Englewood can be a great place to live but it is not without its issues. Like other cities in Colorado, growth is bringing more traffic to the area which can increase the risk of car accidents. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), in 2017, there were 13,313 total crashes in Arapahoe County, up from only 9,813 total crashes in 2010.
When a driver is injured in an accident, they expect the insurance company to pay up for any car repairs, medical bills, and other losses caused by the accident. Unfortunately, many accident victims find the insurance company is not eager to write out a check to cover all the injury victim's damages. Most people just take the insurance company's offer without contacting a lawyer. However, your lawyer will be able to negotiate with the insurance company to get you the maximum compensation, and if necessary, take your case to court to get the money you are owed.
The attorneys at accidentdenver.com will investigate your case, handle the insurance company, and work to get you the maximum compensation after an injury accident in Englewood. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Causes of Auto Accidents in Englewood
More cars and more traffic may increase the likelihood of an accident. Some accidents are directly caused by road debris, defective vehicle parts, or road construction, However, the majority of car accidents are still caused by human error. Some of the most common in Englewood can include:
- Speeding,
- Reckless driving,
- Running a red light,
- Rolling through a stop sign,
- Distracted driving,
- Drunk driving,
- Failure to yield the right of way,
- Drowsy driving,
- Not yielding to pedestrians,
- Not giving cyclists enough space, and
- Illegal left turns.
Accidents can happen anywhere in Englewood, from parking lots to busy intersections or even in a driver's own driveway. The types of accidents may depend on where the crash occurred. Lower speed fender benders often happen in shopping centers, parking lots, or during stop-and-go traffic. High-speed accidents, which can be the most serious, often occur at intersections.
At intersections, vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed approaching a yellow light have to decide to come to a stop or continue through the intersection. When the driver is in a hurry, not paying attention, or simply fails to estimate their speed, this can result in running a red light and possibly hitting a vehicle entering the intersection on a green light. Dangerous intersections in Englewood may include:
- Hampden Avenue and University Boulevard,
- Broadway and Belleview Avenue, or
- Anywhere along Hwy 285 or Hwy 88.
After an Injury Accident in Englewood
After an injury accident, any injured parties should seek medical attention. Injuries in a car accident can be tricky to identify right after the accident. The adrenaline may be flowing and can make the driver or passenger not notice the pain. However, after the adrenaline wears off, the injured individual may notice pain, soreness, headaches, dizziness, or other signs of an injury.
Injuries in a motor vehicle accident can include:
- Head injury,
- Neck injury,
- Broken bones,
- Burn injuries,
- Lacerations,
- Internal bleeding,
- Concussions, and
- Back injury.
Reporting an Accident in Englewood
Under 42-4-1606 CRS, drivers are to report any motor vehicle accident, including minor fender benders. In a serious injury accident, the police may respond and take an accident report. This will include basic information about the accident and what each party stated about the accident to the police. If the police take a report, the driver should request a copy of the report and review what it says to make sure there are no mistakes.
If the police do not take a report, the driver can file an online accident report with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Drivers will also have to report an accident to their insurance company. This includes providing information about the parties involved, contact information, and a description of what happened during the accident.
Damages in a Colorado Car Accident
Compensation after a car accident should be enough to cover all the losses associated with the accident. This goes beyond just the financial costs of an accident and should cover the non-economic damages. When filing a personal injury claim after a car accident, the injury victim's damages may include:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Loss of earning potential,
- Property damage,
- Loss of consortium, and
- Pain and suffering.
When the insurance company makes a settlement offer, the injury victim should make sure the offer covers all their damages and not just a portion. Accepting the insurance company's offer means giving up your rights to sue later so talk to an experienced Colorado accident lawyer before accepting any offer. Your attorney can advise you of your options, negotiate with the insurance company to get a fair settlement or take your case to court.
There is a limited time to file a personal injury claim in Colorado. Filing your claim too late may mean you cannot recover anything for your injuries. The statute of limitations for most car accidents in Colorado is three (3) years. The injury victim generally has three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, the time limit may be longer or shorter, depending on the parties involved. Talk to your Englewood auto accident injury lawyers as soon as possible to make sure your claim is filed in time.
Englewood Auto Accident Injury Lawyers
The attorneys at accidentdenver.com have successfully represented their clients and families in Englewood who were involved in a car accident get compensation for their losses. Our attorneys understand how the insurance companies operate and will fight to get the maximum compensation available for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.