Mintz Law Firm
Whether you're hopping into your car to go to work or getting ready to meet friends at your favorite restaurant, you expect to get to your destination safely. It’s fair to have that expectation, especially if you do your part as a safe driver. Unfortunately, you can do everything in your power to ensure a safe drive, but it only takes one person failing to prioritize their safety and the safety of others to cause a serious accident.
At Mintz Law Firm, our Arvada lawyers have handled numerous car accident claims and have seen the devastating effects that a person’s carelessness can have on people’s lives. We believe in fighting for our client’s rights to compensation not just because they need it but because they deserve it. A reckless or careless driver should be held accountable for their actions. Contact us today and feel confident that you will have a strong representation that will aggressively pursue the compensation you are owed.
Understanding Car Accidents
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality that can have significant physical, emotional, and financial impacts on those involved. Understanding the basics of car accidents and the legal processes that follow can help victims navigate this challenging time more effectively.
What Is a Car Accident Claim?
A car accident claim is a legal process that allows individuals injured in a car accident to seek compensation for their damages. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Arvada, Colorado, car accident claims are typically filed against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, the injured party may need to file a claim with their own insurance company. Navigating this process can be complex, so having an experienced car accident attorney by your side is crucial.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to serious and life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash: A neck injury caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head.
- Concussions: A type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head.
- Broken bones: Fractures can occur in any part of the body, but are most common in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Soft tissue injuries: Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Internal injuries: Injuries to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
These injuries can have long-lasting effects, making it essential to seek immediate medical attention and legal advice to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Statistics Show Drunk Driving is a Concern in Arvada
Drunk driving is a serious concern in Arvada, Colorado. According to recent statistics, two-thirds of traffic fatalities in Arvada involved drunk drivers. Drunk driving accidents can result in serious injuries and even death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is essential to seek the help of an experienced Arvada car accident attorney. They can help you navigate the legal process, hold the responsible parties accountable, and ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover.
Who is Liable for a Car Accident?
Many individuals might be liable for your injuries and losses depending on the circumstances surrounding your car accident claim. In some cases, more than one party might be liable for damages. The following parties might be liable for your losses:
- Another driver
- Passengers
- Pedestrians, including walkers, cyclists, dog owners, and more
- City or state government
- Those responsible for safety maintenance
- Manufacturers of cars, parts, and other involved equipment
- Other designers, distributors, or companies
- Employer or employee of the premises
- Property owner or renter
- Other present individuals
Other parties might also be liable for your losses, so we encourage you to work with a qualified auto accident attorney from Mintz Law Firm. We can help you identify who is liable for your damages, estimate the value of your losses, and hold responsible parties accountable.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF DURING THE PERSONAL INJURY PROCESS
When a negligent driver injures you, it’s understandable to assume that proving them liable will be easy. However, the insurance company doesn’t care that its insured caused or contributed to an accident. Their goal is to limit their payout as much as possible. Therefore, you need to be careful with your actions and words. The slightest error could mean losing your right to compensation. Protect your legal rights as a car accident victim by doing the following:
Document Everything
The more information you have from the day of the accident, the more evidence you have and the stronger your claim becomes. After an accident, if possible, it’s incredibly beneficial to capture photographs or video of the accident scene and obtain information from the other driver and potential witnesses. However, documenting everything doesn’t just mean the day of the accident. Document throughout the entire process, from recording doctor visits to documenting every exchange with the at-fault driver or their insurance. The more you document and keep track of things, the better.
Don't Trust Insurance Companies
Car insurance companies are more often than not reluctant to settle car accident claims. While insurance companies are meant to cover the cost of an accident, they generally don’t want to spend their money, even if their insurer is liable for an accident. This is why people are always advised to avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without an attorney.
They are trained to look for the smallest mistakes, such as apologizing for the accident because they genuinely felt bad it occurred. Apologizing for any reason could be interpreted as an admission of guilt, and insurance adjusters will jump at the chance to redirect blame away from them. Rather than risking your right to compensation, don’t give a recorded statement and don’t sign a release of liability waiver without speaking with a personal injury lawyer first.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Arvada
Car accident claims can be complicated for many reasons; that’s why it’s always best to have an experienced and trusted Arvada car accident lawyer at your side. An attorney specializing in car accidents in Arvada, CO can be a significant contributor to the success of your claim. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better.
Distracted Driving Accidents in Arvada, CO
One of the most common reasons for a car accident is the distraction of the at-fault driver. There are many potential causes of distracted driving. If you recognize any of the following behaviors or suspect one or more, the at-fault driver may have been distracted to the point of causing an accident:
- Eating or drinking
- Smoking
- Shuffling through music
- Daydreaming
- Reaching for an item
- Using a GPS
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Being sick
- Texting
- Disciplining children
- Grooming
Many car accidents are preventable, and it is the responsibility of drivers to ensure safety on the road. Other behaviors may also lead to a distracted driving accident. We can help you identify who is responsible for the accident and injuries, determine what happened and caused the distraction, and much more. Our team wants to help you avoid unnecessary stressors during this already challenging and stressful time.
How to Prove Distracted Driving Liability
Just like proving liability in other driving accidents, there are a few elements you must prove in a distracted driving car accident claim. When you prove liability in this case, you will be eligible for compensation for your economic and non-economic losses related to your injuries and the accident. The four following elements must be demonstrated to qualify for financial recovery:
- Duty of care: Duty of care is everyone’s responsibility to prioritize the safety of others impacted by their decisions. For example, while driving a vehicle, every driver must follow posted signs, driving laws, and other best practices related to driving.
- Negligence or breach of duty of care: When duty of care is breached, the responsible party is considered negligent in some way. Negligent behavior might be speeding far above the speed limit, driving recklessly, or giving in to distractions.
- Injuries caused by the accident: When negligence results in an accident and injuries, the at-fault party can be held accountable in a personal injury claim. However, you must prove that your injuries came as a direct result of the accident and the at-fault individual’s negligent behavior.
- Economic damages: While you can also receive compensation for non-economic losses, financial losses must be present first. When monetary damages are present, there is then a basis for non-economic damages to be calculated and awarded to victims.
For assistance proving liability in your car accident claim, whether the party was distracted or otherwise, our car accident lawyers can support you in multiple ways throughout this challenging time.
How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident in Arvada?
Personal injury claims in Colorado are determined based on modified comparative negligence. In particular, the court attributes percentages of responsibility and fault to each involved individual. However, if you are found partially responsible for the car accident, you can still file for compensation for your losses. Only those under 50% responsible or more for the accident qualify for compensation for their related damages, so most victims are still eligible for financial recovery.
When these percentages are allocated to each party, they are used to determine how much money each individual owes others affected by their actions.
Suppose Party A and Party B were in a car accident, and Party B was found 80% liable for the accident. If Party A faces $200,000 in damages due to the accident, Party B is responsible for 80% of those costs, or $160,000. Party A would be unable to receive compensation for the remaining 20%, as that is the portion the court has determined they are responsible for covering.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, but knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. These steps include:
- Remain calm: It is essential to remain calm and composed after a car accident. This will help you to think clearly and make rational decisions.
- Check for injuries: If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. If you are injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Call the police: Even if the accident is minor, it is essential to call the police and report the incident. This will help to create a record of the accident and provide valuable evidence for your claim.
- Take photos: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles or property. This will help to provide valuable evidence for your claim.
- Collect information: Collect the contact and insurance information of the other parties involved in the accident.
- Contact an attorney: If you are injured in a car accident, it is essential to contact an experienced Arvada car accident attorney as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
By following these steps, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of a successful car accident claim. An experienced attorney can provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
HOW TO COVER YOUR MEDICAL BILLS AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT IN ARVADA, CO
Being in a car accident can be extremely upsetting and stressful, and those emotions can be exacerbated if the accident results from another negligent party. When another person’s actions are responsible for the damages you’ve suffered, you can file a personal injury claim to recover monetary compensation to cover your medical bills. However, this process can span months, during which medical bills typically continue to accumulate. Fortunately, there are Colorado accident laws that can make paying your medical bills while you wait for your claim a little easier.
Car accident victims in Arvada, CO have several options for getting their medical bills covered after an accident, including:
Private Health Insurance
While you wait for your claim against the at-fault driver to be resolved, you can look towards your personal insurance to cover medical expenses.
Government Health Insurance
Government health insurance plans such as Medicare could be a great solution to getting those initial medical expenses covered.
Colorado’s Auto Insurance (Med-Pay)
Regardless of fault, injured car accident victims can get their medical expenses covered by Med-Pay. If you have Med-Pay, your insurance will be obligated to cover your medical expenses up to the limit they’ve selected.
Speak With Your Car Accident Attorney
While the insurance options above are good alternatives while you wait for the resolution of your claim, their limits may not always cover the full extent of your medical expenses. The best way to deal with your medical bills is to speak with your Arvada car accident attorney first. A car accident lawyer in Arvada can speak with your doctors and make financial arrangements on your behalf to ensure you’re not being overwhelmed with expenses you can’t cover.
Look for Financial Assistance Plans
The Colorado Department of Human Services helps individuals during an emergency. Having medical expenses that you are unable to pay because of your injuries from the accident may qualify for assistance. Colorado has a variety of programs that can help with support, childcare, employment, and other temporary assistance.
Do I Need an Arvada Car Accident Attorney?
If you have been in a car accident, you may have considered taking legal action to receive compensation from the responsible parties. However, working with Arvada car accident lawyers will make it much easier to hold liable individuals accountable for their actions.
Our lawyer can support you in many ways throughout your car accident claim, including:
- Conducting an independent investigation into the accident
- Working with medical professionals
- Negotiating with every party to recover a satisfactory settlement
- Preparing your case for court
- Collecting evidence to prove liability
- Consulting with experts to determine the full scope of your damages
- Assuring that all documents are filed correctly and promptly
- Reviewing your damages to determine the total value of your claim
- Communicating with the other parties on your behalf
- Organizing and presenting the evidence to accurately demonstrate liability and damages
- Accessing research methods and tools only available to legal professionals
- Referring you to medical specialists and practitioners you can trust
- Reducing time spent in litigation
- Maximizing the compensation you can obtain
- Lowering stress related to your claim
Our team works based on contingency, meaning there are no upfront costs when you work with us. You only pay for our legal support and services when you win your claim, demonstrating how strongly we believe in our abilities and your rights. Please get in touch with Mintz Law Firm to retain our services and begin your fight for fair and complete compensation.
HIRE A DEDICATED AND TRUSTED ARVADA CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
At Mintz Law Firm, we understand that people need a quick and successful resolution for their claims, not just to be done with it but because they have responsibilities that don’t stop while a claim is going through the personal injury process. Our experienced team of auto accident lawyers is committed to delivering the best possible results for our clients.
We are proud to offer compassionate legal support while aggressively pursuing the compensation our clients deserve. When you work with our experienced Arvada, CO car accident lawyers, you can be sure that your best interests are being prioritized. Contact us today to schedule a consultation through our contact form or by calling (303) 462-2999.