As reported by the city, there were 82 traffic-related deaths that occurred in Denver in 2022 – or more than one per week. From minor collisions to devastating crashes, Denver drivers should be aware that at any moment, they could be severely injured or even killed by the negligence of other motorists on the road.
So, what should you do if you become a car accident victim facing costly medical bills and vehicle replacement costs, all at no fault of your own?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, you’ll want to contact a vetted and experienced Denver car accident attorney right away. By working with an expert legal team like Sandene Law, you can have a knowledgeable and devoted advocate on your side who will keep the insurance companies accountable and fight for rightful compensation to make you financially whole again.
We know that being the victim of a car crash can be a devastating and stressful time, so contact us today for a free consultation so we can take on the insurance companies on your behalf while you focus on recovery.
What to Do After a Car Crash
The actions you take following a car crash can be crucial in your ability to recover any financial losses you’ve incurred from resulting vehicle damage or injuries.
Though the circumstances surrounding each car crash can vary, here is some general guidance on what to do after a car accident:
- Call 911: If it’s safe to do so, remove yourself from the vehicle and call for emergency services from the side of the road
- Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, regardless of the extent of damages or injuries
- Take photos: Photograph the scene of the crash using your cell phone, including any debris, tire tracks, skid marks, and other possible evidence
- Cooperate with law enforcement: When police arrive, be calm and provide them with clear details about the crash
- Get medical treatment: Let emergency responders examine you to determine the extent of your injuries; follow any treatment recommendations they provide you with
- Keep tabs on your injuries: Document any new symptoms or injuries you notice in the days following the crash, and seek out additional care if needed
- Consult with a personal injury attorney: Meet with an attorney to get personalized legal advice on how to best proceed in your situation
- Contact your insurance provider: Inform your insurance provider about the crash so they can update your file and provide them with the insurance details of the other driver so they can start negotiations
After you’ve gone through each of these steps, you can decide how you’d like to proceed legally. Working with a Denver personal injury attorney can help you navigate any next steps like filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, negotiating a settlement, and filing a lawsuit if necessary to receive fair compensation.
Why Work with a Denver Car Accident Attorney?
Colorado is an “at-fault” state regarding how liability is handled after a motor vehicle collision. In simple terms, this means the driver who was at fault for causing the collision will be liable for any injuries or damages that came as a result.
In theory, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will help you recover any damages you incurred as a result of the crash up to the driver’s liability coverage limit. In practice, this almost never occurs.
You can file a personal injury claim on your own with the other driver’s insurance company to recoup your financial losses. But, in many cases, they will offer you compensation that is below the full amount of damages you incurred, leaving you on the hook financially for any bills or costs their payout doesn’t cover.
Even though many Denver drivers have never had to deal with a personal injury case following a car crash, insurance companies handle these cases on a regular basis. They are trained to keep corporate profits high, hoping you’ll accept the lowest possible payout they offer you.
For these reasons, hiring the proper legal representation with personal injury lawyers who understand the tactics of these companies is key if you want to receive the compensation you deserve.
When to Contact a Denver Personal Injury Attorney
After you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle collision that left you injured, you should contact a Denver car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Try to do so before you speak with an insurance claims adjuster so your attorney can provide you with guidance on how to proceed and ensure your legal rights are protected. Thus, when your injuries allow, contact a personal injury lawyer to get started on your case. This will help ensure any crucial evidence can be gathered and preserved.
If your attorney needs to investigate the collision further to prove the fault of the other driver, this allows them to contact any witnesses in a timely fashion and collect the details while they’re still fresh.
Keep in mind that the statute of limitations for car crash cases in Colorado is three years. So at the very least, victims will need to make a car accident claim within this period if they want their case to be considered.
What a Denver Car Accident Attorney Does
When they take on your car accident case, there are a number of things a car accident attorney does to assist you and help you receive rightful compensation.
If you hire Sandene Law, we will help you understand your rights as they relate to state tort laws regarding motor vehicle crashes. Based on our expertise with such claims, we thoroughly review the details of your case and provide you with personalized legal advice for how to best proceed.
So what does a car accident attorney do exactly? Above all, our goal is to help build the strongest case so you can receive adequate compensation, and not have your claim minimized by the other driver’s insurance company.
We can help negotiate a settlement on your behalf that covers financial losses that came as a result of the accident like:
- Vehicle replacement/repair
- Bills for medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
As we mentioned above, if we take on your case, we will quickly get to work to do our own investigation into the crash. We will gather the necessary evidence, request the corresponding police report, and hire experts if needed to prove the other driver was at fault for the collision.
Once we have the proper evidence to build a solid case, we will contact the other party’s insurance company and file a personal injury claim on your behalf. If they fail to offer an appropriate settlement for your claim, we’re not afraid to take it to trial to get you the compensation we believe you deserve.
Negotiating the best payout can feel intimidating if you’re trying to handle it on your own – especially if your case gets elevated to the courts. But, when you hire an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can have peace of mind that you are being properly advocated for so you can receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Why Hire Sandene Law After a Car Crash
Sandene Law is one of the top personal injury attorneys in Denver and the surrounding areas like Aurora, Boulder, Lakewood, and Fort Collins. We have over a decade of hands-on experience successfully defending victims who have been injured by the negligence of other drivers, and we know what it takes to go up against the major insurance giants.
We are knowledgeable about the relevant local and state laws regarding motor vehicle accidents in Colorado. But, we also know how to leverage the law in favor of victims while insurance companies try to take advantage of their lack of experience with such cases.
When we believe a personal injury claim is just, we work rigorously and do what it takes to build your case and help you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team is committed to helping the underdogs, and we take pride in representing the everyday people who have had their lives flipped upside down at the hands of someone else.
Sandene Law works on a contingency basis, so you don’t have to make any upfront payments when we take on your case. We only get paid if we win your case, and any fees we receive will automatically be reduced from the settlement.
If you’d like to speak with an attorney about a car crash that left you or a loved one injured, contact us today to set up a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Crash Attorneys in Denver
1. What does a Denver car accident lawyer do?
A Denver car accident lawyer is a legal professional who has expertise in state and local laws related to motor vehicle collisions. They provide legal guidance and representation to victims of car crashes. A Denver car accident attorney can help with filing insurance claims, negotiating settlements, investigating fault, and offering representation in court if necessary.
2. When should I contact a car accident lawyer?
You should contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after being involved in a collision. Contacting them promptly will help them protect your rights, gather evidence, and negotiate a settlement more quickly.
3. How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
Many car accident attorneys, like Sandene Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, and you won’t have to pay anything upfront for their legal representation. They are typically paid a percentage of the settlement you receive.
4. Can I make a car accident claim without a lawyer?
You can technically handle a personal injury claim without hiring a lawyer. But, having legal representation can significantly improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
5. How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Denver?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is 3 years. After this time period has passed, victims are unable to seek out any settlement for damages or injuries that they received from the crash.
6. What compensation can I receive in a car accident case?
Some of the main types of compensation you can receive include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and others.
Questions not addressed in the article:
FAQ’s
What steps should I take if the other driver involved in the accident doesn’t have insurance?
If the other driver involved in the accident doesn’t have insurance, you may still seek compensation through your own insurance policy like uninsured motorist coverage or explore legal options with a car accident attorney.
How can I ensure that I receive adequate compensation for long-term or ongoing medical treatment resulting from the accident?
To ensure adequate compensation for long-term medical treatment, thorough documentation of expenses and consultation with medical professionals is essential, with legal assistance helping present a persuasive case for full compensation.
Are there any specific criteria or qualifications I should look for when selecting a Denver car accident attorney?
When selecting a Denver car accident attorney, consider their experience, expertise, and track record, seeking recommendations, testimonials, and consultations to assess compatibility and communication.
What happens if I’m partially at fault for the accident? How does that affect my ability to seek compensation?
If partially at fault for the accident, Colorado’s comparative negligence rule may affect compensation, with a reduction proportional to your degree of fault, making it important to consult with a car accident attorney for guidance.
Can I still pursue a personal injury claim if the accident involved a hit-and-run driver and the perpetrator was never identified?
Pursuing a personal injury claim in a hit-and-run accident where the perpetrator remains unidentified involves promptly reporting the incident to the police, gathering evidence, and exploring alternative avenues for compensation with the assistance of a skilled attorney.
