Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
When you’re involved in a car accident in Colorado and it clearly wasn’t your fault, it’s natural to ask: Do I really need a lawyer? The short answer is: not always. If the accident caused minimal damage, no injuries, and the other driver’s insurance accepts fault without dispute, you might manage the claim on your own.
However, even in what seems like a straightforward situation, problems can arise. So it’s wise to know the risks and understand when getting a lawyer could protect you.
What the Law Looks Like in Colorado
Colorado follows an at-fault system for car accidents. This means the driver who causes the crash—and their insurance company—is usually responsible for covering the resulting damages.
However, fault isn’t always clear-cut. Colorado applies a modified comparative negligence rule, which can reduce or eliminate your compensation depending on your share of responsibility. If you’re found 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover any damages. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% responsible, you would receive $80,000.
There’s also a strict deadline for filing car accident lawsuits in Colorado—three years from the date of the crash. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to seek compensation. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and understand how state law can affect even a “not my fault” accident claim.
When Getting a Lawyer Makes a Big Difference
If any of the following apply, then hiring a lawyer may be the best decision for you:
- You suffered injuries or lost wages.
- The other driver’s fault or liability is disputed.
- The insurance company is pressuring you to settle quickly before you know the full scope of your damages.
- You suspect the other driver had inadequate insurance or none at all.
- You believe your percentage of fault could be questioned or raised by the insurer.
- There were multiple vehicles involved, including commercial vehicles, and complex crash circumstances.
In these kinds of situations, a lawyer helps you gather evidence (like accident reconstruction, witness statements, and medical records), handle insurance communications, protect your rights, and make sure you don’t settle too early for too little. The earlier you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of preserving your rights.
How a Lawyer Helps You Strategically
Here’s how a lawyer can be a powerful ally when you weren’t at fault:
- They can ensure critical evidence isn’t lost—photos of damage, road conditions, surveillance footage, witness statements, and vehicle data.
- They can talk to the insurance company on your behalf so you don’t inadvertently say something that harms your claim.
- They can help calculate your actual losses: medical bills, future care, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- They can manage the legal deadlines and procedural details so you don’t miss your opportunity to file.
- They can assist with uncovered insurance coverage issues, including using your own UM/UIM coverage if the at-fault driver’s policy is too small.
With a lawyer handling those tasks, you can focus on your recovery rather than stressing over paperwork, calls, and tough negotiations.
Contact the Denver Car Accident Lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Even if the crash wasn’t your fault, getting legal advice early can make a huge difference in how much compensation you recover.
At Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our Denver car accident attorneys have the experience, skill, and resources to take on powerful insurance companies and get results. Contact our office today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.
We are located in Denver, CO, proudly serving all of Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
