If you are involved in a car accident, it’s vital to know how to prove liability and the value of having experienced legal counsel on your side. A Colorado car accident attorney can help you determine the exact cause of your accident and assist you in holding the at-fault driver accountable for the harm they have caused. The sooner you connect with an attorney, the more likely you will be to succeed with your recovery efforts.
These Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents
When you have been severely hurt in a recent accident, you may have little to no recollection of the accident and how it happened. You will need an experienced attorney’s help to assert liability for the incident and to hold the appropriate party or parties accountable for the harm they have done. Most accidents throughout the state happen because of various forms of driver negligence, including:
- Distracted driving. Cell phone use behind the wheel and any other activities that take a driver’s hands, eyes, and focus away from driving are inherently dangerous. Distracted driving is one of the most commonly reported causes of car accidents in the state, and you may need various forms of evidence to prove that your recent accident happened because another driver was distracted.
- Speeding. This is not only one of the most commonly reported causes of accidents in the state but also one of the leading contributing factors to the fatal accident rate each year. Speeding makes it harder for a driver to slow down or stop if traffic patterns suddenly change.
- Traffic violations. Illegal turns, running red lights and stop signs, and failure to yield the right-of-way are just a few common examples of traffic violations that can lead to serious accidents.
While most accidents in the state happen because of negligence, it is also possible for accidents to happen from illegal misconduct. The most common example of this is driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, and a driver who causes an accident in this manner faces criminal penalties alongside civil liability for a victim’s damages. Your car accident attorney in Colorado can explain what implications this could have on your recovery.
Recovering From an Accident
Every driver in the state is required to have auto insurance, and this insurance can apply after any kind of accident. The injured driver files a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, the insurance company investigates the claim, and then the insurance company issues a settlement offer to the claimant. However, there is no guarantee that insurance alone will cover the victim’s damages or that dealing with insurance companies will be easy.
If you cannot fully recover your damages through insurance alone, you will need to file a personal injury claim against the driver who caused your recent accident. This can enable you to recover compensation for any damages their insurance can’t cover. Beyond your direct financial losses, you also have the right to seek pain and suffering compensation up to the limit enforced by state law.
A Colorado car accident attorney can be an invaluable asset, no matter what your recovery requires. You have a limited time in which to file an auto insurance claim after an accident, and you also contend with the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim. You are more likely to succeed with both of these recovery efforts if you have legal counsel you can trust to represent you.
FAQs About Common Causes of Car Accidents in Colorado
What Is the No. 1 Cause of Car Accidents?
Driver negligence is cited as the most common cause of all vehicle accidents nationwide. Distracted driving, such as cell phone use behind the wheel, is a pervasive issue in every state, and accidents also occur from speeding and traffic violations. However, the leading cause of fatal accidents in the state is intoxicated driving. DUI rates have increased over recent years, and consumption of drugs and alcohol has become a top-reported cause of fatal crashes.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Your first step after any serious accident is reporting the accident to 911 and waiting for first responders to arrive. If you feel well enough to do so safely, you can take photos of the scene of the crash, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle. Once the police allow you to leave, you should seek medical care immediately, even if you think you only suffered minor injuries. After addressing your medical issues, speak with an experienced Colorado car accident attorney.
How Do I Prove Fault for a Car Accident?
State law requires that you prove fault for your recent accident before you can claim any compensation for your damages. Your car accident attorney can help with this, assisting you with gathering various forms of evidence to assist you in proving liability. Vehicle computer data, cell phone records, eyewitness statements, traffic camera video footage, and even expert witness testimony could be crucial for proving fault in your case.
Do I Have to Report an Accident to 911?
State law requires drivers to report any accident resulting in significant property damage, bodily injury, or death. If you are unsure whether you need to report an accident, it is always wise to err on the side of caution and report it. This will generate a police report to which you may refer later and will prevent you from facing penalties for failure to report the accident.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Even if the fault for your recent accident seems perfectly clear, you should not assume that you can handle your case on your own. Hiring legal counsel significantly improves your chance of success with your recovery efforts. Your attorney can help maximize an auto insurance claim settlement and secure as much compensation as possible from a subsequent personal injury claim. You’re more likely to secure maximum recovery with an attorney’s help.
Reach Out To Us To Get A Free Consultation
The team at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard has years of experience helping our clients with all types of motor vehicle accident claims. We’re ready to put this experience to work in your case, so contact us today and schedule a free consultation with a trustworthy Colorado car accident attorney.
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