Statutes of Limitations and Car Accidents in Colorado
Car accidents are incredibly common and often lead to severe injuries and property damage. When a person is injured in a car crash that is the fault of another driver, the injured individual can sue the other driver for damages. If you are ever in this unpleasant situation, there are a number of important things to keep in mind, one of which is that you only have certain amount of time in which to bring your lawsuit. Once the time allotted by the statute of limitations has lapsed, you are barred from bringing forth your claim and collecting compensation from the other person.
The amount of time that you have to file a personal injury lawsuit varies depending upon which state you reside, the type of personal injury claim, whether a government entity is involved, the type of injury, and the age of the injured person at the time of the accident.
Colorado Allows 3 Years to File
The statute of limitations for automobile accidents in Colorado is 3 years. This is a year longer than the state allows for other types of personal injury lawsuits, just as premises liability cases. While it might seem like 3 years is a long time in which to file a claim, it is important for injured persons to understand that when undergoing treatment and dealing with daily life and possibly other major distractions, this time can run more quickly than one might realize. This is why it is vitally important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Government Entity Exemption
When the defendant is a government entity, their strict requirements that must be followed and a shorter timeframe to preserve your claim by filing a notice of claim. This is one reason why it is important to speak to an attorney earlier rather than later.
Age of the Injured Person
When the victim is a minor at the time of a car crash, that injured person will have time to file after their 18th birthday. In Colorado, the injured minor’s statute of limitations begins to run at the 18th birthday, meaning that following the 18th birthday, the victim will have three years to file a personal injury claim.
Other Exceptions
There may be other cases where a victim might have additional time to file a claim. This would include if the defendant filed bankruptcy, if the victim suffered an injury that made him or her mentally incompetent, or if the accident led to foreign objects being left in the victim’s body for an extended period of time.
While there might be an exception that would allow extra time for your case to be filed, you should not wait to speak to an attorney about your claim. Instead, take the steps necessary to speak to someone sooner rather than later, and to understand your rights and obligations relating to filing a lawsuit for your injuries.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Timeline for Car Accident Claims in Colorado
No one makes plans to be involved in a car accident, but the fact is, most of us will be in at least one car accident during the course of our lives. Once an accident happens, it sets into motion a series of events. Before the injuries are even healed, you may need to report the accident to your insurance company. The insurers involved will try to resolve the claim as fast as possible, which can be problematic for some individuals because the extent of their injuries may not be completely realized before they are being pressured to settle their claim.
The pressure applied by insurance companies often comes at a time when the injured person is in desperate need of financial assistance to afford their medical bills or because they missed work as a result of their injuries. It may, therefore, be tempting to resolve the claim right away to get the quick cash. Unfortunately, insurance companies will often offer low ball settlements to injured people who are eager to be quickly compensated.
Your case may not take as long as the insurer claims it will take, though, and you might be entitled to a much larger sum of money than the amount that was first offered to you by the insurance company. Therefore, it is vitally important that you speak to a qualified personal injury attorney to discuss the value of and the timeline for your personal injury claim.
How Can I Determine the Amount of Time it Will Take to Resolve my Claim?
The time it will take for your insurance company to resolve your claim varies based on the type of claim or damage. If the claim is for property damage to your vehicle, it might only take a few days to finalize claims related to broken glass, but it might also take several weeks to resolve if the damage needs to be assessed by an auto mechanic.
In cases where physical injuries took place, the time to resolve a claim will be much longer. In most instances, the claim cannot be resolved until the individual has completed their medical treatment related to their injuries.
Some Injury Claims Take Longer to Resolve
In accidents in which a person is severely injured, treatment can take many months or even years to complete, or for the injured individual to reach what his or her doctor believes is a maximum medical improvement. Because of this, claims involving serious injuries may take a significant period of time to resolve. Attorneys may need to work with physicians to determine the cost of future or ongoing treatment that the injured person will require.
Liability Questions Can Prolong a Claim
When liability is clear in a car accident, then the claim can proceed more quickly, with the liable person’s insurer bearing the costs associated with the accident. In many cases, though, the parties and their insurers will argue over who bears primary liability.
In Colorado, if a person is less than 50 percent liable for an accident in which they are injured, they can collect compensation from the other party, up to the percent of liability the other party is responsible for. This means that in a case where a person suffered damages of $100,000, and the injured person was found 20 percent at fault, the damages that injured person could collect would be limited to $80,000.
In cases where the injured person is 50 percent or more at fault for the crash, there will be no compensation from the other party.
When filing a claim with the other involved person’s insurance company, the process takes longer, in part because you will have to provide proof that the other party is liable for your damages.
In any of these circumstances, it is prudent that you reach out to a qualified attorney to discuss your claim as well as your legal rights and options.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Common Car Accident Injuries
The scary truth is, most of us will be in a car accident, and probably more than one during the course of our lives. In many cases, these accidents will result in minor vehicle damage, but nothing more. In other situations, car accidents can lead to severe injuries that can be life-altering for the injured person.
Even in a minor car accident, a person can sustain injuries. Sometimes as a result of shock and the adrenaline coursing through a person’s body after a crash, the injuries might not even be noticed immediately after the incident. Sometimes a person will walk away from an accident feeling thankful that they are fine, only to realize later that they are actually suffering pain in their back, neck, or other parts of their bodies. Determining the best course of action following a car crash can be confusing.
See a Doctor
One of the most important actions to take in the aftermath of a car crash is to see a doctor. There are many common injuries that result from vehicle collisions and which may not be readily apparent to an observer. Sometimes people will see a doctor and have x-rays or other diagnostic tests completed, which come back indicating that there is no apparent harm. However, this does not mean that you weren’t injured. As such, it is important to inform a doctor of all of your symptoms so that you have records supporting your injury claim. Without information from a medical professional, an insurance company will likely deny any claims that you suffered injuries.
Common Types of Injuries from Car Crashes
Car accidents tend to cause some common types of injuries. Frequently seen injuries include head injuries which can include concussions, internal bleeding, fractured skulls, severe lacerations, and traumatic brain injuries. Many car accident victims also suffer injuries to their necks and backs in the form of whiplash, sprains, strains, herniated discs, or damage to their spinal cords. Soft tissue injuries can cause lingering pain from muscles, ligaments, or tendons being stretched. Broken bones, burns, and spinal cord injuries are also frequent results of motor vehicle collisions.
The Type of Crash May Impact the Type of Injury
There are many kinds of car crashes, and each one has likely results. Some of the most common crashes on the road are rear-end collisions. These can be minor, or utterly devastating depending on the types of vehicles and speeds involved. Many people involved in rear-end collisions suffer head injuries and soft tissue damage.
Head-on collisions are another type of crash and are typically more severe. These crashes are often deadly and can lead to brain and spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and other serious injuries.
Rollover crashes can also be deadly, and these are more common in vehicles such as SUV’s with high centers of gravity. Broken or fractured bones and spinal cord injuries are likely injuries from these types of accidents. Vehicle ejections are also common in rollover crashes, especially if the occupants failed to wear their seatbelts.
Crashes involving side impacts are often severe because many vehicle safety features protect front and rear impacts, but not side impacts. Injuries to a person’s head and brain, neck, back, chest, pelvis, and limbs commonly occur in these accidents.
Collisions involving large commercial tractor-trailers and smaller passenger vehicles are some of the deadliest on the road because of the massive difference in size and weight between the large vehicles and smaller vehicles. People suffer from crushing injuries, burns, bone fractures, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Large trucks carry the additional hazard of potentially transporting dangerous chemicals which can make the accident, and the rescue operation, more dangerous.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Injuries to Passengers in a Vehicle Collision
Drivers are not the only individuals injured in car crashes. Many times, people traveling as passengers in a vehicle are also hurt in the course of a car accident. These individuals are not at fault for the accident, and might have been in the vehicle with the at-fault driver, or have been injured as the result of the actions of another driver who caused the accident with the vehicle that they were traveling in.
Sometimes, an awkward situation can result from a car accident where a person is injured, and the at-fault driver was a close friend or relative.
No matter what or who caused a car crash, the resulting injuries can be severe and extremely costly. It is important for a person injured in this type of crash to understand what his or her rights are and to determine the best course of action following the accident.
Injuries from Car Accidents Vary
The types of injuries and the severity of those injuries vary depending on the type of car accident. Some common injuries include head injuries such as concussions, injuries to a person’s neck and back, chest injuries including broken ribs, or harm to internal organs, bone fractures, soft tissue injuries to muscles, joints and tendons, as well as cuts, scrapes, and bruises.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
The most important thing to do after being involved in a car accident is to seek medical attention. Sometimes in the aftermath of the shock and chaos, people may not even realize that they suffered any injuries or be able to gauge the severity of those injuries. If there is any doubt, it is a good idea to seek medical attention to rule out severe injuries, and to make sure that the injuries are documented.
Also, be sure that a police report is filed in relation to the crash. The police report will include details regarding what transpired and possibly an assessment of who was at fault. Taking photos of the vehicles or of the scene can also help to support a claim regarding the accident.
Anyone who suffers injuries in a car accident should also reach out to an attorney for a consultation. An attorney familiar with the law and your claim can help you determine the best steps to take following the crash. In many cases, an injured vehicle passenger will be able to obtain compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. While the insurance company might contact the person directly to attempt to settle the claim, these settlement attempts will often be low ball offers made in the hopes of resolving the claim as cheaply and expeditiously as possible. The offer might come in before the full extent of the injuries is even understood, resulting in a settlement that fails to cover the entire cost of the injuries. Working with an attorney can ensure that you know the value of your claim and make well-informed decisions when coming to a resolution of that claim. An attorney can lead you through the process beginning with the investigation, negotiation of a possible settlement, and if necessary, litigation.
If you were injured in a car accident, your focus should be on getting better, and not on navigating the insurance and legal system. A car accident attorney can let you focus on healing while they take care of communicating with the insurance companies.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accident Brain Injury (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Some of the most devastating injuries are injuries to a person’s head or brain. These injuries can have permanent consequences for victims and leave them completely unable to properly function in their day to day life, incapable of performing their job, and can even change a person’s behavior and personality.
In addition to the devastating impact of a brain injury on a person’s life, these injuries can also be extremely costly because of expensive medical treatment, missed time from work, and the need for help in performing daily tasks. Emotionally, these injuries can take a major toll on a person as well and can also impact their relationships with their loved ones.
Common Head Injuries
One of the most common types of head injury is a traumatic brain injury. These injuries are categorized as either closed or penetrating. A closed head injury is the result of an impact on a person’s head in which the skull does not fracture. A penetrating injury is one that involves the skull breaking. Each year in the United States, 1.7 million people sustain this type of injury. Common causes of traumatic brain injuries can include vehicle collisions, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, workplace accidents, falls, and being hit by falling objects.
Impact of a Traumatic Brain Injury
At the milder end, traumatic brain injuries can be concussions, but they can also be moderate or severe and even deadly. Some will require long term treatment.
Brain injuries can impact a person’s cognitive functions including things like memory and the ability to focus, personality, coordination and balance, emotions, personality, sight, and hearing.
Even a relatively mild traumatic brain injury can cause a person to suffer difficulty thinking, slurred speech, severe headaches, blurry vision, nausea, dizziness, stiff neck, fatigue, sensitivity to light and sound, anxiety, sadness, irritability, sleep trouble, and seizures.
While certain symptoms may occur immediately after an accident or injury, others may take time to develop. When a person sustains a head injury, it is best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention immediately. Early medical attention can allow doctors to perform diagnostic tests such as CT scans, MRIs and x-rays, all of which can help to determine if the injury will require treatment to stop the bleeding or to relieve pressure in the brain. By failing to promptly seek medical attention, the injured person may face severe consequences.
In addition to traumatic brain injuries, people may sustain a skull fracture. This can cause tenderness, bruising, and swelling as well as bleeding from a person’s nose and ears. While a minor fracture might heal without any intervention, some of these injuries require extensive surgery.
Some accident victims also sustain lacerations to their face. These are common in car crashes where broken glass or metal cause deep cuts in a person’s face. In severe instances, the injured person might require plastic surgery to correct severe scarring that could have serious physical and emotional consequences. Even if a person heals, the disfigurement can cause severe harm to a person’s self-confidence and can impact their daily life, work, and relationships.
Legal Remedies
Head injuries are often extremely complicated. If you sustained a head injury in an accident, it is possible that you are entitled to compensation that could help you to address the expenses you incurred as a result of the injury. A seasoned personal injury attorney can help you determine the most beneficial way for you to recover from your losses.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accident Broken Bones Accident (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Broken bones are a common injury that is often caused by accidents. Some common causes include car crashes and falls. The medical bills from broken bones can be extremely costly, and these injuries can also cause people to miss time from work and need to rely on support from loved ones as they are recovering.
If you suffered a bodily injury in a Colorado car crash or another type of accident caused by another person’s negligence or recklessness, then you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Recovering the compensation, you deserve can help cover the medical expenses and let you focus on getting better rather than worrying about the medical costs, bills, and dealing with insurance companies.
Types of Bone Fractures
There are different types of bone fractures, and some are more severe than others. The type of fracture and the bone involved will impact the type of treatment required and the impact of the injury.
Hairline fractures are small cracks that occur in a bone. These fractures may occur and not be initially apparent. Doctors will have to use diagnostic testing such as x-rays to determine if the bone sustained one of these types of injuries.
A simple fracture involves a break in the bone, but the skin covering the impacted bone is not broken. In a compound fracture, the skin is broken by the bone. In these instances, which are also referred to as “open fractures,” often require surgery to repair. With compound fractures, the injured person is also at risk of developing an infection because there is an open wound around the fractured bone.
Avulsion fractures are fractures that involve a piece of the bone, a tendon, or a ligament separating from the bone. This is a serious injury that often will need to be treated through surgery.
Buckle fractures, which are also referred to as greenstick fractures, involve bones bending, but not necessarily breaking. These fractures often take place in children whose bones are softer than adult bones.
Transverse fractures occur when a bone breaks into two pieces along the surface. Oblique fractures are rare and involve diagonal bone breaks, which can occur when two bones twist. And finally, a comminuted fracture is a fracture that involves a bone being crushed or broken into different pieces.
Typical bone breaks from car crashes
Certain types of breaks are commonly caused by car accidents. Fractures to the neck and spine are fairly common and can be extremely serious. These injuries may cause life-long complications, including partial or complete paralysis.
Limb fractures such as broken arms or legs can impact a person’s mobility. These injuries can make it difficult for a person to be involved in sports and other activities that were previously a big part of their life. Even once these fractures heal, the bone may be weaker than prior to the break.
Facial or skull fractures can involve serious brain damage or disfigurement, which can impact the victim both emotionally and physically.
Rib fractures may make it difficult and painful to laugh, breathe, or cough. Hip fractures and pelvic fractures often lead to the need for a person to use a wheelchair while recovering. Fractures to a person’s wrist can make simple daily tasks painful, or not even possible for some time, and ankle fractures can prevent a person from walking during their recovery.
If a bone break is the result of an accident that was caused by a negligent person, then there are opportunities for the injured person to be compensated for the harm done. Recovering damages from the negligent individual can help make the healing process easier.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accident Back Injury (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Back injuries commonly result from accidents and can be debilitating and painful. Our backs are made up of muscle, bone, nerves, joints, and ligaments. The structure of the human back is complex and susceptible to damage and injuries. When a person suffers a severe back injury, it can lead to trouble moving and engaging in normal daily activities.
Car accidents and other vehicle crashes commonly cause back injuries, as do medical errors, nursing home accidents, and accidents in the workplace. In many cases, these vehicle accidents may be caused by another person’s negligence. If your injury was the result of negligence or recklessness on the part of another person, you might be able to collect compensation for your injuries. This can help you to focus on recovering and can pay for things such as the cost of medical care and missed time and wages from your job.
Common Injuries to a Person’s Back
Some common back injuries include herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, whiplash, spinal cord damage, and sprains and strains. It is not uncommon for a person who was in an accident to not be sure whether their injury is minor or more severe and in need of medical attention. In many cases, people panic after car crashes and their adrenaline kicks in leading to injuries that are potentially being overlooked.
In the event you were in an accident, such as a vehicle collision, it is important to have any back pain investigated by a doctor. A doctor can prescribe diagnostic testing that can help to determine whether your injury is something that is likely to heal on its own with time or something more serious that could require surgical intervention or other forms of treatment.
Spinal cord injuries can be particularly dangerous as they might lead to a loss in a person’s ability to move the lower parts of their body. Even in less serious cases, these injuries can cause many complications.
A herniated disc is an injury to the cushioning or connective tissue in the spine. This common injury is often excruciatingly painful and can impact a person’s ability to function. These injuries may require surgery or extensive physical therapy.
Sprains and strains are common back injuries caused by accidents. These injuries might be less severe than some of the other injuries people sustain in accidents, but they are still painful and may lead to a need for physical therapy.
Fractures in the spine can sometimes require surgery as well. These injuries are typically painful and can lead to symptoms such as the loss of bladder control, numbness or weakness in a person’s back.
Whiplash is a type of injury often associated with car crashes. When a person suffers from whiplash, it typically means that the muscles and ligaments in a person’s neck are forced to overextend because they violently snap forward and backward. This is an injury that is often caused by rear-end collisions. When a person suffers whiplash, the pain and symptoms may have a delayed onset of 24 hours, if not more.
If your back was injured in an accident caused by another individual’s negligence, you could be entitled to significant compensation. Monetary compensation can help to cover the expenses of physical therapy or other treatments that may be necessary to treat a person’s injuries. An experienced Colorado attorney can guide you through the process and help you to handle things like the insurance company, and legal paperwork so that you can direct your attention to your recovery.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accident Spinal Cord Injury (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Spinal cord injuries impact about 17,000 people every year in the United States. Many of these injuries last and impact a person for years, which means that at any given time, there are about 450,000 people living with injuries to their spinal cords.
People often sustain these injuries in car crashes, other vehicle accidents, falls, medical accidents, and accidents in the workplace.
Unfortunately, these types of injuries can have long term impacts on a person, that person’s life and that person’s family. Medical bills from the injury can be extensive, and people often miss time at work during their recovery period.
If you sustained injuries in an accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another person, then you could be eligible for compensation from the liable party. The damages that can be recovered from a lawsuit can help cover the costs associated with medical care and lost wages.
Why Spinal Cord Injuries are Serious
Spinal cord injuries are often extremely severe injuries. The spinal cord starts at your brain stem and goes down to your lumbar region at the base of your back. The spinal cord and the brain make up the body’s central nervous system. This means that the spinal cord plays an important role in sending information from your body to your brain, coordinating your reflexes, and your motor control. The spinal cord is located within the spine, inside of the vertebrae.
An injury to the spinal cord can impact a person for the rest of their life because it can impair their mobility and prevent messages from transmitting between the body and the brain. In severe injuries, this can mean the victim becomes (i) a paraplegic and loses feeling and movement in their lower extremities, or (ii) a quadriplegic, in which the person may suffer paralysis in their upper and lower extremities. Whether a person loses control of the upper extremities is determined by the location of the injury to the spine. If the injury is in the upper spinal cord, it is more likely to cause paralysis in both the upper and lower extremities. These injuries impact the victim for the rest of their life and can prevent them from properly using their bladder and bowel as well as affect sexual function and even make it impossible for a person to breathe and use their lungs without assistance. The costs associated with these injuries may include a lifetime need for some form of caregiver, and the person impacted may not be able to work and earn their own living.
Importance of Early Treatment
While many spinal cord injuries are less severe, they should all be examined by a doctor to determine whether the injury presents severe risks for the injured person, and to find out which treatments are appropriate. Delaying medical care for a spinal injury does not just put you at risk of exacerbating your injuries; it also puts your claim for damages in jeopardy. When insurance companies look into the value of a claim, one factor is how soon the injured person sought treatment. By trying to tough it out, you can end up with worse injuries, and less compensation to cover the costs of those injuries.
Medical care for spinal cord injuries is extremely costly and recovering can take a person away from work. A Colorado personal injury lawyer will be able to help you navigate the insurance and legal system in order to get the compensation you need and that you deserve.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accident Herniated Disc (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Car accidents are a common and unfortunate event that often lead to serious injuries for those involved. When vehicles collide, the occupants’ bodies are slammed forward and may come in contact with parts of the vehicle, their seatbelt, airbags, the windshield, or steering wheel. While seatbelts and airbags are good at protecting people in car accidents, the great forces at play in auto accidents often mean that a person will be injured even with the use of seatbelts and airbags.
Injuries to the spine are common. The spine is complicated and consists of 33 vertebrae, which are each separated by soft, rubbery discs. The top of the spine is the neck and the cervical vertebrae. Below the cervical vertebrae are the thoracic vertebrae, and under that are the lumbar vertebrae, which are the base of the back. At the very bottom is the coccyx, which is often referred to as the tail bone.
Herniated discs occur when the discs that separate the vertebrae are pushed, and the fluid or gel within the disc leaks out. Depending on the part of the spine that is herniated, the injury can cause pain that radiates to the arms and the lower regions of the body.
In some instances, these injuries are fairly minor, and the person might not even know that their disc was herniated. In others, the injury can lead to severe nerve problems.
Treatment for Herniated Discs
Medical providers can diagnose and recommend or provide treatment for herniated discs. The first step is often a diagnostic one, such as an MRI. An MRI will help a physician determine the location and severity of the disc herniation.
In minor injuries, the patient may only require time, and over the counter medication to help with the pain. In moderate herniated disc injuries, the patient may require additional medications and physical therapy. In difficult situations, these injuries may need to be treated with surgery.
In some instances, these injuries might seem minor at first but continue to cause more severe pain. It is important for a person who has suffered this type of injury to seek medical attention in order to at least rule out more severe types of injuries.
Even minor injuries can lead to hefty medical bills and possibly missed time at work. This can mean lost wages on top of the medical bills. It may be necessary to get surgery or to go through months of physical therapy to return to normal following this type of injury.
Getting Legal Help
If you suffered a herniated disc in a car accident that was caused by another person’s negligent actions, then you may be entitled to compensation. In many cases, insurance companies will try to resolve these situations as quickly and cheaply as possible by offering the injured person a sum of money that may not even approach covering the cost of medical care, let alone the person’s lost wages or pain and suffering caused by the accident.
Unfortunately, when people suffer injuries in accidents, they are often desperate to receive financial help quickly and may agree to less than they deserve or need to cover the damages caused by the crash.
By seeking help from a Colorado personal injury attorney, you can put yourself on equal footing with the insurers and other attorneys involved in the claim. As your legal advocate, your attorney will help you navigate the process and understand the value of your claim so that you obtain the compensation you deserve and need in order to recover.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accident Whiplash Injury (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Vehicle accidents often lead to injuries to a person’s neck. Neck injuries are serious because this part of the body is the least protected part of the spine. When a person’s neck is injured in a crash, this can mean even what seemed like a minor injury from a minor crash can cause sprained ligaments of herniated discs.
It is not uncommon for someone to be involved in a car accident and leave the scene thinking that they escaped unscathed, just to have their neck begin to hurt in the hours or days following the crash. It is important to remember that when a person is involved in a car accident, some panic sets in, along with adrenaline. This can mean that the person does not immediately seek medical attention for their injury.
If you are in a car accident, it is a good idea to get checked out by a doctor to ensure that you are not suffering from an injury that is going to get worse over time. Even minor injuries can be expensive and require time and physical therapy to recover from, or even surgery.
Sprains and Strains
The most common cause of both neck strains and sprains is motor vehicle collisions. A strain is an injury to the muscle or tendon, which connects the muscle to the bone. These injuries are often caused by a strong force contracting or stretching these tissues, as often occurs in car crashes.
A sprain involves ligaments, which are tissues that connect bones, that are torn or stretched.
Both sprains and strains are injuries that often occur in car accidents and frequently occur at the same time.
Symptoms of Neck Sprains and Strains
Neck sprains and strains can lead to pain, ranging from mild to severe, that increases with movements. Other common symptoms include muscle spasms, bruising, swelling, tightness in the neck, and a limited range of motion.
Determining the severity of the injury often requires x-rays or MRIs, which can determine the extent of the harm done to the neck.
Sometimes, injuries such as sprains and strains fall under the term whiplash. Whiplash can lead to delayed onset symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, neck stiffness and soreness, fatigue, pain, blurry vision, and a decreased range of motion.
Sometimes injuries referred to as whiplash might also involve a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when the gel within the soft discs that separate a person’s vertebrae leaks out as the result of an injury. Herniated discs can range in severity from minor injuries that will heal on their own over time to severe injuries, which may require surgery.
Pinched nerves are also possible injuries resulting from automobile accidents. Pinched nerves are the result of too much pressure pushing on the nerve, possibly as a result of a herniated disc. The symptoms can lead to short- or long-term complications depending on how serious the injury is and how it is diagnosed and treated by physicians.
Do Not Delay Seeking Treatment
Injuries to the neck can progress over time. In some instances, failing to seek attention immediately after the injury occurs can lead to more severe issues over time. Unfortunately, delaying treatment can also have a negative impact on a person’s ability to recover damages. Insurance companies look at many factors when they are determining what they will offer to settle a claim for injuries following a car accident. One of the factors is whether the injured person sought treatment immediately following the accident. Therefore, by delaying treatment, you could end up with more severe injuries, more expensive treatment, and less ability to collect compensation for those injuries.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accident Knee Injury (Lawsuit) Lawyers
While knee injuries are often associated with athletes, car accidents are another common cause for injuries to a person’s knees. The knee is complex, and it is made up of bones, ligaments, cartilage, and joints. The impact that puts pressure on the knee can cause damage that can be both painful and debilitating.
The Posterior Cruciate Ligament
The Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) is bigger than and stronger than the ACL, and it connects the femur and the tibia. The PCL is located at the back of the knee. In a car accident, the PCL can be torn by the force or impact. These injuries are not that common, and when they do happen, they often occur in conjunction with other types of injuries to the knee. An injury to the PCL may lead to pain, trouble walking, swelling, and instability.
The Medial Collateral Ligament
The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is located at the inner part of the knee, and it maintains stability by preventing the knee from overextending. These injuries are often caused by a direct hit to the outside of the knee. When the MCL is torn, there might be a popping sound, followed by swelling, a feeling that the knee might give out at any time, and tenderness. These injuries may require physical therapy to recover from.
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the four major ligaments in the knee. This is a band of tough, flexible tissue that holds together bone and cartilage. The ACL functions to stabilize a person’s knee and to help the shin bone move properly.
The ACL is injured more than any other ligament in the knee. A hit from an object can cause a tear to the ACL. When the ACL tears, there might be a popping sound followed by swelling and a feeling of instability.
Torn ACLs may require surgical reconstruction and potentially many months of physical therapy. This can be extremely costly and can prevent some people from doing their job, leading to lost wages. The limited motion and impact on walking can make it difficult to complete normal daily activities.
When a person suffers a knee injury to the ligaments or muscles, the damage can range from mild to severe. The first step in treatment is often the RICE protocol, which means rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These steps should be taken immediately after the injury in order to reduce swelling and pain.
If you suffered from one of these injuries, you should seek medical attention. A doctor will know which diagnostic tests to perform to determine the nature and extent of the injury and to decide the best treatment options for your specific case.
In addition to preventing the injury from worsening, seeking early medical attention following a car accident can help you succeed in your claim with the insurance company. Insurers often use delays in medical treatment to argue that a person’s injuries are not severe or related to the accident.
Contacting an Attorney
If you were injured in a car accident, contacting a Colorado personal injury attorney can help you to understand your rights and the best way to navigate the legal system and the insurance companies involved. Insurance companies often try to settle claims fast and for the lowest possible amount. An attorney will help you understand the true value of your claim and can ensure that you get the compensation that you need to cover your medical care and the other losses and costs that you may have incurred as a result of your injuries.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accident Soft Tissue Injury (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Sometimes car accident victims suffer immediate and obvious injuries such as broken bones or lacerations. In these cases, the injuries are typically handled immediately, and no one will be likely to question that the injury was related to the crash and was in need of medical treatment. However, there are many injuries that can be caused by car accidents that are just as real, painful, and potentially debilitating as broken bones, but that have fewer objective signs or symptoms.
Soft tissue injuries are commonly caused by automobile collisions. These injuries impact the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Sometimes soft tissue injuries do not appear immediately after an accident or go unnoticed because the injured person is disoriented following the crash. Even people who seek medical treatment might find that the injuries are not immediately diagnosed because nothing is indicated in the diagnostic tests at the hospital, such as x-rays or MRIs, which are better at showing signs of fractures than they are at indicating the presence of a soft tissue injury.
Unfortunately, the lack of obvious symptoms might lead to the injured person being sent on their way home, without anything more than some painkillers and instructions to ice or rest. The person may then later find that he or she is still in a great deal of pain after the accident.
Just Because the Injury Cannot be Seen in an X-Ray Does Not Mean it is Not Real
Soft tissue injuries cause real harm and can cause lasting problems for a person. An injury can cause the person to move in an unnatural way leading to further injuries and complications. In many cases, these injuries will require months of physical therapy before they are resolved.
The fact that the injury cannot be shown on an x-ray can create complications for people who are injured. Insurance companies may deny coverage for soft tissue injuries citing the lack of diagnostic test results that would indicate that the person had the injuries that they are claiming to suffer from. The insurers will often attempt to avoid paying out to medical providers such as physical therapists claiming that the patient was seeking unnecessary treatment or was malingering.
Of course, soft tissue injuries are real. The lack of clear diagnostic testing to show this means that the injured person has to be careful to document his or her injuries. The first step is to seek medical attention immediately after the accident takes place. By seeking medical care from the start, a person can increase their chances of recovering the costs of their medical treatment.
Symptoms of Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries often cause pain, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, stiffness, numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, and/or headaches. It is important to remember that some of these symptoms might appear in the hours or days following the initial trauma.
Sprains and Strains and Soft Tissue Injury Types
Sprains and strains are commonly diagnosed with soft tissue injuries. Sprains involve the stretching of or tearing of a ligament, often leading to swelling and pain. Sometimes the ligament will actually be torn, not just stretched, which can lead to additional pain and extended recovery time.
Strains involve injuries to a person’s muscles and tendons. The symptoms are similar to those that occur in a sprain, and these injuries can also require plenty of recovery time. During the recovery time, the injured person may find themselves unable to do the normal activities they did prior to the accident and in some cases, they might even find that their ability to work becomes compromised.
Other soft tissue injuries include contusions, also known as bruises, and bursitis, which is the swelling of a fluid-filled sac that is located between tendons, muscles and bones and that can last for extended amounts of time.
In any of these scenarios, you can protect your rights by contacting a Colorado personal injury attorney to discuss your claim.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accident Amputation Injury (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Amputations occur when a part of a person’s body is separated from the rest of the body by way of a traumatic event or surgery. Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace accidents, and pedestrian accidents are all potential causes of a person suffering from the traumatic loss of a limb. Sometimes a limb will be so severely damaged that the injured person will have to have the limb removed surgically.
Each year about 185,000 people suffer from an amputation of a limb in the United States. These injuries inevitably have massive impacts on a person’s life. A person’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being can all be impacted by the loss of a limb.
When these severe injuries are the result of an accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, then the injured individual may be able to recover compensation from the liable person. The compensation will help cover medical expenses, costs affiliated with lost time at work, and loss of normal life.
Amputations from Traumatic Events
While some amputations are caused by diseases such as diabetes, about 30,000 people in the United States suffer an amputation resulting from a traumatic event every year. Upper limb amputations are the most common type, and they include amputations at the hand, wrist, finger, upper arm, collar bone, and shoulder blade.
Amputations are categorized as complete or incomplete. Complete amputations being ones in which all tissues are severed between the limb and the body. In incomplete amputations, some of the soft tissues are still connected.
In either type of amputation, there are severe risks at play, including blood loss, infection, and shock. There are some rare instances in which a severed limb might be able to be reattached. However, this will depend on the damage to the limb and the part of the body it was separated from, and the amount of time it took for the injured person to receive medical care. Even in a case where the limb is reattached, the person may still suffer from nerve damage and ongoing complications.
Surgical Amputations
Sometimes amputations are surgical rather than traumatic. Even in surgical amputations, the initial cause of the injury might be trauma that led to so much damage that the person would be better off if the limb were removed. In some cases, the removal of the limb might be the only way to save the person’s life because of an infection or other complications in the limb.
Prosthetic Limbs
Prosthetics are getting better, but they are still expensive, especially for the better models. Prosthetics are just one of the incredibly costly results of a lost limb. The average cost of treatment related to an amputation runs in the many hundreds of thousands of dollars. In many cases, the person who suffered the loss will also require therapy because of the massive emotional toll that losing a limb takes.
Contacting an Attorney
If you have suffered a severe injury, such as an amputation, it is important to seek out a Colorado personal injury attorney to help you through the process and so that you can ensure that you know the value of your claim. An attorney can help you understand the likely costs you will incur and what you can expect to recover in terms of damages from a liable party. Your attorney can handle the legal process and insurance companies while you focus on healing and recovering from your loss.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accident Chest Injury and Pain (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Car crashes are a frequent cause of traumatic injury, and they can happen to anyone at any time. There are many different types of injuries, and they range in severity as well. Things like recovery times, the impact on work, and the loss of normal life all vary depending on the type of injury that a person sustains.
Chest injuries are frequently caused by car crashes and are sometimes the result of seat belts and other safety features in a vehicle.
Regardless of the kind of injury you sustain in an accident, it is important to seek assistance from an attorney who can help you understand the value of your claim and ensure that you are treated fairly by the insurance companies and all parties involved.
Seat Belt Injuries
Seat belts are extremely effective at reducing the risk of severe injuries and death resulting from vehicle collisions. No one should neglect to use their seat belt out of a fear that they will suffer injuries from the device. However, the job of a seat belt is to hold a person’s body in place in the event that they are involved in a car crash. This means that the seat belt stays firm in an accident and puts tremendous pressure on a person’s chest. The seat belt can lead to bruises, lacerations, and in cases of significant impact, a person might even suffer broken ribs or a fractured sternum as a result of being pushed against the seat belt. Of course, it is again worth mentioning that these injuries are far less severe than those that would result from failing to wear a seat belt in an accident involving the same forces, which could include being ejected from a vehicle.
If you are not properly using your seat belt, you could be faced with even more severe injuries and a greater likelihood of bone fractures and severe head injuries.
Fractured Sternums
A broken sternum is a painful injury that can impact a person’s breathing and often occurs in conjunction with other injuries to internal organs.
If you have pain in your chest following a car accident, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. A physician will likely perform x-rays of other diagnostic tests in order to determine if the injured person sustained a fracture. In some instances, a fracture could lead to the injured person requiring surgical intervention to restore the bone to its normal place. This is more likely in bad breaks or in cases where the sternum broke into multiple pieces.
Airbag Injuries
In addition to seat belts, airbags, which are often lifesaving devices, can also cause injuries in severe crashes. When a person comes in contact with an airbag, the force can cause injuries to the head, face, and brain. Injuries to the chest may also occur, including lacerations, abrasions, fractures, bruises, and burns.
Organ Damage
Sometimes injuries to the chest can include damage to a person’s internal organs including the liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys, heart, and trachea. It is extremely important that a person with signs of a chest injury seek medical care so that a physician can determine whether organ damage has occurred.
If you sustained injuries to your chest in a car crash involving another driver who was negligent, then you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Seeking damages after a car accident that was not your fault is important because it can help you cover the expenses related to the medical bills and potentially lost wages that resulted from the accident.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accident Facial Injury (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Statistically, most of us will be in more than one car accident during the course of our lives. These accidents range from minor to devastating, and even relatively low impact crashes can cause injuries. Sometimes, injuries impact a person’s face, sometimes causing permanent disfigurement. These injuries can be devastating because even if they do not impact a person’s ability to move or do their job, they have massive impacts on their self-esteem, confidence, and relationships.
If you sustained a facial injury in a car crash, it might be difficult to understand the value of your claim. A seasoned Colorado personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process and determine how much compensation you may be able to collect from the person who caused your injuries.
Facial Bone Break Injuries
People have 14 bones in their faces, and all of these can be broken in a car crash. When vehicles collide, a person can be thrown into the steering wheel, a door, the airbag or the dashboard, all of which might cause broken jaw bones, noses, or other facial bones.
If a person breaks a bone in their face, they might experience discharge or blood from their noses, problems with their vision or hearing, pain in their jaw, decreased sensation in their face, open gashes, or an inability to fully close their jaw. In some instances, time and rest will be enough to heal these injuries. In other cases, patients could require surgery and costly medical treatments.
Burn Injuries
Burns from airbags and chemicals can also cause injuries to a person’s face. Chemicals are used to open airbags rapidly in the event of a collision. These same chemicals can cause harm to a person’s face. Severe burns can be disfiguring and sometimes require treatments such as skin grafts. Even after the best possible care is given, the person might be left with extensive scarring.
Cuts and Lacerations
Lacerations are commonly caused by car crashes. Facial lacerations might not cause life-threatening complications, but they can cause severe scars. In many cases, the cuts from car crashes cause jagged tears or cuts, which do not heal as cleanly as a straight line from a surgical cut. Stitches might be necessary, and the injured individual might need additional care to treat and reduce the impact of the scarring.
Damage to Eyes and Sight
Flying glass or other debris can lead to the loss of or damage to a person’s eye. Chemical burns can also cause damage to a person’s eyes and vision. While some damage might be treatable, other injuries to a person’s eyes can be permanent and lead to vision problems or even blindness.
Teeth and Oral Injuries
Sometimes impacts on the face can cause lost or broken teeth. This can mean the need for complicated dental work to get dentures, bridges, implants or veneers. In many cases, dental work is not covered by regular health insurance plans. As a result, these procedures can leave the injured person with major debt.
Disfigurement
In any facial injury, there is a risk of disfigurement and changes to a person’s appearance. Even if these types of injuries might not cause serious physical health problems, the change in appearance can have serious impacts on a person’s psychological and emotional state.
When a person is injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else, there is an opportunity to collect compensation to cover the costs of injuries. A Colorado personal injury attorney will be able to help you navigate your claim and fight to obtain the compensation you need to recover from the accident.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accident Abdominal Injury (Lawsuit) Lawyers
The abdomen is particularly vulnerable because there are no bones there to protect the internal organs. Injuries to this part of the body are common in car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian incidents. Abdominal injuries can require immediate attention and extensive recovery time. The time needed to recover can mean that the victim will miss time at work while accruing costly medical bills.
If you sustained one of these injuries in an accident caused by another person, then you could be entitled to recover compensation from the responsible party. A Colorado personal injury attorney will be able to help you navigate the legal system and work to get what you deserve from insurance companies, rather than the low ball offers these companies often make in order to get rid of claims as quickly and cheaply as possible.
Anatomy Impacted by Abdominal Injuries
The abdominal area has muscles, blood vessels, and numerous organs. The spleen, liver, kidneys, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, small and large intestines, ureters, bladder, colon, and stomach are all located in our vulnerable abdomen.
Injuries to this part of the body can be minor strains or can be severe and life-threatening, as is the case with internal bleeding.
Types of Trauma
Blunt trauma occurs when a person strikes an object. The muscles in the stomach can sustain strains or tears in this type of injury. Injuries can be caused by the seat belt or other objects, including the steering wheel, which can strike the body causing bruising, pain and discomfort. It can also lead to damage to a person’s internal organs. Blunt force trauma to the abdomen can be serious, and possibly even fatal. Damage to the liver can be extremely dangerous and can lead to life-threatening hemorrhages.
Penetrating trauma involves injuries to the abdomen where an object breaks through the skin. In some instances, the organs are pierced by objects, which can lead to internal bleeding, shock, and risk of death. Infections are also possible from these injuries.
Not All Injuries Are Immediately Obvious
One of the frightening things about car accident injuries is that they are not always obvious immediately after the impact. People may think that they were lucky and got out of an accident relatively unscathed or with at most very minor injuries. However, in some cases, abdominal injuries, such as abscess or infections, ruptured hematomas, abdominal compartment syndrome, and obstructions may not present until later. Sometimes, scar tissue can also be a problem. If a person suffers an injury to the intestine, this can cause twists that lead to blockage in a person’s bowel. The person may suffer from vomiting and intense pain and end up requiring surgery.
Abscesses are the result of a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. These infections can get into the bloodstream.
Abdominal compartment syndrome leads to swelling in the abdomen and an increase in pressure and can prevent blood from reaching the organs.
Symptoms of an Abdominal Injury
Abdominal injuries include bruising, rigidity, difficulty urinating, changes in the function of the bowel, bloating, weakening pulse, changes in blood pressure or in a person’s body temperature, nausea, vomiting, and cold or clammy hands.
If you suffered injuries in a car accident, including injuries to the abdomen, it is important to seek medical attention. If the injuries occurred in an accident that was the result of someone else’s negligence, then you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. Contact a Colorado personal injury attorney to determine the value of your claim.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Fatal Car Accident (Wrongful Death Lawsuit) Lawyers
Every year tens of thousands of people are killed in car crashes across the United States. Families of people who are killed in this sudden and completely unexpected way suffer a loss that often feels unbearable. Coping with the loss can be completely overwhelming. Having to deal with an insurance company at the same time can be all too much.
If you lost a loved one in a tragic vehicle accident that was the result of another person’s negligence, then you may be able to collect compensation for your loss. The compensation can cover the costs associated with funeral expenses, the loss of your relationship, mental suffering, the lost wages that the deceased person would have contributed to the household, and medical bills accrued prior to the deceased person passing away.
While the monetary compensation cannot fix or mend the loss of a loved one, it can help your family recover from a financial loss. If you are in this horrible situation, you may want to speak to a Colorado, personal injury attorney. Your attorney can handle the case while you focus on your family.
Colorado’s Wrongful Death Act
Colorado has a statutory law commonly known as the Colorado Wrongful Death Act. Under this law, if a person who was killed in an accident would have had the ability to collect compensation if he or she had survived their injuries, then the next of kin of that deceased person, including the spouse, parents or heirs, can step into the shoes of the deceased person and collect compensation in the deceased individual’s place. The person accused of negligence will be able to use any defenses that would have been valid against the deceased person, including contributory negligence. This means that is the deceased person shared in the liability for the accident that killed the victim, then the family’s ability to recover will be reduced to reflect the deceased person’s liability, or, if the dead individual’s liability was equal to that of the other individual or greater, then the ability to recover will be completely barred.
Causes of Wrongful Death Claims
The majority of claims for wrongful death are related to automobile accidents. However, there are also work-related accidents, product liability cases, medical malpractice, defective premises cases, and other types of claims as well that can fall under this law.
Who Can File a Claim
When a person dies in an accident, only certain people have the right to file a lawsuit for wrongful death. The first person who has the right to sue is the decedent’s spouse. If there was a spouse, then the spouse is the only person who has the right to file in the first year following the death. If the spouse does not file the first year, then the heirs can file the second year and the spouse can also still file. If the decedent has no spouse, then the heirs, which would include children of the decedent, would have the right to file a lawsuit in the first year. For people with no spouse or heirs, the parents have the right to file a lawsuit. Siblings are never granted the right to sue, even if they are the decedent’s only relatives.
It is important for families to remember that there is a statute of limitations in place, which will prevent lawsuits from being filed in wrongful death cases after two years.
Wrongful death cases are often complicated and are almost always extremely emotional. Hiring a Colorado personal injury attorney can help a family determine their best course of action in light of the facts and circumstances of their case.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accident Burn Injury (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Car accidents are a common cause of accidental injury and death. In some rare cases, vehicle crashes can lead to fires. In some horrific car crashes, the occupants of a vehicle can be stuck inside of a burning vehicle. This can lead to severe, life-threatening, and extremely severe injuries. The scars and the potential disfigurement caused by these accidents can take a massive emotional toll on the burn victim.
In addition to excruciating pain and serious risks of infections, these injuries can lead to the need for plastic surgery and lengthy recovery periods.
If you sustained burn injuries in an accident that was caused by another individual’s reckless or negligent actions, a Colorado personal injury attorney may be able to help you collect compensation for your damages. Compensation can help to cover the medical bills, pain, suffering, lost wages, disability, disfigurement, as well as the loss of normal life that occurred as a result of your accident..
Causes of Vehicle Fires
When vehicles strike objects, there is a chance that the fuel tank could be ruptured, causing a fire or even an explosion. The explosion or fire can cause deadly injuries. An engine fire can also occur in a crash. In any of these events, the damage to the vehicle can mean that the people in the car are trapped and unable to escape the fire. In some cases, the trapped people may have suffered only minor injuries in the impact but sustain much more severe harm due to being trapped in the damaged vehicle.
People riding motorcycles are also susceptible to being burned. Their vehicle provides little in the way of protection and in the event of a fire and fuel spill, they can find themselves near a fire with little or no protection. Some components of motorcycles also run extremely hot, and the rider can come in contact with these parts of their vehicle in the course of an accident.
Types of Burns
Burns range in severity from fairly minor injuries to deadly. First degree burns only impact the outer layer of skin, and cause redness and soreness. Most of the time, these burns will heal in a matter of days without any real intervention from a medical provider.
Second-degree burns are divided into the less serious, which involve blisters and typically heal without the need for skin grafts, and the more severe second-degree burns, which often do require skin grafts.
Third-degree burns are extremely serious and impact every layer of a person’s skin. They can be white or black in color, and the individual may experience a significant amount of pain.
Fourth-degree burns impact muscle and bone, as do fifth and sixth-degree burns. All burns at these levels of severity have a decent chance of being fatal, or in the case of fifth and sixth-degree burns, are nearly always fatal.
For people who are injured in a car crash or other accident that leads to burns, there is a great need for medical care. The necessary treatment can be extremely expensive and require the injured person to miss time from work. If the accident that caused the injury was the result of another persons’ reckless or negligent behavior, then the injured person may be able to collect compensation for the injuries that he or she sustained in the accident.
If you suffered burn injuries in a car accident, it is important to speak to a Colorado personal injury attorney. Your attorney will help you to fight to receive the compensation you deserve and that you need in order to cover the costs associated with your injuries.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Head-On Accident (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Head-on collisions are some of the deadliest types of crashes on the road. Even when these crashes take place at modest speeds, the forces at which the vehicles collide are extreme. The force of the crash is enough to cause devastating and potentially deadly injuries, but there are additional risks involved as well.
In some instances, the windshields shatter, and pieces of metal break off causing projectiles to fly into the air and possibly into drivers and passengers.
About one in every ten-car crash-related deaths is the result of a head-on collision.
These accidents tend to occur on rural roadways such as two-lane highways that lack center medians or dividing barriers. Without anything dividing the opposite directions of traffic, drifting into the opposite lane is frighteningly easy. Drowsy, distracted and drunk drivers are at the highest risk for veering into oncoming traffic, but anyone who takes a moment to look at a car radio or engage in some other minor distraction can end up slipping into the traffic traveling towards them. Sometimes these accidents are caused by drivers who choose to enter the opposite lane in order to pass vehicles traveling in the same direction. If the driver misjudges the time he or she has to pass, this can lead to a head-on crash as well.
One disturbing factor about head-on crashes is that the innocent driver likely has little or no time to react and avoid the collision. The speed of the vehicles traveling at one another creates very little opportunity to react to an unexpected vehicle drifting into another driver’s lane.
Head-On Crashes with Trucks
When a truck is involved in any type of vehicle crash, the chances of serious injuries and death for the people in the other vehicle increase greatly. Drivers of large commercial trucks are held to higher standards and are also subject to additional traffic laws as compared to drivers of passenger vehicles.
While truck drivers are subject to additional laws, the reason for these laws is that these drivers are operating large hazardous vehicles that are less maneuverable than regular cars. Specifically, drivers operating large commercial trucks cannot swerve to avoid an accident and take far longer to come to a complete stop than other drivers. These drivers are also on the road for long hours, which can mean they are more likely to be tired or fatigued when behind the wheel.
Injuries in Head-On Crashes
Head injuries and brain injuries, damages to the spinal cord, whiplash, neck injuries, soft tissue injuries, amputations, bone breaks, and lacerations are all common injuries affiliated with head-on crashes.
In order to avoid these devastating crashes, a driver may want to avoid any roads that have higher speed limits and a lack of center barriers. Roads without center barriers make it too easy for a person to cause one of these crashes. While there are sometimes wrong-way head-on collisions on highways, these accidents are much less common. In order for a vehicle to end up going the wrong way on a highway, a driver would have to have entered the roadway on an exit ramp rather than an entrance ramp. This rarely occurs, although it is more likely with drunk drivers and late at night.
Of course, with any type of collision, it is important to use a seat belt. Failing to buckle up properly can lead to vehicle ejections, which are fatal about three-quarters of the time.
If you were involved in a head-on collision caused by another person’s negligence, then you should speak to a Colorado personal injury attorney to discuss your claim, its value, and your legal rights.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Hit and Run Accident (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Hit and run crashes are collisions in which one of the drivers flees the scene of the accident after the crash. This occurs more often than most people realize. About 11 percent of car crashes in the United States include one vehicle that leaves the scene of a crash. Drivers who flee the scene of an accident sometimes do so out of panic, but other times they are taking a calculated risk because they think they might be able to avoid taking responsibility for their role in the accident. Drivers who flee are often those who have invalid drivers’ licenses, pending criminal charges, or who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These drivers take the risk consciously and with purpose because they know that they may face serious charges for their actions.
If you were injured in a hit and run accident, contact a Colorado personal injury attorney to discuss your claim.
What is a Hit and Run
A hit and run accident occurs any time a driver leaves the scene of an accident. In serious cases, this can mean that a driver flees after striking a pedestrian, or after being involved in a severe crash with another vehicle in which there are likely injuries. These serious hit and runs often involve pedestrians. When vehicles are involved in severe collisions with one another, there is a greater chance that even if a driver would like to flee, their vehicle may be so damaged that this might be difficult or impossible. However, in pedestrian crashes, even deadly pedestrian crashes, the vehicle involved might not have sustained much or even any damage.
Minor hit and run accidents are much more common and include accidents where a driver strikes a parked car. Leaving the scene in these scenarios is also illegal.
Penalties for Hit and Run Accidents
As hit and run crashes have become more common, many states have worked to make their laws stricter when it comes to fleeing the scene of a crash. In Colorado, fleeing the scene of a crash is a criminal act, even if no one was hurt. In cases when a person was injured, the penalties increase. Even if the crime is only considered a misdemeanor, the penalty for the perpetrator can include some jail time, fines, and possibly the loss of their driver’s license.
In severe cases, when a person is severely injured or killed, the crime becomes a felony with the perpetrator spending as much as 12 years in prison. Despite hefty penalties, hit and run accidents continue to rise.
What to do After Being Hurt in a Hit and Run
Following a hit and run crash, victims are often confused and disoriented. The first step is to seek medical treatment if it is necessary. Next, it is important to call the police to file a report. If anyone witnessed the crash, ask for their information so they can help you identify the driver.
Moreover, report the accident to your insurance company. You may have to file an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurer. Unfortunately, in many cases, the driver is never found or arrested. In the event that the driver gets away, your own insurer might be your only source for insurance coverage related to the accident. Finally, it is important to contact a Colorado personal injury attorney who can help you develop a plan to recover the compensation you deserve whether or not the other driver is apprehended.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Side-Impact or T-Bone Accident (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Side impact car accidents are often known as T-bone collisions. These types of accidents typically occur at intersections when one of the drivers failed to abide by the traffic laws and neglected to stop at a red traffic light or a stop sign.
The damage caused by T-bone crashes is often severe, and there is a high risk of serious injuries for vehicle occupants. Cars and other passenger vehicles are designed to absorb impacts. However, just examining a vehicle’s design will illustrate the fact that the “crumple zones,” or areas with extra space and protections, are located in the front and rear of the vehicle. When an impact takes place between the front of two vehicles, as in a head-on collision, or between the front of a vehicle and the back of another vehicle, as in rear-end crashes, there is typically a fair amount of space between the point of impact and the vehicle occupants. In contrast, in a side collision, there is little protection, even with airbags, for the passengers and driver who might even be physically in contact or leaning against the side of the vehicle.
When a person is involved in a T-bone collision, the injuries might be severe and require a significant amount of medical treatment and an extended recovery time. The lost wages and expensive medical costs can put a great deal of stress on a family that is already trying to cope with a person who suffered severe physical trauma.
If you were in one of these types of serious crashes, and the other driver was at fault, the other driver may be responsible for compensating you for your losses. You should speak to a Colorado personal injury attorney to determine the value of your claim, the best actions to take, and what you should expect from the litigation process, if applicable.
What Causes Side Impact Crashes
Side-impact crashes are typically the result of a negligent driver. In most cases, someone runs through a traffic signal. The driver could be drunk, texting or otherwise just not paying attention. If you were the driver struck by the negligent driver, you have the right to be compensated for your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. Sometimes the driver who is obeying the traffic signal will be the one who hits the negligent driver after that driver ran a light or stop sign. In these cases, the impact might not be as severe for the innocent driver, but injuries and damage to the vehicle can still be serious.
Injuries from T-Bone Crashes
The injuries may vary based upon whether your vehicle was struck on the side, or you struck the other vehicle. These collisions often cause head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and possibly lacerations from broken glass, neck and back injuries such as whiplash, nerve damage or paralysis, injuries to the torso including the organs, fractured bones, and soft tissue injuries.
The injuries can be even more devastating when a commercial truck is involved. Commercial tractor-trailers can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. Even the safest passenger cars on the road are not prepared to handle the impact of a truck striking the side of the vehicle. The only chance for the people in the passenger vehicle in this scenario is that the truck is able to slow down enough to minimize the impact. Even a slow impact can cause serious damage and injuries, and it is difficult for trucks to slow quickly because they are so huge and heavy.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Rear-End Accident (Lawsuit) Lawyers
Rear-end accidents are some of the most common types of vehicle collisions. Sometimes rear-end accidents are minor and lead to only minimal damage to vehicles and no injuries. Other times, rear-end crashes happen at high speeds and lead to devastating injuries and fatalities.
Liability is typically clear in these cases. The rear driver is almost always liable for the crash, with few exceptions. Even in cases where a driver stops short, the rear driver will likely be considered liable because he or she will be considered to have been following too closely.
Many of these accidents happen at red lights or in heavy traffic when the front driver may even be at a complete stop. The driver who causes this type of accident might have been on their phone or otherwise distracted as they approached an intersection or backed up traffic and failed to notice the brake lights and slowing vehicles in front of them.
For drivers who were struck while they were sitting completely still, these accidents can be extremely frustrating because they know that there was nothing they could have done to avoid the collision and the other driver’s carelessness caused them pain, suffering, injuries, and damage to their property.
In accidents that result in injuries, the injured person will be accruing medical bills and costly treatments while potentially being unable to perform their job. The lost wages and treatment can create a massive financial burden on an individual and family.
Causes of Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end crashes are typically caused by human error and negligence. Drivers might fail to stop in time because of distraction, or because they were traveling too fast for the road conditions. There are some instances where weather might play a factor in causing one of these crashes, but even in these circumstances, there is a good chance that a driver was going to fast for the wet, icy or snowy roads and could have avoided the accident if he or she had been more cautious given the inclement weather. Sometimes drivers are subjected to multiple impacts because rear-end crashes can lead to chain reaction accidents involving multiple vehicles.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions
When a person is in a rear-end collision, their body is often jolted forward and backward. This can lead to injuries such as whiplash, which happens when a person’s neck is overextended as their head is snapped forward and back from the impact. Back injuries, including damage to the spinal cord and herniated discs, is also common. People involved in high impact crashes can sustain fractured bones. Head injuries, including concussions, often occur and soft tissue injuries, including strains, sprains, and muscle tears, are common as well.
Trucks and Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end crashes involving passenger vehicles being struck by commercial trucks are even more serious and often fatal. Trucks weigh thousands of pounds and can completely crush smaller vehicles. Unfortunately, trucks are also at risk of being involved in rear-end crashes due to their size. Coming to a stop is difficult for big trucks and takes far more time and space than smaller vehicles. If a smaller vehicle stops short in front of a truck, the truck will not likely have enough time to come to a stop.
In many cases, the truck driver will be at fault for this type of crash because they will be seen as following the other vehicle too closely.
If you were involved in a rear-end accident, you should contact a Colorado personal injury attorney to discuss your options for recovering compensation for the damage to your property and any injuries that you may have sustained.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Car Accidents and Insurance
When anyone is injured in a car crash that is another person’s fault, it is not typically the liable driver who cuts the check to the injured person. In most cases, the liable or at-fault driver has an insurance company that will be making the settlement or judgment payments to the injured individual.
Unfortunately, insurance companies do not typically offer drivers the compensation they deserve or are entitled to as a result of the accident or the injuries suffered. These companies work to settle claims as fast and as inexpensively as possible. What this often means is that they will make an early offer that is for far less than the injured person could recover. The injured person may be struggling with medical bills resulting from the accident, and with time missed from work, and the appeal of the quick cash might be strong. When an insurance company reaches out to an injured person, there is a clear imbalance in power. The insurance company has a great deal of information about how the claims process works and about what a claim might be worth. The individual is likely dealing with the aftermath of a car crash for the first time, and likely will feel overwhelmed by the whole process. It is important for people who are injured in car accidents to speak to a Colorado personal injury attorney about their claim, their rights, and the likely value of their claim.
Drivers Must Have Insurance, But Not Everyone Does
Colorado, like other states, requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. In Colorado, there is a minimum of $25,000 for each person for bodily injuries or death, a minimum of $50,000 for all injured persons combined, and $15,000 for property damage.
Unfortunately, just because it is illegal to drive without insurance does not mean that people comply with the applicable law in this regard. If you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance, you may have to use your own insurance to cover the cost of the accident. This is why insurance companies have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
If the driver who hit you was uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage would kick in, and your damage and injuries could be covered by your own insurance company up to your coverage limits. This might require you to file a claim against your own insurance company. When filing with your own insurance company, you might be surprised to find that you may still have to fight to obtain the compensation you need.
In some instances, the other driver might have insurance, but only hold low coverage amounts, such as the state-mandated minimums. Anyone who has sustained serious injuries in a car accident will know that $25,000 does not go far when it comes to covering the cost of medical care, surgeries, and physical therapy. In the event that your damages are greater than the policy limits for the responsible driver, then your underinsured motorist coverage may be your only source of compensation. This means that you may collect $25,000 from the other driver’s insurance company, and if you have $50,000 in underinsured coverage, you could collect up to $50,000 more in underinsured motorist coverage, potentially allowing for $75,000 total in coverage.
Proving Your Case
If you sustained injuries in a car crash, it probably would not take you very long to discover that your word is not enough for the insurance companies to accept the value of your claim. Even with your own company, you may find yourself having to prove that the damage to the vehicle and the injuries you sustained are real and were caused by the accident. This means that if possible, you should start documenting the damage to your vehicle and make sure you seek the medical care you need promptly, both for your well-being as well as for creating a record that will support your claim.
An attorney can help you ensure that you are treated fairly and help you to better understand your legal rights and options.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Common Colorado Car Accident Questions
Following a car crash, many people are confused about what they should do to protect themselves and their rights. The accident itself is likely disorienting but dealing with insurance companies and other parties can also be confusing and often frustrating. The steps you take immediately after a crash can impact the outcome of the ultimate claim.
Recorded Statements and Calls to Insurance Companies
Following a motor vehicle accident, you may be dealing with reporting the claim to your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company. The insurance companies will want to obtain your statement about the cause of the accident, the extent of the damage, and the involved parties.
Insurance companies might want you to give a recorded statement. This is not always a good idea. You might be disoriented, and you might not have had time to think about what you are saying. In some cases, you might say something that could be used against you without even realizing it. For instance, following a crash, people may have high levels of adrenaline and might think that they were not injured. Even if you think you were not injured, you may discover that, in a matter of hours, you sustained injuries. If you already spoke to the insurance company and indicated to them that you are completely fine, this could be used against you. Oftentimes, people who are in a panic following a crash might not realize that their every word will be analyzed to determine whether the insurance companies can result in a lower amount of compensation.
Steps to Take to Document the Accident
After a crash, the first step to take is to make sure that everyone is safe and received the medical attention that they need. But if this is taken care of, then the next consideration is documenting the accident. Take photos of the vehicles and the scene. Speak to any witnesses and obtain their name and contact information. Ask for a copy of the police report as well as transcripts from any calls that were made to 911.
If you were injured and taken from the scene in an ambulance, then you may have to take photos of the vehicles wherever they were towed to, or request photos from any responding police departments or repair shops.
Should I See a Doctor
After a car crash, sometimes the need to seek medical care is obvious because the injuries will be severe, visible or extremely painful. In other situations, the injuries might not initially seem that serious after the accident, or you might think that you did not sustain any injuries. In these cases, you may wonder if you should get medical treatment as a precaution. As a general rule, if you have any doubts, you should err on the side of caution and be evaluated by a medical professional.
Some injuries, even serious ones, will not seem very severe immediately following a crash. You could have sustained soft tissue injuries or even fractures and just think you are a little sore. If you wait several days or weeks before going to see a doctor or to a hospital, this will likely be used by the insurance company to argue that your injuries were not severe enough to warrant compensation.
Your best bet is to also speak to a Colorado personal injury attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and your claim is handled properly.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
What is Wrongful Death and How Does Compensation Work in These Cases
In the most horrific automobile accidents, someone, or multiple people, lose their lives. This happens to tens of thousands of Americans every year. The families of the deceased person are left to deal with an incredible loss as well as handling insurance claims and potential legal claims relating to the accident. Most of the time, people who have suffered this sudden and tragic loss are not well-equipped to rationally deal with the claims that result from the accident given the magnitude of grief they are experiencing.
In this case, it is prudent seek legal help in these situations. A Colorado personal injury attorney will know what to do to protect you and your family as you navigate the insurance and legal system.
Value of a Claim
In most personal injury cases, the damages involved are for medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering of the injured person. However, these do not translate directly in wrongful death claims. In some car accidents, the victim might have been killed instantly at the scene and never received any treatment for his or her injuries. The medical bills may be non-existent. The deceased victim also no longer has any pain or suffering. And yet, there is obviously a great loss.
In Colorado, certain members of the deceased person’s family have the right to file lawsuits for the wrongful death of their loved one. If the deceased person was married, then the spouse has the sole right to file a claim during the first year. Once that year is over, the heirs, including children, can file a claim during the second year. If there is no spouse, the right to file a suit passes to the heirs, and if there is no spouse or heirs, then the right to file goes to the victim’s parents.
In some cases, there might be medical bills included in the damages, but there would also be burial and funeral costs. If the person killed was a wage earner for his or her household, then the lost future earnings would be calculated and included in the damages. While the deceased person no longer has any pain, the grief the family is experienced may be also be compensated.
Caps on Damages
Damages for grief and pain are called non-economic damages. These damages are capped in Colorado, meaning, that there is a designated ceiling no higher amount can be awarded. The overall award can be much higher than that awarded for non-economic damages, but it would be based on economic damages, including the lost earnings, and medical bills, and funeral expenses.
It is also important to note that the deceased person’s family steps into the shoes of the deceased person when it comes to liability. If the decedent was partially responsible for the accident in which he or she was killed, then the damages available to the family may be reduced to reflect that portion of the liability in the same way as it would be reduced if the decedent had survived and filed a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. In Colorado, if the decedent’s liability is established to be 50 percent or more, then the family will not be able to recover damages from the other driver or party. If the decedent’s liability is determined to be less than 50 percent, then the total amount of damages will be reduced to reflect that share of the liability.
Wrongful death cases are complicated and emotionally difficult. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can help to make the process more understandable and ensure that the family’s rights are protected.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 250
Denver, CO 80246
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
Open 24/7 365
Statistically, most people will be in several car accidents throughout the course of their lifetime. Car crashes are disorienting, scary, and can leave people with many questions about what to do next. The first steps you take following a car crash can impact future claims you may wish to file in response to the accident, the damages, and any injuries that you sustained.
Knowing the right steps to take will help you to get through the process and recover the compensation that you need. Medical bills, damage to vehicles, and lost wages resulting from injuries can place a massive financial burden on a car accident victim and his or her family. The law offers remedies for people who have sustained losses due to another person’s negligent actions. If you were injured as a result of another’s negligence, you may have the right to be compensated.
How our Experienced Denver Personal Injury & Accident Attorney Can Help You
After a car accident, insurance companies and attorneys become involved in trying to determine who was at fault and how much the victim’s claim might be worth. If you were injured, and the other driver is at fault, you might find yourself being offered a settlement from the other driver’s insurance company. In many cases, an insurer who realizes that their insured driver was at fault will try to quickly and cheaply resolve the claim. This means that the insurance company might make a low-ball offer to an injured person. For the person who was injured, the medical bills may be piling up, he or she may have missed time at work, and the financial strain of the accident might make the offer of a quick settlement appealing. However, treatment for injuries can take many months or more, and people who settle too quickly may be left with a settlement that fails to cover even a fraction of their injury-related costs.
It is critical that you hire an attorney who can help level the playing field and vigorously represent your legal rights and interests. A Colorado personal injury attorney will be able to assess your case and determine what the likely value of that claim is based on the potential liability of the other party as well as the extent of your injuries. Armed with this information, your attorney will be in a much better position to negotiate a settlement that is fair and reflects the harm that was done to you in the accident.
After a car crash, you need time to heal and focus on your health and your family. Your attorney can handle the stressful process of dealing with insurance companies and opposing attorneys while you focus on recovering.
Compensation for Personal Injuries
When a person is injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligent or reckless actions, then the injured person may seek compensation for his or her injuries. There are different categories of compensation which a person may collect from the negligent party or the negligent party’s insurance company. These are as follows:
Medical Care – Car accidents are one of the most common causes of accidental injuries. These injuries can range from minor to life-altering and devastating. Anyone who has been to an emergency room knows that medical bills start to add up extremely fast.
Following a car accident, many people require diagnostic tests like x-rays, potentially surgery, or physical therapy. The costs associated with medical care can be recovered in a lawsuit against the negligent driver.
Lost Wages – Many people miss work as a result of the injuries they sustained in a car accident. The time taken away while being treated, plus time for recovery, means that a person can experience significant financial hardships because of the loss of earnings that they had counted on to survive. These damages can be recovered in a personal injury lawsuit.
Property Damage – Following a crash, the damage to one’s vehicle and the need for repairs and replacement can be costly. The loss caused by these repairs can be recovered in a successful claim.
Pain and Suffering – In addition to the above categories, which constitute “economic damages,” injured persons are also able to collect non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. The law recognizes the fact that a car accident can cause much more than financial difficulties for a victim. Even an injury that a person recovers from can nonetheless cause immense pain and discomfort.
It is important to understand what damages you can collect in a personal injury lawsuit and the value of your claim. If you are partially responsible for the accident, this can also impact your ability to be fully compensated for your damages. In Colorado, as long as you are less than 50 percent liable, you can recover for your injuries, however, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of the liability. For instance, if you are found 20 percent liable, you will be limited to 80 percent of the total damages you would have otherwise been eligible to collect. If you are 50 percent liable or more, you will not be able to collect damages from the other driver.
Your Colorado personal injury attorney can explain what you are likely to recover in your individual case.
Statute of Limitations in Colorado
Following a car accident, there is a set amount of time in which you may file a claim to recover damages for your injuries. In most cases, you will be limited to three years following the time of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within that window of time, then you will no longer have the right to be compensated. While three years might seem like a long time, remember that when you are busy and dealing with injuries and recovery, the time can go by rather quickly.
There are some cases where the amount of time allotted varies from the 3 years. If a government entity is being sued, there are shorter and strict time limitations that must be followed or your claim will be barred. If you were injured by a government entity or employee contact a Colorado personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident to make sure your rights are protected.
The amount of time might be greater in some instances, as well. For instance, if you were under 18 at the time of the accident, then you will have three years, starting at your 18thbirthday to file your claim. Additional time may be allowed as well for an injury that is not immediately apparent. Sometimes, injuries from accidents do not manifest right away. In these cases, you might be granted additional time to file a lawsuit against the responsible party or entity.
Regardless of how long you think you might have in your case, it is critical that you speak to an attorney sooner rather than later. Even before your claim is filed, your attorney can advise you of steps you should to take to improve your chances of obtaining a full recovery.
Steps After a Car Crash
It is not uncommon for people to feel paralyzed and confused and disoriented following an accident. However, by taking the right steps, you can help to protect yourself and your future claim. These steps are as follows:
Seek Medical Attention – It should likely go without saying that after a car accident, you should check to see if you or anyone else involved is seriously injured. In the case of severe injuries, the top priority should be to seek help immediately. Call 911, and make sure everyone is receiving the medical care they need.
In some instances, it might not immediately be obvious whether you were injured. Adrenaline will kick in, and you may not realize that you have sustained injuries. This might seem like a relief, and you may think that you walked out of the accident miraculously unscathed. Unfortunately, when the shock wears off, perhaps within the hours following the accident, you may find that you were injured.
If there is any doubt at all about whether you are injured, you should be evaluated by a medical practitioner. Sometimes even minor fractures and internal injuries, or concussions, may not be obvious at first. It is important for your own safety and wellbeing to make sure you are evaluated by a medical professional.
In addition to your health, failing to seek immediate or prompt medical attention might be used against you when you file your claim for injuries. Insurance companies may use your delayed treatment to argue that you must not have sustained the injuries that you are claiming. The medical record will be important to support your injury claim.
Call the Police – Following a car crash, it is important to call the police and make sure that a report is filed. The police report might offer some opinion on liability, and the officers will be witnesses at the scene of the accident. Failing to call the police might damage your claim because the opposing party may argue that the accident is not as serious as you claim or that you were at fault. In this view, you should obtain a copy of the police report for your records to help support your personal injury case.
Gather Information – Sometimes there are witnesses at the scene of an accident. Once those people leave, you may never be able to determine who they were once you leave the accident scene. Their statements may be important in supporting your claim for liability. If someone witnessed the accident, obtain the name and contact information from each individual who witnessed your crash.
Of course, you should also obtain the name and contact information from any other driver involved in the accident, including their insurance information. Trying to piece everything together at a later time will be far more difficult than obtaining the information promptly at the scene.
Take photographs – If possible, and if it is safe to do so, take a photograph of the vehicles, the location, traffic control devices, and anything else that might be relevant to your case. Moreover, take photographs your injuries should they be visible.
If you left the scene in an ambulance and you were unable to take photographs, you can ask the police if they took any at the scene. You can also take, or have a friend or relative take, photos of the vehicles at the location to which they were towed. Be sure to obtain this evidence prior to when you have your vehicle repaired following the accident. Photographs of damage to automobiles can be powerful evidence of the severity of the impact in a collision.
Use Caution when Speaking to Insurance Companies – Your insurance company and the other driver or drivers’ insurance companies may wish to speak with you and quite possibly to record your statements after a car accident. Be extremely careful in these communications. Car insurance companies are trying to find the least expensive way to resolve a claim. This will apply to your own insurance company as well. If possible, direct them to speak to your attorney. Always avoid making statements such as “I’m fine,” or “it wasn’t that bad.” After an accident, many people are inclined to tell others and themselves that they are okay. Unfortunately, this simple human tendency could be used to devalue your claim.
Speak with an Attorney – Reach out to an attorney and have your claim evaluated. Your attorney can help you understand the process and protect your legal rights and interests.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Colorado
Almost every car accident that happens is the result of human error. Here are some of the common behaviors that lead to car crashes:
Speeding – Speeding is a common traffic law violation. Most of us are guilty of driving over the speed limit at one time or another. Unfortunately, the faster your vehicle is traveling, the less time you will have to react in the event of an emergency, and the more severe a collision will be if it does occur.
Traffic Violations – Many crashes are caused by people who violate traffic laws. Disregarding a traffic signal or stop sign, passing in a no-passing zone, or otherwise violating traffic laws can result in serious and sometimes fatal accidents.
Drunk Driving or Otherwise Impaired Driving – While drunk driving rates have declined over the years, drivers who are under the influence still cause a significant amount of serious car accidents each year in the United States. Drunk drivers are more likely to commit extreme traffic offenses such as wrong-way driving on a busy roadway, which often lead to fatal head-on collisions.
Drugged driving is also becoming a significant problem in the United States. Marijuana and opioids are commonly used drugs and can impair a person’s ability to drive.
Distracted Driving – In recent years, distracted driving has come to be synonymous with using a phone while behind the wheel. Smartphones are in just about every vehicle on the road, and the temptation to text or talk on a cellphone without using a heads-free device can be overwhelming for some drivers. A driver who is texting can be just as dangerous as a driver who is drunk.
It is also important to remember that there are other types of distracted driving as well, including something as simple as changing the station on the car radio, or eating while driving.
Fatigued Driving – People who are overtired cause tens of thousands of car crashes every year, and possibly more. A person who had gotten less than 7 hours of sleep may not be able stay alert when behind the wheel. Each day, several people are on the road when they are likely too fatigued to be paying close attention to the important task at hand.
Bad Weather – We all know that driving on snow or ice can be dangerous and frightening. Inclement weather can cause slick road conditions and low visibility. Even in cases where the weather is a contributing factor in a car accident, there is almost always a human error element as well.
Driving too fast for road conditions can mean driving at or even below the speed limit in some instances. Of course, the best approach, if possible, is to stay off the roads entirely if the weather makes driving conditions too hazardous.
Defective Vehicles – Although it is uncommon, vehicle defects, such as faulty brakes, can lead to serious car accidents. Sometimes this will lead to a product liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer.
Types of Auto Crashes in Colorado
There are certain things that go wrong on the road and cause many automobile accidents. These include:
Head-on collisions – Head-on collisions are devastating because of the magnitude of the forces involved. It is shockingly easy for cars to drift across a center line on an undivided roadway and enter oncoming traffic. All it takes is just one split second distraction for a serious accident to occur.
Rollover – Rollover crashes are more common in SUVs and other vehicles that are top-heavy. These crashes can lead to terrible injuries and fatalities.
Side-Impact – Side impact, or T-bone accidents, often occur at intersections and are often caused by a driver’s failure to obey a traffic signal or sign.
Rear-end – Rear-end accidents might be the most common type of collision. They often involve a driver who is traveling too fast when behind another driver. They can also occur when a driver is not paying attention to the road as a light changes or traffic slows down.
Left Hand Turn – Left turns are dangerous because the driver making the left has to look for a space where traffic clears and gauge the speed of oncoming vehicles.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Injuries caused by car accidents vary in type and severity, but some types of injuries are common. These injuries are as follows:
Concussion and TBI – Head injuries can occur, even in situations where the victim does not come in contact with a hard surface. Of course, if a person hits the steering wheel, dashboard, or even an airbag, more serious brain injuries can result.
Bone Fractures – Broken bones often occur in car accidents. Fractured facial bones, leg bones, or broken ribs are all common. Even the pressure from the seatbelt can cause bone fractures in high impact crashes.
Herniated Discs and Vertebral Fractures – The human spine is complicated and extremely delicate. Injuries to the spine occur frequently and range from minor strains and sprains to fractures and spinal cord damage that can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
Amputation of Limbs – Sometimes a person will lose a limb in a car accident. Or, a crushing injury might so severely damage a limb that it will have to be amputated. These serious injuries are life-changing and devastating, both physically and emotionally.
Burns – Even an airbag can cause burns, whether from friction or chemicals that are used to rapidly inflate these devices. In the most serious cases, a vehicle may catch fire in an accident, leading to the potential for vehicle occupants to become trapped.
Dangerous Roadways and Intersections
There are certain places where drivers must exercise extreme caution due to poorly designed intersections or roadways. While many cities and states are trying to eliminate the most dangerous places, data often indicates that there are places where accidents are more likely to occur.
Why You Need a Lawyer
After a car crash, you should speak to a seasoned personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your actions immediately after the crash will impact your claim as well as your ability to recover the compensation you deserve. An attorney will be able to negotiate and, if necessary, litigate your claim. He or she will be able to walk you through the process and develop a strategy for pursuing compensation on your behalf.
What Does an Attorney Cost?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that your attorney will only receive a certain percentage of your monetary damages if your claim is successful.
How do I Know if I Have a Case?
Understanding whether you have a claim often requires speaking to an attorney who understands the issues, including liability and damages. Your attorney can assess who is responsible for the accident, and the severity of the injuries that you sustained.
Every car accident has unique factors at play. An experienced Colorado personal injury attorney can help you through every step of the process and ensure that you are treated fairly by the insurance companies.
Colorado Office:
Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden
5600 S. Quebec Street, Suite C210
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Telephone: 720-487-1050
Se Habla Español 720-352-0200
[email protected]
Office Hours: Open 24/7 365
FAQs
Can I afford a personal injury attorney?
The initial consultation is always free. If during the consultation we determine that you have a case, we will pursue your case on a contingency fee basis. When working on a contingency fee, our firm does not get paid on your case unless we recover money for you. When we collect money for your injuries, damages, and losses, we will be paid a percentage of the money we collect for you. We are commits to providing clients with a no-stress, no-hassle intake process call us today for your free consultation to see how we can help you!
What happens at the Initial Consultation and how much does it cost?
You will meet with one of our Managing Attorneys or partners at the time of your first appointment with our firm. You will never have a consultation with an office manager, paralegal, or anyone other than one of our experienced managing attorneys or partners. During the initial consultation, we spend much of our time gathering information from you about your personal injury case. It is helpful to bring as much information as possible to your initial consultation so that we can gather as much information as possible about your case so that we can properly discuss with you the facts, relevant law, and how we can assist you with your case. Information that is helpful to bring if you have it is as follows: traffic accident report, all insurance claim information and a copy of your insurance policy or information, health insurance/Medicaid/Medicare Information, medical records or bills, photographs, etc. The initial consultation is always free. We are commits to providing clients with a no-stress, no-hassle intake process call us today for your free consultation to see how we can help you!
I’m in the hospital can you come to me?
Yes, if you are in the hospital or your injuries prohibit you from being able to come to our office, one of our attorneys will come to you.
Can I still recover if I caused an accident?
Colorado has a comparative fault rule – If you were partially responsible for the accident, you may only collect damages for the percentage of fault the other driver had for the accident. In Colorado, an injured party that is 50% or more responsible for an accident is barred from recovering. In cases where fault is not clear or questionable, it is important to have the attorneys at Alhasoon, Glidden and Glidden on your side.
What Size Cases Do You Handle?
AGG law firm handles cases of all sizes, from simple to complex. Our experienced trial lawyers have the knowledge and resources to represent victims in all types of accident and personal injury cases. At AGG we are dedicated to obtaining justice for clients from all walks of life regardless of how large or small the matter.
Will the Information I Share with you Be Confidential?
Yes, because your communications with us are privileged. It is important that you fully disclose all facts of your personal injury claim including, but not limited to: prior injuries, criminal convictions, etc. This information will aide us in fully evaluating your case. The information you share with us will always remain confidential. This protection applies even when our legal representation ends or if you do not retain our firm.
How long will my personal injury case take?
Each case is unique, and it’s difficult to determine how long it will take to resolve a personal injury case. A personal injury case may settle in a few months without the need to file a lawsuit, while others can take years for the trial and appeals process to complete. We do everything we can to resolve our clients’ cases as efficiently and effectively as possible.