Auto accidents are not rare in Colorado. If you sustained injuries in a car accident in Grand Junction and believe that the other driver was careless or at fault, consulting an attorney could be useful. Colorado was a no-fault state before 2003, not anymore. In such circumstances, you will file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer as they are liable for your losses. Not every claim requires further legal action, so why should you hire a Grand Junction car accident attorney? We have enlisted a few advantages below.
- You need time to recover. Like most states, Colorado has a statute of limitations. This statute sets a 3-year deadline for personal injury cases, including car accident lawsuits. The deadline starts running from the accident date. As you file an insurance claim and take time to recover from your injuries, the clock is still ticking. Also, if your injuries are severe, you may not be in a position to work on the case. Having an attorney on your side will reduce your stress considerably.
- Because expertise matters. An injury lawyer has probably worked on hundreds of car accident claims and lawsuits. While no lawyer can predict the exact outcome or promise a certain amount in a settlement, they can usually offer a fair idea of what to expect. They also know the state car accident laws and can evaluate the worth of a claim. Hiring a lawyer is not mandatory for your case but could be the most crucial decision.
- When you are at fault. What happens when two drivers are at fault for the same auto accident? Colorado follows the modified comparative fault rule. You can sue the other driver as long as you don’t share the bigger share of fault. However, you will not get the exact settlement given to you as the fault percentage will be used to reevaluate the compensation. The insurance company (or the court) will rely on your fault and the modified comparative fault rule to determine the settlement. It would help if you had an attorney so that you don’t settle for less.
Although unfortunate, auto accidents can happen to anyone. You don’t need to worry and fret about your losses, especially when an attorney can help you recover a settlement from the at-fault driver. If your injuries are severe, you will get a higher amount, depending on the circumstances. Ask an attorney to evaluate your auto accident claim.