Car accidents happen every day for a number of reasons. When these accidents occur, the drivers involved must determine liability before anyone can recover compensation. If you have been harmed in an accident another driver caused, it is essential to know your legal options for holding them accountable.
Proving fault for a car accident is more difficult in some cases than others. Depending on how and where your accident occurred, various disputes may arise concerning liability for the incident and the resulting damages. If you are unsure how to prove liability for your recent car accident, a Denver car accident lawyer is the ideal resource to consult.
Common Types of Car Accidents
Your attorney can help gather the evidence needed to firmly establish liability for your recent accident. You will require a combination of different types of evidence, such as footage from nearby traffic cameras, statements from any witnesses who saw the accident happen, and the other driver’s cell phone records. A few of the most commonly reported types of car accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions. This is the most common car accident in the United States each year. If a driver is not paying attention or fails to leave enough space in front of them, they may slam into the car ahead of them if that driver slows or stops suddenly. Any driver who hits another vehicle from behind is almost always entirely at fault for this type of collision.
- Sideswipe accidents. This is when one driver swerves into the side of another vehicle, which may occur from improper passing, inattention, or failure to signal for a lane change.
- Multiple vehicle crashes. These accidents involve more than two drivers, often leading to complex questions of liability. It’s possible for one driver to bear fault for damages to multiple victims or for multiple drivers to share fault for this type of accident. These accidents are most common in busy metropolitan areas and can be very challenging to resolve.
- Drunk driving accidents. It is illegal for any driver to operate their vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) increase significantly when the at-fault driver caused bodily injury or death, and these accidents not only generate civil claims for damages but criminal court proceedings as well.
Whether your recent car accident happened from negligence or illegal misconduct, having an experienced attorney on your side is a tremendous asset in your recovery efforts. Your attorney can help establish liability for the incident and guide you through an initial insurance claim filing. Once you obtain as much compensation as possible through insurance, they can help build your personal injury suit against the at-fault driver.
Many variables can influence the final outcome of any car accident claim, but the right attorney handling your case can have a positive influence on the final outcome. The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal can provide the legal counsel you need in this situation and guide you to a favorable result.
FAQs on Types of Car Accidents in Colorado
What Is the Most Common Cause of Car Accidents?
Throughout the United States, distracted driving consistently ranks as the top-reported cause of all motor vehicle accidents in the country each year. Anything that takes the driver’s vision, hands, or attention away from the safe operation of their vehicle can potentially cause a devastating crash. Cell phone use behind the wheel and other distractions can prevent a driver from reacting to changes in traffic fast enough to avoid collisions.
What Type of Car Accident Is Most Common?
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car crashes reported in the state each year. When these accidents happen, the trailing driver is almost always at fault. There is an expectation for all drivers to leave adequate room in front of their vehicles so they have time to slow down or stop and avoid rear-end collisions. These accidents also often involve more than two vehicles, as one rear-end collision can easily cause a chain reaction in congested traffic.
What Happens if I’m Partially at Fault for a Car Accident?
Colorado’s comparative fault rule allows a plaintiff to still recover compensation for their damages if they share fault for causing the accident in question. However, they will have a fault percentage assigned by the judge overseeing their case to reflect their level of liability for the incident. This percentage is then deducted from their final case award. If the plaintiff’s fault exceeds 50%, they lose the ability to claim compensation from the defendant.
What Happens if a Car Accident Is Fatal?
If you have lost a family member in a fatal car accident, you likely have grounds to file a wrongful death claim against the party who caused the accident. This type of civil suit effectively replaces the personal injury claim the victim could have filed if they survived. State law limits who may file wrongful death claims, the damages available in these claims, and how long the claimant has to file. Any driver who causes fatal injury could face criminal prosecution depending on how they caused the accident.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
If you need legal counsel to help you recover from a recent accident, the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal can provide the legal counsel you need with a contingency fee. This means you will only pay a percentage of the total amount we recover on your behalf and only if we win your case. There are no upfront or ongoing legal fees, and you pay nothing if we can’t secure compensation for your damages.
The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal has years of experience guiding clients through complex car accident cases. We know how to help secure an auto insurance settlement and hold an at-fault driver accountable with a personal injury case. If you are ready to explore your options for legal recourse after a car accident, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team.
