Representing Victims of Negligent Drivers in Colorado
A car accident can affect you in many ways. You may need immediate medical attention for serious injuries, you could be out of work for weeks or months, and you might need to have your vehicle repaired or if it was totaled in the crash, replaced altogether in Denver. Many victims of severe car accidents, in Denver, are also left with significant emotional distress and trauma, making it difficult to move forward with their lives.
At Boesen Law, our Denver car accident attorneys understand the impact a serious motor vehicle collision can have on your life, and our Colorado law firm is ready to help. The injury lawyers from Boesen Law, have decades of experience representing injured Coloradoans and the families of those killed in fatal accidents.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
In every car accident case, our lawyers strive to minimize the effects of the accident and help our clients recover the maximum compensation they are owed. Our team is dedicated to holding the negligent driver or liable party accountable and seeking the justice you deserve.
For personal attention and compassionate legal representation after a car accident in Denver, call Boesen Law at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online. We offer free, in-person consultations.
Why Boesen Law is Different Than Other Car Accident Lawyers in Denver
At Boesen Law, we’re different because we truly focus more on our clients. We don’t believe in spending all of our resources on television, radio, bus benches, and buses. We’d rather take all that money that other lawyers use and use those resources for our clients on their cases and the legal process to get them the best result possible.
Is Colorado a No-Fault Car Insurance State?
Since 2003, Colorado has not been a no-fault car insurance state. This means that motorists can no longer turn to their no-fault insurance after an accident and receive financial compensation for specific damages through their personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay).
Instead, injured accident victims must typically bring claims against the other person or party’s insurance provider to receive compensation for their:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- And other damages
This means that, if you were involved in a car accident with someone else, you will have to prove that they were at least partly at fault for the crash. Under Colorado’s rule of modified comparative negligence, you can file a car accident claim for damages if you were partly at fault as long as you were less at fault than the other party.
However, if you are found to share some of the blame, your total recovery will be reduced by your at-fault percentage. So, for example, if the insurance adjuster finds you 25 percent at fault for the car accident, you would only be able to recover up to 75 percent of the total amount you are seeking in damages.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Colorado
One of the key elements of determining liability for a car accident is identifying the cause of the crash. By analyzing how the accident occurred, one can reasonably determine who caused it and, therefore, who is liable for the victim’s damages.
The most common causes of car accidents include:
- Speeding
- Aggressive/reckless driving
- Distracted driving, including texting
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Following too closely/tailgating
- Making unsafe or illegal turns
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Unlawful passing
- Road rage
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Violating traffic laws
- Stopping suddenly causing a rear-end collision
- Driving erratically
- Unsafe merging or lane changes
- Cutting off other drivers
- Fatigued driving
One thing most car accidents have in common is the element of negligence. When other people are careless or reckless, they can cause serious accidents that may result in catastrophic injury or death.
These individuals should be held accountable. Our Denver car accident attorneys can help you take legal action against the liable party and seek the full, fair compensation you are owed.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident?
The exact type of compensation you can recover, as well as the overall value of your case, depends on several things, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical care, your degree of fault (if any), and more.
That being said, many car accident victims are entitled to compensation for the following economic and non-economic damages:
- All reasonable and necessary medical care related to the accident
- Ongoing and future medical costs
- Rehabilitation, surgery, and other treatments
- Prescription medications, medical equipment, and related devices
- Lost income, wages, or employment benefits
- Loss of future expected income
- Lost or diminished earning capacity due to disability or impairment
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and trauma
- Lost or diminished enjoyment of life/quality of life
- Therapy and/or counseling costs
- Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and related conditions
- Significant and/or permanent disfigurement
What are the differences between damage types? Below are three types of damages victims can recover and the difference between each one of them.
Economic Damages
Economic damages related to car accidents in Colorado are typically quantifiable financial losses incurred as a result of the accident. These damages may include:
Medical Expenses: This includes all costs associated with medical treatment for injuries sustained in the accident, such as hospital bills, surgery costs, medication expenses, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: If the accident caused you to miss work due to injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you would have earned during that time. This also includes any future lost earning capacity if your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to work.
Property Damage: Economic damages cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident, such as personal belongings or items inside the vehicle.
Transportation Expenses: If you incurred expenses for alternative transportation while your vehicle was being repaired or if you needed transportation to medical appointments, those costs may be included as economic damages.
Home Modifications: In cases of severe injuries that require modifications to your home to accommodate disabilities or medical equipment, the costs of these modifications may also be considered economic damages.
Assistive Devices: If you require assistive devices such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, or other medical equipment as a result of the accident, the costs of purchasing or renting these devices may be included in economic damages.
Funeral and Burial Expenses: In the tragic event of a fatal car accident, economic damages may cover the costs associated with funeral arrangements, burial or cremation, and related expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are typically more difficult to quantify compared to economic damages because they are more subjective and may vary depending on individual circumstances, but they can still lead to compensation after an accident. These can include the following:
Pain and Suffering: This encompasses the physical pain and discomfort experienced as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident. It also includes emotional distress, mental anguish, and the overall impact of the injuries on the victim’s quality of life.
Emotional Distress: Non-economic damages may include compensation for the emotional distress and psychological trauma caused by the accident, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and other mental health issues resulting from the traumatic event.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injuries significantly impact the victim’s ability to participate in activities and hobbies they enjoyed before the accident, they may be entitled to compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.
Loss of Consortium: This refers to the loss of companionship, care, and support suffered by the victim’s spouse or family members as a result of the injuries. It may include the loss of intimacy, affection, and the inability to engage in familial relationships as before the accident.
Disfigurement and Scarring: If the injuries result in permanent disfigurement, scarring, or other visible impairments that affect the victim’s appearance and self-esteem, they may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional consequences of these changes.
Loss of Reputation: In cases where the injuries cause harm to the victim’s reputation or standing in the community, non-economic damages may be awarded to compensate for the damage to their personal or professional reputation.
Loss of Consortium: If the injuries lead to the loss of consortium, which refers to the loss of companionship, affection, and support from a spouse or partner, the affected individual may be entitled to non-economic damages.
Punitive Damages
In Colorado, punitive damages are a type of compensation awarded in certain personal injury cases to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which aim to compensate the victim for their losses, punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and send a message that certain behavior will not be tolerated.
Essentially, punitive damages serve as a means of holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions and discouraging reckless or malicious behavior.
Below are some punitive damage examples in Colorado:
Purpose: The primary purpose of punitive damages is to punish the defendant for their conduct and to deter others from engaging in similar behavior. They are not intended to compensate the victim for their injuries but rather to serve a broader societal interest in deterring wrongful conduct.
Standard of Proof: In Colorado, punitive damages may be awarded only if the plaintiff can prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s conduct was willful and wanton or reckless. This is a higher standard of proof than the preponderance of the evidence standard typically used in civil cases.
Types of Cases: Punitive damages are typically awarded in cases involving intentional misconduct, fraud, malice, or reckless disregard for the safety of others. They are less commonly awarded in cases of ordinary negligence.
Allocation of Punitive Damages: In cases where punitive damages are awarded, they are typically paid by the defendant rather than by the defendant’s insurance company. However, in some cases, insurance policies may cover them if the conduct that led to the award is covered under the policy.
What Does a Car Accident Attorney Do?
If you were to get injured in a Denver car accident, you will want to call an auto accident lawyer immediately. This is due to the different ways an attorney can help you protect your rights and get the financial compensation you need after a car crash. An experienced car accident lawyer, like Jon Boesen, is a valuable resource for victims of car accidents and their families. Jon will provide a number of services that the injured may find difficult or impossible to do themselves, as well as get the results other law firms cannot get.
These services include:
- Analyzing the facts of your case and determining who was responsible for the accident
- Investigating all aspects of a car crash including police reports, witness statements, photographs, and other evidence
- Negotiating with insurance company to get you fair compensation
- Representing you in court or at trial if necessary
- Filing paperwork needed to open a claim or lawsuit
- Gathering medical records and bills related to the treatment of injuries suffered during the accident
- Calculating economic losses such as lost wages, benefits, cost of future care, etc.
- Estimating non-economic damages such as pain and suffering caused by physical harm resulting from your auto wreck
- Determining whether punitive damages can be collected for intentional actions that lead to personal injury or death after a vehicle collision
- Working with experts like economists who can testify about future income loss due to disability caused by an automobile crash
An experienced attorney can also help with filing claims against negligent drivers who cause crashes, legal advice, help navigate the complex insurance system, and work to ensure that those injured in a crash receive the financial compensation they deserve. With the right car accident attorney by your side, you can rest assured knowing that your rights will be protected throughout every stage of the process.
Our Denver auto accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options, and guide you through the process of filing a claim or lawsuit. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and advise you as to whether or not it is appropriate for us to take on your case. We are here for our clients every step of the way during this difficult time.
Let us fight the insurance company on your behalf. Call us at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online today.
Car Accident Data in Denver
Denver is the 19th most populated city in America and is unfortunately home to thousands of car accidents every year. According to the Denver Regional Council of Governments, almost 68% of all crashes in Denver occur between two or more vehicles, 17% involve stationary objects, over 7% involve a vehicle that is parked, and over 1% involve a pedestrian.
The Denver Department of Transportation states that more than 85% of all traffic accidents in Denver are preventable. One in every five 16-year-olds were involved in a crash, and car accidents are the leading cause of death for those aged 15-20 according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
62% of all car accidents involving a fatality were male, and younger male drivers between 15 and 34 years of age are shown to be disproportionately involved in fatal crashes. Following too closely accounts for 18% of all crashes, and careless driving accounts for 38% of all car accidents in the Denver area, both of which are preventable.
Denver’s High-Risk Intersections for Car Accidents
The Denver Police Department periodically releases an updated list of the most dangerous intersections. As of 2022, the list included:
-
Colorado Blvd and E Colfax Avenue: 44 motor vehicle accidents between January 1 and December 31, 2021.
-
W Mississippi Ave and S Santa Fe Dr: 33 MVAs in the same time period
-
W Mississippi Ave and S Platte River Dr: 32 MVAs in 2022
-
N Tower Rd and E 56th Ave: 31 accidents
Be sure to use extra caution at these intersections.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
At Boesen Law, we are committed to helping you recover every penny you are owed.
Our Denver car accident lawyers work with:
- Accident reconstructionist
- Medical professionals
- And expert witnesses who help us analyze the evidence and provide expert witness testimony on behalf of our clients
We work directly with our clients to develop personalized and innovative legal strategies tailored to their unique situations.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Claim in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations (or filing deadline) for car accident claims is three years from the date of the accident. This is different from the standard two-year statute of limitations that applies to most personal injury lawsuits.
Also, if the defendant in a car accident case works for a government agency (local, state, federal) and the accident occurred while they were performing their duties for the government then the statute of limitations can be as low as 182 days.
However, it is still important that you take immediate action if you wish to sue the liable party for damages. If you wait too long, and the statute of limitations expires, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case. It is important to note that the three-year statute of limitations does not apply to insurance claims.
In fact, you likely have much less time to file an insurance claim after an accident. Most policies require you to file a claim within a “reasonable” time, which could mean several days or a couple of weeks. Additionally, if your loved one died due to a car accident, you only have two years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
The sooner you reach out to our Denver car accident lawyers, the sooner we can begin gathering evidence against the at-fault driver, preparing your personal injury claim, and communicating with the insurance company on your behalf. Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact Boesen Law today to discuss your legal rights and options with a member of our law firm team.
What are the Most Common Injuries From a Car Accident in Denver?
In Denver, as in many other places, car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the use of seat belts and airbags, and the point of impact. While every accident is unique, there are some common injuries that tend to occur more frequently. Here are some of the most common injuries from car accidents in Denver:
Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked backward and then forward, causing the soft tissues in the neck to stretch and strain. It is a common injury in rear-end collisions and can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, are common in car accidents and can affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion.
Back Injuries: Car accidents can cause a variety of back injuries, including herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and fractures of the vertebrae. These injuries can result in chronic pain, numbness or tingling in the limbs, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Head Injuries: Head injuries are a serious concern in car accidents, particularly if the head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or other hard surfaces. Head injuries can range from concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) to skull fractures and lacerations. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and changes in mood or behavior.
Fractures and Broken Bones: Car accidents can cause fractures and broken bones in any part of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Fractures may require surgery, immobilization with casts or braces, and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a car accident can cause internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and bruising of the internal organs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time if left untreated.
Psychological Injuries: In addition to physical injuries, car accidents can also result in psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These injuries may require counseling or therapy to address the emotional impact of the accident.
We Offer No Legal Fees Unless We Win
Many people are understandably concerned about the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer. After all, when you are already dealing with expensive medical bills and lost income, paying for an attorney can seem like just another expense.
However, at Boesen Law, we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means that our attorneys’ fees are contingent on them winning your case. In other words, you pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket when you work with our firm, and our attorneys only collect legal fees if they recover a settlement or verdict for you.
We encourage you to reach out to our legal team today to learn more. Our multilingual staff can assist you in English, Russian or Spanish, and we offer same-day appointments by request.
Why Hire Boesen Law As Your Car Accident Lawyer in Denver
Boesen Law wants to turn every client that we work with into someone that lets other people know the kind of job that we did for them and that we’ll do the same for someone that’s in a situation where they need a personal injury attorney.
Our Denver car accident attorneys always try to meet potential clients in person to better understand who they are, what they have been through, and how we can help. However, we can also discuss your car accident case over the phone at no cost if you are unable to make it into our office.
If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle collision, the most important thing you can do is call us as soon as you can. If you know someone that’s been involved in a motor vehicle collision, push them to give us a phone call as soon as possible. When we can talk with you early in a potential case or a claim during our initial consultation, it’s going to make a difference. What you don’t know will hurt you in these kinds of claims, and so we want to make sure that we educate you, inform you so that you make good decisions.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
