Whenever you get behind the wheel, you are at risk of getting into a car accident no matter how careful you may be. This is because there are many factors you can’t control – like, for example, the sobriety and diligence of other drivers – and these factors can easily cause accidents.
In the event that car accidents happen, the drivers and others involved may have questions about their rights and when they are entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses.
In general, whenever any type of negligence has played a role in causing a car accident, you will likely have a right to compensation. Commonly, this negligence comes in the form of other drivers violating traffic laws, driving while drunk, driving while distracted or otherwise driving recklessly.
There are, however, many other forms of negligence that can contribute to car accidents (such as vehicle manufacturer negligence, trucking company negligence, etc.); therefore, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney after a car accident for:
No. After car accidents, you may need to focus on getting emergency medical treatment for you or a loved one, and getting information from other motorists involved in the collision will likely not be a priority in such situations. While it’s always best to try to get this info if or when possible, if you are unable to do so for any reason:
Possibly. You may be able to get compensation after hit-and-run accidents if:
It’s important to note here, however, that, even when drivers have this coverage, they may still face some challenges getting the full amount of compensation they deserve. This is because insurers may try to dispute or undervalue their claim in an effort to limit payouts. To ensure your rights are fully protected in these cases, make sure you work with an experience attorney who will stand up to insurers on your behalf.
If you may have contributed to causing the car accident in any way, you may still be entitled to compensation. In these cases, your entitlements will depend on your specific role in the accident, as well as whether other drivers may have been more to blame for causing the accident.
For example, if you ran a red light and were then hit by a drunk driver, both you and the other driver will have been to blame for causing the accident, but you still may be able to obtain compensation for the accident (though this compensation will likely be less than what you would have received had you not contributed to causing the accident in any way).
There is no quick, general answer to this question. The value of your car accident case will depend on a number of factors, only some of which include:
If you have already hired an attorney to represent you, simply refer insurers to your lawyer, and let your attorney handle it from there. If, however, you have not yet hired an attorney, then:
No. In general, it’s best to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and any necessary treatments as soon as you can. While you may have to front the cost of your car accident injury treatments, you will likely receive compensation for these costs later – so make sure you keep copies of all of your bills and treatment costs.
How long after the collision do I have to file a car accident lawsuit?
According to Colorado law, people who are injured in car accidents will have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent parties. While this may seem like a long time and people may want to wait until they’ve recovered before they pursue legal action, waiting may only end up hurting your case – even if you end up filing within the statute of limitations.
This is because, as you wait, there will generally be a greater likelihood that:
Probably not. Most cases are settled before the trial process ever begins, so you likely won’t have to worry about a trial in your case.
This will vary from case to case, with more complicated cases – like those that involve multiple vehicles or claims of vehicle equipment defects – possibly taking months or longer to resolve. What is fairly standard, however, is that these cases aren’t resolved overnight, as insurers have their investigations to conduct and there may be settlement negotiations that can prolong a case.
Therefore, don’t expect an immediate settlement for your claim. The sooner you settle (and the more desperate for money that you appear to be to insurers), the more likely it is that you will get less for your claim than you deserve.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident or any type of motor vehicle accident? If so, you can trust that your rights to compensation will be protected when you work with the Littleton car accident attorneys at Bahr and Kreidle. Since 1983, we have been fighting on behalf of injured people and helping them get the justice and compensation they deserve.
To set up a meeting, call us at (303) 794-7422 or email us using the form on this page.
From our law offices in Littleton, we represent clients throughout Colorado, including in the Denver Metro Area, Arapahoe County, Adams County, Jefferson County and the cities of Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Castle Rock, Westminster, Centennial and Aurora.
