Denver Car Accident Lawyer

No one plans on being in an automobile accident, but it happens to millions of individuals each year. In fact, automobile collisions injure more than 3 million people every year in the United States. An injury of this nature can be a life-changing event, and to get on the road to recovery, it’s essential that you formulate a game plan for dealing with the damages caused by an accident as soon as it happens. That means finding a superior Denver car accident lawyer.

Common Causes for Car Accidents in Denver, CO

When collisions occur, different factors may contribute to the cause and severity of a crash. 

Many traffic accidents can be attributed to mistakes and preventable accidents behind the wheel. At times, people get caught in a collision because another driver failed to act safely and responsibly. Other times, dangerous roadways or severe weather conditions increase the risk of crashing. An experienced attorney may help you by investigating the cause of an accident and proving the negligent driver's liability in an injury case. 

Factors that contribute to car accidents may include: 

• Speeding 
• Distracted driving 
• Drunk or intoxicated driving 
• Inexperienced driving 
• Rideshare accidents
• Failing to yield to the right of way
• Car malfunctions
• Road rage and aggressive driving
• Hazardous road conditions
• Dangerous weather conditions 

Car accidents are often attributed to negligent acts behind the wheel, making most collisions preventable. Although heavy traffic and other conditions can increase risks associated with driving, every person operating a motor vehicle has a duty to drive safely. 

Regardless of the cause and nature of an accident, anyone involved in a collision may become injured and suffer varying types of damages. If you have been injured due to another's negligence behind the wheel, consulting an attorney and taking necessary steps after an accident may help you gather the pertinent information that may help you retrieve compensation for your damages.  

Steps You Should Take after a Denver Car Accident

After an auto accident, not only are you potentially coping with minor to severe injuries, but you may also have to deal with uncooperative perpetrators and stingy insurance companies. It’s crucial in these situations to keep a cool head and proceed tactically. A strategic misstep could lead to a less-than-fair car accident claim.

Despite crashes being so common in the State of Colorado, many drivers have no sense of what to do—and more significantly, what not to do—just after a car accident. Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you get the total and just compensation you deserve:

• Call the police to the scene of the accident, even if the damage appears minimal
• Exchange information (insurance, license plate, driver’s license) with everyone involved
• Obtain contact information from any witnesses
• Take pictures and videos of the accident scene
• Promptly obtain medical care if you’re feeling discomfort
• Don’t give a statement to the insurance carriers of others involved before contacting an attorney

Injured drivers and passengers have a right to seek compensation for the injuries they endured in a collision where another party is at fault. You don't have to go through a personal injury case on your own. Entrust us with your case, and we'll take care of the rest!

The Kinds of Car Accident Cases We Handle at Mintz Law Firm

No matter the cause of your accident, our legal team has the time, expertise, and tenacity required to make sure that justice is served and that you and your loved ones are on the road to recovery, both physically and financially. Our Denver car accident attorneys have worked on countless cases in the following areas:

Alcohol-Related Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asserts that a large percentage of all automobile accidents are related to alcohol use. Drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking or using any illegal substance will suffer from impaired judgment and poor reflexes, both of which can heavily contribute to severe accidents. Should you or a loved one become injured or killed in an accident that was caused by a drunk or otherwise impaired driver, it’s essential to fight for your justice so that you can be compensated for your losses while showing irresponsible drivers that their behaviors will not be tolerated.

Speed-Related Accidents

Speeding needlessly endangers other drivers on the road and can inflict significant damage to both people and property. If you are hurt in a car accident caused by a driver who was driving aggressively or speeding, that person should be held accountable for the damages and injuries resulting from their negligence. Eligible family members of those involved in a traffic accident fatality may also be able to recover necessary compensation to help with their losses.

At Mintz Law Firm, our Denver car accident lawyers obtain justice for those seriously injured or killed by another driver who was speeding, tailgating, reckless driving, or otherwise driving aggressively. We can help you prove that the other driver’s reckless speeding played a role in your accident-related injuries and ultimately provide compensation to help pay for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and emotional trauma associated with the crash.

Accidents Resulting from Negligence

Negligence is legally defined as the failure to exercise a reasonable degree of care resulting in injury to another. Should a driver fail to use reasonable care, they could be held liable for negligence. Driver negligence can take many forms. A driver might, for instance, ignore, overlook, or intentionally disobey traffic laws and signals.  Likewise, they may be distracted or complacent behind the wheel. Victims of driver negligence may be able to seek compensation for medical bills and other damages through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

A common type of accident is a rear-end accident, which may be caused by, but not limited to:

• Texting while driving, and
• Distracted driving.

When a driver’s failure to exercise “reasonable care” behind the wheel leads to your injuries, they must be brought to justice. Don’t try to prove that the other driver was at fault on your own. As experts in auto injury law, our Denver, CO auto injury lawyers have the knowledge and tools necessary to fight for your rights.

Common Injuries Sustained During a Car Accident in Denver, CO

While most car accidents are minor fender benders that result in little to no damage, car accidents have the potential to cause severe and debilitating damage. Car accident injuries can be a significant setback for victims, affecting their work and overall quality of life. After an accident, victims can file for compensation to recover a monetary reward if there is a liable party. While no amount of money can make up for the damage done, it can help provide much-needed financial support. 

Common injuries victims may suffer in a car accident include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries that can lead to temporary or permanent cognitive or physical impairment. TBIs can profoundly impact a victim's ability to communicate, move, and live independently. 

Whiplash

One of the most common injuries seen in car accidents is whiplash, which can lead to chronic pain or damage to the neck's muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. 

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries 

Spinal cord or back injuries can result in varying levels of paralysis that can quickly become costly. Most individuals who suffer spinal cord or back injuries will require some level of medical and in-home care for the remainder of their lives. 

Internal Injuries 

Some car accident injuries are not visible right away. Internal injuries may take time to develop visible symptoms. Some car accident victims may be experiencing internal bleeding or organ damage that can cause life-long damage or even death if not caught on time. Most internal injuries will require surgical intervention to repair the internal damage.

Broken and Dislocated Bones 

Common accident injuries include broken fingers, hands, arms, or legs. Severe car accidents can even lead to broken ribs, a fractured skull, or a broken sternum. In some circumstances, bone fractures can lead to permanent impairments and may require one or multiple surgeries. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries may include bruising, muscle tears, and nerve damage. These types of injuries can have life-long effects on the victim's quality of life.

Psychological and Emotional Injuries

Car accidents don’t just leave behind physical injuries. They often cause emotional and psychological injuries. Victims of serious car accidents often experience immense pain and suffering due to their physical injuries that, in turn, impact their mental and emotional health.

Victims can experience heightened levels of fear, depression, and anxiety. It’s also common for victims of traumatic car accidents to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. These mental and emotional injuries can physically manifest themselves as insomnia, weight loss or weight gain, and other physiological changes. Furthermore, these psychological injuries can impact their quality of life, ability to work, and ability to live independently. 

Victims who’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone’s negligent actions may be entitled to compensation. Contact a skilled car accident lawyer in Denver, CO to help build a strong claim and recover fair and just compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. 

How Much Money Can You Recover From an Auto Accident in Denver, CO?

After a car accident, you may be facing substantial financial losses and severe physical and emotional pain from an injury or injuries sustained during the collision. Filing a car accident claim can be a great solution to the financial burdens you’re facing after the accident, as long as there’s another person or entity who can be proven liable. If there is a party responsible for the accident which led to your injury and other related losses, they or their insurance are responsible for paying you the monetary compensation you are owed. But how do you know how much your claim is worth?

At first glance, it may seem simple to determine the value of a car accident claim. After all, it’s just about totaling up all financial losses and adding the amount accounted for pain and suffering. However, while the process sounds simple, it rarely is as simple as it seems. 

Pain and Suffering Damages

Several factors can make determining the amount of a car accident settlement difficult. For instance, pain and suffering damages are generally about 50% of your medical bills if the injury was minor. If the injury was severe with long-lasting effects, pain and suffering damages could be up to five times the cost of your medical bills. However, how is an injury determined to be minor or severe? The concept of pain and suffering can be an abstract and subjective concept that often leads to disagreement throughout the negotiating process. 

Comparative Negligence

Colorado operates as a comparative negligence state which means that insurance companies or judges (if the claim goes to trial) take into account the plaintiff's (the person filing the claim) percentage of blame if they are partially responsible for causing the accident. Comparative negligence means that if the plaintiff’s actions contributed to the accident, they are still entitled to compensation. However, the monetary award they are given will be reduced to compensate for their fault in causing the accident. 

A question about liability can significantly impact the settlement amount a plaintiff can receive. Insurance companies will likely use comparative negligence to their advantage and try to place as much blame on the plaintiff as possible to avoid paying the maximum value of the claim.

Estimating Damages and Accepting Settlements

Calculating the total amount of damages can be a complex task, and the estimated amount may be less than the actual total seen on paper. While there may be a difference between the original estimated amount, this doesn’t mean accepting less than what you deserve for your claim. An experienced attorney can help you determine whether a settlement offer aligns with your best interests and prevents you from accepting less than you deserve. Insurance companies will try to turn negotiations in their favor to limit their payout, but a Denver, CO car accident attorney who understands car accident claims and knows the value of your claim can help ensure you recover fair and just compensation. 

Determining the accurate value of a car accident claim can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact a skilled car accident lawyer who can help protect your right to fair compensation. 

Who Pays for Damages after a Car Accident?

Under the Colorado comparative negligence law, if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation depending on your level of fault. For example, if you were only 20 percent at fault, you can still recover 80 percent of whatever amount is awarded as compensation. If you were up to 50 percent or more at fault, however, you may lose the right to receive any compensation. We’ve broken down two common ways you can receive damage after a Denver car accident—though your attorney will best be able to determine the most strategic tactic based on the circumstances of your case.

Claiming Against the At-Fault Party’s Insurer

Generally, your primary recourse for compensation lies with the at-fault party’s insurer. They’ll be responsible for any expenses you’ve incurred relating to your damaged vehicle. This could include the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle. You may be able to recover compensation for the following costs:

• Vehicle repairs
• Car replacement, if the vehicle is declared a total loss
• Towing expenses
• Securing a rental car
• Replacing any valuables that were in the car or damaged from the accident

Claiming Against Your Own Insurer

You can claim against your own insurer if you have collision coverage. This will come in handy if the at-fault driver’s insurance company refuses your claim. Your insurer will in turn claim reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurer. You can also claim from your insurer if you were solely at fault for the accident.

How Long Do I Have to File an Auto Accident Claim?

After a car accident, the first thing you need to do is seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’ve suffered any serious injuries. Some internal or severe injuries take a few days, even months, to develop symptoms, but immediately seeking medical attention can help catch injuries before they become severe. Receiving medical attention after an accident helps ensure your health, but it can also play a significant role in the success of your car accident claim. 

Filing a car accident claim right after the accident is likely not the first thing on your mind. However, when the initial shock of the accident wears off and medical bills and other expenses pile up, filing for compensation will likely come into focus. 

If you weren’t responsible for the accident or your injuries, you understandably don’t want to take the full financial burden caused by the car accident and the injury you sustained. You can hold the at-fault driver accountable and liable for your physical, emotional, and financial losses by filing a car accident claim. However, you don’t have forever to pursue a car accident claim. In Colorado, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is three years. Once the three years have passed, you are likely to lose the right to pursue compensation unless there are specific circumstances that have prevented you from filing the claim within the allotted three years. 

When the Statute of Limitations Comes Into Effect

The three years typically begin from the date of the accident. You don’t need to file immediately. After all, victims tend to need time to recover from the shock and sometimes life-threatening injuries. That is why Colorado gives victims three years. Statutes of limitations are meant to encourage victims to file as soon as possible to help preserve evidence and give them time to recover enough or be well enough to pursue a legal process that can be complex. 

Why You Should File a Claim as Soon as Possible

While three years may seem like a long time, three years can be too long in terms of evidence and memory. Many car accident claims revolve around the memory of those involved in the collision and possible eyewitnesses, but as time passes, memories fade. Furthermore, as time passes, even the most severe injury can begin to heal, making it difficult to prove its severity as time goes on. On the other hand, some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, take time to develop. 

Generally, it’s best to file a car accident claim as soon as possible, and the sooner you speak with a car accident lawyer, the better. An experienced car accident lawyer in Denver understands car accident claims and can advise you on when to file your claim. Additionally, the sooner you speak with a lawyer, the sooner they can start collecting evidence to support your claim and build a strong claim on your behalf to ensure the best possible results. 

Contact the Expert Car Accident Attorneys at Mintz Law

If you’ve been injured in a Denver car accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation for your medical bills and other accident-related expenses. The trusted car accident attorneys at Mintz Law Firm have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that you get the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. We have the compassion to empathize with those suffering from harm done by others and will work tirelessly to protect your rights. No matter the type of motor vehicle accident, we’ve got you covered.

With over 150 years of combined experience, the Denver auto accident attorneys at Mintz Law Firm understand the ins and outs of Colorado personal injury law and will help you achieve the best results possible based on the circumstances of your injury. Our team of lawyers is dedicated to achieving justice for all of our clients. For a free consultation, give us a call at (303) 462-2999 or complete our online contact form today.

Do I Have a Case?

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Denver, CO

What Types of Damages Can I Recover after Being Involved in a Car Accident?

After suffering injuries in a car accident, you may be worried about how you will pay for property damage, treatment, and other damages. Through a personal injury claim, you may be able to cover financial compensation for the following damages:

• Medical costs
• Property damage
• Wage loss
• Pain and suffering

The extent of your injury and property damage will be used to determine the amount of compensation you are eligible to recover.

Why Do I Need a Denver Car Accident Attorney to Handle My Case?

No law mandates that a person needs to hire an attorney when seeking compensation after an accident. However, some victims choose to hire legal representation because it allows them to focus on their health and recovery while their attorney pursues legal action. An attorney can help with:

• Investigation of the accident
• Gather evidence to demonstrate the other driver was negligent
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Find an estimated value of your claim to ensure you receive full compensation

Obtaining an experienced and skilled lawyer does not guarantee an outcome, but it does guarantee the victim will be well represented. An experienced personal injury lawyer has their client’s best interest in mind and fights to pursue the justice their client deserves.

What Information Should I Gather Immediately after a Car Accident?

After an accident, you should gather the following information:

• Name of the drivers involved
• Location of accident
• Address of those drivers
• Phone numbers
• Insurance company information
• Policy number
• Driver license number
• License plate number
• Type, color, and model of vehicles involved
• Photographs and videos of the accident (evidence of damages)
• Photos of your injuries
• Copy of accident report
• Copies of initial medical care