Lakewood Car Accident Lawyer

Lakewood Car Accident Attorney

Though we hope they never happen to us, car accidents occur all of the time. No matter how careful you are when you are on the road, weather and other drivers can have a significant impact on your safety. Though both are largely outside of our control, you do have options when another driver causes your injury. A car accident claim may help you to get your life and your health back on track.

Personal injury law and car accident cases can seem intimidating, especially when you are dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident. However, these claims are the key to getting the compensation you deserve after another driver hits you. Insurance does not cover all of your needs, and many people are financially drained following a collision. Seeking a settlement can help you to recover financially and physically.

With the help of an experienced Colorado car accident or personal injury lawyer, you can pursue justice and protect your family from financial ruin down the road.

Cheney Galluzzi & Howard: Your Lakewood Car Accident Attorneys

Throughout our many years in the business, the team at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard has worked with hundreds of car accident victims looking to rebuild their lives. We thoroughly understand these cases and know how impactful the settlements are. This is why we do everything we can to win your case and support your family. No one should be able to harm others without consequences, and we are proud to work diligently for justice in these situations.

Because we have extensive experience in car accident and personal injury law, we can provide you with a comprehensive legal experience. No matter what kind of car accident situation you face, you can feel confident that we know how to handle it. We have seen personal injury cases of all kinds, giving us expertise that is unparalleled in our industry.

Finally, our team works hard to create unique and personalized legal services for our clients. When you work with us, there will be no standard approach or cookie-cutter advice. Instead, we tailor our guidance to the unique situation so that you have the best chance of winning your claim.

What Is a Car Accident Case?

Car accident cases are a facet of personal injury law that deals with vehicle crashes. When a driver causes an accident because they were negligent, any victims of the car accident have the right to press charges against the individual responsible. The cases that result are called car accident cases.

Not all car accidents qualify for a car accident case. These cases rely on one individual being negligent or malicious. If the accident was a mutual mistake or an act of nature, neither individual can be held responsible for the damage to others.

Through the process of a car accident case, a car accident victim has the opportunity to seek compensation for what they have endured. The settlement from the case in Lakewood may cover the following:

• Medical bills, both past and future
• Lost income that resulted from time off of work to heal
• Diminished earning potential that resulted from the accident’s injuries
• Pain and suffering

Medical bills alone can be a significant expense, and they can put families in a financially precarious situation. Car accident cases ensure a victim does not need to pay for their own car accident injuries if the accident itself was not their fault.

Why Do I Need a Lakewood Personal Injury Lawyer?

Some people believe that they can navigate their personal injury case without legal help. Not only is this not advised, but it may be impossible. Representing yourself is a difficult task that requires a lot of time, energy, focus, and knowledge. If you are healing from car accident injuries, you cannot afford to jeopardize your health by representing yourself. The stress of the process can impede your progress and potentially make your condition permanent or long-term.

Though the situation may seem straightforward to you, it is your opponent’s attorney’s job to refute your evidence and cause the jury to doubt what happened. There is a significant amount of money and support at stake for you. If you fail to win your case, you are responsible for your own medical bills, lost income, and ongoing rehabilitation. This can be restrictively expensive, and it may even prevent you from getting the care you need and deserve. The settlement from a car accident case can help to ensure you get a proper level of medical care and have the time and space to heal properly.

Negligence in Car Accident Cases

As stated, the key to car accident claims is that one person was acting negligently. When it comes to motor vehicle collisions, negligence is not always obvious. Many people drive negligently without even realizing that they are doing it.

In this context, negligence encompasses any situation in which a driver is not fully following the rules of the road and their responsibility as a driver. Some common examples include:

• Driving while distracted by something or someone else
• Driving while texting, calling, or otherwise using a phone
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Failing to follow traffic signals, signs, or use proper signaling
• Speeding or driving recklessly
• Engaging in road rage behavior

These are just a few examples of situations in which drivers fail to follow the rules and are, therefore, neglecting their responsibility as a driver. If this negligence hurts someone, the car accident victim has the right to press charges in the form of a car accident or personal injury case.

Proving Negligence in Car Accident Cases

It is your attorney’s job to prove to the court that the other driver was behaving negligently when they caused the accident. Though the situation may seem straightforward to you, the court needs specific and concrete evidence to find someone guilty and grant your settlement. Your attorney is in charge of collecting this evidence to prove that negligence has occurred.

This process will depend upon the unique details of your case. However, there are a few ways that your attorney can prove negligence, including:

• Providing photos of the injury, scene of the accident, and damage
• Providing videos and CCTV of the accident occurring
• Re-creating the scene
• Citing medical records or police reports
• Bringing in witnesses

Your attorney can determine which combination of evidence is best for your situation. They are responsible for obtaining this information, but they may ask for your input or help where required.

Potential Car Accident Injuries

Many people do not realize the extent of damage that can occur during a car accident. In many of these situations, the injuries can require extensive care or surgery. In other scenarios, the individual is permanently affected or disabled because of the car accident.

Common car accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Torn ligaments
• Road rash
• Dental injuries
• Death

All of these injuries can have serious consequences for the victim and their family. They all require ongoing care and specialists, which are costly without the help of insurance and a proper settlement.

Car Accidents and Wrongful Death

Unfortunately, car accidents can be fatal. Though no one should have to die this way, it is important that families know that they have options if this happens to their loved one. A wrongful death case is one way that families begin to rebuild after a lethal car accident.

Though a settlement cannot bring your loved one back, it can help to cover the costs of their death. You might have funeral and burial expenses on top of any existing medical bills that resulted from the accident. The settlement can help you to pay for these things, so you do not have to worry about where the money is going to come from.

Settlements can also help to make up for lost future income that results from your family member’s death. For example, if your loved one brought in 50% of the family income, it could be difficult to get by without their half of the financial support. A wrongful death settlement can help to compensate you for this lost income and help to support your family as you grieve.

What to Do After a Car Accident

If you get into a car accident, there are a few things you can do to help build your case. Though your Lakewood personal injury lawyer is responsible for accumulating evidence, their efforts will be fruitless if there is no evidence to collect. This is why you must make sure you document your accident to the best of your ability.

If you are in an accident, you should:

1. Check yourself for any major injuries. If you feel confused, disoriented, dizzy, or are bleeding excessively, stay where you are until medical help arrives.
2. If you are okay, collect the license and insurance information of the person who hit you. Note down their contact information if they are willing to share it.
3. Take photos of the damage, including any injuries, done to either party.
4. Note any security cameras that are nearby.
5. Get the contact information of any witnesses.
6. Call your attorney right away.

If you follow these steps, you can help to build a solid, reliable case in your favor. This can only benefit your settlement and your family.

FAQs About Lakewood, CO Car Accident Laws

What Percentage Do Most Personal Injury Lawyers Take?

All personal injury attorneys charge differently for their services, so it is important to speak with any potential attorneys about their fee structure before you begin to officially work with them. The average percentage that personal injury attorneys claim is 33%. However, some attorneys charge hourly for their cases, in which case your cost would depend upon how long and complicated your case turns out to be.

How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?

The average settlement for a car accident case is $20,000. Cases have the potential to earn millions of dollars. Ultimately, the final amount is going to depend upon the extent of the injuries and damage that has occurred. The more injured a victim is, the more money they may receive from their settlement.

How Do You Know If Your Lawyer Is Selling You Out?

You may have hired a bad attorney if:

• They communicate poorly
• They are not compassionate to your situation
• They do not listen to and believe in your experience
• They are not upfront about their fees and costs
• They are not confident in your case

To avoid this, use a reputable firm like Cheney Galluzzi & Howard. You can also check references and reviews to be sure your attorney is legitimate.

Are Car Accident Attorneys Required in Colorado?

While you do not necessarily need a car accident attorney, it is in your best interest to hire one. You will likely lose your case without proper legal help. You can also be taken advantage of and lose out on a significant amount of money from your settlement.

It is important to note that not all car accidents require an attorney. Some are small enough or do not produce significant damage, and, therefore, the court does not need to get involved.

When Should I File a Lakewood Personal Injury Claim?

In Colorado, you only have two years to file your car accident claim. This is not a significant amount of time when it comes to the legal system, so it is important that you act quickly. What’s more, evidence can be inadvertently lost or destroyed the longer you wait.

However, in some situations, an individual does not realize that they have been injured until later. Simply file your case as soon as you realize that you have one.

Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard

Our team at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard is highly trained in personal injury and car accident law. We have the experience and the expertise to ensure that your case goes as smoothly as possible.

For more information on how we can help you build your Lakewood car accident case, contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard online today.