Denver’s Trusted Car Accident Attorneys
Serving Accident Victims and Families in Colorado
Win your case with an experienced Colorado injury lawyer and get on the road to recovery
Denver Accident Attorney Mack Babcock
Founder of The Babcock Law Firm
Car accident cases are by far the most common cases we see in our personal injury practice. The effects can be devastating – physically, emotionally and financially. And sadly, without a dedicated injury attorney, victims don’t receive the full amount of damages they are entitled to.
As your Denver accident attorney, we work to help determine your full amount of damages and prove liability by the other party. We are fiercely committed to helping you navigate the complex legal system to make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to after an auto accident, often 6 to 7 times more than without representation. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, see wrongful death.
You can count on your accident lawyer at The Babcock Law Firm to find opportunities for recovery of damages, leaving no stone unturned. Your auto accident attorney will be able to explore avenues of recovery in your interest, from responsible driver to responsible driver’s employer, responsible driver’s parents, the car owner, and your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (which will not result in your car insurance premiums being raised.)
If you were injured in a car accident while on work time, or while traveling for your job, you will need to speak with an accident attorney near you who specializes in work injury cases. Car accidents that take place in a company car or while you’re on the clock fall under a different legal area of expertise and may qualify you for workers’ compensation. In most cases in Colorado, an employer is held liable for expenses related to car accidents involving their employees.
However, your company’s insurer may try to claim that you were acting beyond the scope of your employment by driving unsafely or running a personal errand. For this reason, it’s important you speak with an attorney at the Babcock Law Firm as soon as possible.
A: Up to 3 years. Individuals involved in motor vehicle collisions in Colorado have up to three years to file an automotive accident lawsuit. However, it is advisable to talk to an attorney about filing a claim as soon as possible while the recollection of events that occurred before, during and after the accident remain fresh.
| WITHOUT a lawyer | WITH a lawyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Average compensation | $17,600 | $77,600 |
| Received payout | 51% | 91% |
Source: Martindale-Nolo Research’s 2017 personal injury study
| Type of injury | Average settlement without a lawyer (1999) |
Average settlement without a lawyer (adjusted for inflation 1999-2022) |
Average settlement with a lawyer |
Average payout INCREASED by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broken bones | $19,105 | $32,241 | $66,486 | $34,245 |
| Average injury | $3,262 | $5,504 | $20,148 | $14,644 |
| Neck sprain | $2,480 | $4,185 | $13,362 | $9,177 |
| Minor cuts and bruises | $1,166 | $1,968 | $8,052 | $6,084 |
Note: Adjusted for inflation 1999-2022 (23 years, cumulative price change = 68.76%)
On average, the insurance payout for car crash victims with an attorney doubled or tripled, compared to those who settled without an attorney.
(Source: The Insurance Research Council’s study, 1999 | Enjuris: Car Accident Guide)
Your Colorado car accident lawyer helps when your insurance companies turn away
You pay monthly car, health and disability insurance premiums, so it’s only fair to expect your insurance companies to look out for you after you’re in a car accident. But experienced auto accident attorneys know insurance companies often neglect customers suffering injuries in a car accident. Insurance companies see it as their job to avoid paying you – and it’s our job to make them pay you.
We aggressively pursue your interests and make sure you get paid, even when most insurance companies expect to be paid back first from the responsible driver or from your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage before you even see a dime!
They will try to avoid contributing to the prosecution of your injury case, which can leave you at a disadvantage.
What to do after a car accident
If you are involved in an auto crash, follow these critical post-accident steps…
- Remain calm. Check to see if you, the other driver, or any passengers are injured.
- Call the police. Request an ambulance if someone is injured.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and all vehicles involved.
- Write down the names, numbers and addresses of eyewitnesses.
- Complete a police report and write down the report number from the investigating officer.
- Do not admit fault or make statements about who caused the accident.
- Gather all necessary information. Print out our Accident Report Form.
The attorneys at The Babcock Law Firm will pressure health, disability, or uninsured motorist carriers (auto) to contribute to the prosecution of your civil case.
When Should I Consult a Colorado Car Accident Attorney?
Find Out When to Talk to an Attorney After a Car Accident
After you’re in a car accident, truck wreck or motorcycle crash, it’s natural to wonder if you should consult an attorney. Simply put, we would never recommend that someone try to resolve a personal injury case on their own without first speaking to an attorney. These things can be way too complicated no matter how small. You should always at least talk to an attorney and have a free consultation if you have an injury case.
In Colorado, all drivers are legally obligated to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance. If the other driver is clearly at fault and your damages exceed their policy limits, then the insurance company may offer to pay the full amount owed and offer to resolve the claim quickly. However, they will only do so after being provided adequate proof of your injury, which an attorney can assist with.
In a case where the other driver only carried the minimum amount of auto insurance required, the payment from their insurance company may not cover your expenses. In that case, an attorney can help you determine whether any other insurance policies were in place at the time of the accident.
Other cases involve disputes with the insurance companies. Insurance companies may dispute liability, the extent of your damages, or some other aspect of the claim. Having an attorney on your side can help you overcome those disputes and collect the full extent of damages you deserve instead of being short-changed or taken advantage of. Having the right car accident attorney on your side can help you identify what you need to do in order to successfully resolve your claim.
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There’s a serious injury When there’s a catastrophic or debilitating injury such as brain damage or spinal cord trauma, you might not understand what steps you need to take to protect your rights. In cases of a serious injury, there are both short-term and long-term damages that must be considered as part of your case. In the case of fatal car accidents, the surviving loved ones should seek advice from an attorney who specializes in wrongful death cases. A Colorado car accident attorney can guide you through this difficult process and help preserve important evidence.
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There are errors in the police accident report The police may investigate the accident you were involved in to determine if anyone broke the law. They also collect information in hopes of making road travel safer in the future. They aren’t necessarily concerned with preserving evidence for insurance purposes or for a civil case after the accident. Police and accident reports can contain critical errors. What the police say in a report isn’t necessarily the final story. In such cases, an attorney can help you identify the errors and gather the evidence to refute mistakes in the police report.
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A criminal charge is involved A serious car accident can result in a drunk driving arrest or a charge of manslaughter. Any kind of criminal infraction can have lasting consequences and elevate the stakes of the case. A criminal proceeding can impact your personal injury case, and it can have lifelong consequences. So if a criminal charge is involved, it’s time to get a lawyer on your side.
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Handling your case seems overwhelming Handling a Colorado car accident case on your own might seem overwhelming. That’s a great reason to work with an attorney. Your attorney acts as both your trusted advisor and your advocate, providing you with vital information and advice and assuring that your case is being handled with care and efficiency.
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The insurance company is questioning your damages The insurance company might try to tell you that you’re asking for too much. They might refuse to pay the full value of your damages. If they’re doing this to you, an attorney can step in and help you negotiate with the insurance company.
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There are legal issues to address Bringing a personal injury claim is often a complicated legal process. You might need to file a motion, respond to a motion, file pretrial statements, and draft a brief long before your case gets to trial. The right attorney can handle these tedious and complex legal steps to keep your case on track.
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Witnesses are uncooperative Witnesses sometimes don’t want to get involved in a personal injury case or they can be difficult to track down. Prompting a witness to cooperate and offer truthful information can sometimes be complicated. An attorney knows when to be accommodating and when to use court orders like subpoenas and depositions in order to get the information that you need from eyewitnesses.
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The other side is trying to intimidate you Sometimes, the defendant’s insurance company or the other party tries to win their case by intimidating you. If they’re telling you things that don’t make sense or if you want an expert opinion, it’s a good time to consult an attorney who can help you sort out the truth and identify the lies.
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An insurer isn’t returning your calls or answering your questions Every insurance company’s goal is to pay out as little as possible. Sometimes, an insurer may try to stall the case or stop answering your questions in hopes that you’ll eventually give up or settle for a lower amount. When an insurance company doesn’t handle your claim fairly or efficiently, having an attorney on board can make them step up to the plate. Our attorneys have experience interacting with insurance companies, so we can skillfully handle the negotiations and ensure you’re treated fairly.
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You aren’t sure what damages you qualify for There are many different types of damages that you can claim after a car accident. Medical bills, lost work wages, lost or damaged property, pain and suffering, and emotional distress are just a few examples. If you assume you can only recover for your medical bills, you may be missing out on valuable compensation. An experienced car accident attorney is familiar with all of the damages that you may be able to claim and they can help you make sure that you don’t miss out.
Colorado Car Accident FAQs
Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been in a car accident in Colorado.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, there were 26,978 motor vehicle collisions in the state during 2017. Motor vehicle collisions are traumatizing events that often cause confusion and shock. However, certain actions must be taken in order to gain fair and adequate compensation from insurance companies.
What must I do immediately after a collision?
After an accident occurs, an able-bodied person must contact local law enforcement authorities. If anyone involved in the collision suffered injuries, the individual should also request the assistance of medical emergency personnel.
What information do I need to obtain?
After the accident, you need to get the name, contact information, driver’s license identification and insurance information of the other driver. Eyewitness statements and contact information are also needed. If you or any of your passengers were injured during the collision, you must have documentation provided by the healthcare facility reporting the number and types of injuries suffered along with the treatments provided. If possible, use a mobile device to photograph both vehicles, skid marks, road conditions and other pertinent images. You will also need a copy of the accident report.
In the state of Colorado, an accident report must be filled out as soon as possible. Motorists may file a collision report online via the Online Crash Reporting System. However, to get a copy of the report, you must contact the Central Records Unit of the Colorado State Patrol and obtain a records request form. Provide the necessary information along with the required payment. The necessary information includes:
- The driver’s name
- The date of the accident
- The location of the collision
- The case report number
The other driver’s insurance company has offered to compensate. Should I settle the matter immediately?
Insurance adjusters use a number of techniques to settle claims as quickly and inexpensively as possible. Agreeing to their terms too early may deprive you of the compensation you deserve. By consulting with an attorney experienced with personal injury cases, you have a better chance of receiving appropriate payment for your damages.
I am undecided if I want to file a legal claim. What is the statute of limitation for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Colorado?
Individuals involved in motor vehicle collisions in Colorado have up to three years to file an automotive accident lawsuit. However, it is advisable to talk to an attorney about filing a claim as soon as possible while the recollection of events that occurred before, during and after the accident remain fresh.
I would rather avoid having to go to court. Is it not easier to simply file a claim with the appropriate insurance company and accept their decision?
Having to attend a court hearing or trial is time-consuming and inconvenient. However, without doing so you may not be awarded the compensation you deserve for immediate and long-term expenses. Consult with a personal injury attorney who will help you determine if the settlement the insurance company offers is reasonable given your individual circumstances.
What if I was not a vehicle driver but was only a passenger that was injured? What are my options?
Colorado does not have legislation restricting passengers from seeking compensation from insurance companies for injuries, pain and suffering. If you are a victim of a negligent driver, you have the right to file a lawsuit in order to obtain compensation for your losses.
If I am partially responsible for the accident, can I still qualify for compensation?
According to Colorado law, if it is determined that you were responsible for 50 percent or more of the collision, then you cannot receive compensation from the other driver. On the other hand, for example, if your responsibility was deemed as 20 percent then the other driver becomes liable for 80 percent of the blame and the financial expenses that you incur.
What do I do if the collision was caused because my vehicle was defective?
If it can be determined that a vehicle defect or a part defect led to the collision, you may be entitled to compensation from the vehicle manufacturer or the part manufacturer. In this instance, you should file a product liability lawsuit.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Colorado, contact the experienced
personal injury attorneys at The Babcock Law Firm.
Advice on What NOT to Say or Do After Your Colorado Car Accident
In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s actually best to say as little as possible
Most car accident victims don’t immediately consider the legal impact of a collision. Many involved parties are often shaken or have suffered injuries that take priority. However, there will always be an investigation of some sort when the law enforcement officers and medical technicians arrive.
Medical techs are charged with the responsibility of tending to injured victims, but officers typically begin by conducting an investigation as soon as they evaluate the overall damage and condition of the victims. The investigations always include questioning as many witnesses as possible, and the drivers in particular, who will be asked for their personal accounts of what happened during the impact.
Regardless of the fallout of the incident, it’s imperative for drivers and passengers to be careful when discussing the crash because their statements and actions will be included in the official accident report.
While it’s important to be honest with police, here are four tips on what not to say or do after a car accident.
1. DON’T Argue With Other Drivers
It’s always important to check all vehicles for injured parties, but after identifying potential emergencies it’s best to wait for the officials to arrive before engaging in discussion with other drivers. Not only can tempers flare, but what is said between the drivers can be communicated to the officers by any involved party.
2. DON’T Admit Fault
The investigating officers are looking for information that reflects what happened, and many times that information becomes the basis for determining fault in the crash. Fault is crucial in the settlement of any Colorado auto accident, and any hint of admission such as saying “I’m sorry” could be misconstrued and misinterpreted as an admission of fault.
3. DON’T Interrupt Investigating Officers
Police officers are dispatched to accident scenes with a particular protocol in mind. Most officers will want to conduct interviews with all involved parties, including those who merely witnessed the crash. Never attempt to interfere with the officer while questioning others, even if you overhear something that is incorrect. When it is your turn to talk to the officer, make sure you answer their questions directly and honestly.
You should also keep in mind that accident investigations can become criminal investigations. In addition to preparing an official report, the officer who responds to the scene of the accident will be making determinations regarding whether to issue any citations. Both the officer’s report and any citations issued will be used to determine fault in your personal injury claim.
4. DON’T Contest Other Statements
Being combative at an accident scene is always a bad action. Even though other parties may make statements that you believe are assumptions or even lies, it is best to let your legal counsel address those statements rather than arguing with other drivers at the scene or trying to influence what the officer puts into the accident report.
In fact, when talking to police officers, the best policy is to be brief in your responses, without adding unnecessary information. Yes or no answers are always best, and don’t be afraid to avoid answering any confusing questions until you have asked for clarification or consulted with an attorney.
In addition, when you’ve taken photographs of the accident scene, you don’t need to show the officers. They are your personal property as long as they’re still on your cell phone. Officers will take their own pictures if necessary, and yours should be kept to use when comparative negligence or property damage is being questioned by other litigants.
DO Let a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer Do the Talking For You
Never say too much following an accident and call a car accident attorney as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in such cases, and evidence can fade fast. If necessary, your attorney can always conduct an independent accident investigation on your behalf, and anything you say beforehand cannot be unsaid.
Early statements or admissions of fault are commonly used as a defense by insurance companies and opposing negligent drivers, so be careful what you say.
Remember the attorney you choose can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. In Denver, that difference maker is The Babcock Law Firm. Call today for a free consultation.
Where can I find the best Colorado car crash lawyer near me?
If you’ve been in a car accident in Denver, it’s always a good idea to talk with a local accident attorney so you know you’ve done everything you can to resolve your claim and get the best possible outcome.
If you’re looking for an experienced and reliable attorney to act as your legal advocate and fight for the full compensation you deserve, look no further than The Babcock Law Firm.
We offer free consultations that require no commitment and no payment whatsoever. Consultations are an opportunity for you to talk to us about your case or ask any questions you may have. We’ll discuss your next steps and determine how we can help.
There are statutes of limitations that apply to Colorado car accidents, so it’s important to act quickly when seeking legal advice for your case.
Download our new Colorado Car Accident Guide for a comprehensive overview, and print out the handy car accident checklist that includes critical steps you need to try and take after an accident occurs.
“Stephanie has helped both my husband and I find ample compensation for work and car accidents. She is clear, efficient, and helpful, and obviously knows her job inside and out. Especially after stories we’ve heard of inefficient law firms, we won’t use anyone else.”
Vehicle Crashes & Collision Resources
Colorado Car Accident Law
What to Do After a Collision
- What to Do After a Car Accident
- What to Do Following a Hit and Run Accident
- What to Do If You Are In an Out-of-State Car Accident
- What You Need to Know About Bus Accidents
Proving Liability & Negligence
- 3 Elements of a Colorado Car Accident Negligence Claim
- 3 Ways You Can Prove Fault in a Car Accident
- 4 Situations When a Third Party is Liable in a Car Accident
- The Value of Witness Statements to Your Auto Accident Claim
- What is Comparative Fault?
Insurance, Lawsuits & Compensation
- Colorado Car Insurance Guide: Everything You Need to Know about State Requirements
- 5 Infractions That Can Reduce the Amount You’re Awarded in an Auto Accident Lawsuit
- Common Arguments Used by Auto Accident Defendants
- Dealing with Your Insurance Company after a Car Accident
- Auto Accidents Where Both Drivers Carry the Same Insurance
- How Your Insurance Company Inspects Your Auto Accident Claim
- “What if I’m in a Car Accident with an Uninsured Motorist in Colorado?”
- What Medical Evidence Is Used in Colorado Car Accident Lawsuits?
- How Injured Passengers Can Receive Compensation After a Car Accident
- Insurance Adjuster Tricks To Deny a Colorado Personal Injury Claim
- How Your Social Media Posts Could Impact Your Car Accident Claim
Damages and What to Do
- Whiplash/Neck Injuries and Car Accidents – Collecting Damages
- Head Injuries and Car Accidents
- Damages You Can Seek After Your Colorado Car Accident
- Collecting Car Accident Damages from a Government Entity in Colorado
- The Hidden Costs of a Car Accident
Common Causes of Crashes
- Top 6 Most Common Causes of Colorado Car Crashes
- 4 Common Bad Road Conditions in Colorado that Can Contribute to Car Accidents
- What Happens When a Vehicle Defect Causes a Car Crash?
- Car Accidents and Cell Phones – A Dangerous Mix
- Parking Lots – A Magnet for Car Accidents
- Car Accidents, DUI and Colorado’s New Marijuana Laws
- Taxi Cab and Ridesharing Accidents
- Colorado Speeding Accident Lawsuits & Compensation
- Colorado Car Crashes Caused by Brake Checking
- Who Pays for Damages Caused by a Pothole in Colorado?
- Reckless Driving & Colorado Car Accidents
Different Types of Crashes
Safety Tips
- Don’t Drive Drowsy! Tips for Staying Awake Behind the Wheel
- Tips for Safely Traveling Colorado Roads During the Winter
- How You Can Prevent Auto Collisions and Save Money, Too
- Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe on Colorado’s Roads
- 5 Duties Every Driver Has to Act with Reasonable Care
- Crash, Not Accident: How to Refer to Auto Collisions
- Common Car Accident Scams & How To Avoid Them
- How Does Car Color Impact the Risk of Accidents?
Car Accident & Injury Library
Download Our Auto Collision Guide
Obtaining justice for injuries or damages sustained in an auto collision
Talk with an Accident Attorney Today – a Free, No-Risk Consultation
Don’t wait until it’s too late to take your car accident case to court. We invite you to discuss the details of your Colorado car accident with a personal injury lawyer at The Babcock Firm, whether the accident occurred in Denver, Boulder, Aurora, Broomfield, Louisville, Lafayette, Golden, Thornton, Westminster or another Colorado city. If your case falls within our practice area and we feel our representation can benefit you, a car accident lawyer will meet with you for an in-depth consultation, at no charge.
