Auto Accident Injury in Boulder, CO
The aftermath of an auto accident in Boulder can leave you worried about the future. After all, you could face a lifetime of complications due to no fault of your own.
You deserve to understand the essential legal steps to take after a collision. This knowledge could be necessary to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
Don’t let this incident derail your life. Join us in learning how the law applies in Boulder after an auto accident.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Boulder, Colorado
Unfortunately, the statistics do not have good news for motorists in Boulder. According to recent news reports, deaths on the roadways in 2022 exceeded the last peak in 1981. Overall, fatal incidents have increased by 57 % in the previous decade.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.
File a Police Report
Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
You can ask for more details through the Boulder Police Department. Alternatively, you may need to contact the Colorado State Patrol.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
- Full name, address, phone number and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number
Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
The Colorado Department of Transportation sheds light on how much these injuries cost Boulder residents. Their most recent data indicates the average expenses are as follows:
- $751,382 for fatalities
- $75,156 for nonfatal injuries
- $5,483 for incidents involving property damages
Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Laws in Colorado
Liability Laws for Boulder
When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.
Auto accidents in Boulder often involve the state’s comparative fault laws. As a result, liability may spread among multiple parties involved in the incident. Then, compensation gets reduced proportionately to the level of responsibility. You must be less than 50% at fault. Otherwise, you may not be eligible to receive damages.
Statute of Limitations in Boulder
Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years.
The statute of limitations after an auto accident in Boulder is generally three years. You must file your litigation within this time after the incident or lose your chance at compensation.
This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Boulder, CO
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Colorado state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!
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