Car Accident Attorney In Northglenn

Denver Car Accident Attorney

Motor vehicle accidents can cause severe injuries, but when a pedestrian is involved, the risk becomes even higher, often resulting in life-threatening consequences. Vehicle accidents can sometimes result in catastrophic injuries that have life-altering consequences for the victims, such as long-term disability, loss of income, and emotional trauma. In such cases, having a personal injury attorney with experience in car and motorcycle accidents is crucial to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your losses, covering both your immediate and future needs.

Whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, understanding your rights is essential. If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process, helping you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary. This can make a significant difference in the amount of compensation you receive, ensuring you are adequately compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In some severe cases, vehicle accidents caused by drunk driving can lead to charges of vehicular manslaughter, which carry heavy legal penalties. These situations not only involve personal injury claims but also have criminal implications that can affect the outcome of a civil case. Having a skilled attorney who understands the complexities of both personal injury and criminal law can be invaluable in navigating these challenging scenarios and securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

Reporting Car and Motorcycle Accidents

If you are in a car accident, you are required to report it if someone gets injured or killed, or if there is property damage. If the police have been called to the scene, you can ask the officer to file a report. If the accident was minor and the police were not called, you have to file the report yourself. Failing to file a report is a criminal offense in Colorado.

The police report and investigation are essential in a personal injury lawsuit involving a car or motorcycle accident. Having an official report stating what happened at the time of the accident will help you and your personal injury attorney build your case.

Motor Vehicle Insurance

Colorado requires car and motorcycle drivers to have auto insurance with minimum levels of liability protection. Colorado is a no-fault state, which means that the driver at fault for the accident may not be responsible for the injuries, damages, and losses sustained as a result of the accident.

Statute of Limitations

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for automobile accident cases is three years starting on the date of the accident. If you plan to file a personal injury lawsuit, you should do so as soon as possible after the accident.

If someone dies as a result of the accident, the statute of limitations on a wrongful death suit is two years from the date of the person’s death. The team at the Law Offices of James Colgan has the experience to manage the auto accident case successfully.

Comparative Negligence

Colorado is a modified comparative negligence state. The court assesses blame for each person involved in the accident, including pedestrians. You can recover your losses as long as your percentage of the responsibility for the accident does not exceed 50 percent. If you are over 50 percent at fault, you forfeit claiming any financial compensation as a result of the accident.

The insurance claims adjuster will most likely be the person who assesses unless your case goes to trial, in which case the court will decide. Your ability to negotiate successfully with the insurance claims adjuster or to demonstrate to the judge or jury that the blame lies with the other party determines your compensation. The Law Offices of James Colgan can help you maximize your compensation and understand your options.

Compensation and Caps

Economic compensation reimburses you for out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages. Non-economic compensation, on the other hand, covers pain and suffering, disfigurement, disability, and other damages.

If the accident resulted in death, compensation for wrongful death, loss of companionship, and loss of future income are awarded to the survivors of the deceased.

Punitive damages are also a possibility. Each of the non-economic compensations has a statutory cap, limiting how much payment you can receive. The Law Offices of James Colgan have the expertise to negotiate the settlement you deserve for your losses. Contact us today at 1(720) 909-6425.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a car accident attorney help me after a collision in Northglenn, Colorado?

A car accident attorney in Northglenn, Colorado, can help by representing you in legal proceedings, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. We assist in gathering evidence, such as police reports and witness statements, to build a strong case. We also guide you through the legal process, including filing claims within the statute of limitations and understanding comparative negligence laws. Our expertise maximizes your chances of a favorable outcome.

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Northglenn?

Immediately after a car accident in Northglenn, you should ensure your safety and that of others by moving to a safe location if possible. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention for any injuries. Exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, contact details, and insurance information. Document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness statements. Notify your insurance company and consider consulting a car accident attorney to protect your rights and navigate the legal process.

How is fault determined in a car accident in Colorado?

Fault in a car accident in Colorado is determined using the state's modified comparative negligence rule. Each party's degree of fault is assessed, and you can recover damages as long as your fault is not greater than 50%. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident scene documentation are crucial in establishing fault. Insurance adjusters or courts will evaluate the evidence to assign fault percentages, impacting the compensation amount you can claim. Our car accident attorney can help establish the other party's liability.

If I was in a vehicle accident caused by a DUI driver, what are my legal remedies?

You may have both criminal and civil remedies. The DUI driver can face criminal prosecution, including charges for DUI, vehicular assault, or homicide depending on the severity of injuries or fatalities. Separately, you (or anyone injured) may bring a civil claim for damages: medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, property repair, etc. Also, insurance claims may be filed against the DUI driver’s liability coverage and possibly underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. It is important to preserve evidence (photos, medical records, witness statements) and document injuries. Consulting both a criminal defense (or prosecution) attorney and a personal injury attorney may be necessary.

Can I still recover damages if the DUI driver doesn’t have insurance or has minimal coverage?

Possibly. If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, you might be able to use your own uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance (if your policy covers that). Also, sometimes you can sue the driver personally and obtain a judgment, although collecting on a judgment may be difficult depending on the person’s resources. In tragic cases, punitive damages may be sought if the driver’s conduct was especially reckless or egregious. Also, other sources such as third-party liability (if someone else contributed to the cause of the accident) may be available. It helps to work with attorneys experienced in personal injury and insurance law to explore all potential avenues.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a claim after a DUI-related vehicle accident in Colorado?

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims (including those arising from vehicle accidents) is generally two years from the date of injury. For property damage, it's typically three years. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also two years from the date of death. If you miss the deadline, you lose the legal right to file in court for damages. Some circumstances (minors, incapacity, discovery of harm) may affect when the clock starts or extend the deadline. Always consult an attorney to determine the exact deadlines for your case.

What are the common causes of car accidents in Northglenn?

Common causes of car accidents in Northglenn include distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and reckless driving. Weather conditions such as snow and ice can also contribute to accidents. Additionally, failure to obey traffic signals and signs, and aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, are significant factors. Our attorneys at the Law Office of James Colgan are experienced in handling such cases. Please reach out to us for more comprehensive detail of your case

Additional Information in Northglenn, Colorado

Colorado Department of Transportation - Safe Road: Outlines initiatives to improve road safety through infrastructure and design improvements. It highlights efforts to reduce crash severity, encourage safe driving behaviors, and create safer spaces for all road users. Key focus areas include intersection safety, speed management, and prevention of lane departures. This information is valuable for understanding the state's road safety measures, which can support claims in car accident cases by demonstrating the importance of safe driving environments and highlighting potential areas of negligence.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Car Seats and Booster Seats: Essential guidelines for selecting and correctly installing car seats and booster seats to ensure child safety in vehicles. It explains the different types of car seats, their appropriate use based on the child's age and size, and offers installation instructions and inspection services. This information is critical for ensuring that children are properly secured in vehicles, which can prevent severe injuries in the event of a car accident. Proper use of car seats can also support legal claims in case of accidents involving children.

Ready.gov - Car Safety: Provides guidelines for preparing your vehicle for emergencies and includes tips for maintaining your car and keeping an emergency supply kit. It emphasizes the importance of keeping your gas tank full, installing good winter tires, and avoiding driving through flooded areas. These measures can prevent accidents and ensure safety in adverse conditions. This information helps in car accident cases by demonstrating the importance of vehicle maintenance and preparedness in preventing accidents and injuries.

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