Even responsible and cautious drivers end up in serious car accidents. Following a car accident in Colorado, your immediate step should be about calling the police. Keep in mind that all accidents in Colorado, which result in injury, death, and property damage, must be reported. You can also report the accident to the local sheriff’s office. Colorado is a fault state, so if the other driver was at fault, you can file a claim with their insurer and seek compensation for your injuries. For that, working with an experienced car accident lawyer Colorado Springs can help. Before you go ahead and file a car accident claim, here are some things to consider.

  • What is the estimated value of your losses?

The compensation you get for your car accident claim should cover all your losses. This includes lost income, medical bills, extensive medical care, future income loss, and vehicle damage. Some injuries after an auto accident are only diagnosed weeks later, and you may end up getting an amount that doesn’t cover for treatments for such injuries. If you are unsure of your claim’s worth, consider talking to an attorney. 

  • Do you have a valid car accident claim?

Colorado follows the modified comparative negligence rule. If you were partly at fault, your eventual settlement will be reduced by your share of fault in percentage. If a driver’s share of fault is 50% or more, they cannot recover anything at all. Before you file a claim, consider if you were at fault. Find a personal injury lawyer, who can investigate the case in an unbiased manner and help in establishing fault and liability. 

  • Did you take the right action immediately after?

If you were injured seriously, or someone else is in need of medical care, you should call 911, immediately after the car accident. Like we mentioned, you are also required to inform the police. The insurance companies must be notified within a reasonable time. For example, if you didn’t pull over or stop after the car accident, your claim can be rejected. 

Hiring an accident lawyer

The good news is most accident lawyers in Colorado Springs work on a contingency fee. You don’t need to spend a fortune to hire an attorney. It is best to meet a lawyer, so that you know your circumstances better. At times, an accident lawyer may ask the client to accept whatever is being offered by the insurance company. It all depends on the facts related to the case.