Best Denver Car Accident Lawyers

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Look for When Hiring a Denver Car Accident Lawyer?

Look for an attorney with a proven track record in Colorado personal injury cases and experience handling claims similar to yours. The right lawyer should understand Denver's traffic patterns, local courts, and how insurance companies operate in the Front Range area.

Check their case results and client reviews to gauge their success rate. A strong attorney will have specific experience with Colorado's comparative negligence rules under C.R.S. § 13-21-111, which can significantly impact your compensation.

Consider their communication style and availability. Your lawyer should explain complex legal concepts in plain language and keep you updated throughout your case. Most Denver car accident attorneys offer free consultations, so meet with several before deciding.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Denver?

Most Denver car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, typically charging 33-40% of your final settlement or verdict. You pay nothing upfront and only owe fees if they win your case.

The percentage may increase if your case goes to trial rather than settling. Some attorneys charge 33% for settlements and 40% for cases that require litigation. Always get the fee structure in writing before signing any agreement.

Additional costs like filing fees, expert witnesses, and medical record expenses may apply. Many lawyers cover these costs during your case and deduct them from your settlement, but clarify this arrangement during your consultation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Colorado?

Colorado law gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit under C.R.S. § 13-80-101. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation permanently.

However, you should contact a Denver lawyer much sooner. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies use delays against you. Starting your claim within days or weeks of the accident strengthens your case.

Different deadlines apply for government vehicles or wrongful death claims. If a city bus or state vehicle caused your accident, you may have only 180 days to file a notice of claim against the government entity.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Denver Car Accident?

Colorado law allows you to recover economic damages like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. You can also claim non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

Your compensation depends on injury severity and how the accident affects your life. Serious injuries involving surgery, permanent disability, or long-term treatment typically result in higher settlements.

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your compensation decreases by your percentage of fault. If you're more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover anything.

How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take in Denver?

Most Denver car accident cases settle within 6-18 months, though complex cases can take longer. The timeline depends on injury severity, treatment length, and whether insurance companies negotiate fairly.

You should reach maximum medical improvement before settling. Accepting a quick settlement might leave you without coverage for future medical needs or complications.

Cases that go to trial can take two years or more. However, fewer than 5% of personal injury cases actually reach trial. Most insurance companies prefer settling to avoid litigation costs and unpredictable jury verdicts.

What Types of Car Accidents Do Denver Lawyers Handle?

Denver attorneys handle rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, hit-and-run crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups. They also represent clients injured in drunk driving accidents, distracted driving crashes, and accidents involving commercial vehicles.

Specific case types include:

• Highway accidents on I-25, I-70, and C-470
• T-bone collisions at Denver intersections
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers
• Truck accidents on major freight corridors

Each accident type requires different legal strategies. An experienced lawyer knows how to investigate your specific situation and build the strongest case possible.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company's First Offer?

No. Insurance adjusters typically make lowball initial offers, hoping you'll accept before consulting an attorney. These early offers rarely cover your full damages or future medical needs.

Insurance companies want to minimize payouts and close claims quickly. They may pressure you to settle while you're still recovering and don't know the full extent of your injuries.

A Denver car accident lawyer can evaluate whether an offer is fair based on similar cases and your actual damages. They negotiate with adjusters regularly and know what your case is truly worth.

What Information Should I Bring to My Consultation?

Bring your accident report, photos of the scene and vehicle damage, and contact information for all parties involved. Include any witness statements or contact details you collected.

Gather all medical records and bills related to your injuries. Bring documentation of lost wages, including pay stubs or a letter from your employer. Insurance correspondence and policy information are also important.

Don't worry if you don't have everything. Denver lawyers can help obtain missing documents and records. The initial consultation focuses on understanding your case and explaining your legal options.

Can I Still File a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes. Colorado's comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you share fault for the accident. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility, as long as you're not more than 50% at fault.

For example, if you're awarded $100,000 but found 20% responsible, you'd receive $80,000. Insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto you to reduce their payout.

An experienced Denver attorney challenges unfair fault assessments. They gather evidence showing the other driver's negligence and minimize your assigned percentage to maximize your recovery.

How Do I Choose Between Multiple Denver Car Accident Lawyers?

Compare their experience specifically with car accident cases in Colorado courts. Ask about their settlement amounts, trial experience, and how many cases they've handled in the Denver District Court.

Evaluate their resources and support staff. Larger firms may have investigators, medical experts, and trial specialists. Solo practitioners might offer more personal attention but fewer resources for complex cases.

Trust your instincts about communication and comfort level. You'll work closely with this attorney for months, so choose someone who listens to your concerns and explains legal concepts clearly. Most importantly, verify they're licensed with the Colorado Supreme Court and have no disciplinary actions.

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?

Colorado requires minimum liability coverage, but some drivers operate vehicles illegally without insurance. If you're hit by an uninsured motorist, you can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have it.

Your UM coverage compensates you up to your policy limits when the at-fault driver cannot. Colorado law requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage, though you can reject it in writing.

A Denver lawyer can also explore other options, like suing the at-fault driver directly or identifying other liable parties. While collecting from an uninsured driver is challenging, an attorney maximizes your recovery options.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?

It depends on your injuries and damages. If you only have minor vehicle damage and no injuries, you might handle the claim yourself. However, some injuries don't appear immediately after accidents.

Insurance companies often deny or minimize claims without legal representation, even for clear-cut liability cases. Having an attorney typically results in higher settlements that more than offset legal fees.

Consider consulting a lawyer if you have any injuries, significant property damage, or disputes about fault. Most Denver car accident attorneys offer free consultations, so you risk nothing by getting a professional evaluation.

What If My Accident Happened in Aurora, Lakewood, or Another Denver Suburb?

Denver car accident lawyers typically handle cases throughout the metro area, including Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, and other suburbs. The same Colorado laws apply regardless of which Front Range city the accident occurred in.

Your case may be filed in the district court for the county where the accident happened. Lawyers familiar with Denver courts also appear regularly in Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Adams County courts.

Choose an attorney who practices throughout the Denver metro area and knows the local judges, procedures, and insurance adjusters in your specific jurisdiction.

How Does Colorado's Comparative Negligence Law Work?

Under C.R.S. § 13-21-111, Colorado uses a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar rule. You can recover damages as long as you're not more responsible than the other party (or parties) combined.

The jury or insurance adjuster assigns fault percentages to each party. Your final award is reduced by your fault percentage. If you're 30% at fault in a $100,000 case, you receive $70,000.

Insurance companies exploit this rule by inflating your fault percentage. They might claim you were speeding, distracted, or failed to avoid the accident. A skilled attorney presents evidence countering these claims and protects your recovery.

What Role Does the Denver Police Accident Report Play in My Case?

The police report documents the accident scene, statements from drivers and witnesses, and the officer's assessment. Insurance companies and courts consider it important evidence, though it's not the final word on fault.

Officers sometimes make errors or don't investigate thoroughly. Your lawyer can challenge inaccurate reports by gathering additional evidence like surveillance footage, witness testimony, or accident reconstruction analysis.

Get a copy of your report from the Denver Police Department or Colorado Department of Revenue. Your attorney uses this report as a starting point but builds a complete case with additional evidence supporting your claim.