Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries. Those fortunate enough to be in a minor accident may have temporary, mild injuries, but it’s not uncommon for some victims of car accidents to experience life-altering injuries. In either case, there are likely a number of medical bills that are the responsibility of those who caused the accident. A Colorado car accident lawyer can be critical to helping those injured obtain the restitution that they’re owed.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Colorado
There’s not a single part of the body that’s invulnerable to a car accident, and many types of injuries can occur as a result.
Some injuries are more frequent due to the regularity of the accidents that cause them. For instance, rear-end accidents are one of the most common forms of accidents and can impact some of the most vulnerable parts of the human body, such as the head, neck, and spine. Some of the more common forms of car accident injuries include:
- Soft tissue injuries. Many car accidents are violent collisions that lead to tension in the soft tissues of those involved. In most cases, these will heal with time and treatment.
- Bruises and cuts. The blunt force impact of an accident can lead to bruising in impacted areas. In the case of more violent car accidents, those inside the vehicle could find themselves impacted by things like shattered glass and broken metal that could lead to cuts.
These cuts may be minor in some cases, while others will require stitches. In most cases, they will heal quickly unless there’s an infection. However, more significant lacerations can result in scarring and disfigurement. - Broken bones. The violence of a car accident can lead to broken bones. The severity of the fracture will often have an impact on how well the injury heals and if there is any permanent impact.
- Back injuries. Because those inside vehicles are sitting down, their back and torso can absorb much of the impact of an accident. While some back injuries heal without any long-term impact, many people will have persistent issues from back injuries.
- Whiplash. The sudden, unforeseen violence of a car accident can lead to a victim’s head being flung violently. This can cause head and neck injuries, which are sometimes severe enough to be fatal.
- Spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord is one of the most important but sensitive areas of the human body. In more violent accidents, it could be subject to significant physical trauma. While some spinal injuries, such as bruises and twists, may fully heal, others can create lifelong problems. Slipped discs could lead to chronic pain. In the case of the spinal cord being severed, paralysis or even death are common outcomes.
- Head injuries. The head is another highly sensitive area of the human body and can easily be injured. Some minor concussions and surface injuries may fully heal, but many traumatic brain injuries have long-term consequences. It’s not uncommon for those who suffer these injuries to require life-long care.
- Death. Unfortunately, some accidents do result in fatalities. These are tragic situations for all involved and can leave families in a difficult situation. In some cases, they could qualify for a wrongful death claim, which could ease some of the financial burden.
FAQs
Q: How Many Car Accidents Happen a Year in Colorado?
A: The number of car accidents in Colorado has been higher in recent years, as people are back on the roads more after they were less so during the pandemic years. There are now more than 100,000 accidents in Colorado in a normal year.
Fortunately, most of these accidents are minor, but there were still more than 500 traffic fatalities in 2021 and over 600 in 2022. While 2023’s final numbers aren’t available yet, there is a possibility that they could exceed the previous two years’ totals.
Q: Is Colorado a No-Fault State?
A: Colorado is not a no-fault state. In no-fault states, most involved in minor traffic accidents will have to collect from their own insurance even when another driver caused the accident. In Colorado, which is an at-fault state, drivers can seek restitution from whatever party caused the accident.
Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Colorado?
A: It’s impossible to know for certain what the average settlement for a car accident is, as many settlement figures are not necessarily public or collected. What’s important to recognize, though, is that the average is not as important as what a settlement will cover, which includes medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and even the psychological impact. Speaking with a Denver car accident lawyer can help you better understand what compensation may be available in your case.
Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Colorado?
A: The statute of limitations for most car accident claims in Colorado is three years. However, there could be some circumstances that could alter the deadline. In particular, when injuries were discovered, if the government was liable, and if the injured party was a minor are all factors that could impact the timeline. It’s critical that you consult with a Colorado car accident lawyer soon after your accident to understand what the deadline will be for your claim.
Seek Compensation for Your Colorado Car Accident
Car accidents are often costly, especially for those who’ve suffered them because of someone else’s negligence. However, there is an opportunity for you to obtain compensation, and your strongest chance of doing so will come with the help of a Colorado car accident lawyer.
At the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, we believe that our clients deserve every opportunity to receive the compensation they are owed. Our experience has allowed us to settle many cases without needing to go to court, but we are also prepared to go to trial if necessary to achieve an optimal compensation award. Contact us today to discuss your car accident and how we may help.
