After a car crash in Colorado, probably the only thing you want to do is get your life back to normal and put the wreck behind you. Unfortunately, the injuries and auto damage caused by car accidents usually require a substantial amount of money to recover from, and if your injuries were serious enough, you might be looking at either a long road to recovery or permanent changes to your lifestyle. This is where your insurance company is supposed to step in, but getting a fair settlement can be a challenge all its own.

By working with a Colorado car accident attorney from Craig Swapp & Associates, you can get the full car accident settlement that you’re entitled to from the auto insurance company. We won’t be satisfied with merely getting a settlement; we want to make certain that you get fully compensated for what you’ve been through because of your Colorado car accident.

Colorado Car Accident Laws

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern life, and they can be devastating for those involved. In Colorado , as in all states, there are specific laws and regulations that govern what happens after a car accident. These laws dictate how liability is determined, what kind of damages can be recovered, and what steps must be taken to ensure that the injured party receives appropriate medical care and compensation for their losses.

No-Fault Auto Insurance and Your Colorado Auto Collision

Because Colorado is a no-fault state for car insurance, it creates an additional step on the road to full compensation. You’ll first need to file a claim with your own personal injury protection (PIP) policy before you can seek damages from the at-fault party in your accident. Sadly, even your own auto insurance is likely to lowball your payout, but your Colorado car crash lawyer can help you with them, too.

If your medical bills total more than $3,000; your injuries involve permanent disfigurement, impairment, or disability; or you suffered dismemberment, then you’re legally allowed to pursue a personal injury claim against those responsible. This is often necessary after serious crashes because PIP coverage tends to have fairly low policy limits and won’t cover all damages.

Unfortunately, the other driver’s auto insurance company is likely to be even more difficult to deal with. They’ll do everything possible to push blame for the crash onto you, as the more fault they can pin on you, the less they’ll have to pay you.

Colorado Car Accident Statute of Limitations

In Colorado , the statute of limitations for car accident cases varies depending on the type of claim being pursued. For personal injury claims resulting from a car accident, the statute of limitations is four years from the date of the accident. This means that if you are injured in a car accident in Colorado , you must file your lawsuit within four years of the accident or you may lose your right to seek compensation. 

On the other hand, if you are filing a lawsuit for damage to your car or other property, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. It is important to keep these deadlines in mind and to act promptly if you are considering filing a car accident lawsuit in Colorado .

Common Causes of Your Colorado Car Accident

Listed below are some of the most common causes of auto injury accidents in Colorado , as well as who could be liable under each condition:

  • Distracted DrivingThis includes anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as texting, using a cell phone, eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio. The driver of the other car would be liable if they were driving with distractions. 
  • Speeding or Other Forms of Reckless DrivingDriving too fast for the road conditions or exceeding the speed limit can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle, especially when turning or stopping. Reckless driving can also include behaviors such as weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, ignoring traffic signals or signs, and failing to yield the right of way. The reckless driver would be responsible in this circumstance.
  • Shoddy Mechanical Work Defective parts, such as brakes, tires, or steering components, can cause accidents if they fail while the vehicle is in motion. A mechanic or manufacturing company could be held liable in this case. 
  • Drunk Driving Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and significantly impairs a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations on the road. A drunk driver would be held responsible in both civil and criminal court.
  • Dangerous Road Conditions –  Poor weather, inadequate signage, or construction zones can create hazardous conditions that increase the risk of accidents. The government agency responsible for that roadway’s maintenance could be held legally responsible for your accident.

Common Injuries After a Car Accident in Colorado

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises and cuts to serious, life-threatening conditions. Depending on the severity of the accident, some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can take time to develop. Here are some of the most common types of injuries that can result from a car accident in Colorado :

Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury that can occur when a car is rear-ended or involved in a collision that causes the neck to jerk forward and back suddenly. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries can result from hitting the dashboard, steering wheel, or windows during an accident. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can include headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.

Broken Bones

Fractures can occur in any part of the body during a car accident but are most common in the arms, legs, and ribs. These injuries can range from minor fractures to more serious breaks that require surgery.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries can include bruises, sprains, strains, and other injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can be painful and can limit mobility and function.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent. These can include damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs, and can cause severe bleeding or other complications.

Psychological Injuries

Car accidents can also cause psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These injuries can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s mental health and overall well-being.

It is essential to seek medical attention promptly after a car accident, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. This can help to prevent complications and ensure that any injuries are properly documented for insurance purposes.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Colorado

Car accidents can be a stressful and confusing time, but it’s important to know what to do if you’re ever involved in one. In Colorado, there are specific steps you should take after a car accident to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for any injuries or damages.

Check for injuries

The first thing you should do after a car accident is to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Even if no one appears to be injured, it’s still a good idea to call the police to report the accident.

Move to a safe location

If you’re able to move your vehicle safely, do so. Move to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. This will help prevent any further accidents or injuries from occurring.

Contact the police or ambulance

Contact the police or ambulance if anyone is injured or if there is damage to the vehicles involved. The police will create an official report of the accident, which can be helpful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action later. The ambulance can provide medical attention to anyone who is injured.

Exchange information with the other driver

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident. Be sure to write down their name, phone number, address, insurance company, and policy number. You should also get the make and model of their vehicle, as well as their license plate number.

Document the accident

Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to both vehicles and any injuries you or others may have sustained. This documentation can be very useful if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action later.

Notify your insurance company

Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. They will need to know the details of the accident and may provide you with additional instructions for filing a claim.

Seek medical attention

Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical examination can ensure you receive any necessary treatment.

Contact an attorney

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

In Colorado, there is a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, so it’s important to act quickly. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible can help ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.

Get Help from a Colorado Auto Accident Attorney

At Craig Swapp & Associates, we do everything we can to ensure that our clients get the full settlement they deserve and not the smaller amount the auto insurance company offers. We’ve helped car accident victims from all over Colorado put their crashes behind them, and we can help you, too.

Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation with a capable Colorado car accident lawyer by calling 1-800-404-9000 or by submitting the contact form found at the bottom of this page.

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