Getting into a car accident is a terrifying experience. Unfortunately, trying to negotiate a fair settlement is in many ways just as scary.
At Cimarron Ridge Legal Group, our Telluride car accident lawyers help people injured in collisions. We can swoop in and collect evidence of the crash to help you obtain just compensation for your injuries. Many insurers unfairly deny claims, but with the right attorney in your corner you can fight to get the compensation you need. Contact us today to speak with a member of our firm.
Car Accident Injuries: Painful and Expensive to Treat
Car accidents are traumatic events. Two vehicles can generate significant force when they collide, crushing and bruising the human body. Our attorneys have assisted clients who have sustained some of the following injuries:
- Fractures
- Lacerations or cuts
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Nerve damage
- Internal organ injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
These injuries are very expensive to treat. They can require an ambulance trip to the hospital, as well as many follow up visits to the doctor. With the cost of medical care surging, many people spend over $10,000 treating even minor injuries, and others can quickly rack up medical bills in the six figures.
If you were not to blame for the wreck, you should not have to pay for your medical care. Let one of our Telluride car accident lawyers negotiate payment for your medical bills.
Determining Fault for Your Telluride Car Accident
Colorado continues to be a “fault” state when it comes to car accidents. In a fault state, the motorist who is to blame for the accident pays compensation to anyone injured. Injuries can include bodily injuries (like those listed above) but also property damage.
There are many reasons why a motorist might be at fault for a crash:
- Driving too fast for conditions;
- Tailgating;
- Passing around a corner;
- Failing to yield;
- Failing to check a blind spot;
- Distracted drivingl
- Texting while driving; and
- Driving while intoxicated or impaired.
Colorado law requires that motorists be careful. They should drive their motor vehicle with the care that a reasonable person would. Whenever they fail to, they are legally liable in a fault state for the injuries they cause.
Few drivers will admit that they have been negligent. Fortunately, our team understands how to collect evidence to prove fault. For example, we can look at the vehicles involved in the collision and possibly visit the accident scene. We can also interview anyone who witnessed the crash. There is rarely a smoking gun that proves fault, but little by little our lawyers can piece together a comprehensive picture of how the accident happened.
Dangerous Roads & Other Conditions
In some accidents, a negligent driver is not to blame. Instead, a dangerous road could have contributed to a crash. Some hazards include:
- Potholes;
- Construction debris;
- Defective guardrails;
- Faulty shoulders;
- Obstructed signs; and
- Dangerously designed roads.
When a dangerous road contributes to a wreck, our lawyers identify who has responsibility for the road. For example, construction debris is often left behind because construction companies do not clean up properly after themselves. Other hazardous conditions might be caused by the government that is responsible for maintaining the road. We can fully analyze the accident to determine liability.
Negotiating with an Insurer
Colorado requires that drivers carry liability insurance, which kicks in when the insured causes the wreck. Currently, the state requires at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per injured person and $15,000 in property damage coverage. Many drivers only purchase the minimum.
Dealing with insurers is a frustrating experience. Many will try to get you to quickly settle your case before you even know how much your medical care costs in total. Other insurers will drag their feet and refuse to send you requested information.
We recommend hiring an attorney to negotiate for you. Insurers often pepper injured victims with requests for information, such as a recorded statement. Often, insurers are digging for information that they can use to pin some of the blame on the victim. Our attorneys can communicate on your behalf and ensure you don’t say anything you later regret about how the accident happened.
In some cases, you might need to negotiate with your own insurer. For example, you might have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that will pay compensation when you are struck by a driver without any insurance.
For help with your case, contact our firm today by calling (970) 644-5194. We offer injured victims a free consultation where we can review your accident.