We Serve Throughout the State of Colorado

Denver Personal Injury Lawyers

The recognized leaders in personal injury law

Denver Car Accident Lawyers

denver car accident lawyers

If you have been injured in a Denver auto accident you are likely feeling frustrated and overwhelmed as you try to pay bills, keep up with medical appointments and deal with life’s other hassles. When you add the rollercoaster of emotions or severe pain that most accident survivors feel, reaching up for a coffee mug or bending down to pick up a child can feel like a struggle.

You need time to heal and for your family. Then you need a personal injury lawyer to ensure the other party and insurance company don’t cheat you out of what is rightfully yours.

Trying to seek justice for your injuries can seem like a puzzle with missing pieces. Insurance companies have armies of trained, well-paid lawyers and adjusters whose primary job is to save the company money.

Our team at Zaner Harden Law, an award-winning personal injury law firm, understands this and can help you make sense of the process. While you focus on your life and healing, we handle the hard work, dealing with the insurance companies, and fighting for the maximum amount to be recovered on your behalf.

If you or a loved one were injured in a Denver, Colorado car accident, contact us at (720) 613-9706 for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal rights.

We have fought for justice for many clients following car accidents in Denver, CO. Click play to hear from one client involved in a rear-end collision, how we helped her, and made sure her story was heard!

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WHAT TYPES OF DAMAGES ARE AVAILABLE IN A CAR ACCIDENT LAWSUIT?

denver car accident lawyer - Zaner Harden Law, LLP

Recovering damages is a complex topic that varies for each person.

The extent of your car accident injuries, the impact they have on your life, and the impact they have on your family and your prognosis are all important considerations. Your current health is also important. We take the time to learn about your unique situation. 

Based on your individual needs, these are some of the types of da

mages that we may seek:

Economic damages:

These types of damages include lost earning ability, current and future medical expenses, lost past and future income, and coverage for long-term treatment.

Non-economic damages

These cover losses related to the repercussions from emotional distress, suffering and anguish from disabilities, or other limitations.

Punitive damages

These include funds from the responsible party when damages are caused by willful and wanton acts or reckless behavior. Our firm has created case law on punitive damages in the drunk driving context after winning a 2.5 million dollar verdict on a DUI hit-and-run crash. We defended the verdict on appeal and won a 3-0 published decision enshrining rights for victims of drunk drivers in Colorado. 

Infographic showing 3 types of damages that can be claimed for after a car accident in Denver

WHY DO YOU NEED A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER IN DENVER?

Without the help of a knowledgeable auto accident attorney, it may be difficult to obtain full compensation or receive an adequate settlement. Insurance representatives only seek to limit the amount of compensation to help the insurance company avoid paying more. However, they do not consider all the long-term effects on you. 

For example, if you were injured badly enough that you need to quit working, you may need full income replacement indefinitely. If your family depends on you and your income, a lawyer will take that into consideration in forming a settlement goal.

Filing a lawsuit is a complex and time-consuming process. When you hire an attorney, they can help you navigate the process, explain every step to you and help you understand what to expect.

Your Denver accident attorney handles all the legal paperwork and proceedings, giving you more time to focus on the other responsibilities and challenges you face. Also, an attorney handles all correspondence for you, relieving you of the anxiety that insurers or other parties in the accident may otherwise create for you.

HOW MUCH DOES A DENVER CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER COST?

We only take a fee if we win, and that is about 98% of the time.

Personal injury lawyers understand that it is common to experience financial difficulties after an accident, and most people who are recovering from injuries or emotional trauma do not have extra money to pay an attorney upfront. Our legal costs are known as contingency fees; this means they are dependent on a favorable outcome. 

All costs are paid upfront by our firm so you do not pay anything out of pocket. At that point, we take a modest amount that we discuss with you beforehand. If for any reason there is no recovery or we were to lose a trial, you do not owe us a nickel.

There are no surprises in our process. Rest assured that our Denver, Colorado car accident lawyers will be upfront with you about what to expect every step of the way.

Woman clutching back of neck after accident

WHAT ARE COMMON CAUSES OF AUTO ACCIDENTS IN COLORADO?

The Colorado Department of Transportation collects information about the contributing factors in fatal and non-fatal accidents. These are some of the most common causes:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Distracted driving
  • Reckless driving, speeding or aggressive driving
  • Seasonal or unfavorable road and weather conditions
  • Driving while fatigued or falling asleep at the wheel
  • Improper turns and intersection violations
  • Defective or damaged automobile components
  • Unfamiliar or inexperienced drivers
  • Drivers who are emotionally distressed, disabled or ill

Despite more people staying home throughout 2020, the Colorado State Patrol reported more traffic deaths in October than they did during the same period in 2019. Showing the significance of how dangerous the errors or negligence of others can be, over 1,000 crashes in Colorado in 2019 were due to distracted drivers using their cell phones. Historically, fatal accident averages have been higher in Colorado from June through October since 2002.

WHAT ARE COMMON INJURIES FROM CAR ACCIDENTS IN COLORADO?

With higher speed limits and greater impact, non-fatal car accidents tend to be associated with permanent catastrophic injuries. This is especially true in Colorado, with its unique set of weather patterns and driving conditions.

These are some of the common temporary and long-term injuries associated with Colorado car accidents:

In addition to the physical injuries that linger from accidents, many people suffer emotional or mental health decline. They may develop anxiety and have nightmares about the accident, and some people become afraid of driving. This can make the roadway even more dangerous for them.

Others may develop depression after becoming disabled, losing a limb, or suffering from chronic pain. Some people develop substance abuse disorders after being prescribed pain pills as well. The potential for physical and emotional damage is extensive. At Zaner Harden Law, our attorneys consider all these factors when working toward a fair auto accident settlement, and if someone was killed, you may also have a wrongful death claim.

What Are the Colorado Auto Insurance Laws?

If you are in an accident and are uninsured, you could face serious consequences. As it is with all states, Colorado has minimum liability insurance requirements. However, they differ from the limits in some other states. To help protect yourself and others, it is important to ensure that your insurance meets these requirements:

  • A minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury coverage
  • A minimum of $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for multiple injured parties
  • A minimum of $15,000 in property damage coverage

Most insurers recommend raising those numbers if your budget allows. For example, if you caused an accident and four occupants in another car were injured, the $50,000 limit may not cover all four individuals’ medical expenses. Contact Zaner Harden Law for advice and representation regarding car accident claims. 

Without the help of a knowledgeable auto accident attorney, it may be difficult to obtain full compensation or receive an adequate settlement.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

It is easy to feel panicked and confused immediately after an accident. If you have injuries, the pain can make it harder to think. These are the recommended steps to take if you are able:

  1. Quickly check to make sure that any passengers in your vehicle are safe
  2. Call 911 immediately
  3. If it is safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene and your vehicle
  4. Do not admit fault for anything
  5. Exchange insurance information with any other involved vehicle drivers
  6. When the police arrive, write down their names and badge numbers
  7. Seek immediate medical treatment for a comprehensive evaluation of your injuries
  8. Request a copy of the police report as soon as possible
  9. Contact your insurance agent to report the accident, and contact an attorney immediately after you notify your insurer

WHY CHOOSE ZANER HARDEN LAW FOR A DENVER CAR ACCIDENT LAWSUIT?

When it comes to protecting your financial security or the security of your family’s future, it is essential to choose a law firm that puts your needs first and empathizes with you. At Zaner Harden Law, our injury attorneys understand that each person’s needs and situational factors are unique. 

We treat you with the care and respect that you deserve and fight for the most optimal outcome for your case. Our team has handled many complex auto accident cases, and you can rest assured that we are sensitive to your needs. Please contact us at (720) 613-9706 for a free consultation so we can discuss your options and how to move forward. 

CAR ACCIDENT FAQs 

HOW LONG DOES AN AUTO ACCIDENT CASE TAKE TO RESOLVE?

The time involved can range from a few short months but can take much longer depending on several factors and the severity or complexity of the incident. Our firm strives to ensure that we get you, our client, the maximum compensation entitled under the law and that you receive the best medical attention now and in the future.

There is a time limit. This is called the statute of limitations. In Colorado, you must file a lawsuit within three years of an accident’s occurrence. Because of this, we encourage you to contact us as quickly as possible. Again, remember that you may still be able to file a lawsuit even if you were partially at fault in the accident.

Our car accident lawyers will uncover and research all potential leads and important details to ensure your case is strong. Our consultations are confidential, at no cost, and you have no obligation to hire our firm. Call Zaner Harden Law today at (720) 613-9706 and let us hear your story.

IS IT BAD TO TALK TO THE OTHER DRIVER’S INSURANCE COMPANY?

If another driver was involved in the accident, the only information you should give to the other driver or that person’s insurer is your insurance information. If they can, insurers may try to pressure involved parties to accept small settlements. They often have them sign waivers to limit their ability to collect anything more in the future. For this reason, contact an attorney, and the insurer can direct all contact to your attorney instead of pestering you.

HOW IS LIABILITY DETERMINED IN A COLORADO CAR ACCIDENT?

Since Colorado is considered a “fault” state, anyone who seeks compensation must be under 50% liable. Your percentage of fault reduces your compensation. For example, if you were 40% liable, your award would be lower than it would be if you were 10% liable. Fault is determined by the following:

– Testimonies of witnesses who saw the accident
– Information from the police report
– Pictures of the accident scene and any vehicles involved
Location of vehicle damage

If fault is unclear or determined unfairly, experts may be called in to develop a detailed reconstruction of the accident. In addition to the information above, they may use information about weather conditions, lighting, road conditions, and other factors at the time of the accident.

WHAT ARE THE COLORADO AUTO INSURANCE LAWS?

If you are in an accident and are uninsured, you could face serious consequences. As it is with all states, Colorado has minimum liability insurance requirements. However, they differ from the limits in some other states. To help protect yourself and others, it is important to ensure that your insurance meets these requirements:

– A minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury coverage
– A minimum of $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for multiple injured parties
– A minimum of $15,000 in property damage coverage

Most insurers recommend raising those numbers if your budget allows. For example, if you caused an accident and four occupants in another car were injured, the $50,000 limit may not cover all four individuals’ medical expenses. Contact Zaner Harden Law for advice and representation regarding car accident claims

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Where We Are

We are located across the street from Union Station in downtown Denver and offer validated parking for all our clients. We also have offices in Boulder and Colorado Springs.