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If you have found yourself involved in an auto accident, it's very easy to become flustered, overwhelmed, and begin to panic. It is important to remain calm after an accident, and promptly contact 911 - the operator will ask if there are injuries, and will send out both law enforcement and emergency medical technicians. If you are able, while you're waiting for law enforcement, you should begin recording important information about the collision and accident scene. Take photos with your phone if possible, as the photos could be essential to your insurance claim. You and the other driver should also exchange contact information and information about your insurance companies.
Colorado enforces an "at fault" rule, meaning the individual who is responsible for the collision, or the at-fault driver is responsible for the damages sustained by the other driver and their vehicle. After speaking with law enforcement following your incident, you should seek medical treatment. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately after the accident, and seeking a medical evaluation can prevent these injuries from worsening. Seeking medical care immediately after the accident will be beneficial to your auto insurance claim or personal injury claim, as it will prove you were injured and sought treatment as soon as possible.
After your accident and physician visit, your doctor will provide you with a report detailing any injuries you sustained from the collision, any treatments that took place during your visit and recommended future treatments. An auto insurance claim can help you secure compensation for bodily and vehicular damages.
Colorado is considered an "at fault" state, meaning drivers are able to file an accident claim against the responsible parties. Accident victims are allowed to pursue compensation by filing a claim with their own insurance carrier if the at-fault driver is an uninsured driver, by filing a claim against the at-fault individual's insurance provider, or by filing a personal injury claim against the responsible driver.
The state of Colorado follows the modified comparative negligence legal theory, meaning that if you are responsible for less than half of the accident, you are able to seek compensation for any injuries you may have sustained in the accident. The amount of damages or compensation you are able to receive reduces by the percentage of your responsibility in the accident, meaning if you are at least 50% responsible for the accident that took place, you are unable to pursue compensation.
Insurance companies help determine the definition of negligence in each state when determining who is the driver at fault during a car accident. There are three types of negligence to be considered:
When responding to an accident, law enforcement investigates and interviews everyone involved, along with bystanders and witnesses. Based on what is found in the investigation, officers assign a percentage of fault to the parties involved. After an accident in Colorado, you must file a police report. Any photos taken at the scene can help determine the negligent party. It is important to be clear in your description of what happened in order to prove you were not at fault or were minimally at fault for the damages. Even if you are at fault, it's imperative to let the authorities and insurance company reach that conclusion based on pieces of evidence submitted, along with police reports and accident reports.
In the state of Colorado, the average car accident settlement is 1.5 times the financial losses you suffered. You have the right to recover your financial loss, as well as pain and suffering. Severe injuries warrant a higher-than-average recovery to account for severe pain.
An Aurora car accident lawyer is able to personally review your case, help you understand the actions that need to be taken in order to protect yourself, and walk you through your legal options.
FAQ: What if my bills are higher than the at-fault driver’s insurance limits?
The majority of experienced lawyers in Colorado process injury cases on a contingency basis. This means you will not have to pay your personal injury lawyer if they cannot win the case on your behalf. The fee is typically set between thirty and forty percent, but will likely be more expensive in the event that the case is taken to trial, instead of being settled before a lawsuit is filed. A compassionate car accident lawyer will offer a personal approach to caring for you and your family and will work hard to win your case.
Accident attorneys are well versed in caring for clients after an accident and will help you receive compensation for medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, and more. Clients can expect to pay anywhere between $128 and $510 per hour to their accident attorneys, depending on what kind of agreement they have decided on. Hire an experienced car accident attorney if you have been involved in a vehicular accident, and they will help you receive the maximum financial compensation possible for your case. The legal process could be exhausting, but a great personal injury attorney will help you receive a fair settlement. Contact us today at Denver Car Accident Lawyers today to get started on your case!
