Car Accidents Basic Moments
Car accidents are not uncommon in Colorado Springs. Even the most responsible drivers can become involved in an accident. A car accident can disrupt the normal course of life and require additional strength and resources to overcome the consequences. You can always seek advice from Colorado Springs car accident lawyers. They will help you create an effective plan for further action and protect your interests.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Colorado Springs
According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, there were 7,826 car accidents in 2023:
- Injury – 1143
- Fatal – 44.
They suffered:
- Injured – 1442
- Killed – 45.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
A Colorado Springs Police Department study shows that from 2016 to 2023, the leading causes of car accidents were:
- careless driving
- failed to yield a row
- followed to closely
- lane violation
- failed to stop at the signal
- improper backing
- improper turn
- exceeded safe/posted speed
- reckless driving
- disregard stop sign
These Types of Injuries are Most Often Caused by Car Accidents
The types and severity of injuries in road accidents are determined by many factors: the speed of the vehicles, the type of collision, the presence of airbags and seat belt use, and others. The most common ones include the following:
- neck injuries: whiplash, upper spine injury, nerve injury
- traumatic brain injuries: concussion, skull fractures, brain damage
- back and chest injuries: displacement or fracture of spinal discs, rib fractures, bruises of the chest organs
- lacerations and burns: damage to the skin, muscle layer, and blood vessels
- limb injuries: sprains, dislocations, fractures, and amputations
- psychological trauma: stress, depression.
Popular Cases Among Car Accident Lawyers in Colorado Springs
According to 2023 Colorado Springs Police Department statistics, most crashes involve personal vehicles, but many crashes involve other vehicles:
Automobile | 7356 |
Trucks | 129 |
Motor, Trike | 121 |
Semi-Truck/Trailor | 25 |
Bus | 19 |
Bicycle | 5 |
Heavy Construction/Industrial | 1 |
There are also accidents involving pedestrians.
These are the types of car accident cases that Colorado Springs lawyers most often deal with.
When Should I Hire Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyers?
As can be seen from the statistics, every 6th accident ends in injury or death. It will be difficult to sort out such accident cases on your own and achieve decent compensation. Insurance companies have experienced adjusters on their staff who look out for their interests. They will try to dismiss your claim or significantly reduce the settlement cost. The other party to the accident will also try to shift the blame onto you, possibly with the help of their car accident lawyers in Colorado Springs.
Therefore, in such cases of road accidents or when the amount of damage is significant, it is worth seeking the help of Colorado Springs car accident lawyers. They will be able to help you in various matters or take over the management of your case completely.
For example, they can:
- investigate to identify the causes of the accident and the degree of guilt of each participant
- collect evidence to build defense tactics
- negotiate with the insurance company, defending your interests
- help formulate and file claims
- represent your case in court.
What Qualifications Should a Car Accident Lawyer Meet?
Specialization
Good Colorado Springs car accident lawyers should specialize in personal injury law. A clear understanding of the causes and consequences of injuries helps lawyers prepare valid claims and achieve fair compensation for their clients.
Experience
Experienced car accident lawyers in Colorado Springs know how to effectively conduct an investigation and gather the necessary evidence. If necessary, involve accident reconstruction specialists, medical consultants, and other specialists. They have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and presenting cases in court.
Compassion
Good Colorado Springs car accident lawyers understand the main thing – clients turn to them to protect their interests. Car accidents are stressful, and lawyers in Colorado Springs need to convey to clients that they are not alone in dealing with the consequences. That they will be there and provide all the necessary legal support to their clients.
How to Find Car Accident Lawyers in Colorado Springs
There are various methods you can use to find Colorado Springs car accident lawyers.
Conventionally, they can be divided into the following categories:
Search on the Internet
From simple queries on the topic of Colorado Springs car accident lawyers in search engines like Google, and Bing, to searches in specialized legal directories like Avvo and FindLaw. Also, visit local law firm websites and read client reviews.
Regional search
Contact legal aid clinics, the Colorado Bar Association, or the El Paso County Bar Association. Request their lists of car accident lawyers in Colorado Springs.
Search by recommendations
Find out from friends, relatives, and colleagues who have been in a similar situation. Ask them for the lawyer’s contact information and their opinion on the results of his work.
Consultations
Attend initial legal consultations. Usually, they are free of charge. Here you can not only learn about the prospects of your case but also take a closer look at a lawyer. This can be either a separate search method or the final stage when searching with other methods.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident
Health and Safety
Seek medical attention if you are injured. Also, check for injuries to other participants in the accident. Move to a safe location and make the scene as safe as possible. Turn on the hazard lights on your vehicles to avoid other accidents.
Collection of information
Take photos of damaged vehicles, road signs, and brake marks. Exchange all necessary data with other participants in the accident. Write down contact information for witnesses to the accident.
Accident Notification
Report the car accident to the police. Get an accident report from the police. Notify your insurance company of the accident. Consult a car accident lawyer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
The most common mistake after an accident is admitting guilt. Try to avoid the topic of admitting guilt in conversations. This can be used against you in the future. Tell the police and other participants only what you saw or happened, without making any judgments.
You should seek medical help promptly. Seeking medical treatment late may increase your recovery time and prevent you from receiving compensation for your injuries.
There is also no need to rush to quickly settle the case. The insurance company often offers insufficient compensation for a quick settlement. This is where consulting with a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer can help. He will be able to assess the possible amount of compensation and then the decision on settlement will be justified or rejected.
Car Accident Compensations in Colorado Springs
Colorado applies the principle of comparative negligence. You may qualify for compensation if your degree of fault does not exceed 50%. In this case, the amount of compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
File a claim for compensation within three years of the incident. This period is called the statute of limitations.
Compensation for economic damage is provided, which can be accurately calculated or supported by invoices and receipts:
- repair of damaged property
- medical bills
- lost wages
- rehabilitation costs.
Compensation may also be awarded for non-economic damages, such as:
- pain and suffering
- loss of consortium
- scarring.
Responsible Driving Can Prevent Car Accidents
Follow traffic rules.
Eliminate distractions while driving.
Do not drive while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
Change your driving style in adverse weather conditions.
Keep a safe distance.
Keep your car in good condition.
Plan your route.
FAQs
The state of Colorado has the following minimum auto insurance requirements:
$25,000 personal injury per person
$50,000 for injuries if more than one person is injured
$15,000 for property damage.
Not necessary. The case may go to trial if negotiations with the insurance company do not result in a successful settlement.
Most car accident car accident lawyers in Colorado Springs work on a contingency fee basis. They receive a percentage of the settlement amount. There are no advance payments.