Fender benders are typically low speed accidents that occur in parking lots and driveways. Although many of these collisions do not cause serious injuries, some end up sending motorists and passengers to the hospital. In fact, even at low speeds, car accidents are very dangerous.
If you have been injured in a fender bender, please contact an experienced attorney in Grand Junction for assistance with your claim.
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How Cimarron Ridge Legal Group Can Help You
O
ne of the primary problems with fender benders is insurance companies denying your claim. Many of them don’t think that fender benders could possibly cause serious injuries, so they will deny a claim without doing an adequate investigation. These denials leave injured motorists with thousands of dollars in medical bills which they must pay themselves.
A Grand Junction fender bender lawyer can help. With a lawyer’s assistance, you can construct a solid legal case for compensation. For example, a lawyer will:
- Analyze any applicable insurance policies to determine whether they really cover the accident.
- Collect evidence about your injuries to show you were seriously injured.
- Obtain necessary evidence to establish who was at fault for the collision.
- Negotiate with an insurer for a favorable settlement for your claim.
By doing the heavy lifting, we free our clients up to focus on what matters—getting well.
Common Fender Bender Injuries
Low speed crashes cause significant damage to the vehicle. However, they can also cause serious bodily injury to the driver and any occupant, such as:
- Concussion or other traumatic brain injury;
- Whiplash;
- Neck injuries;
- Bone fractures;
- Cuts or abrasions
- Eye injuries;
- Ear injuries;
- Shoulder dislocation;
- Herniated disc in the back; and
- Torn ligaments and tendons.
Injuries stem from the traumatic impact of the vehicles and from occupants trying to brace themselves. Even if you are wearing a seatbelt, your body can be whipped around, and you might need months or more of medical care.
Realize that some injuries take a day or two before you become aware of them. This is particularly true of brain and back injuries. Go to the doctor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate medical treatment.
Compensation after a Fender Bender
Under Colorado law, you are entitled to compensation for any of the following:
- Damage to your vehicle. Has it been totaled? Does it need repairs? The person responsible for the accident can
pay to have your car repaired or replaced. - Medical bills. You can receive compensation to cover the costs of all medical care needed due to the fender bender. These expenses can include surgery, hospitalization, doctor’s visits, transportation to the hospital in an ambulance, rehabilitation, and prescription drugs.
- Lost wages. An injury like whiplash could keep you out of work, which will cost you money.
- Pain and suffering. The pain and inconvenience that goes with any bodily injury also warrants compensation.
- Emotional distress. Negative emotions like depression, anger, embarrassment, and anxiety can reduce your quality of life.
- Disfigurement. If you suffer a disfigurement, such as facial wounds, you can receive compensation to make up for that fact.
The amount of compensation you can get after a low-speed accident will depend on the circumstances. Rather than try to guess how much you might be entitled to, you should meet with a Grand Junction fender bender attorney to review your case.
Statute of Limitations for Fender Benders in Colorado
You only have a short window of time to bring a claim for any injuries you suffered in a fender bender. The amount of time is spelled out in Colorado’s statute of limitations. Under current law, you have only 3 years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit. You really don’t want to delay talking to an attorney.
What will happen if you wait too long and file your lawsuit outside the limitations period? As we have seen, defendants ask the judge to dismiss the case, and judges will comply. This means the injured victim cannot receive compensation for their injuries even though the defendant is at fault.
Call a Seasoned Fender Bender Lawyer in Grand Junction
After an accident, you need to move quickly to protect your rights. The Grand Junction fender bender lawyers at Cimarron Ridge Legal Group are ready and willing to help you in any way we can. If you hire us, we will take over your case and free you up to focus on your family and your recovery.
Please contact us today. You can schedule a free initial consultation with one of our lawyers if you call 970-230-7656.
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