Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyers

An injury from car accident can disrupt everything in an instant. At The Law Firm of Mark S. Hanchey and Ben Peterson, we understand the emotional whirlwind and financial strain that follow such an event. If you find yourself in this situation, know that you’re not alone. Our team of dedicated attorneys are here to guide you through the complexities of a car accident claim in Colorado Springs.

Understanding the Landscape

In 2022, there were over 94,000 car crashes in Colorado — and behind each statistic lies a personal story of pain, trauma, and recovery.

Our Commitment to You

When you choose The Law Firm of Mark S. Hanchey and Ben Peterson to represent you, rest assured that you’re not just another case number. We approach each situation with empathy and dedication, recognizing the confusion and worry that often accompany such events. Our goal is to alleviate your burden by fighting for the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Colorado?

Understanding the frequent causes of car accidents in Colorado can shed light on how such incidents occur and help in developing strategies to reduce them.

Negligence is often a key factor in many accidents. This involves a driver failing to uphold their responsibility to drive safely and follow traffic laws. Here are some predominant causes:

• Excessive Speed: Driving over the speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes or obstacles on the road.
• Ignoring Traffic Signals: Jumping red lights and failing to yield can result in severe collisions at intersections.
• Improper Lane Changes: Unsafe lane switching without signaling or checking blind spots can lead to accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making it particularly dangerous to drive.
• Fatigued Driving: Operating a vehicle while tired can be as dangerous as drunk driving, affecting concentration and alertness.
• Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting, eating, or using a GPS while driving can divert attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.

By identifying these common causes, drivers can become more aware and take preventive measures to enhance road safety in Colorado.

The Law Firm of Mark S. Hanchey and Ben Peterson also assist people with legal needs in the following areas: Black Forest, Castle Rock, Centennial, Cimarron Hills, Douglas County, El Paso County, Fountain, Highlands Ranch, Parker, and Pueblo County.

Choosing the Right Car Accident Lawyer in Colorado Springs

When you’re faced with the aftermath of a car accident, finding the right attorney to represent you is crucial. Here’s how to make an informed choice.

Prioritize Experience

First and foremost, look for a law firm with a strong track record in car accident cases. Experienced lawyers are familiar with the complexities of car accident litigation and understand both the legal and medical intricacies involved. This knowledge is essential in evaluating the true worth of your case.

Check Reputation

Do some research on the firm’s standing in the legal community. Read reviews, ask for referrals, and check their success rate in similar cases. An attorney with a solid reputation is more likely to work diligently on your behalf.

Medical Knowledge is Key

An ideal car accident lawyer should not only know the legal aspects but also possess a robust understanding of the medical implications of your injuries. This dual expertise ensures they can accurately assess compensation needs, covering both immediate medical bills and potential long-term effects.

Client-Centered Approach

Choose a lawyer who is empathetic and focused on your recovery. An attorney should not just be fighting for compensation but should also alleviate the stress and anxiety from the legal proceedings, allowing you to focus on healing.

Local Expertise

Since laws can vary from one location to another, it’s beneficial to have a lawyer who is well-versed in Colorado Springs’ specific regulations and practices related to auto accidents.

Free Consultations

Take advantage of free consultations offered by many law firms. This initial meeting can give you insight into their approach and help you decide if they are the right fit without any financial commitment.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a car accident lawyer who will effectively advocate for your needs and secure the compensation you deserve.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Determine the True Value of a Settlement?

Determining the true value of a car accident settlement involves a comprehensive understanding of both legal and medical factors. Here’s how a skilled car accident lawyer approaches it:

Deep Legal Insight: A qualified lawyer possesses extensive knowledge of state laws and regulations that influence compensation. This ensures any claim adheres to legal standards and leverages all available avenues for recovery.

Medical Expertise: It’s critical for lawyers to either understand medical reports or collaborate with medical experts. This partnership helps in accurately assessing the severity of injuries and long-term health implications, which can significantly influence settlement amounts.

Thorough Investigation: Lawyers conduct meticulous investigations, gathering important evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photographs. This solid evidence base aids in constructing a strong case.

Calculating Economic Damages: They meticulously evaluate tangible costs like medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. This includes both present expenses and projected future expenses.

Assessing Non-Economic Damages: Lawyers also factor in intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment, which require adept negotiation skills to quantify appropriately.

Negotiation and Advocacy: Armed with a detailed understanding of both legal rights and settlement boundaries, lawyers negotiate assertively with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement that reflects the true impact of the accident on a client’s life.

By balancing legal proficiency with a keen understanding of medical intricacies, a car accident lawyer can effectively determine and advocate for the true value of a settlement.

Free Consultations

Your journey towards recovery begins with a simple step: a free consultation with our experienced attorneys. During this meeting, we’ll listen attentively to your story, evaluate the details of your case, and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal options. There’s no obligation, just an opportunity for you to gain insight into how we can assist you.

Putting Your Trust in Our Hands

Once you’ve enlisted our services, we’ll spring into action on your behalf. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, consulting with professionals, and building a strong case to support your claim.

The first step in this process is collecting crucial details from the scene. We advise obtaining contact information from any witnesses and parties involved, as this can be invaluable later. Capturing photos of all vehicles involved, as well as the overall scene, provides visual evidence that can clarify the circumstances of the accident.

Documenting everything you remember about the incident as soon as possible is also vital. This ensures no important details slip through the cracks. Our team will assist in this, ensuring your account is comprehensive and precise.

Beyond the initial evidence collection, our legal experts collaborate with investigative professionals. These experts are adept at obtaining witness statements and compiling the necessary evidence to bolster your claim. By building a robust foundation of facts, we ensure that your case is as strong as possible before proceeding with any legal actions.

Avoiding Common Mistakes After a Car Accident in Colorado Springs

When you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take next. Unfortunately, making certain mistakes in the aftermath of an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation for your injuries. At The Law Firm of Mark S. Hanchey and Ben Peterson, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and avoid these common pitfalls.

Choosing the Wrong Representation

While many law firms may offer to handle your case, not all attorneys possess the trial experience necessary to effectively advocate for your rights. Insurance companies are well aware of which attorneys are willing to take cases to trial and which ones prefer to settle quickly, often at the expense of their clients. By choosing an attorney with a proven track record of success in the courtroom, you send a clear message to the insurance companies that you’re prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Delaying Medical Treatment

Following a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Delaying treatment can not only exacerbate your condition, but also weaken your claim for compensation. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not severe enough to warrant medical attention or that they were caused by something other than the accident. By promptly seeking medical care, you not only prioritize your health, but also establish a clear link between your injuries and the accident, strengthening your case for compensation.

Disregarding Doctor’s Orders

Once you’ve begun receiving medical treatment for your injuries, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s orders diligently. This includes attending all follow-up appointments, completing prescribed therapies, and adhering to any activity restrictions. Failing to comply with your doctor’s recommendations not only jeopardizes your recovery but also undermines the credibility of your claim. Insurance companies may argue that your refusal to follow medical advice contributed to the severity of your injuries or prolonged your recovery unnecessarily, potentially reducing the compensation you’re entitled to receive.

Speaking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Representation: Protecting Your Rights

Perhaps one of the most common mistakes people make after a car accident is engaging in discussions with insurance companies without the guidance of an experienced attorney. Insurance adjusters are skilled at obtaining statements that can be used against you later in the claims process. They may ask leading questions, downplay the extent of your injuries, or pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement offer. By retaining legal representation from the outset, you can safeguard your rights and ensure that your interests are protected throughout negotiations with the insurance company.

Why Documenting Your Injuries Post-Accident Is Crucial

After a car accident, documenting your injuries can make a world of difference in your recovery and any potential legal claims. Here’s why it’s so important:

Invisible Injuries Unveiled: Not all injuries are immediately apparent. The initial rush of adrenaline can mask pain or symptoms. Tracking your injuries ensures that any condition, no matter how subtle, doesn’t go unnoticed and untreated.

Legal Protection: Accurate documentation serves as key evidence in legal claims. If you need to prove that your injuries were a result of the accident, having detailed records helps establish a clear link. This is crucial for insurance claims and potential court proceedings.

Medical Clarity and Continuity: Keeping a journal of your symptoms and medical appointments creates a comprehensive view of your health journey post-accident. This record aids healthcare professionals in providing the most effective ongoing treatment.

Financial Reimbursement: By maintaining records of medical bills and treatment records, you stand a better chance of recovering costs related to your medical care. This includes everything from doctor visits to therapy sessions and medications.

Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a detailed account of everything related to your injuries can relieve stress. It frees you to focus more on recovery without worrying about missing out on vital information that might be needed later on.

By taking proactive steps to document everything, you position yourself to heal effectively while safeguarding your legal and financial interests.

Why is Reporting an Accident and Obtaining a Police Report Important?

Filing an accident report and securing a police report has several crucial benefits that can significantly impact any legal or insurance proceedings following a collision.

First, compliance with state law is essential. In many regions, like Colorado, you’re legally obligated to report accidents involving injuries or property damage. Failing to do so could lead to fines or other legal consequences.

Second, a police report serves as an objective record of the incident. It captures vital details such as the time, location, parties involved, and conditions during the accident. This information is critical for establishing the facts surrounding the incident.

Additionally, the report becomes an important asset in proving liability. It offers third-party documentation from law enforcement that may highlight negligent behavior, such as speeding or failing to yield, which can be pivotal in supporting your claim.

Last but not least, when dealing with insurance companies, a police report often acts as a key piece of evidence. Insurances rely on these documents to assess fault and determine settlements accurately.

Understanding a Reasonable Settlement for a Car Accident

Determining what constitutes a reasonable settlement for a car accident is a nuanced process. Several factors come into play, including the severity of injuries, the extent of vehicle damage, and any fatalities involved.

Key Factors in Settlements

Injuries: The nature and extent of injuries can heavily influence settlement amounts. This includes medical expenses, ongoing treatment costs, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Vehicle Damage: Repair costs and the overall impact on your vehicle’s value are critical. Sometimes, the car’s pre-accident condition is also considered.

Loss of Income: If the accident results in lost wages or diminished earning capacity, this will be accounted for in the settlement.

Emotional Distress: Psychological impact and emotional distress may also be considered, provided they can be substantiated.

Liability: The degree of fault or responsibility can significantly affect settlement discussions. Partial fault can reduce the payout, depending on state laws.

The Role of Legal Representation

Seasoned car accident attorneys can be invaluable here. They gather evidence, present your case effectively to insurers, and make strategic decisions about when to settle or proceed to trial. Lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance companies to strive for maximum compensation.

Balancing Settlement Offers with Fairness

A reasonable settlement should cover all incurred and future costs related to the accident. It’s crucial that offers are carefully evaluated against potential court outcomes. Skilled negotiation ensures that insurance companies are held accountable, avoiding lowball offers that undercut fair compensation.

A fair settlement takes into account the complete picture—medical bills, vehicle damages, lost wages, and intangible losses. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can enhance your chances of receiving an equitable settlement.

Colorado Springs Car Accident Client Story

This client story is for educational purposes only.

In the heart of Colorado Springs, there’s a story that’s not just about accidents, but about resilience, hope, and justice. Meet Marty, a hardworking man who found himself in a sudden and terrifying T-bone car accident one fateful afternoon. In an instant, his life changed, and the road to recovery seemed daunting and uncertain.

As Marty grappled with the physical and emotional toll of the accident, he faced another challenge: the insurance company’s reluctance to provide fair compensation for his injuries. They offered him mere pennies, brushing aside the pain and suffering he endured.

Feeling lost and overwhelmed, Marty turned to The Law Firm of Mark S. Hanchey and Ben Peterson, where he met Ben Peterson, a dedicated personal injury attorney with a passion for helping those in need. From the moment they spoke, Marty knew he had found someone who would fight for him, someone who would be his voice in the courtroom.

With Ben by his side, Marty’s journey took a new turn. Together, they embarked on a path toward justice, one that would lead them to trial. Despite the challenges and obstacles they faced along the way, Ben remained steadfast in his commitment to advocating for Marty’s rights.

In the courtroom, Ben’s experience shone brightly as he presented Marty’s case with compassion and conviction. He left no stone unturned, meticulously crafting arguments that highlighted the true extent of Marty’s injuries and the impact they had on his life.

The jury saw through the insurance company’s attempts to downplay Marty’s suffering and awarded him the compensation he deserved. For Marty, it was more than just a legal victory — it was a triumph of perseverance and courage.

Today, Marty stands tall, his spirit unbroken by the challenges he faced. He knows that without The Law Firm of Mark S. Hanchey and Ben Peterson, he wouldn’t have achieved the successful outcome he did. Their unwavering support and dedication transformed his life, giving him the strength to overcome adversity and reclaim his future.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, remember that you’re not alone. The team at The Law Firm of Mark S. Hanchey and Ben Peterson is here to stand by your side, just like they did for Marty. Together, we’ll navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the justice you deserve. Because when the road ahead seems uncertain, we’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident in Colorado, don’t face the aftermath alone.

The Law Firm of Mark S. Hanchey and Ben Peterson is here to provide you with the compassionate legal representation you need during this challenging time. Our experienced car accident attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a car accident can take on your life, and we’re committed to helping you seek justice and fair compensation for your injuries.

Free Consultations

We offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your legal options. During this meeting, we’ll listen attentively to your story, evaluate the details of your case, and offer personalized guidance based on our extensive experience handling car accident claims in Colorado Springs. There’s no obligation, just an opportunity for you to gain insight into how we can assist you.

Contingency Fee Basis

At The Law Firm of Mark S. Hanchey and Ben Peterson, we understand that pursuing legal action after a car accident can be daunting, especially if you’re already facing financial strain due to medical expenses and lost wages. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you never owe us any money unless we have a successful result on your claim. Our goal is to alleviate your financial burden and provide you with the peace of mind you need to focus on your recovery.

Contact Us Today

If you’re ready to take the next step towards seeking justice and fair compensation for your car accident injuries, don’t hesitate to contact us. The team at The Law Firm of Mark S. Hanchey and Ben Peterson is dedicated to advocating for the rights of injured individuals in Colorado Springs, and we’re here to fight for you. Schedule your free consultation today — and let us help you on the path to recovery.