Denver, CO Car Accident FAQs
Were you injured in a car accident in Denver, CO? Recovering from a car accident can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. Understanding your legal rights and financial options in Colorado is key to navigating the injury claim process.
The Denver car accident attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help. With over 80 years of combined experience and tens of millions of dollars recovered, our seasoned lawyers are capable of handling your personal injury case with diligence and care.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys at (720) 613-9706 to get advice specific to your situation.
How Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help Me After My Car Accident in Denver
If your case involves serious or life-long injuries, a fatality, or a dispute over who is at fault, consulting an attorney as soon as possible is recommended. A Denver personal injury lawyer can help you navigate Colorado’s car accident laws, insurance dealings, and legal complexities, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
At Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we have been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and other prestigious legal organizations.
When you choose to work with us, we will:
- Investigate the cause of your car accident
- Assess the value of your claim
- Handle negotiations with the insurance company
- Hire expert witnesses as needed to strengthen your claim
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached
You don’t have to handle your claim on your own. Call our law office in Denver, Colorado to schedule a free consultation.
Do I Have to Report My Car Accident in Denver, Colorado?
Colorado law requires you to report severe car accidents to law enforcement. You must notify the police immediately (by calling 911) if the accident results in injury or death to anyone or if property damage appears to exceed $1,000. While at the scene, the police will arrive and may create an accident report. Even if the police do not file a report, you are still responsible for reporting the accident yourself to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles within 60 days.
What Are the Most Common Injuries from Car Crashes?
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries reported in car accidents. This soft-tissue neck injury results from the sudden, snapping movement of the head and neck during a collision. Neck pain and stiffness from whiplash can persist for weeks or months. Car accidents can also lead to other serious injuries, including broken bones, lacerations, burns, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
How Long Will My Settlement Take?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer on how long a settlement will take. The timeline varies significantly depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, dispute over liability, insurance company tactics, and the complexity of your case. Taking your claim to court instead may add months to the process, as settling out of court is almost always faster than going to trial.
What Damages Can I Recover for a Denver Car Crash?
If a car accident in Denver injured you, you are likely entitled to compensation for your financial losses (economic damages) and the accident’s impact on your life (non-economic damages).
These can include current and future medical bills, pain and suffering, lost pay, emotional distress, out-of-pocket expenses, disfigurement, reduced quality of life, and mental anguish. In some extreme cases of negligence, the court may choose to award punitive damages.
What Happens if I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?
In Colorado, even if you share some responsibility for a car accident, you may still collect damages as long as your percentage of fault is less than 50%. Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your assigned fault.
For example, if you are deemed 25% at fault for the accident, your total damage award will be reduced by 25%. If the court finds you 51% or more at fault, it will bar you from recovering any compensation.
When Is the Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Colorado?
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-80-101 sets a three-year time limit for filing a car accident lawsuit. This statute of limitations means you generally have three years to pursue legal action for bodily injury or property damage. Failing to file within this timeframe typically forfeits your right to sue. While rare exceptions may alter this deadline, you should contact a lawyer to get started as soon as possible.
Contact Our Denver Car Accident Lawyers to Schedule a Free Consultation
The car accident lawyers at Zaner Law have over 80 years of experience fighting for victims of personal injury and have recovered tens of millions for injured clients. If you have further questions about your Denver car accident claim or are ready to start, contact us for a free consultation.
