Imagine that shriek, the sound of metal colliding and then…shock. Life turns upside down as if one cannot see what to do next. A car accident throws up laws in Colorado. A Denver car accident lawyer facing a long procedure would be two customers step-by-step through the process.
Why You’d Need a Denver Car Accident Lawyer After a Collision
Suffering an accident suffers a client great hardship in dealing with the insurance companies. The insurers do not want to give full benefit and rather give a meager amount as compensation. To top it all, a Denver car accident lawyer will fight for that client. A levelled playing field is created for you when you hire a lawyer.
Fighting for Your Rights and Interests
Your lawyer is your mouthpiece. They also play their games; adjusters downplay or ignore injuries, or they test to find out how much you know or think you know so they won’t have to pay out. There are tactics that an attorney knows to counter these moves.
Colorado’s Fault-Based System and Its Impacts
Colorado has a “fault” system. The responsible person’s insurance must compensate you for all damages incurred. Included are medical expenses and repairs you incurred in the accident. However, it is not easy to determine whose fault it is. Besides that, Colorado has a modified comparative negligence. You can recover damages only at the percentage of 50.
Maximizing Potential Compensation
A lawyer makes all that money rightfully yours, medical costs, loss of income, property damage incurred, or pain and suffering caused by the accident. Emotional distress covers all that pain and suffering from the cause of the accident. They are the ones who know how to calculate these damages, so the lawyers will surely not miss anything for you.
Things to Do Right After a Car Accident in Denver
You need to know all the right things to do after a crash; otherwise, you may suffer adverse effects in terms of your health and your claim. Here’s a plan to think through it.
Safety First and Incident Report
Check for any injuries to any others first and then yourself. If possible, move your car away from the road. Call the police. You should always report to police all cars that suffer an injury or significant property damage as a result of an accident in Colorado.
Record as Much Evidence as You Can from the Scene
If you are able, make a record of the scene; take photographs and videos of the damage. Get contact details of eyewitnesses, if any. Do not admit liability if you think that you may also have contributed, as it can be harmful for your claim at a later stage.
Seek Timely Medical Care
Go see a doctor, even if you feel okay since some injuries do not always shine through immediately, and waiting too long could damage your case as well. The insurance company could even argue that your injuries had nothing to do with the accident.
General Types of Cases Involving Car Accidents that We Handle in Denver
Our firm handles a varied mix of car accident cases. Below is a list of them.
Accidents Due to Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a big problem here in Denver. It could be text messaging, eating, or even playing with the radio. Proving this is based on evidence. Phone records would help dictate the possible witness statement to bolster your claim.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving is both illegal and dangerous. A victim of a drunk driving accident can claim punitive damages against the negligent drunk driver. This acts as punishment for their reckless behavior. The evidence of a criminal conviction would help buttress your civil case.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents (UM/UIM)
What if the driver responsible for the accident has no insurance? Or not enough insurance to cover your damages? The Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage protects you. It will cover your damages when the other driver cannot. Filing a claim under your UM/UIM coverage can be very complicated.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
A pedestrian and cyclist are exposed on roads. A vehicle should yield to them. Pedestrians and cyclists’ accidents cause very grave injuries. Thus, special attention is needed for these cases.
How a Denver Car Accident Lawyer Builds Your Case
To build a strong case following a vehicle accident, several steps must be taken.
Investigating the Accident Scrupulously
Lawyers look into every detail. They obtain police reports and gather witness statements. They might consider hiring accident reconstruction experts for assistance in establishing how the accident happened.
Negotiations with Insurance Companies
Negotiating with insurance companies can be exhausting for their victims. A lawyer would handle all communications and negotiations. Will fight for an equitable settlement? Accepting the first offer is usually a blunder, as that amount may not actually cover all of the damages.
Lawsuits and Court Trials
If negotiations are unsuccessful, the attorney may proceed to file a lawsuit. From that point on, the process of going to trial begins. Settlement is reached in most cases before a trial. However, your lawyer is also prepared and will effectively take your case to court if the need arises.
Finding the Right Denver Car Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right lawyer is important. To narrow down your list, consider these:
Experience and Expertise
It is better to choose an attorney who has a strong track record in car accident cases. How many such cases has he/she handled? What were the results? Our firm has the expertise and experience you need.
Client Testimonials and Reviews
What do other clients say? Read reviews and testimonials online. These give you insights on how a lawyer works.
Free Consultation and Contingency Fees
Most car accident attorneys will offer you a free consultation. Make sure to use that time to ask questions. You should also learn about the arrangements for contingency fees, meaning you only pay if the lawyer wins your case, thus ensuring that legal help is available.
