It happens quickly. One minute, you’re getting on I-25 in Colorado under a clear blue sky. The next, you hear tires screeching, feel a jolt, and your car moves forward. Your heart is beating fast. You don’t know if you’re hurt, but you do know that your day has changed.
Car accidents are too much to handle. Most people feel lost because they have to deal with police reports, medical visits, and insurance calls. That’s when a Denver auto accident attorney comes in. This article goes over your legal rights, explains how fault works in Colorado, and shows how companies like Nares Law Group help people get back on their feet after terrible accidents. This guide will help you figure out what to do next, whether you were hit at a stoplight on Colfax or sideswiped on I-70.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Denver
What you do right after a crash is important:
- Stay calm and put safety first. Look for injuries.
- Call 911 right away if someone is hurt.
- Get to a safe place. If you can, pull your car over to the side of the road or to a nearby parking lot.
- Please call the police. A report is an important piece of evidence for your case.
- Share information. Get names, phone numbers, and information about their insurance.
- Keep records of everything. Your claim will be stronger if you have photos, videos, and contact information for witnesses.
Go to the doctor within 24 hours, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like concussions or whiplash, don’t show up right away. Your lawyer will need all of your records and receipts to figure out how much money you owe.
Learning about Colorado’s Fault Laws
Colorado uses a “fault-based” system, which means that the person who caused the accident has to pay for the damage. That’s not the whole story, though. The state also uses comparative negligence, which means that if you’re partly to blame, your compensation can be cut by the amount of blame you have.
For instance, think about how you would feel if someone hit you from behind at a red light when one of your brake lights was out. Even if you are found 10% at fault, you can still get 90% of your damages back. A Denver auto accident attorney can help make sure that your fault percentage is fair and that you aren’t held responsible for more than what is fair.
Colorado also has deadlines for when lawsuits must be filed. The law says that most personal injury cases must be filed within two years of the accident. If you miss that window, you might lose your right to get better. That’s why it’s so important to get legal help right away.
What Causes Car Accidents in Denver Most Often
Cautious drivers can’t stop other people from doing things on the road. Some of the most common causes are:
- Texting or using GPS while driving is a big problem.
- Going too fast on highways like I-70 and I-25
- Driving while drunk or high
- Aggressive lane changes or following too closely
- Snow, ice, or rain that makes the roads slippery
You can get money for your injuries and losses if you were in a crash because another driver was careless. Companies like Nares Law Group work to hold careless drivers accountable and make sure that victims don’t have to pay for medical bills that weren’t their fault.
Different kinds of damages you can get back
People often wonder, “What can I really get paid for?” after an accident. It depends on your situation, but most claims include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include costs that can be measured, such as:
- Costs of medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and the ability to earn less
- Car repairs and damage to property
Non-economic damages deal with the effects that are harder to measure:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional pain
- Not enjoying life anymore
If someone dies in a crash, their family may also be able to get wrongful death damages. A caring team at a Denver personal injury law firm like Nares Law Group helps survivors deal with these complicated claims with care and respect.
How the Nares Law Group Helps You
Your lawyer’s job is to look out for your best interests from the first call to the last settlement. We at Nares Law Group treat every case as if it were going to trial because being well-prepared often leads to better settlements.
Most of the time, our process includes:
- Investigation: looking over witness statements, police reports, and photos.
- Gathering evidence: Getting proof of employment and medical records.
- Negotiation: Dealing with all talks with insurance companies.
- Litigation (if needed): Taking your case to court when a settlement isn’t fair.
Lawyers work for insurance companies to keep their costs down. A good Denver auto accident attorney who knows the law and how the local courts work can give you the same level of protection.
A Real-Life Example
Let’s imagine it. You are driving home from work on Federal Boulevard. Traffic is steady until a driver who isn’t paying attention hits your car from behind at a stoplight. You have a sharp pain in your shoulder, but you think it will go away. Your doctor suggests physical therapy a week later because the pain is worse.
It sounds good when the insurance company offers you $2,000 to settle, but then you remember that your therapy will cost more than that. That’s when you contact Nares Law Group. Your lawyer collects evidence, shows that you still need medical care, and works out a settlement that pays for both your current and future care.
This is the kind of thing that happens every day that makes having a lawyer important. You’re not just fighting for money; you’re also fighting for stability.
Picking the Right Lawyer
Not every lawyer works on car accident cases all the time. It really matters to pick one who knows a lot about Colorado’s personal injury laws. Before you hire someone, ask them how many car accident cases they’ve worked on in Denver.
How do you handle negotiations and lawsuits?
Who will let me know about changes?
What percentage of your contingency fee do you charge?
You don’t have to pay anything at Nares Law Group until we win your case. That openness helps clients focus on getting better instead of worrying about money.
The Legal Process: From Claim to Resolution
An investigation is the first step in every claim. Your lawyer will send a demand letter to the insurance company after your health gets better. This letter lists the damages, medical costs, and amount you want.
It can take weeks or even months to reach an agreement. Most cases settle before they go to court, but if the insurance companies don’t act in good faith, your lawyer can sue them. Trials in Denver County Court can take a long time, but many victims feel empowered by the process because it gives them a voice and a way to move on.
Communication is very important during all of this. We keep our clients up to date at Nares Law Group so they always know what’s going on.
Working with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are taught to keep payouts to a minimum. They may seem sympathetic, but they are loyal to their boss. Offering quick but low settlements, taking a long time to respond, or twisting your words to make your claim seem less valuable are all common tactics.
Don’t give recorded statements without first getting legal advice. A single wrong word could hurt your case. Having a lawyer handle all communication stops those expensive mistakes.
The Effects of Car Accidents Over Time
A lot of the time, physical injuries are just the beginning. Many people who are hurt in crashes have to deal with emotional trauma, anxiety, and depression. Some people have trouble with medical debt or problems at work.
A Denver car accident lawyer doesn’t just look at the bills that need to be paid right away. They also think about how the accident will affect you in the long term, such as chronic pain, less ability to earn money, and the need for therapy. The goal isn’t just to get a check; it’s to make your life better.
Moving Forward
If you’ve been in a crash in Denver or the surrounding areas, don’t wait to get help. Getting legal advice early helps keep evidence and makes your case stronger. Nares Law Group offers free consultations to help you learn about your rights, the damages you may be able to get, and what to do next to get better.
Our lawyers are familiar with Denver’s roads, courts, and insurance companies. We’ve seen how a strong case can make a client’s future better.
FAQ’s
How soon after a crash should I get in touch with a Denver auto accident attorney?
As soon as you can. Taking action early helps keep evidence safe and stops mistakes from happening in insurance claims or recorded statements.
Do I have to pay for legal services in advance?
No. Most personal injury law firms, like Nares Law Group, work on a “no win, no fee” basis. This means you don’t have to pay anything unless we get you money.
What if I was partly to blame for the accident?
If you were less than 50% at fault, you can still get money back. Your fault percentage lowers the amount of money you get.
How long will it take for my case to be heard?
It depends on how well you heal and how willing the insurance company is to talk. Some cases are settled in a few months, while others take longer.
What sets Nares Law Group apart from other Denver car accident lawyers?
We use our knowledge of the area and give each client personal attention. You will talk directly to your lawyer, not a case manager, and they will always be honest and clear with you.
Can a Denver personal injury law firm help people who don’t have insurance?
Yes. We look into all of your coverage options, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits that come with your own policy.
Talk to a Denver Auto Accident Attorney Today
Accidents don’t just hurt people; they also change their lives. The effects can seem never-ending, from pain and medical bills to sleepless nights. But with the right legal help, you can get back in charge.
If you’ve been hurt on the roads in Colorado, get in touch with Nares Law Group. Our team of experienced Denver auto accident attorney is ready to fight for the money and peace of mind you deserve. To set up your free consultation, call us today or fill out our contact form.