The legal process in the Colorado car accident claims process is confusing for many people. It involves many steps.
We have outlined those steps below to give you a better understanding of what to expect during the legal process of a Colorado car accident claim.
Accident Occurrence
Your legal claim begins at the moment the accident occurs. What you say and do immediately after the accident can affect your claim.
Some ways that you can protect your rights are to:
- Move your vehicle over to safety.
- Report the accident to police.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Ask the other driver for their name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle description.
- Write down the names and contact information for any witnesses.
- Take pictures of the accident scene from multiple angles.
- Preserve any dashcam or video footage you have of the accident.
Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer
At Dulin McQuinn Young, we offer free consultations to new prospective clients. During a free consultation, you can discuss your case with an experienced lawyer, who can advise you whether or not you have a viable claim and if it makes sense to hire a lawyer to assist you.
You can also ask any questions that you have about the upcoming legal process at no cost or obligation to you.
Trial Proven
Denver Car Accident Lawyers
Detailed Investigation
If you decide to hire us, we then begin by conducting a thorough investigation into the accident to determine how it happened and identify all at-fault parties. This investigation may involve several steps, including:
- Requesting and reviewing your medical records
- Reviewing the accident report
- Interviewing witnesses
- Requesting video footage
- Analyzing vehicle damage or repair reports
- Consulting with expert witnesses
- Gathering information about the damages you sustained
Demand Letter
Your personal injury lawyer takes the information that they learned during the investigation and prepares a detailed demand letter that explains that you were injured in the car accident, that the insured was responsible for the accident, and that you are demanding a certain amount of money to compensate for your economic and non-economic damages.
These might include:
- Medical bills you incurred related to the accident
- Ongoing medical treatment costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Negotiations
Once the insurance company receives your demand letter, it reviews it. It may respond by accepting the amount requested, denying the claim, or offering a lower amount to settle the case.
Your attorney may negotiate with the insurance company. If you reach an agreement, you sign a release of claim form and receive your settlement check within a few weeks.
Filing of a Lawsuit
If you are unable to reach an agreement with the insurance company, your lawyer can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, demanding the compensation you deserve.
Litigation
The litigation process can be long and confusing. It can involve several steps, including pretrial motions, discovery, mediation, continued settlement negotiations, and trial preparation. Your case can still settle at any point.
Contact Dulin McQuinn Young for a Free Consultation
You don’t have to navigate the intimidating legal process alone. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.