In our modern society, driving is essential to navigating the roads of Colorado. Unfortunately, the increase in the usage of cars also means there is an increase in the risk of Loveland car accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered a car accident, contact our Loveland personal injury attorneys at Dan Caplis law is here to help you handle the aftermath. Our team of lawyers are dedicated to helping victims get the compensation they deserve. Whether you need help fighting off insurance companies or gathering evidence to support your claim, we have the experience to present the strongest case possible. Don’t wait to reach out today. Contact our Loveland car accident attorneys for your free, no-risk consultation.
Why Dan Caplis Law is the Representation to Choose in a Loveland Car Accident
The lawyer you choose to represent you in your Loveland car accident claim can make all the difference in the success of your claim. Choose Dan Caplis Law for the following reason:
- We have a strong team of experienced lawyers who understand the nuances of Loveland car accident laws.
- We have successfully recovered millions for our clients.
- You only pay us if you win. No upfront fees required.
- Our car accident lawyers in Loveland have connections with the best expert witnesses to provide top testimony.
- We know how to gather the evidence you need to support your claim.
Colorado’s At-Fault System in Loveland Car Accidents
Colorado is an at-fault state, meaning that the driver who is found responsible for causing the accident is responsible to pay the party for damages. The framework of the law is backed up by C.R.S. § 10-4-620:
“Subject to the limitations and exclusions authorized by this part 6, the basic coverage required for compliance with this part 6 is legal liability coverage for bodily injury or death arising out of the use of the motor vehicle to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of twenty-five thousand dollars to any one person in any one accident and fifty thousand dollars to all persons in any one accident and for property damage arising out of the use of the motor vehicle to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of fifteen thousand dollars in any one accident.”
What this translates into is that a party injured in a Loveland car accident can seek compensation from either the other driver directly through a lawsuit, or through the other party’s insurance. In relation to this, Colorado requires drivers to carry a minimum level of auto insurance, which generally covers $25,000 per person for bodily injury. The decision whether to seek a claim through insurance versus through the legal system often will be strategically determined depending on the level of insurance coverage by the defendant.
Contact our Loveland truck accident attorneys today if you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident.
Comparative Negligence in Loveland Car Accidents
Comparative negligence is a legal principle to determine what the plaintiff can recover if they were also partly at-fault in the accident. Different states will follow different principles in this determination. For Loveland car accidents, the principle of modified comparative negligence applies as outlined in C.R.S. § 13-21-111:
Contributory negligence shall not bar recovery in any action by any person or his legal representative to recover damages for negligence resulting in death or in injury to person or property, if such negligence was not as great as the negligence of the person against whom recovery is sought, but any damages allowed shall be diminished in proportion to the amount of negligence attributable to the person for whose injury, damage, or death recovery is made.(2) In any action to which subsection (1) of this section applies, the court, in a nonjury trial, shall make findings of fact or, in a jury trial, the jury shall return a special verdict which shall state:(a) The amount of the damages which would have been recoverable if there had been no contributory negligence; and(b) The degree of negligence of each party, expressed as a percentage.(3) Upon the making of the finding of fact or the return of a special verdict, as is required by subsection (2) of this section, the court shall reduce the amount of the verdict in proportion to the amount of negligence attributable to the person for whose injury, damage, or death recovery is made; but, if the said proportion is equal to or greater than the negligence of the person against whom recovery is sought, then, in such event, the court shall enter a judgment for the defendant.
What this means is that if a victim in a car accident is found partially at fault, the recoverable compensation is reduced by the percentage assigned. If the fault is found to be 50% or more, the plaintiff is barred from recovery entirely. For example, if a plaintiff in a car accident is found to be 20% at fault due to speeding, the plaintiff can still recover but with the compensation reduced by 20%. If the speeding was so excessive as to be more than 50% of the cause of the accident, the victim would not be able to recover anything.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in serious injuries, contact our catastrophic injury attorneys in Loveland to file a claim today.
Contact Our Loveland Car Accident Attorney Today
Loveland car accidents happen all the time, but when actually facing the aftermath of one, the complexity of laws can be daunting. That’s where Dan Caplis Law comes in. We are here to help you sort through all the evidence and determine a legal strategy that will provide you with the best possible outcome. With a contingency compensation model, we align our incentives so that we only win if you win. Our team of experienced Loveland car accident lawyers will fight for the justice you deserve. Contact our Loveland car accident attorneys today by calling (970) 785-5000 for your free consultation.