Aurora Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Aurora, CO, obtaining legal representation is often crucial for protecting your rights and securing compensation. An experienced Aurora personal injury lawyer can navigate the complex landscape of insurance negotiations, liability determinations, and, if necessary, court proceedings to ensure that justice is served.
Taking proactive steps immediately after the accident gives you the best chance to assert your claim and address the resulting damages. For help after an accident in Aurora, Colorado, contact one of our attorneys at Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers or call (720) 613 9706 to speak with an Aurora car accident attorney.
How Zaner Harden Law Can Help If You’re in an Accident in Aurora
If you find yourself involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Aurora, CO, Zaner Harden Law offers legal support to guide you through the often complex aftermath.
Here’s how our Aurora personal injury attorneys can help:
- Investigate thoroughly to uncover all pertinent facts surrounding the incident and collect evidence, like a police report, medical records, and witness testimonies.
- Consult with a network of experts, like medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists, to help strengthen your claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to pursue just compensation while protecting your rights.
- Prepare meticulously for trial if we are unable to resolve the claim outside the courtroom.
In the wake of a car accident in Aurora, Colorado, we’re here to help you secure a fair outcome. Contact us today to speak with an Aurora car accident lawyer.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Aurora, Colorado?
Car accidents can happen anywhere, and Colorado is no exception:
- In 2023, there were a total of 716 traffic-related deaths recorded across Colorado.
- A significant portion of these fatalities – 31.2% – included instances where drivers were under the influence of alcohol or cannabis,
- Focusing on Aurora specifically, from January 2023 to August 2023, there were 43 fatal car accidents.
- In Aurora, the top contributing factors to traffic fatalities are speed, intoxication, lack of seat belt use, and distracted driving.
Given the prevalence of car accidents in Aurora, it’s crucial to stay vigilant on the road and know where to turn for support if you are involved in a collision.
What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of your car accident case heavily depends on a variety of factors. These most often include the severity and long-term impact of any injuries sustained, available insurance coverage from the at-fault party, and strength and amount of evidence gathered to support your car accident claim.
Whether you were partially at fault for the accident also plays a role in how much you could recover from an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit – with the value reducing the more you are at fault.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Car Accident Victims?
In the event of a car accident, victims are often eligible to seek compensation to cover various losses. The damages that may be available generally fall into three primary categories:
Economic
Economic damages include tangible financial expenses like medical bills, repair or replacement costs for any property damage, lost wages due to missed work, and potential loss of earning capacity as a result of long-term injuries.
Non-Economic
Non-economic damages account for the intangible effects an accident can have on a victim’s life. These typically include pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment in life if you can no longer engage in hobbies or activities you once loved because of your injuries.
Punitive Damages
While not available in every case, punitive damages may be awarded in situations where the defendant’s behavior was particularly egregious. These are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior going forward.
Understanding the scope of damages available for auto accident victims is crucial in ensuring that you are fully compensated for your losses.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Car Accident in Colorado?
Even if you’re being blamed for a car accident in Colorado, you may still be able to recover compensation due to the state’s modified comparative negligence rules.
Under this legal doctrine, as long as your degree of fault does not exceed 49%, you are eligible to recover damages, but any recovered compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. If you’re found to bear 50% or more of the fault for causing the accident, you won’t be able to obtain any compensation at all.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a range of injuries, some more severe than others.
Some common injuries that victims may experience include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts and abrasions
- Burns
- Nerve damage
These injuries are among the many possible consequences car accident victims face, significantly impacting their health and quality of life.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in Aurora, Colorado?
Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of an accident. Some leading causes include:
Distracted Driving
Significant distractions that take a driver’s attention away from the road include phone use – whether texting, calling, or navigating – eating and drinking while behind the wheel and talking to passengers. Any of these behaviors can cause a distraction to the extent of causing an accident.
Speeding
Traveling above the speed limit or too fast for current conditions can reduce a driver’s ability to react in time, increasing the risk of accidents as well as the force of impact if a crash occurs.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs cognitive and motor functions and increases the risk of an accident.
Fatigue
Driving while tired is a significant risk factor as it can lead to slower reaction times, reduced attentiveness to the road, and even falling asleep at the wheel. Research shows that fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Understanding the common causes of car accidents in Aurora is critical not only for preventing them but also for establishing fault and seeking justice after an accident occurs.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident in Colorado?
To secure compensation following a car accident in Colorado, establishing negligence on the part of the other driver involved is essential. The legal process for proving negligence typically involves demonstrating four elements:
Duty of Care
You must first prove that the other driver owed you a duty of care on the road. Essentially, this refers to their legal obligation to drive safely and responsibly to prevent harm.
Breach of Duty
Once it’s established that a duty of care existed, you must then demonstrate how the other driver failed to uphold this standard of care – or breached their duty of care. This could involve disobeying traffic laws and distracted driving behaviors like texting while operating a vehicle or driving under the influence.
Causation
There must be a direct link between the driver’s actions and the accident. This means showing that it was specifically their breach of duty that caused it. For example, a car running a red light and then crashing into you.
Damages
For negligence to be actionable, there must be actual damages. This generally includes physical injuries you suffered, damage to your vehicle or other property, or emotional distress.
Proving negligence after a car accident can be difficult, but you can always reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer for assistance.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there may be exceptions to this deadline based on specific case details that could shorten or extend it. Reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure you don’t miss your chance to recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Aurora Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Aurora, CO, and are dealing with the aftermath, you don’t have to struggle through it alone. We work on a contingency fee basis, which allows you to get excellent help while only being required to pay our fees if we win for you. Reach out for legal advice to make sure you have the representation you need to navigate the claims process and fight for what is rightfully yours.
Contact Zaner Harden Law today to schedule your consultation with an experienced Aurora car accident lawyer who will advocate on your behalf every step of the way.
