Colorado Springs Car Accident Attorney

CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER IN COLORADO SPRINGS

Getting into a car crash and sustaining physical injuries has a significant impact on your quality of life. Managing legalities, taking care of your health, and keeping everything in perspective can be a frustrating and tedious process. If you are looking for an auto accident lawyer that will aggressively fight for your rights, contact Attorney Wm. Andrew Wills II or “Drew.” With his three decades of personal injury law experience, Attorney Drew will make sure that you receive the counsel, care, and respect that you deserve.
Automobile accidents are increasing in Colorado Springs. According to statistics obtained by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDT), it ranks among the most dangerous cities in the state to be either a driver or pedestrian. Colorado Springs also ranked second after Denver in the number of automobile and motorcycle fatalities in 2019.
Drivers Involved in Fatal Crash by Age in Colorado graph
Not all car accidents are fatal, but some can have serious long-term physical and psychological consequences. Based on the uptick in car accidents in Colorado Springs, it is critical to know their most common causes so that you can avoid being a victim. Who is most at risk? Teenagers between the ages of 16 – 19 are most likely to get into car accidents due to their risk-taking behavior. Seniors above the age of 65 are also susceptible to car crashes due to decreased hearing and visual acuity. Overall, men are more likely to cause and get into car crashes compared to women since they are more likely to commit traffic violations and drive under the influence.

Why do car accidents happen?

Car which has been in an accident. Firetruck in the back ground. Car accidents happen for several reasons. Sometimes, it is due to pure negligence. Other times, it is because of the way a road is shaped or maintained or due to adverse weather conditions. The most cited reasons for car crashes in the United States include:

  • Distracted driving includes any activity that shifts a driver’s focus from the road. Eating, drinking, adjusting a car seat, and speaking on the phone are examples of driving distractions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nine people die, and 1,000 are injured daily due to a distracted driver.
  • Speeding or driving above the speed limit is one of the most dangerous driving habits of many drivers and drastically increases the chance of getting into a car accident. Speeding is not only hazardous for the driver but others on the road. Over 29% of car crashes in the United States are due to speeding.
  • Driving under the influence means ingesting any substance, such as drugs or alcohol, that impairs a driver’s ability to concentrate. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one person dies every 50 minutes due to an impaired driver.
  • Bad weather conditions can lead to car accidents. Rain and snow, for example, can cause even the most experienced drivers to lose control of their vehicles. According to NHTSA, 2% of car accidents are due to due adverse weather
  • Mechanical failure can be due to the condition of the vehicle, defective parts installed by a car repair manufacturer or a defect in the automobile. Such defeats or failure may cause drivers to lose control of the car and harm themselves or others.

How do I avoid a car accident?

There are many steps you can take to decrease your likelihood of getting into a car accident. Although there is no fool-proof method to protect yourself from others, you can take control in several ways, such as:

  • Obeying traffic laws, regulations, and the speed limit at all times
  • Wearing a seatbelt and buckling infants in age-appropriate car-seats
  • Staying alert at all times and not driving when sleepy or tired
  • Avoiding driving in poor weather conditions
  • Limiting night driving
  • Not speaking on the phone (even on a wireless device) or texting while driving
  • Not eating or drinking food while driving
  • Ensuring that your vehicle is in optimal condition and performing consistent checkups

These simple steps can significantly decrease the likelihood of a car crash. However, even with the safest measures in place, accidents still happen. Most states require that citizens file an accident claim if an injury or death is involved. Hiring an experienced auto accident lawyer like Attorney Drew ensures that you file your claim the right way and that you do not say the wrong thing when the insurance companies become involved.

What should I do if I am involved in an accident?

Do not panic or get mad once you have gotten into a car accident. First, make sure that you and your passengers are safe and have not sustained any serious injuries and call 911 if there are. Car crash injuries can range from mild to severe and include physical and psychological damage, so take note of any physical discomfort.

The most common physical injuries include whiplash, damage to soft tissue, spine and neck injuries, and fractured or broken bones. Psychological damage includes post-traumatic stress disorder. Both types of injuries lead to a lower-quality life with debilitating medical bills that can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Once you have determined that you are safe, gather as much information as you can at the scene of the accident. Take pictures, download your dashcam video if available, and take notes. The more evidence you gather, the easier it will be to determine who is at fault and liable for damages. As a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer, Attorney Drew can help identify the at-fault parties and file an insurance or personal injury claim against:

  • Individual drivers who did not follow the law
  • Automakers or equipment manufacturers that rendered your vehicle unsafe and dangerous
  • A company with employees that did not follow vehicle regulations
  • Public entities that have failed to engineer or maintain safe roads for driving

I already have insurance. Why do I need an auto accident attorney?

Your insurance company’s job may be to cover you after an accident, but they are invested in decreasing those coverage costs as much as possible. Your insurance company may victimize you as a result of your car crash, and not only fail to pay expenses but may increase your premiums. There may also be unscrupulous insurance companies representing the other driver that can trick you into making a claim that is in the best interest of the other driver.

Due to the nature of insurance payouts, some parties may produce bogus claims that make it harder for law-abiding citizens to receive justice. One example is phantom pain that the other driver can claim. He or she can work with an unscrupulous medical professional who will corroborate their claims to receive money from your insurance company.

There are several loopholes in any car accident contract claim that companies can use to save as much money possible and claim less liability for damages. Hiring a lawyer is essential because these companies are aggressive and capable. They may easily take advantage of a panicked, frustrated driver who does not have a thorough understanding of his or her legal rights.

Attorney Drew has a wealth of experience dealing with insurance company claims and the complex legalities involved with handling an insurance claim process. His aggressive, comprehensive strategy and deep understanding of Colorado law are assets to any driver, especially after an accident.

Filing an accident claim

Colorado is a comparative fault state where both drivers can file a claim if both are at fault. The state also has a three-year statute of limitations for drivers to report a personal injury claim that starts from the day of the accident. The state also has a threshold for coverage payments based on the type of insurance the driver has. Attorney Drew will help gather the required evidence, interview witnesses, and review all reports, from the police to the insurance reports, thoroughly to make sure that he represents  you in the best possible manner.

Even if you do not know who is at fault, or if both you and the other driver are at fault, it is important to hire an attorney. He or she will review the details of the accident, gather the required evidence, and their presence will decrease the likelihood of error.

Request a free consultation today

If you or someone you care about was injured in a car crash in Colorado Springs, Attorney Drew can help you navigate the insurance and legal process to help you win your case. During your free consultation, Attorney Drew will identify who is at fault and how that affects your claim. Then, he will discuss the best course of action to take with you and present your options.

Call Attorney Drew at (719) 633 – 8500 for your free, no-obligation car accident insurance claim evaluation. With his years of experience serving the residents of El Paso and Colorado Springs, Attorney Drew will respect your time and make sure that you are fully informed and represented by the best possible counsel.