Colorado Springs Car Accident Attorneys
Understanding Car Accident Claims in Colorado
Most car accidents are preventable, which makes it even more frustrating if you are injured. If you or a loved one were harmed in an accident due to someone else’s irresponsibility, now is the time to explore your legal options with a car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs.
At Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C., our car accident law firm utilizes our extensive experience and knowledge of personal injury law to help injury victims receive compensation for their injuries. Our understanding of Colorado's unique legal framework is critical in ensuring our clients navigate the complexities of state-specific car accident claims effectively.
Our car accident attorneys in Colorado Springs will collect the information and testimony needed to persuasively argue our clients' eligibility for relief. We emphasize the importance of acting swiftly in these cases, as the statute of limitations in Colorado can affect the timeline for your claim. Understanding the nuances of these laws is crucial to safeguarding your right to compensation.
Call Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C. today at (719) 625-3310 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our car accident attorney in Colorado Springs!
Key Actions to Take After a Car Accident
In the aftermath of a car accident, taking specific steps is crucial to protecting your rights and interests. The chaos and confusion immediately following an accident can be overwhelming, making it difficult to think clearly or act logically. Knowing beforehand what to do can help you act appropriately and strengthen your chances of recovering compensation for damages and injuries.
After a car accident, you should:
- Ensure Safety: First and foremost, assess your injuries and immediate safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe distance from traffic.
- Call 911: Inform the authorities about the accident. They will dispatch police and medical assistance to the scene. A police report can be valuable evidence for your case later on.
- Document the Scene: Take detailed pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. These can provide necessary visual evidence.
- Exchange Information: Collect the other driver's name, contact information, and insurance details. Provide your information to them as well.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor as soon as possible after the accident, even if you feel okay. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent. Your health and safety are paramount, and documented medical evaluations can be crucial in connecting your injuries to the accident.
- Get a Copy of the Police Report: The report will contain important details about the accident, which can be helpful for your claim. This documentation often includes witness statements and an official account of the event.
- Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: Consult a car accident attorney in Colorado Springs. They can help navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation for injuries and damages. An experienced attorney can guide you through nuanced state laws and represent your interests against insurers.
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a record of all medical treatment, expenses, and any lost wages related to the accident. This can help quantify the financial impact of the accident and substantiate your claim. Regular updates and documentation reflect the full scope of your case's impact.
Can I Pursue Additional Compensation After Insurance Settles?
Since most insurance settlements state that the amount agreed upon will be the only compensation paid, it’s usually challenging to pursue any more compensation once you sign a settlement. It's vital to have a clear understanding of the terms before agreeing to a settlement to ensure you don't forfeit any future legal rights to additional claims.
If you have already signed an agreement, you may still have options. Call our experienced lawyers today to learn how our Colorado Springs accident law firm can assist you. We can provide insights into any potential breaches or misinterpretations of insurance terms that may allow for further legal action.
Top Reasons for Car Accidents
In most car accidents, negligence is assigned to one or more drivers. For example, if you were driving and following all of the laws, but another driver hit you while they were texting and driving, it would be a clear-cut case. However, some accidents may not be as clear, requiring thorough investigations by a legal professional. Understanding common causes can help in identifying liable parties.
Common causes of car accidents include:
- Driving over the speed limit
- Driving recklessly
- Failure to signal
- Not following traffic laws
- Disregarding traffic conditions
- Disregarding weather conditions
- Texting and driving
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
Local Laws & Procedures in Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs, handling car accident claims involves understanding specific local laws. Colorado is an at-fault state, which means that the driver responsible for the accident must cover the damages. This affects how claims are approached, as proving negligence is vital.
Your claim must adhere to the state's statute of limitations, which is three years for car accident claims. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit after the accident. Working with attorneys familiar with local and state regulations can ensure compliance and strengthen your case.
Why Choose Our Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyers?
Our legal team has extensive experience handling all types of auto accidents. Whether your accident was caused by drunk driving or a defective auto part, our Colorado Springs auto accident lawyers are prepared and equipped to fight for your maximum compensation. We remain steadfast in navigating complex cases, always aiming for the best possible outcomes for our clients.
At Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C., our legal team of car accident lawyers in Colorado Springs has a strong track record of success and a reputation for being result-oriented and client-centered. Our commitment to understanding local cases aids in tailoring strategies that resonate with Colorado laws and expectations.
Contact Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C. by calling (719) 625-3310 today to schedule a meeting with our car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs!
What if Your Injury Was Caused by a Minor Auto Accident?
Is this what happened to you? You have had persistent neck pain since being in a car accident six months ago. That rear-end collision left very little damage to the back of your automobile. The insurance adjuster for the driver who rear-ended you says the collision did not cause your neck pain because there was no damage to your vehicle. However, invisible trauma can manifest later as significant discomfort and diminishing quality of life.
What Do You Do?
You should consult lawyers experienced in car accident cases and personal injury claims. The situation above is a typical response from insurance adjusters when there is little or no visible damage to your motor vehicle after a collision. But just because there was minor damage to your car does not mean you weren't injured. Our car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs will be with you every step of the way, ensuring that every aspect of your injury is recorded and argued effectively for proper compensation in alignment with legal standards.
Are You Suffering From Neck Pain?
The law requires you to prove your neck pain was a result of the car accident. In Etherton v. Owners Insurance Company, the Federal Courts instructed judges to use a practical approach to decide if a car crash caused the injury:
- Is it possible your neck pain was from the collision?
- Did your neck pain begin soon after the accident?
- Were you free of neck pain until this motor vehicle accident?
- Do your medical records show there is no other likely reason why you developed neck pain?
If a lawyer thoroughly investigates your case and documents that the answer to these questions is “yes,” it is not fair for the insurance company to deny your claim. A strong legal strategy encompasses thorough evidence collection and professional medical consultations to establish undeniable connections.
Our lawyers have the knowledge and experience to ensure that you are treated fairly by insurance companies. We know that engineering studies show no direct correlation between the amount of damage to a car and whether the people inside were injured. There are scientific reasons why one person can be killed, but another can walk away without a scratch from the same accident. Our Colorado Springs car accident lawyers have handled many auto accident cases and can help you seek the compensation you deserve. This understanding aids in dispelling myths insurance companies use to minimize payouts, ensuring your case is fair and balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do if the At-Fault Driver Doesn't Have Insurance?
If you find yourself in an accident where the at-fault driver does not have insurance, consider uninsured motorist coverage if it's part of your policy. Colorado law mandates that insurance companies offer Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can help cover damages when the other driver lacks coverage.
Contacting an experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your options. They will explore avenues like UM/UIM policies and examine other aspects such as the at-fault driver’s assets, which could potentially be used for compensation.
How Is Fault Determined in a Colorado Car Accident?
In Colorado, determining fault typically involves examining evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos. Liability may be influenced by comparative negligence rules, where compensation is adjusted based on each party's percentage of fault.
Our team at Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C. diligently gathers and analyzes all relevant data to establish facts and advocate for a fair attribution of fault. This meticulous approach ensures that we present a compelling case on your behalf.
How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take?
The timeline for resolving a car accident lawsuit can vary significantly based on factors such as case complexity, court schedules, and the willingness of involved parties to negotiate. On average, it could take from several months to a few years.
At Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C., we strive to resolve each case efficiently, balancing the need for a thorough investigation with strategic urgency to bring about the best possible outcome for our clients in a timely manner.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Car Accident Attorney Today
At Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C., our clients are never just numbers to us. We work closely with them and their families to learn how their accident impacted their lives; then, we diligently seek compensation to address their immediate and long-term needs. Our deep understanding of local conditions and regulations positions us to provide advice and representation that is specifically tailored to meet the challenges of Colorado's legal landscape.
Need help from a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer? Dial (719) 625-3310 or contact us online today.
Providing Unparalleled Customer Service
Our past clients say it best! Hear what they have to say about working with our firm.
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“Derry Adams is always upfront and doesn't sugarcoat anything. She led me through a painful journey that forced accountability on the other party. I could not have continued the process without Derry's strength, wisdom and guidance.”- Former Client
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“Gary Craw made me feel very comfortable. If I ever need help again I will go to him.”- Katherin
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“Gary Craw is a highly knowledgeable attorney that treats you like a person, not a case. Look no further you've found the best.”- Angelo
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“They will protect your best interests!”- Paul
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“Gary Craw is very professional and knowledgeable, and he gives a hundred and fifty percent to each case, and I would recommend him to anyone in the future.”- Raymond Purvis
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Among everything else that you did extremely well, I was impressed with how organized you were with all the paperwork. I liked the follow-up letter with reminders about what to do.- Susie
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“Tom Herd is sharp, has incredible insight, is an effective communicator, and you will feel like you have a very knowledgeable friend helping you and representing you full circle.”- Barb
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“We appreciate their efforts, time and hard work.”- Jessie