Car accidents and crashes are anything but rare in Colorado. Some auto accidents are minor bumps, while others often involve fatalities. No matter the type of accident, all accidents on Colorado roads must be reported, if there was death, injury, or property damage. What should do you after a crash? Do you need to hire a Colorado car accident lawyer? What are the important laws? In this post, we are answering some of the relevant and important questions in depth.
Laws in Colorado
If you want to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver at fault, you must do so within three years from the date of accident. As per the statute of limitations in Colorado, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of death of the deceased. If you had a part role in causing the accident, you can still seek compensation, provided your share of fault is no more or equal to 50%. Colorado follows the modified comparative negligence rule, so your eventual awarded settlement will be reduced by your share of fault in percentage.
What to do after an accident?
- Call 911 if someone is injured. Even if you don’t have serious injuries, you may want to see an injury doctor soon after the accident.
- Call the police. You can report the accident to the local police, or nearest sheriff’s office. Do not run away from the scene, or let anyone talk you out of calling the police.
- Inform the insurance company. No matter who or what caused the accident, you should inform your insurer. Also, inform the at-fault party’s insurance company.
When to hire an accident lawyer?
There are many reasons to call an attorney, but if you have minor role in causing the accident, seek legal representation. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will do anything to minimize what they pay for your claim, and you need an accident lawyer to protect your rights and interests. Also, having a lawyer increases your chances of getting a fair settlement. Most attorneys take up car accident claims on a contingency fee, so you don’t need to pay the lawyer right away.
Do your homework and ensure that you select a reliable and known accident lawyer for your case. You can ask the attorney for references, or just check reviews on Google. A good lawyer can offer free initial consultation and help with gathering evidence.