Being involved in a car accident can turn your life upside down. But did you know that many accident victims settle for less compensation than they deserve?
The key to maximizing your settlement lies in understanding the legal process, knowing your rights, and working with a skilled car accident lawyer in Denver. Let’s explore how you can get more money than you think after an accident.
Understand Colorado’s Comparative Fault Law
Colorado follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means you can recover compensation if you are found to be less than 50% at fault. However, the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, your payout will be reduced to $80,000.
Working with a Denver car accident attorney ensures that your fault is assessed fairly, minimizing deductions to your compensation.
Pro tip: Never admit fault at the scene, even if you think you may be partially responsible. Your auto accident lawyer in Denver, Colorado, will help determine fault through evidence and negotiation.
Recovering More with a Skilled Attorney
Hiring a top-rated car accident lawyer in Denver can significantly increase your compensation. Insurance companies offer lowball settlements, hoping you’ll accept without questioning the amount. An experienced Denver car wreck attorney knows how to evaluate the full value of your case.
This includes:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
In 2021, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported over 120,000 motor vehicle accidents, resulting in thousands of injuries. Without proper legal guidance, many victims accept initial offers that don’t cover the true cost of their losses.
Colorado Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
Colorado law gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit (C.R.S. § 13-80-101). Missing this deadline can bar you from receiving compensation. A Colorado accident lawyer ensures that your case is filed on time and meets all legal requirements, preventing the insurance company from using delays to its advantage.
If your accident involves a government entity (such as a collision with a city vehicle), you have just 180 days to file a claim. These strict deadlines make it essential to work with a knowledgeable car accident attorney near me who can manage the paperwork and legal deadlines.
Know the Types of Insurance Coverage Available
Colorado requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage (C.R.S. § 10-4-619). While this is a start, these amounts are often insufficient to cover severe injuries or multiple victims.
If the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover all your expenses, a Denver car accident attorney can explore other options:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): This helps if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
- MedPay Coverage: Colorado drivers can opt for Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, which pays medical expenses regardless of fault.
A skilled injury attorney in Denver can also pursue compensation from multiple liable parties, such as drivers, employers, or manufacturers, depending on the circumstances of your accident.
Build a Strong Case with Evidence
Building a strong case requires more than just filing a claim. A Denver car accident attorney will collect and preserve critical evidence such as:
- Police reports and traffic camera footage
- Medical records and expert opinions
- Eyewitness statements
- Accident reconstruction reports
By working with an auto accident lawyer in Denver, Colorado, you’ll have the resources to present a compelling case and demand fair compensation from insurance companies.
Don’t Forget Non-Economic Damages
In addition to covering medical bills and lost wages, Colorado law allows accident victims to seek non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The state caps non-economic damages at $613,760, but it may increase to $1,227,520 in cases of extreme hardship (C.R.S. § 13-21-102.5).
A Denver car wreck attorney can help you calculate these non-economic damages accurately and push for the maximum amount allowed under the law.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often pressure accident victims to settle quickly. While a fast payout may seem tempting, it’s rarely enough to cover long-term expenses. A car accident lawyer in Denver will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring you don’t settle for less than what your case is worth.
Statistics show that accident victims represented by attorneys recover, on average, three times more compensation than those who handle claims independently. Your attorney will handle the back-and-forth negotiations, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Get the Help You Deserve from a Denver Car Accident Lawyer
When dealing with the aftermath of a car crash, the right legal representation can make all the difference. By hiring a top-rated car accident lawyer in Denver, you gain access to legal experience, resources, and negotiation skills that can help you secure more compensation than you thought possible.
Don’t wait—if you’ve been involved in a car accident, contact a car accident attorney near me today. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
With Colorado’s complex legal landscape and insurance regulations, navigating a car accident claim alone can be overwhelming. Partnering with an experienced Denver car accident attorney ensures that you protect your rights, meet legal deadlines, and pursue every avenue of compensation available.
