Call Us!How Long After A Car Accident Can You Claim Injury?
Car accidents can be incredibly traumatic experiences, often resulting in physical injuries. As such, many people wonder how long they have to file a claim for these injuries after the incident has occurred. The timeline for making a car accident injury claim varies depending on different factors, including jurisdiction and the specifics of each case. Therefore, filing a claim for your injuries as soon as possible is essential.
How long do you have to file an accident report in Colorado?
Colorado law mandates that drivers involved in a car accident must report it to law enforcement. These conditions include accidents resulting in death, injury, or property damage. Even when the car crash seems minor, it must still be reported.
In such cases, it is crucial to promptly file an accident report with local police or the Colorado State Patrol. Reporting the accident ensures compliance with legal requirements and facilitates subsequent insurance claims or legal proceedings.
What is the time limit to file a personal injury claim?
In Colorado, the time limit to file a personal injury claim for a car accident is generally governed by the statute of limitations. According to Colorado law, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim arising from a car accident is typically three years from the accident date.
This means that individuals seeking compensation for their injuries must initiate legal action within this prescribed timeframe, usually with assistance from a car accident injury lawyer in Colorado. Failing to file a claim within the applicable statute of limitations may result in forfeiture of your right to seek damages for your injuries sustained in the car accident.
When do I need a car accident injury attorney?
There are several situations where seeking assistance from an experienced car accident injury attorney in Colorado can be beneficial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, including:
- If you have suffered severe injuries: If your car accident has resulted in significant physical harm, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, it is essential to consult with a car accident attorney. They ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries, such as medical expenses, long-term care, and pain and suffering.
- When liability is disputed: When there is a disagreement over who was at fault or if multiple parties are involved, an attorney will investigate the circumstances of the collision and gather evidence to establish liability
- When dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim or offer inadequate settlements. An experienced car accident attorney negotiates with insurers on your behalf and strives for a fair settlement that accurately represents your damages.
- If there are complex legal issues: Certain factors like defective car parts, government entity involvement, or issues of shared fault might complicate the legal aspects of your case. Consulting an attorney can help navigate these complexities successfully.
- Before signing any settlement agreements: It is crucial to have an attorney review any proposed settlement agreements before accepting them. They will assess whether the offered amount adequately covers all current and future expenses resulting from the accident.
- In cases involving wrongful death: If a loved one has tragically died due to a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, hiring an attorney who specializes in wrongful death claims becomes vital. They can guide surviving family members through this difficult process while pursuing compensation for their loss.
Remember that every case is unique. It is wise to consult with an experienced car accident attorney regarding your situation before making legal representation decisions.
Why Choose Our Car Accident Law Firm?
Bachus & Schanker is led by top-rated car accident attorneys recognized among the best in Colorado. With decades of experience and thousands of cases handled within Colorado and nationwide, our team brings a proven track record of results to every case. They have represented clients in cases involving complex filing deadlines and statutes of limitations across Colorado and nationwide.
At our firm, hands-on case management and personalized attention are central to how cases are handled. Attorneys remain directly involved throughout the process, with a focus on responsiveness, attention to detail, and clear communication at every stage of the case.
The benefits of working with our legal team include:
- Car accident injury claims taken on a contingency fee basis – no legal fees unless we win your case
- Support of our victim advocates team
- Personalized attention from attorneys who understand car accidents law
- Proven track record of maximizing settlements and verdicts for clients
- Experience handling cases in Colorado and across the United States
When you need experienced legal representation to ensure your claim is filed within the legal time limits, choose Bachus & Schanker, recognized as some of the best car accident lawyers in Colorado.
Will I get a better settlement if I get help from a car accident injury lawyer?
While there are no guarantees in any legal matter, having a car accident injury lawyer can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a better settlement. A knowledgeable attorney brings valuable expertise and advocacy to your case, which can lead to several potential benefits as follows:
- Legal knowledge
- Free case evaluation
- Accurate damage assessment
- Gathering evidence
- Negotiation skills
- Litigation representation
Some individuals may navigate their car accident claim without an attorney’s help and reach a settlement. However, they often discover after the fact that they failed to maximize their settlement and were actually entitled to a larger amount. However, the case is considered resolved once a settlement offer is accepted and signed. As you can see, consulting with a car accident injury attorney is advantageous.
Car accident injury lawyer costs
Understandably, you may be concerned about the cost of a car accident injury lawyer when you need help filing a lawsuit. Fortunately, most car accident injury lawyers in Colorado offer a free case evaluation and consultation that costs you nothing.
Should you have grounds to proceed with a car accident injury lawsuit, most car accident attorneys in Colorado work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing out-of-pocket upfront. You only pay once an agreeable settlement or verdict in your favor is obtained. Then, an agreed-upon percentage is deducted from the compensation you receive.
Get free legal advice from our Colorado car accident injury lawyers
At Bachus & Schanker, we understand the complexities and challenges associated with car accident claims. We are here to guide and support you through the process. Take advantage of our expertise, free legal advice, and complimentary case evaluation and consultation to discuss your case.
Kyle Bachus & Darin Schanker
Top-rated Colorado-based personal injury lawyers and co-founders of Bachus & Schanker, Kyle Bachus and Darin Schanker, have represented car accident victims and families across Colorado for more than 30 years, earning a reputation as some of the best car accident attorneys for serious injury cases. The firm is structured to handle car accident cases of all types and severities, with a team organized to provide focused support and guidance throughout the process. Kyle and Darin guide victims through the legal process with the support of a dedicated team of car accident specialists and Victim Advocates, ensuring care and advocacy from start to finish so clients can stay focused on healing.
Both Kyle and Darin are nationally recognized for their trial skills and leadership in the legal community. They are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have achieved million and multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers. In addition, they have been named Colorado Super Lawyers every year for nearly two decades, included in the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Lawyers in America, named Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys in Colorado by America’s Best Advocates, and recognized as top civil plaintiff attorneys by The National Trial Lawyers. Beyond the courtroom, they support the Colorado community through the Bachus & Schanker Cares Foundation, which sponsors local nonprofits and initiatives. See Kyle Bachus and Darin Schanker on Super Lawyers.
Notable Colorado Car Accident Settlement Results
$20 Million
$15 Million
$7 Million
Related Car Accident Resources
Bachus & Schanker Client Testimonial: Auto Accident Case
Legal Support Across Colorado and Nationwide
Serving Clients Nationwide
#1 Amazon Best Seller in the Legal Industry
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.
A Spanish edition of the book is also available, offering the same support and guidance to Spanish-speaking families.
You Deserve Fair Compensation
Don’t let the insurance companies intimidate you into accepting less than you deserve. We’re ready to fight for you.