Fort Collins Car Accident Attorney

Why Should I Hire an Attorney to Handle My Fort Collins Car Accident Claim?

An experienced car accident attorney at Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers, may obtain compensation after a Fort Collins car accident in several ways:

• Assessing your case: Your attorney can evaluate your case, determine liability, and estimate the potential value of your claim based on the severity of your injuries, property damage, and other losses.
• Gathering evidence: Your lawyer will collect evidence to support your claim, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions.
• Communicating with insurance companies: Your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance companies involved, protecting your rights, and ensuring that you don’t say anything that could jeopardize your claim.
• Negotiating a settlement: Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Filing a lawsuit: If necessary, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court to fight for the compensation you need.
• Providing legal guidance: Your lawyer will advise you on the best course of action, explain the legal process, and keep you informed about the progress of your case.
• Ensuring timely filing: An attorney will make sure to file your claim within the statute of limitations, which is the deadline for taking legal action.

Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer means having a dedicated advocate handling the legal aspects of your case and working to secure the maximum compensation possible for your losses.

Who Can I Hold Liable for My Fort Collins Car Accident Injuries?

You must determine liability in a Fort Collins car accident to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

In many cases, liability may seem straightforward, such as when another driver’s negligence or recklessness directly caused the accident. However, there are often multiple parties who may share responsibility, and identifying all potentially liable parties is essential to maximizing your recovery.

Some of the parties you can hold liable in a Fort Collins car accident include:

• Other Drivers: If another driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, caused the accident, your attorney could hold them liable for your damages.
• Vehicle Owners: If the at-fault driver was operating someone else’s vehicle, the vehicle owner may share responsibility under certain circumstances, such as if they knowingly allowed an unlicensed or reckless driver to use their car.
• Employers: If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle in the course of their employment, your lawyer may hold the driver’s employer liable under the doctrine of vicarious liability.
• Product Manufacturers: If a defective vehicle or vehicle component, such as faulty brakes or a malfunctioning airbag, contributed to the accident or exacerbated your injuries, your attorney could hold the manufacturer liable under product liability laws.
• Government Entities: If dangerous road conditions caused the accident, such as potholes, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be liable.

Identifying all potentially liable parties and demonstrating their negligence or wrongdoing requires thorough investigation, legal knowledge, and resources. Your Fort Collins car accident attorney will work diligently to uncover all sources of liability and build a strong case on your behalf.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Fort Collins Car Accident?

If another party’s negligence or wrongdoing caused a Fort Collins car accident that injured you or someone you love, you may recover a wide range of damages to compensate for your losses.

The specific damages you can recover will depend on the unique circumstances of your case, but may include:

• Medical expenses, including future medical expenses
• Lost income and work benefits
• Loss of future earning capacity if you can’t return to work due to a disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Property damage
• Loss of consortium

If a car accident killed a close family member, you may qualify to receive damages through a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. Sometimes, the court will award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer in cases of particularly egregious misconduct or intentional wrongdoing.

Calculating the full extent of your damages is a critical aspect of your car accident claim. Your Fort Collins car accident attorney will work with medical experts, economists, and other professionals to account for and properly value all your damages.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Fort Collins?

The steps you take immediately following a car accident in Fort Collins can have a significant impact on your health, safety, and ability to recover compensation for your losses.

After a car accident, follow these steps to protect your well-being and your legal rights:

1. Prioritize Safety: Check yourself and others involved for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. If the vehicles are drivable, move them to a safe location out of traffic.
2. Contact Law Enforcement: Call the police to report the accident and request they dispatch an officer to the scene. The officer will create an official accident report, which you need for your claim.
3. Document the Scene: If it is safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) and contact information from any witnesses.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not immediately manifest, and so get prompt medical care.
5. Contact an Attorney: Before speaking with insurance companies or accepting any settlement offers, contact an experienced Fort Collins car accident attorney to discuss your case. Your attorney will protect your rights, handle communications with the insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

By taking these steps and securing the guidance of a skilled car accident attorney, you can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover fair compensation for your losses.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Fort Collins?

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for most car accident lawsuits is three years from the date of the accident. Failing to have an attorney file a lawsuit for you within that time means you may lose your right to seek compensation through the court system.

However, there are some exceptions to this general rule. For example, if the at-fault party is a government entity, such as a city or county, you may have a much shorter time frame to file a notice of claim, often within 180 days of the accident.

It’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable Fort Collins car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident to ensure that you understand the specific deadlines that apply to your case and take action to protect your rights within the allowed time frame.

Car Accident Statistics for Fort Collins and Colorado

Car accidents are a serious problem in Fort Collins and throughout Colorado, causing significant injuries, fatalities, and economic losses each year.

According to crash data from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT):

• 28,205 car accidents occurred in Colorado in a recent year, resulting in 616 fatalities and 10,166 injuries.
• In the Fort Collins area, there were 3,090 car accidents in 2020, resulting in 40 fatalities and 1,053 injuries.
• Statewide, the economic cost of car accidents in Colorado is estimated to be over $5 billion annually, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses.

These statistics underscore the devastating impact that car accidents can have on individuals, families, and communities. They also illustrate the importance of seeking fair compensation if you’ve suffered injuries due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims in Fort Collins, CO

Contact a Fort Collins Car Accident Lawyer Today

Fort Collins Car Accident Lawyer, Franklin D. Azar

You have the right to pursue compensation from a careless driver or other party whose negligence caused you harm or killed a beloved family member.

The experienced car accident attorneys at Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers are here to fight for your rights and help you pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at (970) 423-5820 for your free, no-obligation consultation with one of our skilled Fort Collins personal injury attorneys. With our team on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we focus on fighting for justice on your behalf.