Fault In A Car Accident

Car accidents are often complex, intense moments in a person’s life and sometimes the real damage doesn’t surface until long after the crash itself. In this case, circumstances are everything and the amount of ‘fault’ for the accident that is determined during investigations determines the amount of money that a driver is liable for after a wreck.

But how is fault determined? Who makes those decisions? Let’s start by discussing a few things first:

Determining Fault For An Accident In Colorado

In many cases, proving fault is key to winning the compensation you are entitled to after an accident in Colorado. Sometimes fault is obvious, but at other times, it can prove to be more difficult. When it’s questionable, there can be confusion around who actually caused the accident and who is legally at fault.

Unless it’s extremely clear that you’re the one responsible for the car accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Westminster. Don’t assume you can’t recover damages if you’re unsure that you’re at fault until you talk to a lawyer!

Every car accident is unique and it’s important to discuss specifics with a qualified attorney to determine liability and fault of your accident.

The state of Colorado is an At-Fault state. What this means is that drivers are allowed to file personal injury claims against the parties at-fault without waiting to reach a specific financial threshold before doing so.

Car accident victims in Colorado are legally entitled to seek compensation in one of three ways after an accident:

1. By filing a claim with their own insurance company if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
2. Filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance
3. Filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver

Colorado practices the modified comparative negligence legal theory. What this means is that if you’re less than 50% at-fault for the accident, you’re entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. The amount of damages that you’re eligible to receive will be reduced by the percentage of personal responsibility you hold for the accident. If you’re determined to be at least 50% responsible for the accident, however, you’re not allowed to seek compensation at all.

If a jury finds that an injured party was speeding before they were hit by a drunk driver, they may determine that the victim was 10% responsible for the accident, and as such, their own injuries. If the jury determines that the injured party suffered $100,000 worth of damages due to the accident, the victim would only receive $90,000- 10% less than the amount of damages incurred.

The Problem of No-Doubt Liability

Authorities and insurance companies will almost always assign fault to a driver who rear-ends another. This is known as ‘no-doubt liability’; an accident that is almost always a certain driver’s fault. No-doubt liability accidents are extremely difficult to argue against in court and will generally result in a quick settlement for victims. While rear-end accidents are the most common form of no-doubt liability crashes, these aren’t the only form they take. Here’s a few other examples:

• Backing-up drivers: Drivers who are backing up are typically at-fault for crashes regardless of circumstances.
• Red Light runners: Drivers who run red lights are usually at-fault in car accidents
• Left Hand Turns: Drivers making left hand turns in front of drivers going the opposite direction are usually at-fault in car accidents
• Impaired drivers: Drivers under the influence are usually assigned fault in car accidents.

Drivers who break basic traffic laws or texts while driving increase the chances they will be determined liable in an auto accident.

Take Note: Even though you may have done one of these above items at the time of the crash, your conduct may not be the reason the crash happened. This means that there is a possibility that you’re not considered to be the at-fault driver. This is why it’s crucial to call a lawyer to help you navigate this complex situation and determine liability.

AGG Law Is Here To Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that involves a commercial truck, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries through a legal claim against the responsible parties. AGG Law Firm takes prides in advocating for victims that suffered injuries from  commercial truck accidents and recovering the compensation our clients’ deserve. Contact AGG Law at (720) 708-2988 today for first class legal representation!

Riding a bus in Colorado can be a convenient and cost-effective way to move around. It could be a public transportation bus for those trying to get around a city or a school bus for kids going to school.

How do you stay safe on a bus in Denver and Aurora?

1. Be sure you’re ready to travel alone

Truth is, traveling alone on the bus for the first time can be scary. There are several things to consider like, knowing where your bus stop is, how long the journey will take.

If traveling on the bus alone can be scary for an adult, how about your kid?

The best thing to do will be to do a trial run with your kids before they make their first journey alone. This will give them the confidence they require, and it’ll give you peace of mind.

2. Know the rules of the bus

Every bus has a general set of rules that must be followed. These rules aren’t just there for “jokes”, they are there for everyone’s safety (your child inclusive).

So, do yourself a favor and adhere to the rules, you should also teach your kids to adhere to the rules.

A few of the unsaid rules include:

• Wait until the bus has come to a total stop before heading towards the door.
• Make sure you do not leave any personal belongings in the aisle as this could be a trip hazard
• Try not to communicate with the driver without a good reason (the drivers’ attention should only be called when there’s a serious issue on the ground)
• There is usually a sign indicating a point towards the front of the bus that you’re not allowed to pass, so do not go beyond this point as you could distract the driver.
• Always remain 10 feet from the bus to allow the driver to see you.

3. Be careful when walking towards the bus stop

It is advisable to always walk on the sidewalk to the bus stop and if there’s no sidewalk, walk on the left facing traffic. You should also get to the bus stop about 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive

Pedestrian accidents can be easily avoided. When you get to the bus stop, stay away from the road and avoid playing around while waiting.

4. Do not be in a rush to get on and off the bus

Enter the bus as quietly as you can, there’s no need to be in a rush. Hold the handrail if you feel the need to keep yourself stable while going up and down the stairs.

Once you’re on a bus, go directly to a seat. Do your best to remain seated and remain focused on your surrounding.

While you’re on the bus, always speak quietly on the bus to avoid distracting the bus driver.

When getting off, there’s no need to be in a rush, ensure that the bus has stopped moving before you try to get off the bus.

5. Get a bus accident lawyer

If the worst eventually does happen, make sure you’re prepared to handle it. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus or public transportation accident due to the negligent act of another, you should hire a bus accident lawyer.

There are people who might be against this advice, but the truth is, the worst really does happen no matter the preventive measure we put in place to prevent it.

It’s better to be prepared than to be caught off guard.

If you or a loved one is in a bus accident in the Aurora or Denver area, contact the law offices of Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden to speak to our experienced attorneys. Contact us at (720) 487-1050 today for a no obligation consultation.