Car accidents are among the most common causes of serious injuries in Colorado. If you get into an auto accident, the injuries you suffer can have a major effect on you and your family. The Arvada car accident attorneys at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and move forward. Contact us today for a free legal consultation. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Arvada

The Colorado Department of Transportation tracks the most common causes of accidents annually. Knowing these common causes of car accidents in Arvada can help you stay safe on the roads. Distracted driving is the leading cause of accidents involving human error. 

In 2020, distracted drivers caused more than 10,000 accidents. These accidents resulted in an excess of 1,000 injuries and 68 fatalities. The consequences of distracted driving can be devastating.

Other common causes of car accidents in Arvada are:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
  • Speeding or reckless driving,
  • Violating traffic laws,
  • Road defects or dangerous conditions, and
  • Vehicle equipment breakdowns.

These leading causes of Colorado accidents result in various types of vehicle accidents. The most common types of accidents are:

  • T-bone collisions,
  • Rear-end collisions,
  • Rollover accidents,
  • Blind left-turn collisions,
  • Roadside object collisions, and
  • Head-on collisions.

No matter how careful a driver you are, you may experience an auto accident due to your time out on the roads.

Common Injuries from a Car Accident 

Injuries from a car accident can be obvious. Other injuries may take longer to detect. Injuries caused by a car accident can include:

  • Back injuries,
  • Broken bones,
  • Head injuries,
  • Internal injuries,
  • Neck injuries,
  • Soft-tissue injuries,
  • Traumatic brain injuries, and 
  • Death.

If you sustained injuries in an auto accident, you may be eligible for financial recovery. Contact an Arvada auto accident lawyer at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. 

We can help you negotiate fair compensation based on the severity of your injuries. Our car accident attorneys can also investigate the accident to determine fault. 

Determining Fault and Liability

Colorado is an at-fault state. An injury victim must identify the driver at fault before filing a claim for liability. Under the at-fault rule, a driver can choose to file a claim against the other driver. Accident victims may seek compensation by:

  1. Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier,
  2. Filing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim with their own insurance company, or 
  3. Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the driver directly.

Our Lawyers can help you determine which option is best in your situation. 

Comparative Fault in Colorado

Colorado is a comparative fault state. Under Colorado’s comparative fault law, victims can obtain compensation even if they are partially at fault for the accident. The driver who hit you may be liable for your damages. These damages can include things like medical expenses and lost wages. 

Specifically, Colorado is considered a modified comparative negligence state. If you are 50% or more at fault for the accident, recovering damages from the other driver is not an option. If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced. This reduction is calculated by subtracting the percentage of blame assigned to you. 

For example, if you were hit by a driver who ran a red light but you were texting while driving at the time of impact, the other driver may be 90% to blame for the crash. You may be 10% at fault. If your damages are $100,000, then your compensation is reduced by 10%. You would receive $90,000.

Even if you believe you share fault for an accident, it is best to refrain from discussing liability until you have consulted an attorney.  Other factors could impact the analysis. An Arvada auto accident attorney at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. can evaluate this for you. 

Who Is Liable for the Accident?

To receive compensation, an injured victim must prove that the other driver—the at-fault driver—was negligent and caused the accident. To be entitled to compensation, a plaintiff must prove: 

  • The at-fault driver owed a duty of care;
  • The at-fault driver violated that duty of care; 
  • The victim sustained damages; and
  • The at-fault driver’s violation caused the injury.

Every driver on the road owes a duty to other drivers. Drivers must operate vehicles with due regard for others on the road. If a driver fails to do so, they may be liable for your damages if you were less than 50% at fault.

Damages from a Car Accident

You can hold an at-fault driver in Colorado liable for damages they caused. Available damages are classified into three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive. 

Knowing the full extent of your injuries and expenses before filing an injury claim is key. But under Colorado’s statute of limitations, an injured party has only three years from the date of the car accident to file a claim. 

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the most obvious form of damages. Economic damages are actual expenses, including: 

  • Medical bills,
  • Future medical bills,
  • Lost wages,
  • Lost earning capacity, 
  • Rehabilitation costs, and
  • Property damage.

Economic damages include material expenses incurred as a result of the car accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are less tangible damages. As such, this category is more challenging to value than economic damages. Non-economic damages relate to pain and suffering. Pain and suffering describes an overall loss of quality of life due to a car accident. Non-economic damages under Colorado law include:

  • Physical pain and suffering,
  • Loss of quality of life,
  • Inconvenience, 
  • Emotional distress, and
  • Impairments.

Colorado law caps non-economic damages. The damages cap is adjusted for inflation periodically. 

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be available in cases of extreme wrongdoing. Punitive damages punish the person responsible for the car accident. They are not intended to compensate the victim. 

Steps to Take Following a Car Accident

You should take steps following an auto accident that will position you to get any compensation you deserve. If you experience damages following an auto accident, follow these steps:

  1. Stop and assess the situation;
  2. Call 911;
  3. Exchange information with the other driver; 
  4. Take photos of the accident and scene;
  5. Contact your insurance company; and
  6. Reach out to an Arvada car accident attorney at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C.

Our skilled lawyers have a proven track record of recovering compensation for victims. 

Contact Our Arvada Car Accident Lawyers Today

We can help you hold wrongdoers accountable. Our unique background and years of trial experience position us to help you every step of the way.

At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we maintain a small caseload. You will benefit from our firm’s personalized attention. Take action today to get the compensation you deserve for your auto accident claim. Call or contact us online to discuss your case.