Auto Accident Injury in Denver, CO
Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Denver? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Denver, CO that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics In Denver, Colorado
According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. The Colorado Department of Transportation reports that in 2018, Denver had a total of 22,277 motor vehicle accidents. The month with the highest number of accidents was October. This city also reported the highest number of accidents in the state out of a total of 121,922. In Denver, 17,843 accidents were property damage only, 4,377 crashes involved injuries and 57 were fatal accidents.
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 reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
In the event of an auto accident, the Denver Police Department explains that drivers must call law enforcement if there is damage to public property, the accident involves city personnel, there are injuries or death, it is a hit-and-run incident, there is a driver without a valid driver’s license or it involves a disabled vehicle blocking the roadway. For all other accidents, drivers should exchange information and file a report with the police as soon as possible.
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
TRIP reports that from 2014 to 2016, the average cost per driver for motor vehicle accidents in Denver was $377. The statewide cost per driver due to auto crashes was $515.
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 Denver
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.
Colorado follows the tort system in assigning liability for auto accidents. It also uses comparative negligence. Accordingly, a driver who is 50% or more at fault cannot collect any damages from the accident. A driver with 49% or less of fault can collect damages according to the assigned fault. As an illustration, a driver who is 35% at fault can collect 65% of the damages.
Statute of Limitations In Denver
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 court claim, while others may give you up to six years.
Colorado has a special statute of limitations for personal injury claims resulting from a motor vehicle accident. According to the Colorado General Assembly, a person has three years to bring a personal injury claim for bodily injury or property damage from a car accident.
This is why it is essential 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 Denver, 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 you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in Colorado!
