Lakewood’s West Colfax Avenue and the congested Wadsworth Boulevard corridor see thousands of daily commuters mixing with distracted drivers and aggressive lane changes. If you were injured near the intersection of 6th Avenue and Kipling, or in the chaos surrounding the Colorado Mills area, you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies that prioritize their bottom line over your recovery. Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rules mean even a small mistake on your part can reduce your settlement—unless you have an attorney who knows how Jefferson County courts evaluate these claims.
Get a Free Car Accident Case Review
As a dedicated Lakewood personal injury law firm, Cheney Galluzzi & Howard has represented car accident victims throughout Jefferson County for years. We understand the unique challenges Lakewood drivers face—from the high-speed merges on C-470 to the pedestrian-heavy zones near Belmar—and we know how to build cases that hold negligent drivers accountable in local courts.
Proven Results for Lakewood Crash Victims
Recently, we represented a client who was T-boned by a driver running a red light at the intersection of Union Boulevard and West Alameda Avenue. The at-fault driver’s insurance company initially offered a settlement that barely covered emergency room costs, let alone the months of physical therapy our client required. By obtaining traffic camera footage from the City of Lakewood and securing testimony from witnesses at a nearby gas station, we negotiated a settlement that covered all medical expenses, lost income from three months of missed work, and compensation for ongoing pain.
Deep Knowledge of Lakewood Traffic Laws and Courts
We navigate the specific procedures of the Jefferson County Combined Court and understand how Lakewood’s municipal traffic ordinances—including the city’s aggressive enforcement of distracted driving laws under Lakewood Municipal Code § 10-3-16—impact liability determinations. We also work directly with Lakewood Police Department accident reconstruction teams to obtain official reports that strengthen your claim.
Our Lakewood Car Accident Case Process
Step 1: Immediate Investigation & Evidence Preservation
We request traffic camera footage from the City of Lakewood Public Works Department and CDOT for accidents on state highways like C-470 or West 6th Avenue. We also coordinate with Lakewood Police to obtain the official crash report and witness statements before they’re lost or altered.
Step 2: Filing & Negotiation with Jefferson County Courts
We file your claim with the Jefferson County Combined Court and handle all communication with insurance adjusters. Colorado’s comparative negligence statute (C.R.S. § 13-21-111) means we must meticulously document the other driver’s fault to maximize your recovery.
Step 3: Settlement or Trial Representation
Most cases settle, but if the insurance company refuses a fair offer, we’re prepared to take your case to trial at the Jefferson County Justice Center in Golden. Our trial experience means insurers know we won’t back down.
Why You Need a Lakewood Car Accident Attorney
Some accident victims try to handle their claims alone, believing they can negotiate directly with the insurance company. This is almost always a mistake.
Here’s why:
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. Adjusters are trained to minimize your injuries, question your credibility, and pressure you into accepting lowball offers.
The legal process is complex. Filing deadlines, evidence rules, and liability statutes are not intuitive. A single procedural error can derail your case.
You’re vulnerable while healing. Recovering from injuries is stressful enough without the added burden of managing a legal claim. Representing yourself while injured can harm both your health and your case.An experienced attorney levels the playing field. We know the tactics insurers use, and we know how to counter them.
Related Lakewood Legal Services
If your car accident involved catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability, our Lakewood catastrophic injury attorneys can help you pursue the maximum compensation for lifelong care needs.
Tragically, some car accidents result in fatalities. If you lost a loved one due to another driver’s negligence, our Lakewood wrongful death lawyers can guide your family through a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs, lost future income, and damages for your loss.
Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection. If you or a loved one was struck while walking or biking in Lakewood, see our Lakewood pedestrian accident and bicycle accident services for specialized representation.
Why Choose Cheney Galluzzi & Howard for Your Lakewood Car Accident Case?
Throughout our many years representing Colorado car accident victims, the team at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured by negligent drivers. We understand that every case is unique—whether you were rear-ended on West 6th Avenue, sideswiped in a Belmar parking lot, or hit by a drunk driver near Bear Creek Lake Park—and we tailor our strategy to your specific circumstances.
What Sets Us Apart
Deep Local Knowledge: We know Jefferson County’s courts, judges, and insurance defense tactics. This isn’t our first case in Lakewood—it’s one of hundreds.
Comprehensive Legal Experience: From minor fender-benders to multi-vehicle pileups causing traumatic brain injuries, we’ve handled it all. Our experience means we anticipate problems before they arise.Personalized Representation: You’re not a case number. We take the time to understand your injuries, your financial pressures, and your goals. Then we build a strategy designed specifically for you.
Personalized Representation: You’re not a case number. We take the time to understand your injuries, your financial pressures, and your goals. Then we build a strategy designed specifically for you.
Understanding Car Accident Claims in Colorado
Car accident cases fall under personal injury law and arise when one driver’s negligence causes harm to another person. Negligence means the at-fault driver failed to exercise reasonable care—whether through distraction, intoxication, speeding, or violating traffic laws.
Not all accidents qualify for a claim. If both drivers share equal fault, or if the crash resulted from an unavoidable event (like a sudden medical emergency), you may not have a viable case. However, Colorado’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault—as long as you were less than 50% responsible.
What Damages Can You Recover?
A successful car accident settlement in Lakewood may cover:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages from time off work during recovery
- Diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
- Pain and suffering for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle
Medical bills alone can devastate a family’s finances. A fair settlement ensures you’re not left paying out-of-pocket for injuries someone else caused.
Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Lakewood, you deserve experienced legal representation that fights for your full recovery. Our team has the knowledge, resources, and trial experience to take on even the toughest insurance companies.
Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common causes of negligence in Lakewood car accidents?
Negligence takes many forms on Lakewood roads. Some of the most common include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drugs impair reaction time and judgment
- Speeding and reckless driving: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop or react
- Failure to yield or obey traffic signals: Running red lights or stop signs at intersections like Wadsworth and Alameda
- Aggressive driving and road rage: Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, or brake-checking
Even a momentary lapse in attention can cause life-altering injuries. When that happens, the negligent driver must be held accountable.
How do you prove negligence in a Lakewood car accident case?
Winning a car accident case requires concrete evidence that the other driver was at fault. Your attorney gathers and presents that evidence in a way that’s compelling to insurance adjusters, mediators, or a jury.
Evidence typically includes:
- Accident scene photos showing vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage from nearby businesses or other drivers
- Police reports from Lakewood PD or Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
- Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
- Witness statements from passengers, bystanders, or other drivers
- Accident reconstruction by experts who can recreate the collision and determine fault
The stronger the evidence, the higher your potential settlement.
What are the most common car accident injuries?
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Common injuries our Lakewood clients suffer include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Concussions, contusions, or diffuse axonal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries: Herniated discs, paralysis, or nerve damage
- Broken bones: Fractures to arms, legs, ribs, or facial bones
- Soft tissue injuries: Whiplash, torn ligaments, or muscle strains
- Internal injuries: Organ damage or internal bleeding
- Lacerations and road rash: Cuts, scarring, or disfigurement
- Dental and facial injuries: Broken teeth, jaw fractures
Many of these injuries require surgery, months of rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. Our job is to ensure your settlement reflects the true cost of your recovery.
What should you do immediately after a Lakewood car accident?
The actions you take in the minutes and hours after a crash can significantly impact your case. Here’s what to do:
- Check for injuries. If you or anyone else is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. Don’t move if you suspect a spinal injury.
- Call the police. Even if the accident seems minor, get an official report. Lakewood Police will document the scene and issue a report number.
- Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and license plate. Do not admit fault or apologize.
- Document the scene. Take photos of all vehicles, visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and nearby landmarks. Note the time, weather, and lighting.
- Identify witnesses. Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor within 24 hours. Some injuries (like concussions or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms immediately.
Contact an attorney. Call Cheney Galluzzi & Howard before speaking to any insurance company. Insurers will use your words against you.
How much is my Lakewood car accident case worth?
Every case is different, but settlements typically depend on:
- Severity of injuries: More serious injuries result in higher settlements.
- Medical costs: Past and future treatment, surgery, therapy, and medication.
- Lost income: Time off work and reduced earning capacity.
- Degree of fault: Colorado’s comparative negligence law reduces your award if you share any blame.
- Insurance policy limits: The at-fault driver’s coverage caps your recovery unless other sources (like UM/UIM) apply.
The average car accident settlement in Colorado is around $20,000, but cases involving severe injuries, permanent disability, or wrongful death can reach six or seven figures. We’ll evaluate your case during a free consultation and give you an honest assessment.
What is Colorado’s two-year statute of limitations for car accident claims?
You have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Colorado (C.R.S. § 13-80-101). If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue—no exceptions.
Two years may sound like a long time, but it’s not. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and memories fade. Insurance companies also know that your leverage decreases as the deadline approaches.
Start your claim now. Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard today for a free case review.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Colorado requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, but many don’t. If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Lakewood, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. We’ll review your policy and pursue all available avenues for compensation.