Car accidents are stressful and often result in serious physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. However, after such an incident in Fort Collins, you can seek justice through the legal system to hold responsible parties accountable and get the compensation you need to cover the cost of your injuries.
Here, having the right legal support can make all the difference. At Boesen Law, our team of dedicated personal injury lawyers in Fort Collins has been helping injured victims for over a decade. We’re committed to guiding you through every step, protecting your rights, and fighting for the financial restitution you’re entitled to by law.
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.
Why Choose Our Fort Collins Car Accident Lawyers? – Our Experience is the Difference
Our team at Boesen Law brings a wealth of knowledge and a strategic approach to each case, ensuring every detail is meticulously handled. Specifically, we can help you by:
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing you in court
To evaluate your case and provide you with the guidance needed to make informed decisions, we offer free in-person consultations in Fort Collins. During our meeting, we’ll listen to your story and provide a clear assessment of the best path to pursue moving forward.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fort Collins
If you’re looking to pursue legal action after a car accident, our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation on your behalf. This way, we can identify the root cause of your accident and determine who is responsible for compensating you, with strong evidence backing up your compensation claim.
The most frequent causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Weather conditions
- Reckless driving
- Mechanical failures
Car Accident Statistics and Trends in Fort Collins
Recent data reveals troubling trends in the frequency, causes, and severity of car accidents in Fort Collins. According to a report from the City of Fort Collins – Traffic Operations:
- 9.7% of yearly crashes involved an injury or fatality.
- The percentage of severe crashes increased from 7-8% pre-pandemic to 13.9% in 2022.
- Motor vehicle crashes account for the largest percentage of severe crashes (about 2 out of every 3).
- There has been a significant increase in minor injury crashes involving only motor vehicles.
- Fort Collins has a fatal crash rate of 7.9 crashes per 100,000 population, which is higher than most other cities in Colorado.
If you find yourself in such an unfortunate circumstance, our aim is to simplify the legal process for you by leveraging our expertise.
Injuries Sustained in Car Collisions
In most of the claims we have filled for our clients, these common injuries are frequently considered when asking for compensation:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations and bruises
However, each case is unique and demands the devotion of caring professionals to guide you through contemplating all the implications of the accident. We invite you to discuss your case in a free in-person consultation to learn more about your options and determine the validity of your case.
What to Do After a Car Accident?
The moments following a car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in protecting your health, legal rights, and financial recovery. Acting quickly ensures that key evidence is preserved and helps lay the foundation for your claim. Here’s what you need to do after a car accident:
- Check for injuries and seek medical attention: Safety is the top priority. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured, and seek medical care even if you don’t feel hurt. Injuries like concussions or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms right away, but prompt medical documentation is crucial for your case.
- Call the police and file a report: In Colorado, it’s mandatory to report accidents that result in injury or significant property damage. Make sure to get a copy of the police report, which will play a vital role in establishing fault and supporting your insurance claim.
- Document the accident scene: Take photos of the vehicles, visible injuries, road conditions, and any contributing factors such as traffic signs or skid marks. Collect witness contact information and write down your own notes about the events leading to the accident.
- Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurer about the accident as soon as possible, but avoid making detailed statements until you consult with an attorney. Insurers may try to use your words against you to minimize your claim.
- Consult with a car accident lawyer: A Fort Collins car accident lawyer will review the facts of your case, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and guide you through the legal process to maximize your compensation.
Following these steps ensures your health and legal interests are protected, putting you in the best position to pursue fair compensation.
Is Colorado a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
Colorado is not a no-fault state. Instead, it follows a fault-based system, meaning injured individuals can file claims against the at-fault party. The comparative negligence rule, as per C.R.S. § 13-21-111, allows for damages to be adjusted based on each party’s degree of fault.
Car Accident and Car Insurance Laws in Colorado
In Colorado, all drivers are required by law to carry minimum liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage in automotive accidents. This insurance must cover medical and rehabilitation expenses up to $25,000. Colorado operates on a comparative negligence basis for auto claims, meaning that involved parties can recover compensation in proportion to their contribution to the accident. For example, if your damages total $200,000 and you are found to be 10% responsible for the accident, you would receive $180,000 in compensation. Unlike other personal injury cases, most auto accidents in Colorado have a statute of limitations of three years.
How To File A Fort Collins Car Accident Lawsuit
Filing a car accident lawsuit is often necessary when insurance companies deny fair compensation or when multiple parties share liability. The process can seem complex, but with the right legal guidance, you can navigate it confidently. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when filing a lawsuit after a car accident in Fort Collins:
- Consult an attorney: Before filing, schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer to assess the merits of your case and identify potential compensation avenues.
- Gather evidence: Strong cases rely on compelling evidence. This includes medical records, witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and the police report.
- File the complaint: Your attorney will draft and file a legal complaint in civil court, detailing your injuries, the at-fault party’s negligence, and the compensation you’re seeking.
- Serve the defendant: The other party must be formally notified of the lawsuit. This is known as “service of process” and is required to move the case forward.
- Enter the discovery phase: Both sides exchange evidence and gather additional information through depositions, interrogatories, and expert witness consultations.
- Negotiate a settlement: Many car accident cases are resolved before trial through negotiations. A skilled lawyer will leverage the evidence to secure the best possible settlement.
- Go to trial (if necessary): If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case will proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine fault and award damages.
Filing a lawsuit may seem daunting, but working with experienced legal counsel ensures every step is handled efficiently, giving you the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.
How Do I Prove Liability in a Car Accident?
Proving liability in a car accident is the cornerstone of any successful claim for compensation. In Colorado, liability is determined based on negligence—meaning you must prove that the other driver or party failed to act responsibly, resulting in the accident and your injuries. The process involves multiple steps, with each stage requiring specific evidence and careful legal strategy. Insurance companies may contest fault to limit their payouts, making it essential to build a compelling case.
Here’s how we approach proving liability:
Establishing the Duty of Care
Every driver on the road has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and in compliance with traffic laws to prevent harm to others. This is called the duty of care. Your attorney will demonstrate that the at-fault driver owed this duty of care, which applies to everyone operating a vehicle in Colorado, whether on highways, city streets, or residential areas. For example, drivers are required to obey speed limits, yield the right-of-way, and avoid distractions while driving. These basic responsibilities form the foundation of duty of care, which must first be established to hold someone accountable for a crash.
Showing a Breach of Duty
The next step is to prove that the other driver breached their duty of care. Common examples of breaches include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distractions
- Running a red light or ignoring stop signs
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Speeding or driving recklessly
To prove a breach, your car accident lawyer will gather evidence such as traffic camera footage, dashcam videos, eyewitness statements, and police reports. These sources can show that the other driver acted irresponsibly, violating their duty of care and contributing to the accident.
Linking the Breach to Your Injuries (Causation)
It’s not enough to show that the other driver was negligent—you also need to prove that their actions directly caused the accident and your injuries. This is where the concept of causation comes into play. Your lawyer will connect the dots between the negligent behavior and the injuries you suffered.
Evidence used to prove causation often includes:
- Medical records detailing your injuries and treatment
- Accident reconstruction reports explaining how the crash occurred
- Expert testimony from medical professionals and accident analysts
This stage ensures that the other driver’s actions are directly linked to your damages and injuries—preventing insurers from arguing that your injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to the accident.
Proving Damages
Proving liability also involves showing the extent of the damages you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. This includes not only financial losses but also emotional and physical harm.
Detailed documentation of these losses—such as medical bills, pay stubs, and expert evaluations—is crucial to ensuring you pursue the maximum compensation possible. Your attorney will work to capture the full scope of your losses, leaving no room for insurers to undervalue your claim.
Navigating Colorado’s Comparative Negligence Rules
Colorado follows the principle of modified comparative negligence. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you could still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if you were found to be 20% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, your award would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000. Insurers often try to shift as much blame as possible onto you to lower their liability, making it critical to have a lawyer who can push back and reduce your share of fault.
How Boesen Law Proves Liability in Car Accident Cases
At Boesen Law, our team conducts thorough investigations, collects all relevant evidence, and consults with experts to build a solid case. Whether we’re dealing with clear-cut liability or heavily disputed claims, we fight to ensure you are treated fairly and that any attempts to blame you for the accident are effectively countered.
Types of Compensation Available for Injury and Property Damage
Medical bills, lost wages, and the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged property can quickly add up, creating significant stress for victims. Overall, these are the types of compensation we will consider in your claim:
Medical Expenses
Compensation for medical expenses covers hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and any other medical treatments required due to the accident.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost wages. Additionally, you can recover future lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income.
Pain and Suffering
You can claim compensation for the non-economic damages you’ve experienced as a result of your injuries, including physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Rehabilitation Costs
If you require ongoing rehabilitation or therapy to recover from your injuries, you can also be compensated for these costs.
Property Damage
This includes compensation to cover the costs for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Our team of personal injury lawyers at Boesen Law can thoroughly calculate your damages to ensure your compensation claim covers all possible costs. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions on behalf of our clients in Fort Collins, and we can do the same for you.
When It’s Recommended to Contact an Attorney After an Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, contacting an attorney at Boesen Law as soon as possible it’s always wise. This is especially true in situations involving:
- Severe injuries or fatalities: If the accident resulted in severe injuries or death, legal representation is vital to ensure fair compensation.
- Disputes over fault: When there is disagreement about who is at fault, an attorney can help establish liability.
- Uncooperative insurance companies: If the insurance company is uncooperative or offers a low settlement, our car accident lawyers can negotiate on your behalf.
- Complex cases involving multiple parties: Accidents involving multiple parties can be complicated, such as ride-sharing accidents, but an experienced attorney will fight for your best interests.
The right legal representation can make all the difference in your car accident case. Our lawyers are available 24/7 to answer the questions of our clients and provide guidance and support to make informed decisions in challenging situations.
Contact a Fort Collins Car Accident Lawyer Today – Available for Our Clients 24/7
With a reputation for maximizing compensation in personal injury cases, we have the necessary knowledge and experience to manage even the most complex cases in Fort Collins.
We offer a free in-person consultation to discuss your claim’s validity and potential value, giving you an idea of the compensation you can get and the legal avenues available to you.
Don’t wait to seek the justice you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
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.