't be resolved through insurance companies or outside of the court, it proceeds to action. The process of bringing cases to court is usually more costly and time-consuming than getting them settled without a court hearing, therefore it is in everyone's best interest to attempt to settle cases before the lawsuit stage. However, there are times when it's essential to fight it out in the courtroom.
What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
If you are hit by a motorist who does not have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation for your crash-related damages IF you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of your policy. In such instances, you'll have to submit a claim to your insurance company.
In the context of UM/UIM assertions, Coloradans need to understand that:
- These claims may be filed as aftereffects of a hit-and-run collision (when the driver responsible for the crash flees the scene and is not identified or found).
- The fact that you have UM/UIM coverage doesn't ensure compensation, since insurance companies could continue to take great pains to deny coverage or limit the amount of compensation for claims.
Steps to File an Insurance Claim
If you're ready to make an insurance claim following an auto accident, you must follow these steps:
- Contact your insurance provider to report the collision.
- Only report the facts about the crash.
- Don't admit guilt or lie or guess any information.
- Documents related to accidents should be kept in the evidence you've got along with any correspondence sent by insurers.
- Don't give documents that are "official" or recorded statements until you're ready.
- Do not instantly accept a first settlement offer or claim denial without consulting an attorney.
- Consult an attorney anytime before or when you file claims. This is the best method to ensure your rights and claim are secured as you move forward.
How Much Is the Average Car Accident Claim Worth in Denver?
Each accident is different There isn't an established "average" for car accident compensation, settlements or settlements or awards. The value of a claim is contingent on a variety of factors, including:
- The nature and severity that the injury is The severity and type of the injuries can not only affect the cost of medical and health care costs for treating these injuries, but it could make victims ineligible from returning to their jobs for a time or even permanently.
- The type and severity of the damage to property Repair costs for vehicles or replacement costs will differ according to how the accident took place.
- Fault When the victims are liable in some way for the accident the amount of compensation they receive is diminished, regardless of how minor or extensive the resultant damage was.
To determine the strength and worth of your claim, call Bell and Pollock, P.C.
What are the damages I can recover from an auto Accident?
In general, damages in cases involving accidents focus on paying victims for losses they've suffered in the wake of an accident caused by someone else's negligence. Therefore, these compensation damages can be a mix of economic as well as non-economic damages. Although Colorado law provides damage limits for civil actions as well as crash-related claims, courts have the power to award damages that exceed the caps in certain situations.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are easily quantifiable and can be a source of compensation (but not always limited to):
- Vehicle damage
- Treatment for medical conditions that are upcoming and in the past.
- Future and past lost earnings
Non-Economic Damages
The more difficult thing to quantify is non-economic damages are the non-monetary damages that crash victims suffer such as pain, suffering, and impacts on their lives as well as permanent disabilities.
Although non-economic and economic damages can never completely erase the damage victims could suffer due to an accident, this kind of settlement can be essential in helping injured victims receive medical treatment and rebuild their lives after a collision.
Have you or someone you love suffered injuries through an accident? Contact us today for a no-cost assessment of your case.
(720) 740-3227
Car Accident FAQs
After an accident, you'll need answers. Here are those answers. You can also request them by calling Bell and Pollock, P.C. We can provide you with the information on how to make smart decisions for yourself and your family in the future.
How Long After My Accident Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
It is based on the person you're filing your case against. By Colorado laws, you are required to:
- 180 days to bring cases against government entities
- Three years for filing claims to non-governmental entitled parties
The timeframe is counted down to the day of the incident or the date the injuries from the accident are found. In the case of wrongful death, the date of death to calculate the timeline for the claim is when the death occurred regardless of whether it was the same date as the date of the accident.
What Is Negligence in a Car Accident Case?
Intoxicated driving, traffic violations, and inability to protect the road are just a few instances of errors that can result in car crashes and serve as the basis of claims for accidents. Of course, the occurrence of negligence could occur in a variety of different forms of reckless and irresponsible behavior, and not all responsible parties were in the vicinity of the accident at the time it occurred.
Knowing how negligence plays part in the causing of an accident, however, is crucial to determining the extent of liability and the outcome of claims for damages.
When Should I Hire an Attorney?
ASAP. An attorney can begin conserving evidence, constructing your case, and defending your rights. The longer you put off a lawyer, the more hurdles the potential claim will confront shortly. If you are waiting too long enough, you could be unable to finish your time and forfeit the chance to pursue compensation for your accident.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Attorney?
We offer our services at no upfront fee to our clients. Our contingency fee representation ensures that you will never have to pay us until you receive any financial compensation in your case. This can ease a lot of financial burdens as well as give you peace of mind knowing that we'll be working with determination at every turn to achieve the best outcome possible and full payment.
Does my attorney deal With the Insurance Companies?
A competent lawyer will be able to handle all negotiations in conjunction with insurance companies (or companies) associated with your case. This could provide you with many advantages, including:
- Let you concentrate on obtaining medical attention and healing from your injuries
- You can rest assured that a professional has taken care of the administrative tasks and difficult negotiations that are required to prove your claim
How Will I Pay My Medical Bills if I Can't Work After an Accident?
There are many ways to help with medical bills following an accident. If you are covered by health insurance, it may be able to offset some of the costs. Consider engaging with your health providers to determine whether they're willing to accept lower payments or extended timeframes for payments. If you can explain the circumstances and inform your doctor and other healthcare providers know that you've got an injury claim that could result in compensation, they may be more willing to find feasible solutions.
What if I Was Partially at Fault? Am I Eligible for Compensation?
It is contingent on how much blame lies at your feet. If you're more than 49% responsible for the accident then you're not qualified by Colorado law to pursue compensation.
If you're less than 49% (or not more than 50 percent) responsible for the crash, you may still claim compensation. In this scenario, the amount you receive will be decreased by the same percentage that you were at fault for causing the accident.
I Wasn't Wearing a Seat Belt. Can I Still File for Damages?
The potential damage you could incur is restricted by the failure to use a seat belt
- violates Colorado law that all passengers and drivers must wear seatbelts as per the law of the state. This means that you're not entitled to compensation for injuries and pain even if you didn't wear a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
- Could be considered to be a factor in the injuries you suffer in the following way: If you had the seatbelt, you might have not sustained as serious (or identical) injuries, as an insurance company might claim. They could use this argument to argue that you contributed to the aggravation of your injuries, and, as such, will not be able to claim full (or perhaps even) damages.
If, however, another's negligence is the cause of the accident, you could still be able to claim different kinds of damages, such as lost earnings medical costs, lost earnings, or the loss of consortium. A lawyer can provide information about the damages that you could be entitled to after a thorough investigation of the circumstances.
I Have Been Offered a Settlement for My Accident. Should I Accept the Offer?
Do not immediately accept any offer, to cash the check that an insurance company gives you. A cashable check can indicate acceptance of an offer but in certain cases. Always consult with an attorney and have the offer reviewed before taking any decision.
How We Build the Strongest Cases for Victims:
With unmatched representation and compassionate assistance, our lawyers adapt their services to the particular needs and needs of the victims of car accidents.
In any case, we decide to accept our clients can rely on us to do what's needed to make the most compelling possible case (and to position them to get the best outcome possible).
To achieve this Our lawyers will:
- Investigate thoroughly the cause(s) of the accident to determine the liable person (and any recovery options)
- Collect all evidence that is available for evidence of crashes, which includes photographs of crashes and surveillance footage and witness statements, police reports, and so on.
- Work with experts and witnesses (like tire tread analysts medical professionals, and reconstructors of accidents) to support our client's claims.
- Be firm with insurance companies and ensure they don't compromise or violate the rights of our clients.
- Strenuously pursue all legal recourses to assist our clients in maximizing their recovery.
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