How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Car Accident Claim in Colorado?

Determining if you have a valid car accident claim in Colorado can be complicated. You need to understand the rules for a successful auto accident claim, and you must ensure you have the evidence you need to prove your case.

Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC can help. Our Windsor car accident lawyers have spent decades fighting for injured victims, and we understand what the legal requirements are for recovering compensation.  We can begin working on building a strong claim from day one to maximize your chances of recovery.

To find out more about how our firm can help you, give us a call or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. You can also read on to learn more about what is required for a valid claim for compensation after a car crash in Colorado. 

Requirements for a Valid Car Accident Claim in Colorado

There are a few key requirements that you must meet to make a valid car accident claim. Specifically, you must prove:

• The defendant(s) were mostly at fault for the accident: Under C.R.S. § 13-21-111, comparative negligence rules allow you to pursue a claim against another driver or other third party who caused an accident as long as you were not 50% or more at fault for the crash. You’ll need to show the other defendant(s) bore the majority of the blame. 
• You suffered harm as a result of the defendant’s negligence or wrongdoing: You must be able to prove that you were hurt because of the defendant. Typically, this is another driver, but it could also be a government agency responsible for road design or maintenance, or the manufacturer of a defective vehicle or defective auto parts. 
• You have sustained losses you can be compensated for: You will have to show that you suffered actual financial and non-financial losses, such as incurring medical bills and missing out on wages at work. You can also recover compensation for pain and suffering and emotional distress if you are able to prove your damages. 

You must also bring your claim within the statute of limitations for Colorado car accident claims. In Colorado, you have three years to pursue your case if you were hurt in a car accident. If you wait longer than the allowable time, your case is time-barred.  If you are pursuing a claim against government entities, a stricter timeline applies.

Gathering Evidence and Making Your Case

When you pursue a personal injury claim, you have the burden of proving your case. You must demonstrate that, more likely than not, your version of events is true.  

Some of the different kinds of evidence that Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC can help you collect to prove your case include:

• Security camera footage from the car accident scene
• Police reports
• Eyewitness testimony
• Testimony from an accident reconstruction specialist
• Your own account of what occurred
• Photos from the collision scene
• Medical records
• A pain diary

In these and other circumstances, our goal is to help you maximize the chances of a favorable settlement or court verdict so you can get the money you need to move forward. 

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Colorado Today

Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC will work from day one to help you make a valid car accident claim in Colorado. We don’t charge legal fees unless we win, and your consultation is always free. Just give us a call or contact us online to learn more about how we can help you.