car accident

Car accidents are some of the most common personal injury cases we handle. While some collisions are minor and involve no injuries, many others result in severe and catastrophic injuries. We understand how devastating and stressful accidents can be for injured victims and their families. You have legal rights if you sustain injuries in a car accident due to another party’s negligence. Pursuing a claim for compensation can be complicated. Contact the Fort Collins car accident lawyers at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., to discuss the best course of legal action.  

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fort Collins

Although most people call them accidents, collisions are almost always preventable. Some of the most common causes of accidents include the following.

Distracted Driving

Most people think about texting and driving, but anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road results in distracted driving. Other examples include eating and drinking, changing the radio station, checking the GPS, talking with passengers, and more.

Driving While Fatigued

Drivers who are fatigued and get behind the wheel put other people at risk. Reaction times may be slower, or the driver might nod off. Long-haul truck drivers are especially prone to fatigue. The combination of a fatigued driver and an 18-wheeler truck can have catastrophic results.

Not Obeying Traffic Laws

Drivers who fail to adhere to traffic rules and regulations can put other people at risk. That includes running a stop sign or red light, speeding, ignoring road signs, and more.

Driving While Intoxicated

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can significantly reduce a driver’s reaction times and impair judgment. Even one drink can affect your judgment—you don’t necessarily need to exceed the legal limit to be intoxicated. Driving while intoxicated also includes taking some prescription medications. If a doctor prescribed medicine that included a warning not to drive, there’s a good reason. Some prescription medications can severely impair your judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of an accident.

Road Hazards and Adverse Weather

Potholes, construction, rain, fog, and ice can add challenges to your daily drive. When drivers don’t adjust their speed or pay close attention, they can cause a collision.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accident injuries vary significantly from case to case. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, injuries can range from minor soft tissue pain to catastrophic and life-changing disabilities. Some of the most common car accident injuries we represent clients for include:

Some of these injuries can result in permanent damage, such as a spinal cord injury. Some people with spinal cord injuries develop paralysis permanently. Sometimes, victims pass away from their injuries, leaving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Recoverable Damages in a Car Accident Case

Recoverable damages in a car accident case vary depending on your individual circumstances and injuries. Some of the most common damages that you could recover compensation for include:

  • Medical expenses to date,
  • Future medical expenses,
  • Property damage,
  • Lost wages,
  • Future loss of earning capacity,
  • Pain and suffering,
  • Emotional distress,
  • Loss of consortium, and
  • Loss of companionship.

When you have questions on how much your case is worth, speak with a Fort Collins auto accident attorney at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C.

Why Hire Our Fort Collins Car Accident Lawyers?

You don’t legally have to hire an attorney, so you might wonder what the benefits of working with us are. For one, you will have a legal advocate on your side who knows the law and will protect your rights. Despite what the defendant’s insurance company wants you to believe, they aren’t your friend, and they are not looking out for your best interests.

We Investigate and Protect You From Insurance Adjuster Tactics

We will conduct a thorough independent investigation and help gather all pertinent evidence that supports your version of the accident. The other driver’s insurance adjuster will try to convince you to give a recorded statement without legal representation. Their hope is that you say something they can use to place more liability on you. We will build a strong case and not let the defendants take advantage of you.

Your attorney will handle all communication with the defendant’s insurance adjuster and lawyer. That also means negotiations. You don’t need to worry about negotiating a potential settlement when you hire our skilled legal team to represent you. Insurance companies like to lowball plaintiffs, especially in car accident injury claims. If the defendants refuse to negotiate in good faith, we are prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf.

We Know the Deadlines

If negotiations are ongoing, you might run close to the statute of limitations. You only have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for injuries. And keep in mind that filing a lawsuit only happens after extensive investigations and negotiations with the insurance company. A lawsuit is only filed if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer—and getting there takes time.

So three years might seem like a long time, but it can pass quickly, especially in cases involving serious injuries. The three-year deadline is not absolute either. There are some situations that might increase or decrease the statute of limitations. 

The court will likely dismiss your case entirely if you fail to file a lawsuit before the deadline. 

How Much Does a Fort Collins Auto Accident Lawyer Cost?

If you are concerned about coming up with the money to hire our Fort Collins car accident attorneys—don’t be. We work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay any legal fees upfront, nor do we bill you for hourly rates. Instead, contingency fee billing means we only get paid if we successfully collect compensation on your behalf. Our fees will be a percentage of the settlement or trial award. There’s no catch. If we do not successfully win any money for you, we don’t get paid either.

Contact Us

When you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, it’s time to contact the Fort Collins car accident attorneys at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. Our lawyers have the skills and expertise to build a strong case. And should it become necessary to take your case to trial, we’ve got it handled. Injured car accident victims deserve compensation for their damages from the legally liable parties. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation and learn how we can assist you.