Accidents happen when you least expect them, and sometimes, you might be partially responsible for the situation. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Colorado, especially in cities like Denver, Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, or Littleton, it’s important to understand how the law works when you share some blame. Colorado uses a law called comparative negligence, which affects how much compensation you can get if you’re partially at fault. Even if you are partly responsible, you may still be able to recover damages, but it depends on how the law applies to your case. A Colorado personal injury lawyer can help you figure out your options and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
What is Colorado’s Comparative Negligence Rule?
Colorado follows a comparative negligence rule when it comes to accident claims. This rule says that if you are partly to blame for the accident, your compensation will be lowered by your percentage of fault. However, you can still receive some compensation as long as you’re less than 50% responsible.
For example, if you’re in a car accident in Denver and the other driver is 70% at fault while you are 30% at fault, you can still get 70% of the compensation for your injuries. But, if you’re 50% or more responsible, you can’t get any compensation at all.
This rule is important because it means you don’t have to be completely blameless to receive compensation for your injuries. However, the more at fault you are, the less money you can recover.
How Your Compensation Changes if You Share the Blame
When you are injured in an accident in places like Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, or Littleton, it’s essential to understand how the amount you receive is affected by how much responsibility you hold for the accident. Here’s how it works:
- Your Fault Percentage: Your compensation is reduced based on how much of the fault you bear. For example, if your total damages are $100,000, but you’re found to be 20% responsible, you would receive $80,000. If you’re found to be 40% at fault, you’d only receive $60,000.
- Insurance Companies May Argue Fault: Be aware that the other party’s insurance or your own insurance may argue that you were more at fault than you really were. A Colorado personal injury attorney will help to prove that the other party was more responsible for the accident, which could increase your compensation.
- Collecting Evidence is Crucial: Having the right evidence is key to proving your case. Photos, witness statements, medical reports, and accident reports are important. A lawyer can help you collect solid evidence to strengthen your claim.
- Watch Out for Quick Settlement Offers: Insurance companies often make quick, low offers to settle a case. If you accept a settlement too early, you might miss out on a higher payout later. A personal injury lawyer in Colorado can help you determine if the offer is fair or if you should keep fighting for more.
What to Do After an Accident in Colorado
If you’ve been injured in an accident and believe you may share some responsibility, here are a few things to do to protect your rights:
- Get Medical Help: Even if you don’t feel badly injured right after the accident, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries might not show up right away, and medical records will help your case.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of your injuries and the accident scene, collect witness contact information, and get the police report if possible. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
- Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Without Legal Help: Insurance companies sometimes try to get you to say things that could hurt your case. Having a lawyer present ensures you don’t accidentally give up your right to full compensation.
- Talk to a Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer: It’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases. They can help preserve your legal rights and make sure you’re being treated fairly.
How a Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Even if you’re partly responsible for the accident, a Colorado personal injury lawyer will help you get the compensation you deserve. Here’s how:
- Protecting Your Rights: A lawyer will make sure that the insurance companies don’t take advantage of you and that you’re compensated fairly.
- Negotiating for You: Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements. An experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate and get you a better deal.
- Handling Paperwork: Legal paperwork can be complicated. A lawyer will handle the details and ensure everything is filed on time and correctly.
- Fighting for Fair Compensation: A lawyer will work to make sure your compensation is based on the true level of fault and that you’re not unfairly penalized for the accident.
Get the Compensation You Deserve After an Accident
If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Denver, Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, or Littleton and are worried about being partially at fault, don’t let that stop you from seeking compensation. Colorado’s comparative negligence rule allows you to recover your losses, even if you were partly at fault. A Colorado personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
