| What This Page Covers: -Reporting and Documenting: After a car accident, it is important to call the police, exchange information, and document details like photos, videos, and witness information to help determine fault. -Possible At-Fault Parties: Potential at-fault parties include other drivers, property owners, government agencies, cyclists, car manufacturers, employers, and passengers. -Comparative Negligence: Colorado follows modified comparative negligence, where each party's fault percentage affects the damages they may receive. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced accordingly. -Recoverable Damages: In Colorado, if another party's negligence causes a car accident, you may recover various damages, including medical costs, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and more. -Insurance and Deadlines: Colorado's insurance rules and filing deadlines can affect your claim, including a three-year limit for most car accident lawsuits. -Legal Assistance: Our personal injury lawyers at Mintz Law Firm can assess your case and work toward fair compensation, as insurance companies may try to offer low settlements. -Call us at (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation today. |
Colorado offers plenty to explore, from mountain trails to scenic canyon drives. The same roads can get crowded and icy, and a crash can leave you facing medical bills, car repairs, and missed work. If you have been hurt in an auto accident, it can be hard to know what to do next, but you do not have to work through it alone.
Mintz Law Firm may be able to help you pursue compensation after a crash in Golden. For more than 30 years, our car accident lawyers have helped injured Coloradans, including people in Golden and across Jefferson County. We work to hold liable parties accountable, and we explain each step of the process so you know what to expect. You can learn more about our personal injury lawyers in Golden, CO and the other communities we serve.
Colorado Filing Deadlines Apply
Most car accident lawsuits in Colorado must be filed within three years. Wrongful death claims generally have two years, and claims involving a public entity may require written notice within 182 days.
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What to Do After a Car Accident in Golden, CO
A car accident can be a traumatic experience, and the impact often lingers long after the collision. In the days and weeks that follow, it is essential to stay proactive to protect your rights and well-being. After a car accident, you should:
Prioritize Your Health
Your health should be your first priority. Even if you received medical attention right after the accident, some symptoms may not appear right away. Some injuries, especially soft tissue injuries or concussions, might not show symptoms until later. If you experience any pain, discomfort, or unusual symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Our article on why timely medical treatment matters explains how delays can affect a claim.
Call the Police and Exchange Information
Colorado law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop, share their contact and insurance information, and notify the police when someone is hurt or property is damaged. A police report creates an official record of the crash. If you are unsure whether a report is needed, it is safer to call. Our guide explains what happens if there is no police report.
Document Everything
As time passes, memories can fade, so it helps to document everything related to the accident. Keep a record of medical appointments, therapy sessions, and any other treatments you receive. Also keep a journal that describes how the accident has affected your daily life, including your physical and emotional well-being, work, and personal activities. If you forgot to take pictures at the scene, our tips on what to do if you forget to take pictures can help. This documentation can serve as valuable evidence in your insurance claim or legal case.
Consult an Experienced Attorney
If you have not already done so, consider speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney who handles car accident claims. A legal professional can assess your case, guide you through the process, and explain your rights and options. Time is of the essence in legal matters, so it is wise to seek counsel as soon as possible to follow the correct procedures and preserve evidence.
Also, speak with your attorney before discussing the accident in detail with any insurance adjuster. Your lawyer can help you handle these conversations so you do not say something that could be used against you.
Who May Be at Fault in a Car Accident in Golden, Colorado?
The details of an accident can be hard to remember because of shock. After you receive medical attention, document as much as you can. This can include taking photos and videos of the damage and writing down any witness information. This information may help your attorney determine whose negligence caused the accident. Potential at-fault parties may include the following:
- Another driver: This includes drivers of all types of vehicles like cars, trucks, or motorcycles. If an individual drove recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may be responsible.
- A property owner or government agency: The owner of a road is responsible for keeping it reasonably safe and free of debris. If poor road conditions caused the accident, the owner of the road or a government entity may be liable. Claims against a public entity have a 182-day written notice requirement under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.
- Bicyclist or pedestrian: If a cyclist or pedestrian causes another driver to swerve or stop suddenly, they may be responsible.
- Car manufacturer: A defective car part may have malfunctioned and resulted in an accident. In this case, the manufacturer of that part may be held liable.
- A driver's employer: If the at-fault driver was working when the accident occurred, their employer may share responsibility for the damages, especially if they neglected to properly train employees or maintain safe working conditions.
- A passenger: A passenger in a vehicle may be liable if they distracted the driver or behaved in a way that caused the accident.
It is important to note that Colorado is a modified comparative negligence state under C.R.S. 13-21-111. This means each party is assigned a fault percentage for the accident, which affects how much they may receive in damages. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by 20%. If your fault is equal to or greater than the other party's, you may not be able to recover any damages. Our article on Colorado's modified comparative negligence law has more detail.
Potentially Recoverable Damages After a Car Accident
After sustaining injuries in a car accident due to another party's negligence, you may worry about the expenses for medical treatment and the changes to your life. Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Golden, CO may be able to help you determine who caused the accident and what losses you may recover. Depending on the circumstances and facts of your case, you may recover the following damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Ambulance ride
- Hospital bills
- Current and future medical costs
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages from missed work
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death
Calculating the damages you may be owed can be complicated, so we can help you review the scope of your case. Colorado limits noneconomic damages in many cases, such as pain and suffering. For civil cases filed on or after January 1, 2025, the general cap is $1.5 million, and the cap for wrongful death claims is $2.125 million. Our article on Colorado's personal injury damage caps explains how these limits work. Insurance companies may also offer a low settlement early on, and we work to negotiate with them so your offer reflects your losses.
Colorado Car Insurance Rules That Affect Your Golden Claim
Colorado is an at-fault state, not a no-fault state, so the driver who caused the crash is responsible for the resulting damages, and injured people usually start by making a claim against that driver's insurance. Colorado requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. In a serious crash, those limits may not cover all of your losses.
If the other driver has too little insurance or none at all, your own policy may help. Many policies include medical payments (MedPay) coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may apply when the at-fault driver cannot fully pay. Our pages on Colorado car insurance laws and uninsured and underinsured motorist claims cover these options in more detail.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Golden, Colorado?
After seeking medical attention and documenting details of the accident, you should contact a car accident attorney in Golden, CO to help you file your claim. Under C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n), most car accident lawsuits must be filed within three years, and the Colorado Court of Appeals has examined how this motor vehicle deadline applies. Three years can seem like a long time, but a long recovery and other delays may get in the way. A wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years of the date of death under C.R.S. 13-80-102. With the help of our attorneys, you can focus on recovery while we manage the claim process for you.
This statute of limitations acts as a way to preserve evidence while offering victims enough time to heal. Filing your claim as soon as possible allows you to go through the process while your memory is still fresh and your injuries are recent. This helps build a stronger case and better your chances of a fair settlement. Our Colorado statute of limitations guide explains the exceptions that may apply.
What Happens After You File a Car Accident Claim?
Most claims begin with an investigation and ongoing medical treatment. When your doctors have a clear picture of your recovery, we may send the insurance company a demand that outlines your injuries, expenses, and losses. Many claims resolve through negotiation or mediation. If the insurer will not offer fair compensation, a lawsuit may be filed in Jefferson County, which is part of Colorado's First Judicial District. The Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building is located at 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. How long your case takes depends on the severity of your injuries and whether fault is disputed.
How Can a Lawyer Help With Your Car Accident Claim?
Contacting a car accident attorney in Golden, CO can help you protect your claim and pursue the compensation you may be owed. In addition to filing your claim properly and within the statute of limitations, our car accident lawyers may be able to support you from start to finish in the following ways:
- Using our legal knowledge to answer your questions
- Conducting a thorough investigation of your case
- Gathering evidence like video footage, the police report, and medical records
- Interviewing witnesses
- Working with medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists
- Identifying a liable party
- Identifying how much the liable party may owe you
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Listening to your story and noting important details
Our car accident lawyers have the skills and resources to handle your case, no matter the scope and circumstances. Our Golden, CO car accident lawyers keep your goals in mind and use an educational approach so you know where your claim stands at every stage.
Contact a Dependable Golden, CO Car Accident Attorney at Mintz Law Firm
Dealing with the legal process and insurance companies after an injury takes a lot of strength. You deserve to focus on your recovery while someone handles the details of your claim. Our knowledgeable car accident lawyers in Golden, CO are prepared to review any car accident case, and we offer free consultations.
For more than 30 years, Mintz Law Firm has helped injured Coloradans pursue the compensation they need. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no fees unless we recover compensation for you. We are committed to holding the liable party accountable and using our negotiation skills and legal knowledge when we deal with insurance companies. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Car Accident Claims
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