Colorado Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, it is natural to wonder what you can expect for the Colorado car accident settlement process and timeline. The damages you suffered are likely to create a difficult financial situation for you and your family, and these losses can compound quickly if you do not recover compensation from the at-fault driver in a timely manner.

What to Expect in a Car Accident Case in Colorado

When another driver has injured you or a loved one in a vehicle accident, you could face a long series of complex legal proceedings in your efforts to recover compensation for your damages. Some cases are resolved through litigation. Depending on the value of your case, you may face courtroom proceedings in the Denver County Court or the Denver District Court, both of which are located in the City and County Building.

However, many car accident cases are resolved through insurance. Every driver in Colorado is required to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements for bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. When a driver causes an accident, their insurance policy will cover the resulting damages up to the coverage limits of the policy.

Unfortunately, there is a high number of uninsured drivers in the state, and this creates a snowball effect that not only increases the number of accidents but also the cost of auto insurance premiums. In fact, many drivers in Denver have seen their auto insurance premiums increase by more than 50% since 2013.

The first challenge you face in your case is proving fault. Between the years of 2016 and 2020, there were 2,682 fatal injuries reported from vehicle accidents in Colorado, and many more resulting in serious injuries. While many may assume that wintry conditions in Colorado are a major contributing factor to accidents, the reality is that most serious accidents occur in the summer months. Winter conditions compel drivers to move slower with the flow of traffic.

An experienced car accident attorney can help you prove the exact cause of your accident, identifying the driver or drivers responsible for causing it. Once you have proven fault, your attorney can then help you file a claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. If their insurance company reaches out to you immediately after the accident, wait to discuss your claim until you have legal counsel. This will prevent the insurer from attempting to take advantage of you.

It can take several weeks to resolve an auto insurance claim in Colorado, and it is always possible for the insurance company to dispute your claim for various reasons. Having an experienced attorney helps you reduce the chances of encountering any bad faith tactics, but you may still face difficult litigation if you need to resolve the case with a personal injury action. The majority of personal injury cases filed in Colorado end in settlement.

Ultimately, the timeline of resolving a car accident case in Colorado will vary from case to case, depending on various factors. If you want to resolve your case efficiently and have the greatest chance of maximizing your recovery, it’s vital to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer at your first opportunity.

FAQs

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Car Accident in Colorado?

The amount of compensation you can claim for a car accident in Colorado will depend on the severity of your injuries, whether you share fault for the accident, and whether you have an experienced attorney handling your case. It’s possible to recover compensation for any economic losses the defendant caused, and you can also seek pain and suffering compensation with a personal injury case.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve an Insurance Claim for a Car Accident in Colorado?

The time it could take to resolve an insurance claim for a car accident in Colorado varies from case to case. When liability is clear, and the injured driver’s attorney helps them file their claim on time with all required documentation, it may only take a few weeks to receive a settlement check. It’s important to hire legal counsel as quickly as possible after your accident so your attorney can assist with the insurance claim, ensuring you are treated fairly.

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you will need to file a personal injury case to recover compensation, and they may have limited assets with which they can repay your damages. Unfortunately, Colorado ranks in the top ten states for the highest number of uninsured drivers, and nearly 18% of motorists in Colorado do not have required insurance coverage. Consult an attorney right away if an uninsured driver caused your recent accident.

When Should I Contact a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer?

You should contact a Colorado car accident lawyer as quickly as possible after the accident, ideally before speaking with an insurance carrier about the crash. The sooner you connect with an attorney, the more time and flexibility they have to build your case. Your attorney can gather the evidence needed to prove fault and calculate the total damages you are eligible to claim from the at-fault driver.

Why Should I Hire a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a Colorado car accident lawyer to have the greatest chance of recovering as fully as possible from your accident. The right attorney can gather the evidence you need to prove liability for the accident, assess the full scope of the damages you are eligible to claim, and ultimately help you resolve your case more efficiently than you may have expected. It is always worth hiring experienced legal counsel to help you recover from a serious accident.

The attorneys at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard always aim for maximum compensation for every client we represent. You’re likely to have many questions and concerns about the Colorado car accident settlement process and timeline, and we can provide the answers and support you need in this challenging situation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist with your case.