Filing A Car Accident Claim in Colorado

If you suffered injuries and other damages in a car accident, you should know that Colorado law permits you to seek compensation from the responsible driver. Filing a car injury claim is essential to getting the compensation you need after a car accident. However, while the process might seem as simple as filling out some forms, there are various challenges you will face along the way. The car injury claim process is time-consuming and can get complicated, so knowing what to expect is important. To receive compensation for your injuries and losses, you must know how to file a claim for a car accident in Colorado. Read on to learn more about this process and how an attorney can help you.

How to File a Car Accident Injury Claim 

Without a qualified attorney guiding you, understanding how to file a personal injury claim after a car wreck can be difficult. You might also make mistakes that delay the claims process and lower the value of your claim. Working with an experienced car accident attorney from the start can help you avoid any unnecessary delays and protect your rights.  

Contact Police

In Colorado, all property damage must be reported to the police even when no party suffered injuries. If there are injuries, responding police officers will complete an accident report detailing vital information about your accident. The information in an accident report is helpful when filing a car accident lawsuit as it provides party names and contact information, insurance information, and may also determine fault. 

Consult an Attorney 

Consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. They can begin working on your case to assist you with filing a car accident claim. An attorney can thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident and gather evidence to prove the other driver’s negligence. 

You may suffer from injuries and financial stress that hinder your ability to work on your case alone. There is also a strict statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Colorado. Colorado’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the accident date. Failure to file within this period bars you from filing a lawsuit at a later date. An attorney can take care of the claims process for you while you focus on your recovery, and they can help you meet important deadlines. 

File a Claim 

Your attorney can file a claim with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf. They will also know how to use evidence to support your claim. Once an insurance adjuster is assigned to your case, you should let your attorney speak to the adjuster. The adjuster might try to persuade you to accept a lowball settlement offer or try to hold you accountable for the accident. 

Demand Letter  

Once you retain a personal injury attorney, they prepare a demand letter and send it to the other party’s insurance carrier. Demand letters include pertinent information including: 

• An outline of the accident, 
• A list of all your injuries and expenses supported with documentation, 
• The demand for compensation, and 
• A statement that the victim is prepared to proceed with a trial. 

Your attorney should only send a demand letter once. That letter should ask for compensation that covers all your damages. In many situations, calculating your total damages can take some time because you might require ongoing medical treatment and multiple medical evaluations. 

Settlement Discussions 

While learning about how to file a claim for a car accident in Colorado, you should keep in mind that you might have to negotiate with insurance companies. After the insurance carrier investigates the accident, settlement discussions may begin. The insurance adjuster may attempt to raise disputes to reduce or deny the at-fault driver’s liability. An experienced personal injury attorney anticipates these tactics and will fight for a fair settlement on your behalf. 

File A Lawsuit 

The last step in how to file a car accident claim in Colorado may be a lawsuit. If your attorney and the insurance company fail to reach a favorable settlement that accurately reflects your damages, your attorney can prepare your case for trial. Litigating a personal injury case often requires using expert witnesses, conducting extensive discovery, and reviewing medical reports. An experienced attorney will know how to prepare a strong case for trial. 

Contact Us 

Understanding how to file a lawsuit after a car accident without an attorney is challenging. Without understanding the complexity of this area of law, an unrepresented person may only hurt themselves and miss out on compensation they are entitled to. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, the attorneys at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., understand what it takes to obtain fair compensation in a personal injury case. We take the time to get to know you and the facts of your case. Over the past 30 years, we have won more than $100 million in verdicts or settlements for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you.