Legal Blog - Tenge Law Firm

Nov 5, 2021 | By Tenge Law Staff | Read Time: < 1 minute | CO Accident News

One Man Dead After Hit-And-Run Crash on I-225

[November 4, 2021 – Aurora, CO] — Aurora Police are still searching for the driver that caused a fatal hit-and-run accident Thursday morning. Around 5:30 a.m. on I-225 near 6th Avenue, witnesses claim a dark SUV hit the front end of a Suburu Outback when changing lanes at a high speed, causing the Outback to roll. The man driving the Outback was ejected and pronounced deceased on the scene. The name of the victim has not been released. The driver causing the crash did not stop and continued driving north on I-225. This is a developing news story and is still under investigation. We will update as more information is released. Source: CBS4 Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims of this horrible incident. If a family member would like the name of a person removed for any reason, please click the “Remove Post” link. REMOVE POST.

Nov 4, 2021 | By Tenge Law Staff | Read Time: < 1 minute | CO Accident News

Four People Killed In Weld County Car Accident Includes Two Air Force Airmen

[October 30, 2021 – Weld County, CO] — Four people were killed Saturday morning after a head-on collision in Weld County. Among the four, two women have been identified as senior airmen stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. At approximately 2:35 a.m. Saturday morning, the two senior airmen, Yasmin Takiah Evans, 22, and Taylor Alize Lipscomb Ashley, 24, were driving down U.S. 85 near the Wyoming border when a 2015 Jeep Cherokee crossed into oncoming traffic. The Jeep Cherokee was driven by Jonathan William Upchurch, 30, and Zane Lee Schure, 30, who were among the four killed in the crash. Colorado State Patrol is still investigating the crash. As they await lab and autopsy reports, the cause of the crash still remains unknown. Source: The Denver Post

Nov 1, 2021 | By Tenge Law Staff | Read Time: < 1 minute | CO Accident News

Aurora Teenager Struck and Killed By Car Halloween Night

[October 31, 2021 – Aurora, CO] — Wyatt Labato, an Aurora teenager, was struck and killed by a car while he was trick-or-treating. The incident occurred at approximately 6:15 PM near South Chambers Road and East Hampden Circle. Investigators believe that the 15-year-old stepped out in front of the Suburu’s driving path. He died a short time after arriving at the hospital. Investigators suspect that the woman driving the Suburu was not speeding prior to the accident. The woman remained at the scene. Aurora Police are asking if anyone was a witness to this accident or has camera footage, to contact the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Source: CBS Denver Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims of this horrible incident. If a family member would like the name of a person removed for any reason, please click the “Remove Post” link. REMOVE POST.

Nov 1, 2021 | By J. Todd Tenge | Read Time: 2 minutes | Blog

Colorado Moped Laws

Riding around Boulder or Denver on a moped is fun and efficient. It costs so much less to travel with a moped. Not only will you pay less in gas, but it’s also easier to get around during high traffic times, not to mention how easy it is to find parking for your moped. Mopeds are a different type of vehicle than a passenger car or truck, so the moped laws in Colorado are different. Moped owners and users need to understand the laws that explain the rules of the road for mopeds. You don’t want to get a ticket by doing something illegal with your moped. You also want to be a safe driver and not get into a moped accident. What Is a Moped? Under Colorado law, mopeds are called low-powered scooters and are defined as self-propelled vehicles that have no more than three wheels on the road. If the moped has an engine, it can’t have more than 50cc of power. If it is an electric scooter, then it can’t have more than 4476 watts available. Do You Need a Special Scooter License? Colorado’s scooter laws do not require a special license to operate a moped. All you need is a valid driver’s license to operate a moped legally. But similar to a regular vehicle, you must register your scooter with the state and cover the moped with proper insurance. Don’t just assume your personal vehicle auto insurance will cover your scooter. In many cases, automobile insurance policies apply only to vehicles with four wheels. It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company and ask about what insurance coverage they offer that specifically covers mopeds. Do You Have to Wear a Helmet? Similar to motorcycle laws, moped laws in Colorado do not require riders to wear helmets. If you are an adult, you don’t have to wear a helmet while riding a scooter or a motorcycle. Minors 17 years and younger must wear a helmet, whether they are driving the scooter or whether they are a passenger on the scooter. Nevertheless, we highly recommend that you wear a helmet when riding on a scooter, motorcycle, or bicycle. One of the major injuries we see with moped accidents and crashes are traumatic brain injuries that may not have occurred if the scooter rider was wearing a proper helmet. Are There Any Restrictions on Where You Can Drive a Scooter? Colorado scooter laws restrict scooter use on interstate highways. Otherwise, you can ride a scooter anywhere you can drive a car or truck. You cannot ride a moped on sidewalks or designated pedestrian walkways. However, moped laws in Colorado allow for the use of mopeds in designated bicycle lanes. The Colorado Car Accident Lawyers at Tenge Law Firm, LLC, Are Here to Help Seriously Injured People If you have been seriously injured while riding a moped or scooter, then you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. Moped accidents can be very severe due to the fact that there’s not much protection between you and the other vehicle or the hard road. This is where the skilled and knowledgeable Colorado car accident lawyers at Tenge Law Firm, LLC, come into play. With 5 out of 5 stars from lawyer rating services like AVVO, Lawyers.com, and Yelp, we have the experience and resources to fight for your rights to get the full and fair compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us today at 303-536-7675 to schedule your free consultation. With offices in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins, Tenge Law Firm, LLC, represents injured clients throughout Colorado.

Nov 1, 2021 | By J. Todd Tenge | Read Time: 2 minutes | Blog

A Guide to Torts

“Tort” is a strange word that has a very straightforward meaning. It is a French term adopted by English courts that means a “wrong” or “injury.” In American law, it is a catchall phrase for a civil wrong that results in injury to another. In its essence, a tort is an act or omission by one person that results in the harm or injury to another. Understanding how an act or omission results in liability for an injury depends on the type of tort committed. There are three generally recognized torts: Negligence, Intentional, and Strict liability. Below we have provided a guide to each type to help you better understand your rights and how you may have been wronged. Negligence A tort in negligence focuses on a person’s conduct and has little to do with their intentions. The analysis is whether an act or omission of a person fell below a reasonable standard of care which that person owed to another. As a result, a person can be liable for an injury even if they did not intend to harm anyone. Negligence cases focus on the concepts of “duty,” “standard of care,” and “reasonableness.” A few examples of torts in negligence would be: Bicycle accidents, Car accidents, Slip and fall, and Medical malpractice. Negligence torts can vary widely, so if you don’t see one that applies to your case, please contact us. Intentional In contrast to a tort in negligence, an intentional tort focuses exclusively on intent and almost completely disregards any consideration of “care.” In other words, did the person intend to act in a certain way and did that act harm another? A further important layer to the analysis is whether the person knew or should have known that their act would cause the injury. States formally recognize several types of intentional torts such as: Trespass, Intentional infliction of emotional distress, Battery, Assault, and Conversion of property. Note that several of these intentional torts may also be treated as crimes under criminal law. Strict Liability Strict liability torts do not generally focus on either a standard of care or intent. In strict liability tort cases, the analysis is whether a person committed the act, and if the act was committed, then liability generally results. Strict liability cases are applied to a narrow field of topics such as: Defective products, Defective medications and medical devices, Animal bites, and Abnormally dangerous activities. While strict liability torts may seem simple, many factors are needed to prove a personal injury case under strict liability. Tenge Law Firm Can Find Justice for You At the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, we treat each case as if it is our only case. Our attorneys have decades of experience in tort cases and have won millions of dollars in awards and settlements. The Tenge Law Firm, LLC, is uniquely positioned to help you find the justice you deserve and the compensation for your injuries that you are entitled to. Call us today for a free consultation.

Nov 1, 2021 | By J. Todd Tenge | Read Time: 3 minutes | Blog

Do I Need a Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer?

Not all personal injury claims require the assistance of a lawyer. Some are unwinnable, while others are trivial. It is important, however, that you understand when you need a personal injury lawyer, when you don’t, and how a Colorado personal injury lawyer can help you obtain the justice you deserve. How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you in the following ways, among others: Provide an objective evaluation of your claimーsomething you might need while you are struggling with overwhelming emotions; Advise you on how to maximize the value of your claimーby staying off social media, for example; Conduct an investigation of your claim; Gather admissible evidence for use both in court and at the negotiating table; Find expert witnesses to bolster your claim; Negotiate your claim with the insurance company or the defendant; Find legal holes in the defendant’s evidence and arguments; Advise you on possible alternative courses of action; and Draft a formal complaint and file a lawsuit on your behalf (useful even if you never go to court). Above all, your attorney can take care of legal and financial matters for you, so you can concentrate on regaining your health. Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer? Seven Signs That Say You Do There is no formula that can tell you for sure whether you need legal assistance. Under the following circumstances, however, you are likely to need a personal injury lawyer. 1. Your Injuries Are Long-Term or Permanent Some injuries leave you with permanent disfigurement. Others, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), can leave you with long-term disability. Still, other injuries might leave you with the need for long-term medical care or rehabilitation. In such cases, especially, the latter case, you may need an experienced personal injury attorney to help you estimate future medical expenses. You are also likely to need an attorney for a wrongful death claim. 2. The Insurance Company Rejects Your Claim or Offers a Paltry Settlement Most insurance companies would reject almost any claim if they thought they could get away with it. One of the ways you know that the insurance company doesn’t respect you is when they either dismiss your claim or offer you a settlement that is so low you can’t decide whether to laugh or cry. 3. The Insurance Company Is Dealing with You in Bad Faith Bad faith means, essentially, dishonestly. Although the law prohibits insurance companies from dealing with you in bad faith, it happens all the time. Some bad faith insurance company tactics include: Stalling you with numerous small delays; Providing you with misleading information; Requiring you to provide excess documentation; Aggressively pursuing an unfairly low settlement offer; and Dismissing your claim without discussion or with blithe and simplistic answers. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Trust your gut instincts if you think the insurance company is treating you unfairly. 4. The Insurance Company or the Defendant Is Trying to Blame Your for the Accident Because of Colorado’s comparative fault system, many insurance companies seek ways to blame the victim for the accident, so that they can escape liability themselves. Insurance company representative: “Please tell me the EXACT time of the accident.” (for the 50th time). You (exasperated): “OK, OK, the accident happened at EXACTLY 2:42 pm.” Insurance company: So you caused the accident yourself, by checking the time when you should have been watching the road.” 5. Liability Is in Dispute The defendant will always come up with some argument that they are somehow not responsible for your damages. You are going to need a personal injury lawyer, however, when the facts put liability in real dispute and you are not sure whether it is you or the other party who is the real defendant. 6. You Are Not Sure How Much Your Claim Is Worth You might not realize how much of the typically successful personal injury claim consists of intangible, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of consortium. You could drastically underestimate the value of your claim if you ignore these components of your damages. 7. Your Claim Is Complex Some personal injury claims are simple, while others are complex. Your claim might involve multiple parties, for example. Likewise, your claim might be scientifically complex. Product liability claims, for example, are often quite scientifically complex, and proving your claim might require the use of an expert witness. We’re Ready for Action Here at Tenge Law, we put our money where our mouth is. Indeed, we have recovered more than $50 million for our clients over the last seven years alone. Although it would be unethical of us to guarantee results in any particular case, we can guarantee you this much—retain us and your case will be in good hands. Call The Tenge Law Firm, LLC, 24/7 at 303-536-7686 or contact us online to get started pursuing your claim today.

Nov 1, 2021 | By J. Todd Tenge | Read Time: 4 minutes | Blog

Questions To Ask A Personal Injury Lawyer

Having the Right Lawyer Gives You the Best Chance to Recover for Your Injuries Suffering an injury at the hands of another person can seriously disrupt your life. An injury caused because of another’s negligence is likely to force you out of work while medical bills pile up. You know you need help from a lawyer. The problem is that there are many injury lawyers. How do you know which one you should choose? At Tenge Law Firm, LLC, we believe in devoting all our attention to our clients’ needs. We strive to provide support for our clients through some of their toughest times. We also fight hard for our clients to get the best result possible in the shortest amount of time. How Do You Know You Have the Right Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Case? Every lawyer out there believes they can do the job for you. Which one is right for you? You might get referrals from numerous friends and family. They mean well and want the best for you, but they could steer you in the wrong direction. How do you figure out which lawyer is the best one for your case? Remember, your case is as unique as you are. You have to do some research, and you should also talk to a couple different lawyers before deciding. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like. If the lawyer doesn’t want to answer them or isn’t comfortable with them, then you probably don’t want that lawyer representing you. What Are Some Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer? There are a lot of questions you should ask any attorney you talk to about your Colorado personal injury case. Taking the time to get to know the lawyer before committing to hiring the lawyer is a smart move. You get one shot at recovering damages. So you need to make sure that you have the right lawyer for the job. I’m Out of Work and Can’t Afford to Pay a Lawyer. How Am I Going to Pay Your Fee? We get this question all the time. It makes sense to ask. Anyone who suffered a serious injury in an accident probably can’t afford to hire a lawyer. That’s why Colorado personal injury lawyers from Tenge Law, LLC, work only on a contingency fee. Don’t worry. We put our entire agreement in writing, so you know exactly what to expect. A contingency fee is a simple arrangement: if you win, we win. We won’t take a fee unless you win a settlement or judgment. Also, we advance all your costs. We recover them from your award. That way, you never have to worry about digging into your pocket to fund your case. We do it for you. What Kind of Experience Do You Have? Most lawyers are ready to tout their accomplishments. A lawyer you can trust with your case has handled cases like yours. Although every case is different, there are some similarities in the types of cases lawyers handle. You also need to know if the lawyer you’re talking with about your case has jury trial experience. There are a lot of lawyers who have never tried a case before. You have to wonder why. Will the lawyer settle for less than the case is worth out of fear of going to trial? You want a lawyer who has trial experience and is not afraid to let the jury decide. That doesn’t mean you will have to go to trial. A lawyer with trial experience can push for a great settlement because the other side knows they will not settle for less. An experienced Colorado personal injury attorney knows how to prepare a case for trial. Rigorous preparation and anticipation that every case will go to a jury usually lead to favorable results. Who’s Handling My Case? When you talk with a lawyer about your case, you expect that attorney will represent you. That’s not always the case. At Tenge Law, LLC, you will have the benefit of all our firm’s talent and resources. However, you will have one attorney dedicated to you and your best interests. We don’t pass your file onto a junior attorney to work on. Instead, your attorney from Tenge Law, LLC, will be with you every step of the way. How Much Is My Case Worth? That’s the magic question. You should want to know the answer. There is no science to translating human loss and suffering into dollar amounts. It’s comparing apples and oranges. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will consider lots of factors when trying to answer this question. Economic Damages There are some damage amounts you can put a dollar figure on. The law refers to those as “economic damages.” Economic damages often include: Property damage, Medical bills, Future medical costs, Lost wages or salary, and Future economic losses. This list is only an example. You might have other economic damages in your case. Non-Economic Damages The law recognizes other types of damages as well. Non-economic damages are those losses on which you can’t put a dollar amount on. Non-economic damages are pain and suffering, emotional losses, psychological suffering, loss of consortium, or loss of companionship. Exemplary Damages Your case might involve punitive or exemplary damages as well. Punitive damages, as the name suggests, punish the defendant for their actions. Punitive damages are not available in every case. But you should discuss the possibility with your lawyer. A knowledgeable and creative attorney might be able to make an argument that you deserve punitive damages on top of economic and non-economic damages. Why Should I Hire Tenge Law, LLC, for My Colorado Personal Injury Case? We appreciate this question because it gives us a chance to talk about all the good we’ve done for our clients over the past 25 years. In the last seven years alone, we’ve won over $50 million in damages for our clients. How do we do it? We care—a lot....

Nov 1, 2021 | By J. Todd Tenge | Read Time: 2 minutes | Blog

Allstate Bad-Faith Insurance Claims

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may know that dealing with insurance companies can be almost as scary as the accident itself. But did you know that all insurance companies in the U.S. owe you a duty of good faith and fair dealing? That’s right! And this duty likely applies to both your insurance company and the insurance company of the party that injured you. If you think you may have been the victim of Allstate’s bad-faith practices in resolving an accident or injury insurance claim, we may be able to help. The duty of good faith and fair dealing means that companies like Allstate need to act fairly in handling claims. This includes processing, investigating, and making decisions about insurance claims. Our team at the Tenge Law Firm, LLC., has helped many Coloradans like you handle personal injury claims—and the Allstate insurance lawsuits that sometimes arise as a result of a poorly handled claim. What Is Bad Faith? The State of Colorado takes bad-faith insurance practices very seriously. In fact, Allstate has been held liable for its bad-faith insurance practices in Colorado courts many times. The issues in these cases have had to do with a variety of policies and practices. But the courts’ rulings always came down to the same thing: Allstate’s alleged bad-faith actions. If you live in Colorado and think you’ve been harmed by Allstate’s failure to investigate your claim, we can help you understand your rights. The Tenge Law Firm’s goal is to achieve justice for injured parties, and that includes fighting for the insurance benefits you deserve. Who Is Allstate? The Allstate Corporation is a multi-billion dollar insurance brand and operates many insurance companies in the United States. You may not even realize that the insurance company you’re fighting with on the other end of the phone is Allstate. For instance, some of the brands that Allstate owns and operates that don’t carry the Allstate name include: Esurance; Encompass Insurance Company; Castle Key Insurance Company; and American Heritage Life Insurance Company. After a serious accident, you may not even be aware that you’re dealing with a notoriously difficult insurance company. Experienced personal injury counsel can help you understand how to navigate both the insurance companies and the law. When Would I Encounter an Allstate Bad Faith Issue? If you’re ever in an accident and need to file an insurance claim, you might encounter an Allstate bad-faith issue. The company’s former employees once notoriously disclosed the fact that Allstate used a “three Ds” strategy—deny, delay, and defend—to line its pockets with money that rightfully belonged to claimants. If you’ve ever filed a claim under any of the following policies held by Allstate, you may find yourself on the receiving end of a bad-faith “three Ds” strategy: Auto or motorcycle insurance; Recreational vehicle insurance; Homeowner, renter, and condo insurance; Business insurance; Life insurance; and Supplemental health insurance. Don’t get caught out when you need the support of insurance funds the most. Make sure that after you’ve sought medical attention for an injury, you call an experienced Colorado personal injury attorney before speaking to the insurance company. How the Tenge Law Firm Can Help For almost 30 years, J. Todd Tenge and his team have been helping folks like you fight for their rights after an accident. The Tenge Law Firm team can help you understand your rights in an Allstate bad-faith lawsuit. Contact us today to discuss your claims.

Nov 1, 2021 | By Tenge Law Staff | Read Time: < 1 minute | CO Accident News

Nine Injured in Head-on Collision Near Monument, CO

[October 17, 2021 – Monument, CO] — A suspected drunk driver was traveling the wrong direction on I-25 and injured nine people, including himself, on Sunday morning. The two-vehicle collision occurred around 3:30 AM on Sunday. The suspected drunk driver’s Subaru was traveling south in the northbound lanes of I-25 near the County Line Road exit. An Acura was traveling north with eight passengers inside it. The Subaru crashed head-on into the Acura. All eight passengers as well as the Subaru driver sustained injuries. All the individuals required hospitalization. The Colorado State Patrol shared that the Subaru driver is suspected of being under the influence of both drugs and alcohol-based on his statements and evidence found in his vehicle. The CSP has not provided an update on any of the injured individuals’ conditions from the drunk driving accident in Monument. Sources: The Gazette

Nov 1, 2021 | By Tenge Law Staff | Read Time: < 1 minute | CO Accident News

Village Park Teenager Killed in a Hit-and-Run Accident

[October 19, 2021 – Aurora, CO] — A 14-year-old boy was found trapped under a minivan on Monday evening, and authorities pronounced him dead at the scene. Around 8:00 PM, the police were called to a hit-and-run accident in Village Green Park on S. Chambers Circle. When officers arrived, they found the boy trapped under the minivan and no driver. Firefighters retrieved the 14-year-old from under the minivan, but he had already died. Some time later, the minivan driver returned to the scene. It was a teenage girl. She had fled on foot after the accident but cooperated with the police when she returned. The police believe that the boy had been holding on to the front of the—apparently stolen—minivan as the girl drove the vehicle. As of Monday evening, officers had not arrested the teenage girl. The authorities report that they continue to investigate the crash. The coroner has not released the identity of the Aurora teenager killed in the hit and run. Sources: The Denver Gazette

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