Colorado Car Accident Lawyers
If you’re struggling with painful and debilitating injuries after a car crash, our car accident lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We know that a car accident can change your life. Don’t let medical bills, lost income, and expenses burden you and your family. Let our Colorado motor vehicle accident lawyers advocate for your rights.
With years of experience dedicated to helping accident victims, our personal injury lawyers have a track record of success for our clients. Bachus & Schanker is ready to fight for justice and bring forward your car accident claim. Whether you’re in Denver, Englewood, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins or Cheyenne, WY we have local attorneys here to help you.
Colorado Car Accidents: General Information And Statistics
After being involved in a car accident in Colorado, the clock starts ticking. You only have a set amount of time to file your car accident injury and damage claim. The current statute of limitations for filing personal injury auto accident claims due to a car accident is three years. If you do nothing during this time, you forfeit your right to sue the other party for compensation.
However, if you are involved in an accident with a government vehicle, the time frame for filing for damages is much less. It is imperative to start the injury claim process as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Another important thing to know is Colorado is an at-fault state. This means you can legally sue the negligent party for any damages, injuries, and losses you experience. However, the state does use what is called comparative fault when determining compensation amounts.
Comparative fault means that each person involved in the car accident is assigned a percentage of the fault. This could range from 0% to 100%. As long as you are 49% or less at fault, you can still file for damages against the other party. However, your settlement amount is reduced by the percentage you were considered at fault.
For example, after investigating the accident, the police determined you were 25% at fault. You sue the other party, and your car accident attorney negotiates a settlement for $50,000. Since you were 25% at fault, you will only receive 75% of this amount, or $37,500 for your total compensation.
In addition, anyone involved in a car accident in Colorado must report it to the police, even in minor crashes. If someone refuses and leaves the accident scene, they could also face criminal charges.
Colorado Car Accident Statistics
The Colorado State Patrol is responsible for investigating around 30% of all car crashes annually and handling around 70% of car accidents that result in fatalities. State troopers responded to 268 fatal car accidents in 2020. Most of these accidents were caused by driving under the influence, speeding, distracted driving, and lane violations.
Other car accident statistics, as reported by the Colorado Department of Transportation, include:
- 102,296 crashes in 2023
- 42,348 crashes in 2024 as of June 17, 2024
- 721 fatalities in 2023
- 244 fatalities so far in 2024
- 3,439 serious injuries in 2023
- 1,238 serious injuries in 2024
- 10,512 minor injuries in 2023
- 4,191 minor injuries in 2024
- 12,815 possible injuries in 2023
- 5,181 possible injuries in 2024
- 28,817 front to rear-end crashes in 2023
- 24,002 front to side crashes in 2023
When Do I Need An Auto Accident Lawyer?
After a car accident crash, you may have questions: Do I need a car wreck lawyer? Is there a truck accident attorney near me I can trust? Can I afford an attorney?
If you’ve been injured, scheduling a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer can be highly beneficial to significantly improve your situation. Some of the circumstances where it helps to have a lawyer on your side include:
- Significant or permanent injuries occurred. If you received any medical care for your injuries, it’s worth asking us about your compensation.
- You can’t work because of your injuries
- It’s not clear who is at fault for the accident
- There is a commercial truck vehicle or driver involved in the case
- Multiple causes of the accident are possible
- A driver may have been under the influence
- The insurance company is stalling or low-balling the case
- You don’t know how to go about starting a case
- You’re wondering what types of compensation can be included and if a settlement offer is fair
- There are questions about your legal rights, and you need answers
Generally, when there is more than just minor property damage that the insurance company pays quickly, or if you have medical bills, an auto accident lawyer can help. Our legal team works on contingency fees, so you don’t pay unless we win.
Don’t let the insurance companies intimidate you into accepting less than you deserve. Even if they have already made a settlement offer, do not accept it until you have spoken to our Colorado car accident lawyers. You may be entitled to far more compensation than the insurance company has offered.
What Should I Do After A Car Accident in Colorado?
If you are the victim of a car accident in Colorado, the next steps you take will help determine what compensation you receive. If you do the right things, you can make it easier to recover damages quickly.
After a car accident crash, you should:
- Call 911 immediately
- If you or anyone else is injured, do not move your vehicle or attempt to get out of the vehicle until the EMTs arrive and assess the situation
- Only leave the vehicle if you are in imminent danger, like the car is on fire
- Seek medical treatment, even for minor injuries
- Only move the vehicle when instructed by the police
- Gather evidence, including pictures and videos of the accident scene and the contact details of any witnesses
- Take note if there are any street cameras or security cameras on businesses nearby
- Exchange information with the other driver and make sure to get their vehicle make, model, year, and license plate number
- When the police respond to the scene, they should write a report. If they do not respond to the accident, file an accident report online as soon as you can (Colorado law 42-4-1606).
- Complete Form 2489 to get a copy of the accident report
- Keep accurate and detailed records of medical care, lost income, and anything else relevant
- Contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible for a free consultation to help you understand your rights and file a lawsuit for compensation
It’s important to contact a car accident lawyer before speaking to insurance companies. It is acceptable to open an auto accident claim with the insurance companies. However, only provide essential information, such as the date, time, and location of the accident.
If they start asking other questions, politely inform them you need to speak to your lawyer first. Insurance companies are notorious for using anything you say against you to reduce or even deny your car accident injury claim. Having a lawyer on your side helps preserve evidence of fault and damages and ensures you get the compensation you deserve.
What Damages Can I Recover In A Car Accident Case in Colorado?
Damages in car accident cases may include:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor visits
- Home health care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
The hidden costs of a car wreck may surprise you. Let our Colorado car accident attorneys learn about your case to determine what it may be worth.
How Do I Get Compensation For My Damages?
Obtaining compensation for your damages involves negotiating a settlement with the responsible party’s insurance company. Colorado law requires all drivers to carry minimum amounts of insurance. The amount you receive will depend on their coverage limits.
This is just the beginning. There may be other sources of compensation, such as an employer for a commercial driver, other third parties who portray fault, or even your own insurance. You could even sue the negligent person in civil court when they lack sufficient insurance coverage.
Our auto accident lawyers at Colorado’s best car accident law firm can assist you in evaluating all sources to get fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Whether your case is large or small, you deserve a legal team that fights for you. Let us work to win your case, maximize your compensation, and get justice for you and your family.
How Is Fault Determined In A Colorado Car Accident?
Colorado uses an at-fault system for car accidents. Our law firm will evaluate the following to determine fault:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Video evidence
- Location of damage on the vehicle
- Marks and debris on the road
- Injuries
- Cell phone records
- Alcohol and drug tests following the crash
- Admissions of other parties
- Expert witness testimony
Remember, the police report isn’t the final say. Since Colorado uses comparative fault, you could still have grounds to seek compensation even when you are considered partially at fault.
What Are Common Causes Of Car Accidents?
The following are common causes of car accidents:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Improper turns
- Bad weather, driving in the rain
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Failing to leave enough following distance
- Distracted driving, texting
- Driving tired or fatigued
- DUI, drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs
- Vehicle defects
- Road rage
You may receive financial compensation for a car accident whether or not the other driver gets a ticket or faces criminal charges. Violating a traffic law is strong proof of negligence and fault for an accident.
What Are Common Types of Car Accidents in Colorado?
- Rear End Impact Accidents
- Head-On Collisions
- Teenager Driving Accidents
- Side Impact Collisions
- Roll-Over Accidents
- High-Speed Crashes
- Passenger Injury
Is There An Experienced Colorado Car Accident Lawyer Near You?
At Bachus & Schanker, we have successfully recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We are trial lawyers — our law firm has tried more personal injury cases in the past two years than any other law firm in Colorado. Whether we take your case to trial or negotiate a settlement, we fight for justice.
Car accident victims can fight back. See how our team of personal injury lawyers can represent you with no upfront costs to you or your family. In cases where there are catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, our Elite Litigation Group provides you added support and access to our Victim’s Advocates to help you and your family through this uncertain and challenging time.
Free Consultation — Colorado Auto Accident Lawyers
Your case begins with a free consultation with our legal team, which includes experienced auto accident and truck accident attorneys. Short filing deadlines may apply, so don’t wait to contact us about your potential case. We are conveniently located at five Colorado locations near you in Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Englewood. We also have a location in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
So, whether you are searching for a car accident attorney near you or need a personal injury lawyer for a different type of motor vehicle accident, our auto accident attorneys are ready to serve you and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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Attorney Kyle Bachus knows first-hand how difficult it can be to suddenly lose a loved one in an accident. It’s also devastating when you or a family member suffers severe injuries that forever change your lives. Kyle wrote this book as a resource from his personal experience for families who have suffered a traumatic loss.
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