Car accidents are a common occurrence. They are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, killing over 100 people every day. Thousands more are injured daily. Unfortunately, many car accidents are caused by negligent or irresponsible driving.
If you or your loved one sustained injuries caused by another driver, you have rights. The Thornton car accident attorneys at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. stand ready to help. We will provide guidance throughout the process of pursuing compensation for your damages.
Request a free case evaluation with one of our Thornton car accident lawyers today.
Don’t delay. In Colorado, you have a three-year deadline to file a lawsuit after a car accident in Thornton.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Thornton
Determining what caused your car accident is a critical step in the recovery process. Once we understand the cause of your accident, we can explain your legal options. You may be able to hold the other driver financially responsible for your Thornton car accident claim.
Accidents caused by distracted driving are the top category of accidents involving human error. In 2020, the Colorado Department of Transportation reported 10,166 crashes involving a Colorado distracted driver. These accidents resulted in 1,476 injuries and 68 deaths. Distracted driving can have life-threatening consequences.
Other common causes of car accidents in Thornton are:
- Speeding,
- Impaired driving,
- Driving while tired,
- Reckless driving,
- Inexperienced drivers, and
- Breaking traffic laws.
If another driver causes a car accident in Colorado, that driver’s insurance company will be responsible for paying for the accident. But it is possible that something other than driver error caused your car accident in Thornton. Other causes can include:
- Auto part defects,
- Road hazards,
- Poor roadway designs,
- Obscured signs,
- Road debris,
- Dangerous construction zones,
- Crossing animals, or
- Bad weather.
In these instances, someone else may be liable for your medical bills and vehicle repairs.
The Thornton auto accident lawyers at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. can conduct an in-depth investigation of your car accident. We can help you identify the party or parties at fault for your crash that may not be apparent at the outset.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries can range from minor cuts and scrapes to death. A vehicle collision can injure any part of the body. Sadly, some victims never fully recover from their car accident injuries.
The most common injuries associated with automobile accidents include:
- Bone fractures,
- Brain injuries,
- Burns,
- Crush injuries,
- Emotional injuries,
- Lacerations,
- Loss of limb,
- Neck and back injuries,
- Scars and disfigurement,
- Soft-tissue injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Whiplash, and
- Wrongful death.
Injuries connected to a car accident can change every aspect of life. We can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Damages in a Thornton Car Accident Claim
Damages refer to the financial compensation that may be available after an automobile accident. Depending on the circumstances of your particular case, our Thornton auto accident lawyers may pursue:
- Payment for your medical bills, including expenses for future healthcare costs;
- Compensation to fix or replace your automobile;
- Lost wages if you had to miss work or can no longer work; and
- Compensation for the pain and suffering your injury has caused.
The State of Colorado limits pain and suffering compensation. The damages cap is adjusted for inflation periodically.
Determining Liability
An injured victim who wants compensation must show that the other driver was negligent. To prove negligence, a victim must show:
- The negligent party owned them a duty of care;
- The negligent party violated their duty of care;
- The victim was injured; and
- The negligent party’s violation caused the injury.
Every driver on the road has a duty to operate their vehicle responsibly and with consideration for others on the road.
Colorado Is an “At-Fault” State
Under the at-fault rule, drivers can file claims against the responsible parties. The driver does not need to first file a claim with their own insurance company. Accident victims can seek compensation in one of three ways after an accident:
- By filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier,
- By filing a claim with their own insurance company if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, or
- By filing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver.
In a car accident case in Colorado, the party at fault for causing the crash will be liable for damages.
Modified Comparative Fault in Colorado
Colorado’s comparative fault law allows victims to recover compensation even if the victim is partially responsible for the accident. Any driver who contributed to the accident is considered at fault. The at-fault driver is liable for a victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. But if you are 50% or more at fault for causing the accident, you may not recover any damages. If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to you.
For example, if you were speeding and the other driver was drunk, the drunk driver may be 90% to blame for the crash. You may be 10% at fault. If your damages are $50,000, then your compensation is reduced by 10%. You would receive $45,000.
Even if you believe you are at fault in an accident, never admit to fault. There are other factors that could come into play. These factors may not be clear at the scene of the accident. It’s best to let the investigators perform their job and determine who is really to blame.
Let the Thornton auto accident attorneys at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. sort all this out for you.
What to Do After a Car Accident
You may be shaken up after a car accident. But knowing what to do after a car accident can help you in the aftermath of your crash. Follow these steps following your accident.
- Call 911 even if the accident appears minor;
- Seek medical attention for any injuries;
- Take photographs of the accident scene and damaged property;
- Gather contact information for any witnesses;
- Contact your insurance company;
- Keep a file of everything related to your car accident; and
- Contact Thornton car accident attorneys.
In taking the recommended steps following an accident, do not admit fault.
Our Personal Approach at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C.
When you’ve been in a car accident, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Your schedule may be turned upside down by doctor visits, calls from insurance companies, and a mountain of paperwork. This doesn’t even address the physical and emotional toll of an accident. Don’t face this alone. Contact Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C.
You will receive highly skilled legal representation and personalized service. Our unique background positions us to help you every step of the way. Whether it’s working with an insurance adjuster or negotiating a settlement, we can help.
With our decades of trial litigation experience, we are also prepared to take the matter to court. Take action today to get the compensation you deserve for your Thornton car accident claim. Call or contact us online to discuss your case.
Our experienced legal team handles other types of cases as well, including:
- Personal Injury
- Medical Malpractice
- Criminal Defense
- DUI Defense
- Railroad Accidents
- Estate Planning and Probate
- Fiduciary & Estate Litigation
- Employment Law
- Civil Rights
- Appellate Work