Arvada Personal Injury Lawyers

The majority of Arvada car accidents are caused by human driving errors.

• Distracted driving – the #1 cause of motor vehicle crashes in the United States!
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Drunk driving
• Driving in poor weather conditions

The NHTSA reports that over 3 million Americans are injured in car accidents every year. While many injuries may vary on impact, there are common ones that victims experience in car accidents:

• Whiplash
• Fractures and broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Brain injuries
• Burns

Know that car accident injuries depend on many different factors. For example, whether the passengers were wearing seat belts or not, where the impact occurs, whether the airbag deploys, and the speed of the cars involved in the accident.  Therefore contacting our Denver car accident lawyer is important in evaluating if you have a case. We always offer free case evaluations.

Colorado is a “fault” automotive insurance state. This means that the person who is responsible for your auto accident must pay the costs of your damages. Usually, these payments come out of his or her auto insurance policy.

There are three ways to file an accident claim:

• You can file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s policy.
• Filing an insurance claim with your own policy, if you have the appropriate coverage.
• You can also file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.

In most car accident claims, you will file a claim with the insurance company. Next, you proceed to the lawsuit stage if your claim is unsuccessful. However, your attorney may examine your case and advise you to proceed directly to the lawsuit process.

To file a personal injury lawsuit, your attorney will begin by performing a preliminary investigation into your claim. Next, they will complete the paperwork necessary to file your claim. Additionally, they will inform the at-fault party of your intent to sue. After you file, you will enter the discovery process where you will exchange evidence with the at-fault party. Next, you may enter into negotiations for your settlement.

You may receive a settlement at this stage. If negotiations are unsuccessful, your case will move to the courtroom. Finally, a judge and jury will decide whether or not you should receive a settlement. This is where the settlement amount is determined.

Three years is the short answer. The statute of limitations is a law that limits that time frame an injured party can file a lawsuit. If a lawsuit is not filed within the time frame, the lawsuit will most likely be dismissed. According to Colorado law, the statute of limitations for car accidents is three years.

Your car accident lawsuit or insurance claim allows you to collect damages for the emotional, physical, and financial consequences you endure as a result of the collision. You can collect two main types of damages in your case: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages include the tangible, out of pocket expenses you endure, including:

• Past and future medical bills
• Medications
• Property damage and vehicle repairs
• Physical therapy
• Wages lost
• Loss of future earnings
• Disability accommodations

On the other hand, non-economic damages involve your physical and mental pain and suffering.
The following types of non-economic damages may be claimed in your case:

• Mental anguish
• Chronic pain
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of quality of life
• Depression and anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Speak to your Denver car accident attorney (that’s us!) as soon as possible to determine which damages you may qualify for.  This may include an estimated amount of your compensation.

The moments after a car accident can be disorienting. This is also the time that the evidence is freshest. This is where you can begin to build the foundations of a strong claim. If you can move around safely and without causing additional injury, take the following steps to collect evidence for your case:

• Call 911 to bring law enforcement to the scene and create an accident report. Collect the responding officer’s information so you can find this crucial piece of evidence later.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Also save all documentation you receive during your medical visits.
• Photograph the scene and the damages. This includes areas around the crash, your injuries, and all vehicles involved in the accident.
• Exchange information with the other drivers. Contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license.
• Do not make any claims about your injuries or your role in the accident. Do not speak to an insurance adjuster until you contact a Denver car accident attorney.

In addition, you should always speak to your car accident attorney before speaking to an insurance adjuster!

Remember, it is not in the company’s best interest to provide you with the maximum possible settlement.

Therefore, making a premature statement can hurt your case. Contact a Denver personal injury lawyer from Jordan Law as soon as possible to discuss how to approach these conversations!