Car accidents can be extremely stressful and traumatic experiences. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming, and it’s often difficult to know where to turn for help. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Denver, it’s essential to know your legal rights and options. In this blog, we’ll explore the role of a Denver car accident lawyer and the Colorado laws that govern car accidents.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that Colorado is a “fault” state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the person who is found to be at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for any damages or injuries that result. In some cases, this may be straightforward, such as when one driver clearly runs a red light and hits another car. However, in many cases, fault can be more difficult to determine, and it may require the help of a car accident lawyer to sort out the details.
So, what exactly does a Denver car accident lawyer do? Essentially, their job is to represent you in any legal proceedings related to the accident. This can include negotiating with insurance companies, filing a lawsuit, or representing you in court. Some of the specific tasks that a car accident lawyer may handle include:
- Investigating the accident: Your lawyer will work to gather as much information as possible about the accident, including speaking with witnesses, reviewing police reports, and examining any physical evidence.
- Calculating damages: Your lawyer will help you determine the full extent of the damages you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies are often more interested in protecting their bottom line than in providing fair compensation to accident victims. Your lawyer can help you navigate this process and negotiate for a fair settlement.
- Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer can represent you in court and argue your case before a judge or jury.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the specific Colorado laws that come into play in car accident cases. First and foremost, Colorado has a statute of limitations that governs how long you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident. In most cases, this is three years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and it’s important to speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Colorado also requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. This insurance is intended to cover damages and injuries that you cause to other people in an accident. The minimum requirements in Colorado are $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 per accident for property damage. However, it’s important to note that these are just minimum requirements, and you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage to protect yourself in the event of an accident.
In conclusion, if you’ve been involved in a car accident in Denver, it’s important to seek the help of a qualified car accident lawyer. They can help you navigate the often-complicated legal process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. By understanding your legal rights and options under Colorado law, you can take the first steps towards moving forward after a car accident. Whether you’ve suffered a serious injury, fault is in dispute, or you’ve received a low settlement offer, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll take the time to understand your case and provide you with the guidance and representation you need.