Car accidents can change your life forever. The accident itself can result in injuries and the aftermath can involve long and complicated legal processes and emotional trauma. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, there were 611 car accident fatalities in 2020. Car accidents can lead to a wide variety of injuries, some of which are permanently debilitating.
In the event that you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a car accident, it is essential that you have an advocate by your side to represent your best interests. Our Colorado Springs lawyers are here to guide you through the steps you should take following an accident.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents
The causes of car accidents are countless, but commonly we see car accidents resulting from:
- Poor Road Conditions
- Driving Under the Influence
- Road Rage
- Distracted Driving
- Failure to Follow Traffic Laws
- Speeding
What To Do If You Have Been In A Car Accident
The moments following a car accident are crucial and could determine whether you win your case and receive compensation for your injuries.
Seek Safety And Attend To Any Injuries
Following a car accident, you should seek safety and note any injuries you have sustained. If you feel injured, remain still. Otherwise, move your car to a safe place and check on the well-being of any passengers in your vehicle. If you are unable to move your car, turn on the hazard lights to alert oncoming traffic. Call the police to report the accident.
Remain At The Scene
Remain at the scene of the accident until law enforcement arrives. Other people involved in the incident could accuse you of a hit-and-run if you leave the scene of the accident prematurely. There are much stricter penalties for this offense than you would face for just the car accident alone.
Obtain Driver Information and Registration
Collect as much information as possible. Insurance companies will need adequate documentation of the incident. If you are physically incapable, a police officer or a passenger in your vehicle can obtain information on your behalf. A police report alone should not be relied upon to prove your claim because it may not contain all the details you require.
Note the make, model, and license plate of any car involved. Obtain the name, contact information, and insurance information of every person involved in the incident.
Take Pictures
Taking pictures is essential. Get photos of the cars, the accident scene, your injuries, and anything else that may be relevant to your claim.
Get Witness Statements
As soon as possible, collect the statements of any eyewitnesses. Time can cause our memories to become distorted by bias or lose important details. Statements can be written down or recorded on videos for future reference.
Seek Medical Attention
When you are able to leave the scene, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Regardless of whether you have visible injuries, a doctor can provide advice on whether a dormant injury exists. Often symptoms do not appear until hours or days later. Due to the adrenaline and stress of a collision, you may also underestimate your injuries. Follow your doctor’s instructions, including possible rehabilitation, to prevent further injury. It is important to document your injuries when filing an insurance claim.
Common Injuries
If you suspect that you have received an injury, seek medical attention right away. Some of the most common injuries from car accidents are:
- Neck Injuries
- Brain Injuries
- Paralysis
- Broken Bones
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Burns
- Back Injuries
- Ligament Laxity
- Concussion
Contact An Attorney Immediately
A car accident attorney will help you preserve evidence and negotiate with the insurance company until you receive a fair settlement offer. Their research will involve examining the averages of settlements and resolutions of similar incidents and injuries. A car accident attorney will be able to provide guidance throughout the claim process that can significantly increase your settlement offer.
Don’t Be Fooled By Insurance Companies
A claims adjuster from the other driver’s insurance company will likely contact you after you notify your insurance company about the accident. The other driver’s insurer may try to persuade you to settle the case quickly. You should know that the insurance company is not focused on the well-being of accident victims. It’s only concerned with its own bottom line.
Insurance companies may try to distract you or encourage you to settle before knowing your options. To protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve, be sure to do the following:
- Make a note of everything you remember about the accident eg) exact location of the accident, the weather, the time of day, the presence of witnesses, etc.
- Consult a lawyer before signing anything from the insurance company
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Don’t give the insurance company a recorded statement
- Avoid signing blanket medical releases
- Don’t be too quick to settle
How Long Will My Case Take To Settle?
If the claims are simple and no injuries are involved, some car accident insurance claims can be resolved in 30 days. More complex cases can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to settle, especially if it needs to go to trial. When we work with you, we do our best to expedite the process while ensuring that we maximize your recovery.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to provide you with a realistic estimate of the settlement you can expect from your car accident lawsuit. The attorneys at Kanthaka Group have decades of experience in handling and evaluating car accident claims. Over the years, we have dealt with dozens of insurance companies and understand their claims evaluation process.
While the majority of car accident claims are settled through negotiations, some cases go to court. In this case, the court determines whether you should get compensation for your medical bills. We make sure victims have enough money to cover months, years, or even a lifetime of medical care after an accident.
We Can Help You with Your Car Accident
Talking to the at-fault’s insurance company can be detrimental to your case. They will try to force you into a quick settlement. When you settle with them, you will forever be prohibited from filing any further claims against them for the accident and your injuries.
At the Kanthaka Group, we have experienced attorneys and staff that will guide you through the legal process of recovering from a car accident. Contact our Colorado Springs car accident lawyers today.