Colorado Personal Injury/Accident Law
If I was injured in a car accident, do I really need an attorney?
If you have sustained serious injuries in an automobile or other vehicle accident, it is very important to speak with a qualified attorney who focuses in accident law. These cases can be complicated and the insurance company, despite what it might tell you, wants to pay you as little as possible. There are varying circumstances that could make your medical bill coverage more difficult to obtain. For example, if the other driver was uninsured or had insufficient insurance, or if you find that either your or the other driver’s insurance company is difficult to deal with or contact – all of these situations are things that an experienced Denver Personal Injury Lawyer at Martens & Associates would be able to handle for you. You may be unfamiliar with accident law in Colorado. A skilled attorney can help speed things along and ensure that you are treated fairly.
How long after an accident occurred can I still file a suit?
It is better to speak with an attorney and discuss filing a suit as soon as possible after the accident occurs. However, with the stress and anxiety involved in these types of situations, retaining an attorney may not be the first thing on your mind. The statute of limitations on a personal injury suit in the state of Colorado are 2 years to file a personal injury suit and 3 years if an automobile accident was involved.
How much is my case worth?
It is important to consult with a Colorado accident attorney to determine the value of your case. It is often difficult at the outset of a case to determine the value because the overall impact of the accident has not yet been shown. The amount of medical bills, lost wages and the extent of the injuries are very important in determining the value of your Colorado car accident or other injury case. Also important are factors including permanency of injury, pain and suffering and the other ways in which the car accident has affected your life.
How much will it cost to consult with an attorney?
The Denver accident lawyers at Martens & Associates charges no fee for an initial, in-person consultation. You can also call us on the phone anytime for free advice about your injury case.
How does a “contingency fee” work?
Martens & Associates represents Colorado auto accident victims on a contingency fee. This means that you do not have to pay an up-front fee or an hourly fee. The attorney fee is paid when the case is resolved. If for some reason there is no payment or recovery, no attorney fee is owed. At Martens & Associates, our usually personal injury fee is one third of the gross settlement of recovery, although the fee can be adjusted on a case-by-case basis.
I was told that I don’t have a case by another lawyer. What should I do?
If you feel strongly that you have a personal injury case despite the opinions of a lawyer, you should always seek a second opinion. This is your life and future that are involved, and you should not treat them lightly. Martens & Associates will always give you an honest response to any inquiry about a case, and you can trust their qualified Denver Accident Attorneys to give you the advice you need.
What percentage of my medical bills can I expect compensation for if I am involved in a personal injury suit?
Obviously, the ideal goal would be for you to be fully compensated for any and all expenses related to your injuries, including any lost wages or future lost wages. At Martens & Associates, every case is important and your lawyer will work tirelessly to uphold your legal rights. However, each case is also unique and once your attorney has spoken with you at length regarding your case, you can expect a better prediction of what you might achieve with your suit.
Will my lawyer have to have access to my medical records?
It is a definite possibility that your attorney will ask you to release your medical records to him or her. The more your attorney knows about you, your injuries and your case, the better case he or she can build. It is very important to have all the necessary information in the beginning stages of a case in order to have a solid foundation.
Is it true that I shouldn’t talk about the accident when I’m involved in a case?
It is very important to speak only with your attorney about your accident. Even if you just mentioned something offhand, it is possible that an insurance investigator could hear about it and it could potentially hurt your case. It is not unheard of for an insurance company to have investigators speak to individuals that you may have discussed the accident with in order to build their own case.
Should I be keeping track of my medical expenses?
It is always a good idea to keep track of any and all expenses related to your injury if you feel that it was due to the negligent behavior of another person. It may be useful later on when it comes time to determine how much compensation you receive for your injuries. You should keep records for each visit to your physician or any medical professional you might see, as well as records for any out-of-pocket expenses you may have incurred such as purchasing over-the-counter pain medication, bandages, etc. If you miss work, it is also important to keep track of exactly how many days/hours you were off work as well as the wages that you lost because of the injuries.
Who can file a wrongful death suit in Colorado?
Generally the surviving spouse has the right to file, and if he or she chooses not to, then the children of the deceased can file. If the deceased was a minor, then the parents have the right to bring a wrongful death action. It is best to speak with your attorney about your case to discuss the possibilities of filing.
Contact a Denver Accident Lawyer at Martens & Associates today to discuss your personal injury or wrongful death case in Colorado.