Were you injured in a fender bender in Pueblo? Contact our Colorado auto accident attorneys for a free consultation.
Unfortunately, traffic collisions happen every day in our region. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reports that there were 3,761 crashes in Pueblo County in 2017 alone. These accidents vary widely in their severity—from catastrophic vehicle rollovers to minor parking lot fender benders. Of course, even a seemingly minor collision still has the potential to result in very serious injuries.
At McCormick & Murphy, P.C., our Pueblo fender bender accident attorneys fight to protect the legal rights of injured victims and their loved ones. If you or your family member has been hurt in an auto crash in Colorado, you may be entitled to financial compensation. To set up a free, no-obligation car accident consultation, call our Pueblo law office at (719) 225-1737 or contact us online.
What to Do After a Fender Bender in Pueblo
- Report the Crash and Document Critical Information From the Scene If You Are Able to
If any person was injured in a fender bender, that crash should be reported to law enforcement. It is in your best interests to call the police immediately after a collision. An officer can help secure the scene and gather relevant information. Be proactive. Try to take photographs of the damage and get the contact information for all witnesses, including the other driver. After the crash, you should obtain a copy of the accident report.
- Get Your Injuries Checked Out By a Doctor
All car crash injuries should be evaluated by a licensed physician. Far too many people try to recover from fender bender injuries on their own. There does not have to be a lot of damage for a person to suffer significant injuries. You deserve the proper medical care and attention. If you do not see a doctor after an auto collision, you will not be able to recover compensation for your injuries.
- Beware of the Insurance Company
The insurance company—even if it is your own insurance company—is almost never on your side. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that are focused on protecting their own bottom line, not your best interests.
After a crash, you are likely to receive a quick call from a friendly-sounding insurance adjuster. Be careful: they are often looking for information that they can use against you in the claims process.
You are not required to take this call or give a recorded statement at this time. This can differ if it is your own insurance company. Consult with an experienced Pueblo car accident lawyer before you speak to the insurance company’s representative.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Car Crash?
Whether or not you need a car accident attorney depends entirely on the specific circumstances of your case. If you were not injured in the fender bender and you did not suffer major vehicle damage, you most likely will not need an attorney. That being said, auto collisions can lead to serious injuries. You should be ready to hire a Pueblo personal injury lawyer if:
- Your injury required professional medical treatment;
- Your injury forced you to miss time at work; or
- The insurance company is refusing to pay your claim.
If you are still unsure as to whether or not you need an attorney, please do not hesitate to call our Pueblo law office. We will conduct a free, no commitment review of your auto accident case. Among other things, our team will let you know if you actually need a lawyer.
What You Need to Know About Car Crash Liability in Colorado
In Colorado, car accident liability is mostly based on negligence. As defined in the Colorado Civil Jury Instructions, negligence is the failure to act with reasonable prudence and due care. What constitutes negligence will always vary based on the specific circumstances in question.
That being said, if you were injured in a Pueblo, CO fender bender because another driver acted in a reckless, careless, or otherwise dangerous manner, you may be able to hold them responsible for your accident. Some common examples of driver negligence include:
- Speeding;
- Tailgating;
- Running red lights/stop signs;
- Recklessly changing lanes;
- Violating other traffic laws;
- Distracted driving;
- Texting while driving; and
- Intoxicated driving.
Compensation
As Colorado is a comparative negligence state (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-111), multiple parties may share liability for the same fender bender crash. In fact, an injured victim may be held partially liable for their own damages. It is crucial that you understand how comparative fault works because insurance companies often try to push some of the blame onto plaintiffs and other drivers in order to reduce how much they have to pay out in the settlement.
As an example, imagine that you were involved in a fender bender collision in Pueblo. While the vehicle damage was relatively modest, you suffered serious whiplash in the crash—resulting in a total of $10,000 in damages.
If the other driver was found liable for 100 percent of the accident, you would be entitled to recover $10,000 in compensation. However, if you are deemed to be at fault for 35 percent of your own fender bender, your compensation would be reduced by a proportional 35 percent—meaning you would only be able to recover $6,500.
What Compensation is Available for Injured Victims?
Through Colorado’s legal system, injured victims can recover financial compensation for a wide variety of different losses. Even if your accident is only considered to be mild, you still have a right to recover compensation for the full value of your damages.
Sadly, insurance companies often put hurdles in the way in an effort to pay out as little as possible. At McCormick & Murphy, P.C., our Pueblo fender bender accident lawyers will help you recover every penny that you deserve. Compensation may be available for such things like:
- Vehicle repairs/replacement;
- Emergency room treatment;
- Medical bills;
- Rehabilitative care;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning potential;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Long-term disability or impairment.
Contact Our Pueblo, CO Car Accident Attorneys Right Away
At McCormick & Murphy, P.C., our Pueblo fender bender accident lawyers are committed to providing exceptional representation to injured victims. If you or your family member was hurt in a car crash, even a fender bender, we can help explain your rights.
To arrange a fully confidential initial consultation, please do not hesitate to contact our Pueblo law office at 719-639-2916. We represent auto car crash victims in Pueblo County and throughout the surrounding region.