Types of Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims in Denver, CO

Car accidents happen in Denver for various reasons. Locals know that Colfax, Federal, and Sheridan streets are some of the busiest roads in Denver, and many accidents occur on the largest continuous commercial street in America, but it’s also common for accidents to happen on the highway or in residential areas.

If you’re hurt in an accident, you should know the types of compensation available for car accident victims in Denver, CO.

Recovering Compensation for a Car Accident in Denver, CO

Colorado resolves all vehicle accident cases involving more than one vehicle with a fault-based system. This means the driver at fault is liable for the resulting damages, and an injured driver will need to prove fault before they can recover any compensation. Accidents in Denver most commonly happen because of driver negligence, and this can include distracted driving, speeding, moving violations, or any other lack of reasonable care behind the wheel.

Drivers in Denver and throughout Colorado are required to have auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements. However, dealing with insurance companies after accidents can be challenging, and despite the fact that Denver drivers have seen their auto insurance premiums increase by more than 50% since 2013, many injured drivers continue to have difficulties in their efforts to secure reasonable auto insurance settlements after accidents in Denver.

Car accidents are a leading cause of serious personal injuries and accidental deaths in Denver each year. In 2023, the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure reported 424 accidents on city roads, resulting in serious bodily injury and 83 deaths, a 10% increase from 2022. If you have been hurt in an accident, or if a loved one has died in an accident, you need to know how to prove liability and the types of compensation available for car accident victims.

An experienced car accident lawyer in Denver can gather the evidence you need to prove fault. The attorneys at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard have helped many car accident victims in the Denver metropolitan area navigate complex vehicle accident cases, proving liability and securing the funds needed to recover. You’re likely to need several types of evidence as well as witness testimony to clearly prove liability for your accident.

A successful case may yield several types of compensation, including:

• Repayment of vehicle repair or replacement costs. Auto insurance in Colorado must include property damage liability coverage, and it is also possible to claim compensation for property losses with a civil action.
• Costs for medical treatment. Car accidents can easily cause severe injuries. If you needed treatment at the Denver Health Medical Center or any other local hospital, you likely incurred expensive medical bills. The driver who injured you is liable for these expenses.
• Lost wages. When you are unable to work due to your injuries, the defendant is responsible for the income you are unable to earn while you recover.
• Pain and suffering compensation. It’s possible to claim monetary compensation for the physical pain, emotional suffering, and psychological distress the defendant caused. Your car accident lawyer can help you maximize this aspect of a personal injury case.

If you want a better chance of maximizing your recovery, it is crucial to speak with a Denver car accident lawyer as quickly as possible after your accident.

FAQs

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth in Denver?

The potential value of your car accident case in Denver will depend on the overall severity of your damages. If you can prove another driver is at fault, they are liable for your vehicle repair costs, medical bills, lost income, and the pain and suffering you experienced. A skillful Denver car accident lawyer can help you claim maximum compensation for the damages you suffered, and you’re more likely to reach a positive outcome with an attorney’s help.

How Is Compensation for Pain and Suffering Calculated After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, compensation for pain and suffering can be calculated and will be based on the severity of your injuries and whether they caused any permanent harm. Colorado law limits pain and suffering compensation in most personal injury cases, but the cap increases each year. Any plaintiff who suffered a life-changing injury is likely able to claim a substantial amount of pain and suffering compensation.

Will the At-Fault Driver Go to Jail?

It is possible for the at-fault driver to go to jail if they caused the accident by breaking the law and/or caused a fatal injury. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that there were 105 deaths in 2022 from fatal accidents with a driver who had a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more. Intoxicated driving can lead to more serious injuries or fatalities, and at-fault drivers face criminal charges for these accidents, especially if a victim dies.

If I Hire a Lawyer, Will My Compensation Be Higher?

Hiring a lawyer will likely get you more money in compensation than you would likely recover if you tried to resolve your car accident case alone. The right attorney can gather the evidence needed to prove responsibility for the accident, accurately assess the full scope of the damages you are eligible to claim and determine the most efficient way to recover compensation.

When Should I Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer in Denver?

You should speak to a car accident lawyer in Denver at your first opportunity following any accident and before you discuss your accident with any insurance carrier. Once you have received medical treatment for your injuries, you should reach out to a skilled attorney right away so they can immediately begin building your case.

It’s natural to have many concerns about the types of compensation available for car accident victims in Denver, CO. The aftermath of any accident can be traumatic and stressful, so you need to find legal counsel you trust to help you make sense of your situation and guide you to the fullest possible recovery. Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help with your car accident case.