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Auto Accidents in Fort Collins, Colorado

According to Allstate insurance, Fort Collins ranks among the top 15 U.S. cities for safe drivers. Based on average years between collisions Fort Collins comes in at the 7th safest in the country, with 12.60 years between collisions. The national average is 10.57 years. While this may make Fort Collins seem like a safe place to drive, drivers can still get involved in a serious accident that results in expensive medical bills, time off of work, and costly car repairs. 

 After a car accident, the driver is supposed to report the accident to the insurance company and the party responsible is supposed to pay for any damages and losses. Unfortunately, it does not always work that way. The other driver may try and blame the accident on you, the insurance company may only offer a small settlement, or the medical bills can cost more than the compensation received.

By talking to an accident attorney, the injured driver and passengers can let their lawyer deal with the insurance company, make sure they are getting the full compensation owed, and have an advocate on their side to make sure they are not getting taken advantage of.  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 Fort Collins. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Causes of Auto Accidents in Fort Collins

An automobile accident can be caused by any number of factors and even have multiple causes that lead to the crash. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Fort Collins can include:

  • Speeding,
  • Running a red light,
  • Running a stop sign,
  • Distracted driving, 
  • Drunk driving,
  • Lane violation, and
  • Failure to yield the right of way,
  • Driving too fast for the weather conditions, 
  • Road construction,
  • Drowsy driving,
  • Road debris,
  • Potholes,
  • Defective brakes,
  • Tire blowout,
  • Illegal left turns,
  • Turning into a blind spot, or
  • Vehicle defects.

Most Dangerous Intersections in Fort Collins

Drivers in Fort Collins have likely seen more than one car accident while driving through the city. Many of these accidents occur at busy intersections, especially in the morning or afternoon when drivers are in a hurry. According to an article in the Coloradoan, some of the most dangerous intersections in Fort Collins in 2019 are: 

  • College Avenue and Horsetooth Road
  • College Avenue and Trilby Road
  • Mason Street and Harmony Road
  • Lemay Avenue and Harmony Road
  • Lemay Avenue and Drake Road
  • Timberline Road and Carpenter Road
  • Boardwalk Drive and Harmony Road
  • Shields Street and Mulberry Street
  • Shields Street and Prospect Road
  • College Avenue and Drake Road

Reporting an Accident in Fort Collins

Under 42-4-1606 CRS, all motor vehicle accidents must be reported. Even minor accidents are supposed to be reported. Failure to report an accident can lead to problems down the road. The other driver may not want the accident reported because they do not have insurance, have a suspended license, or are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, their story may change hours later when they claim an injury and say you were the cause of the accident.

 The police will generally respond to any serious accident, including those that involve an injury, an impaired driver, or when a vehicle is blocking the road. If the police respond to the accident, the officer will make an accident report. You can request a copy of the accident report from the responding department and you should review the report as soon as possible. If the police do not take a report, the driver can file an online accident report with the DMV.

After an accident, each party may have a different version of what happened, with the negligent driver trying to blame the accident on anything but themselves. Drivers can gather information at the scene of the accident, including getting contact information from witnesses and taking videos and photos of the vehicles and accident scene. Drivers may also want to contact the police or Colorado State Patrol to do an accident investigation. Talk to your Fort Collins car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to get your claim started on a strong footing.

Contacting the Insurance Company

Your auto insurance policy generally requires immediately reporting any accident or claim. This is the first step to filing a claim for damages after the accident to get your car repaired, get your medical treatment covered, and get compensated for any lost wages. Dealing with the other driver's insurance company can be tricky and they may try and get you to say something that will hurt your claim. Instead of dealing with the insurance company, tell them to talk to your lawyer.

Damages in a Colorado Car Accident

Damages in a car accident or personal injury claim are supposed to compensate the injury victim for their losses caused by the accident. This includes economic damages, including lost wages, medical bills, and property damage. It can also include non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, physical disfigurement, or loss of consortium. It is important to understand the full extent of your injuries before accepting any settlement offer.

Many people who deal with a car accident on their own and without a lawyer, end up taking too little money in the first settlement offer that comes along. The problem is that once you sign away your rights to sue, you may not be able to get any additional compensation, even if your injuries are permanent or cost you more than the settlement.

Before accepting any settlement offer, make sure you understand your rights. Talk to your Fort Collins accident attorney about the settlement and what signing a release can mean for you and your family. Your attorney will have a better idea of the value of your losses and make sure you don't get short-changed by the insurance company.

The statute of limitations for most auto accidents in Colorado is only three (3) years. This means the injury victim has 3 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Filing a claim just one day late may mean you cannot recover for your injuries. Additionally, the actual time limit may be longer or shorter, depending on the parties involved. Talk to your Fort Collins auto accident injury lawyers as soon as possible to make sure your claim is filed in time. 

Fort Collins Auto Accident Injury Lawyers

The attorneys at accidentdenver.com have successfully represented their clients and families in Fort Collins 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. 

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