Car Accidents Archives - Tenge Law Firm

Jul 23, 2021 | By Tenge Law Staff | Read Time: 4 minutes | Car Accidents

How to Determine Who Is At-Fault in a Colorado Car Accident

You may not understand the laws regarding car accidents in Colorado. Your first step in pursuing recovery for your injuries is asking the question, Is Colorado a no-fault state for car accidents? Today we will discuss Colorado’s status regarding fault and how that may relate to your accident case. If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident, contact a skilled personal injury attorney to help you resolve your claim and recover your losses. Is Colorado a No-Fault State for Car Accidents? Colorado is not a no-fault state for car accidents. As an at-fault state, Colorado residents may file a claim against responsible parties without having to meet a threshold amount of damages. Unlike Colorado, no-fault states require drivers to turn to their own insurance policies to recover for their losses. Only after your injuries reach a certain threshold may you file a claim to recover against the other driver. Therefore, Colorado offers advantages different from no-fault states. After a car accident, you are free to pursue a claim against the driver deemed to be at fault and recover your losses. What Determines Fault in a Colorado Car Accident? Colorado law provides that negligence determines who is at fault in a car accident. Negligence is proven by the existence of the following elements: A duty of care was owed, The negligent party failed to act in accordance with the duty of care, A person was injured as a result of the negligent act. All drivers in Colorado possess the duty to operate their vehicles responsibly. This responsibility includes following all traffic rules. Typical examples of negligent conduct resulting in car accidents include: Speeding; Following another car too closely; Running red lights; Failing to stop completely at stop signs; Failing to yield or merge safely into traffic; Changing lanes in an unsafe manner; Allowing yourself to become distracted while driving in any way, including texting while driving; Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Various types of evidence can be used to support the determination of fault in a car accident. Additionally, you should always write down your immediate recollection of the events leading up to the accident if possible. Memories fade quickly. Promptly writing memories down or recording them in some way may refresh your memory later. Police Report Since fault matters in Colorado, a reporting police officer may assist in the determination of fault after a car accident. In these situations, a police officer observing a car accident will detail important information in their accident report. A reporting officer may decide fault. If they do, it provides strong support in any car accident claim. Photographs If possible, try to take photographs of the car accident scene. Photographs should document damage to the vehicles involved and surrounding conditions including the road and weather. Witnesses If any persons witness the accident, take down their names and contact information. A reporting police officer may interview these individuals and include their statements in the accident report as well. These witnesses may also testify as to their observations in court if your injury claim goes to trial. Accident Reconstruction Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to review the circumstances surrounding your car accident. If you suffered injuries resulting from the negligent actions of another person, you have the right to recover your losses. A personal injury attorney works to gather facts and evidence to build a strong case to support your claim. What Is No Doubt Liability? In certain situations, the law can presume fault in a car accident. Colorado refers to these car accidents as “no doubt liability” accidents. These accidents are difficult to argue against and often result in a quick settlement for injured parties. Examples of no doubt liability accidents include the following: Rear-end accidents—When a driver hits the back of the car in front of them, the law presumes them to be at fault. Backing up accidents—When a driver is backing up and causes a collision, they are at fault. Red Light Failure—Drivers that run red lights and subsequently cause an accident are almost always deemed to be at fault. Left-Hand Turns—In situations where a driver makes a left turn in front of drivers going straight through their green light, they are at fault. Impaired Driving—Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs typically do not escape fault in an accident. When you get into an accident, you may think you will be unable to escape fault. However, there may be circumstances where the collision was unavoidable and not your fault. Therefore, it’s important to speak to a personal injury attorney so they can assess the facts of your case and discuss your options. How Do I Recover My Damages in a Colorado Car Accident? Colorado provides three ways for an injured party to recover after a Colorado car accident. These include: Filing a claim with their own insurance company; File a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance provider; and File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Colorado follows the comparative negligence theory. Therefore, if the court finds you to be less than 50% responsible for a car accident, you may seek compensation for your losses. However, your percentage of fault is deducted from your recovery. If a court deems you to be at least 50% responsible for the car accident, you may not seek compensation. What Can I Recover After a Colorado Car Accident? Colorado permits recovery of damages because it is not a no-fault accident state. As a result, once fault has been determined, you may recover certain damages for your injuries and losses. Economic Damages Economic damages represent those quantifiable losses supported by medical bills and other receipts. Economic damages typically include: Medical expenses, Vehicle damage, Property damage, Past and future lost earnings. Invoices, medical bills, pay stubs, and tax returns support claims for medical costs and past and future lost earnings. Therefore, when attempting to recover economic damages, it’s important to save all receipts and records. Non-Economic Damages Non-economic damages represent subjective losses typically characterized...

Jul 23, 2021 | By Tenge Law Staff | Read Time: 3 minutes | Car Accidents

How to Get Your Accident Report in Boulder, Colorado

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be a scary and overwhelming experience. When determining how to get the police report for a car accident in Boulder, Colorado, you may not know the first thing to do. Contact a personal injury attorney in Boulder to assist you in obtaining a copy of your Boulder accident report. This report serves as an important tool if you decide to pursue a lawsuit against the other party involved in your car accident. What Is a Boulder Accident Report? After a car accident, it’s important to assess that all involved parties do not require medical attention. However, even if you don’t notice any apparent injuries after a car accident, seek medical attention for the existence of any other less obvious injuries. It’s advised to contact the Boulder Police Department after a car accident to assess the scene. A Boulder Police Department police officer creates a Boulder accident report based on their observations of the scene. These observations include the following details: The date, time, and location of the car accident; Any potential causes of the collision; The names and contact information of the parties involved; Statements from witnesses and passengers in any vehicles; Description of injuries or property damage resulting from the car accident, and The conditions present at the scene of the accident including weather conditions and road conditions. The police office then submits the Boulder Police report for the accident which may be obtained in the days following the accident. Be sure to contact the Boulder Police Department to check on the status of your car accident. How to Get Your Boulder Police Department Accident Report In the City of Boulder, there are three ways to request your car accident report. After the reporting office creates your Boulder Police Department accident report, call the Boulder Police Department at 303-441-4330 in the days following the accident to check on the status. Online You may request a copy of your Boulder Police report for your accident online at the City of Boulder website. The Boulder Police Department provides a form to complete, which can then be emailed to pdrecords@bouldercolorado.gov. Mail The City of Boulder also permits requests for accident reports completed by mail. The same Request for Police Report Form must be completed and mailed to the Boulder Police Department Records Unit at 1805 33rd Street, Boulder, Co 80301. You must also provide a self-addressed stamped envelope with a check for $5 for the first ten pages of the report and $0.25 for each additional page. In-Person You may also obtain a copy of your Boulder Police Department accident report in person at the Boulder Police Department located at 1805 33rd Street, Boulder, Co 80301. Be sure to bring money for payment of $5 for the cost of the Boulder accident report. The Records Department is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday. Why Is a Boulder Police Report Important? When police report to the scene of your car accident, it’s important to thoroughly explain the details of what happened while those details remain fresh in your mind. The reporting officer should include your statements in the Boulder Police Department accident report. Additionally, a police report provides an unbiased account of a car accident. This is an official report detailing an officer’s observations after a car accident. In many situations, this official report provides more substantial evidence supporting fault than hearsay and eyewitness testimony, which may occur many months after the event. Most importantly, some reporting police officers may assign fault in a car accident. This information in your Boulder Police report about your accident may be used as evidence to support your lawsuit against the other driver. Contact Us After a car accident, seek the assistance of a qualified personal injury attorney to evaluate your claim. At Tenge Law Firm, we provide aggressive and focused legal representation to clients in personal injury matters. One of the first steps after a car accident is obtaining a copy of your Boulder accident report. The attorneys at Tenge Law Firm enjoy a reputation as one of the finest personal injury firms in Boulder. We know what vital evidence supports your personal injury claim. We provide a free consultation, so contact the Tenge Law Firm today!

Jul 23, 2021 | By Tenge Law Staff | Read Time: 4 minutes | Car Accidents

How to Get a Copy of Your Aurora Accident Report

Whenever you are in a car accident, whether you intend to file a legal claim or not, you should always get a copy of your accident report. The report is the state’s official record of what happened, so you should know what it says. On one hand, if you plan to file a legal claim, your Aurora, CO, accident report will help you to establish fault and plan your legal claim with your attorney. On the other hand, if you don’t plan to file a legal claim, your accident report could provide you with an indication as to whether or not the other party involved in the accident will file a legal claim against you. Whatever the case is, it is critical that you get a copy of your Aurora police accident report. Accident reports are often administrated at the city or county level. As a result, the protocol for obtaining accident reports often differs between jurisdictions. The process for obtaining copies of Aurora accident reports, for example, is different from the process in Denver. Read on for more information on obtaining a copy of your Aurora accident report. Do All Accidents Have an Accident Report? The vast majority of car accidents that happen in Colorado will have a related accident report. This is because accident reports are a legal requirement for most Colorado accidents. Drivers in Colorado are required to immediately report any accident to local law enforcement when any property damage occurs, or when any personal injury occurs. Practically every car accident causes some type of injury or property damage, even if minor. Failure to report an accident is punishable as a class two misdemeanor traffic offense. The penalty includes up to a $300 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both. If it appears as though there is property damage of more than $1,000, or someone suffers an injury, law enforcement has a legal obligation to file an accident report. Similarly, if any party to an accident fails to provide proof of insurance, law enforcement must file a police report. If the accident you are in does not meet these qualifications, you can still ask for a police report. Law enforcement is legally obligated to file such a report if any party to an accident requests it. Thus, Aurora Colorado accident reports exist for the vast majority of Aurora car accidents. Getting a Copy of Your Accident Report Getting a hold of a copy of your accident report isn’t too much of a hassle. Of course, who you get your accident report from will differ based on which law enforcement agency responds to your accident. If your accident occurs within Aurora city limits, the Aurora Police Department will have your Aurora accident report on file. Similarly, if your accident occurs on unincorporated county land or on a Colorado freeway, the local county sheriff’s office or the Colorado State Patrol will have your report. There are three ways to obtain copies of Aurora accident reports. Either: Through the mail; In person; or Online. The protocol for requesting your accident report differs depending on how you choose to make a request. We will explain each of these three methods. Through the Mail First, you can get a copy of your Aurora accident report through the mail. To do so, you need to download, print, and fill out a record request form. You can find the request form by clicking the “Request a Police Report” button on the Aurora government’s “Get a Police Report” webpage. Otherwise, this “Request a Police Report” link will take you to the form directly. To fill out the form, you will need to provide the following information: Your name; Your contact information; The date, time, and location of your accident; The name and date of birth of anyone involved; The report number; and Your relation to the accident in question. If you need help finding any required information you can call the Aurora Police Records Unit at 303-739-6320 for assistance. Once you fill out the form, you can mail it, with payment, to Aurora Police Department; Attn: Records Section; 15001 East Alameda Parkway; Aurora, CO 80012. In Person You can also make your request in person. Requesting your Aurora accident report in person is helpful if you need help gathering all of the necessary information or filling out the form. You will need the same information as you would for a mail-in request. To make such a request, visit the Aurora Police Department’s Records division between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday. The address is the same as noted above. Online Requesting your Aurora accident report online is similar to requesting it through the mail. First, download the same form you would use for a mail-in request. Then, either fill the form out on your computer or print it, fill it out, then scan it to your computer. Finally, email the completed form to APDPublicRecordsRequest@auroragov.org. The police department will contact you for payment within the following 30 days. Paying for Your Accident Report No matter which method you choose, the cost is the same. The first 10 pages of a report will cost $7.55, plus $.025 per additional page. To pay for your request you can use cash, check, credit, or debit card over the phone or in person. If you need to fill out a personal check for the fee, the recipient should be “City of Aurora.” The City of Aurora warns that the turnaround for information requests, including Aurora, CO, accident reports, can take approximately 60 days. Once You Have Your Aurora Colorado Accident Report Once you have your Aurora accident report and are ready to file a legal claim, contact us at Tenge Law Firm. At Tenge Law Firm we have helped Coloradoans recover more than $50 million in damages in the last seven years alone. In one recent case, we were able to recover more than $1.1 million for our client. Our priority is giving our clients...

Jul 23, 2021 | By Tenge Law Staff | Read Time: 3 minutes | Car Accidents

How to Obtain Your Lakewood Accident Report

Accident reports are a critical component of any car accident claim. The report is the official record of your accident. Thus, insurance agents, lawyers, juries, and judges will all use it to help adjudicate your claim. Because it is so important, it is crucial that you get a copy of your accident report before you file your claim. Filing a claim for a collision without an accident report in hand is a recipe for disaster. Without the benefit of an accident report, your lawyer may as well prepare your case’s legal strategy blind. To avoid any potential road bumps in your pursuit of a car accident claim, you need to know how to get a copy of your accident report. If your accident happened in Lakewood, your report will come in the form of a Lakewood, CO police report. Will My Crash Have a Lakewood Colorado Accident Report? If your accident occurs within Lakewood city limits, chances are that your collision will have a Lakewood Colorado police department accident report. There are a couple reasons for this. First, in almost all cases, drivers are required to report accidents to law enforcement. Second, in most cases, police are required to file an accident report for any collision they respond to. Thus, if the Lakewood police respond to your accident, you will most likely have a Lakewood Colorado accident report. On one hand, all drivers in Colorado are legally obligated to report any car accident where either property damage or personal injury occurs. Failure to report such an accident can result in a fine of up to $300, incarceration for up to 90 days, or both. On the other hand, state law requires law enforcement officers responding to traffic accidents to file collision reports for any accident where personal injury occurs or where property damage exceeds $1,000. For all intents and purposes, this includes just about any car accident. If the police respond to your accident and decide not to file a report, you can still request that they do so. If you make such a request, they are legally obliged to make the report. Obtaining Your Lakewood Colorado Police Report There are three ways that you can obtain a copy of your Lakewood accident report: Fax, Email, or Mail. Each of these methods works just as well as the others. The first thing you need to do to get a copy of your Lakewood collision report is to complete a records request form. Once you complete the form, send it in with a copy of your government issued ID, and the report will get to you within 3-7 business days. To submit your request, you can email it to LPDRecords@lakewoodco.org, mail it to 445 S. Allison Pkwy Lakewood CO, 80226, ATTN Records, or fax it to 303-987-7359. No matter the method by which you submit your request, you should always include a photocopy of your government issued ID. For help with filling out the form, you can call 303-987-7331 for assistance. Telephone services are limited at this time. Normally, there would be office hours, but as of July 2021, the records office is still closed to the public due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For any request that you submit through email or fax, the Lakewood Police Department will contact you through email or fax to complete the payment. The cost is $8.00 for the first 10 pages, and $0.25 for every pager after 10. You can also indicate on your application that you would prefer to submit payment in person. If you make such a request, the Lakewood Police Department will get in touch with you to schedule a time. However, in-person services are still limited at this point, so there is no guarantee that they will accept your request. If they deny your in-person request, they will notify you with a phone call or email. When You are Ready to File Your Claim Once you have your Colorado state police report from Lakewood, it’s time to get your claim started. After all, you don’t want to let the statute of limitations pass you up while you plan your legal strategy. So call Tenge Law Firm today. Our primary commitment is to provide Coloradans with the best legal representation possible. Whether your claim is large or small, we can help. We’ve helped our clients recover more than $50 million in the last 7 years alone, so let us see what we can do for you. You deserve specialized legal services because your case is just as unique and important as any other. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out our client reviews and case results pages to see how we help our clients. Then all you have to do is give us a call for your free consultation: we’ll take care of you from there on. Call us today for your free consultation!

Jun 25, 2021 | By Tenge Law Staff | Read Time: 2 minutes | Car Accidents

How to Get Your Denver Police Department Accident Report

A car accident can turn an otherwise mundane month into what feels like a never ending series of unfortunate events. On top of your injuries and pain, dealing with insurance companies, doctor bills, and car repairs are all daunting prospects that no one looks forward to. The same goes for filing a legal claim to recover damages. To top it off, it isn’t always clear exactly what you should do after you are in a car accident. As Denver car accident attorneys at Tenge Law Firm, we understand any frustration you may feel about filing car accident claims. In this piece we explain one critical thing you need to do after any accident: get a copy of your accident report in Denver. You will always need it after an accident, so it is crucial that you know how to request a Denver police accident report. Why Accident Reports Are Critical One thing you will need to do no matter what is get a copy of your Denver accident report. After all, the accident report is the official record of the accident itself. Attorneys, courts, and insurance adjusters all look to accident reports to determine, among other things, who is liable for the damages in a given car accident. Without an accident report, the claim process devolves into a “he said she said” argument with little evidence to back up either side. Perhaps most importantly, without a copy of your accident report it is impossible to properly prepare your claim’s legal strategy. The Law Requires You to Report Accidents Almost all car accidents end up with police reports attached to them because the law requires it. Colorado law requires all drivers to report any car accident in which property damage or injury occurs. Failure to do so may result in a fine up to $300, jail time up to 90 days, or both. Responding law enforcement officers will make the report for you in most circumstances; they are required to do so. If the property damage is less than $1,000 and no injuries occur, the police don’t need to file a report. However, in such instances, you can still request they do so. Getting a Copy of Your Denver Police Accident Report Requesting a copy of your accident report is a simple process. In Denver, you can request a police report online, in person, or via mail. All you have to do is fill out the requested information and submit the form. The Denver city government page has a webpage where you can fill out and submit your form, or print your form to mail. Accident reports cost $10 each. If you have any trouble filling out the form, just contact the Denver Police Department’s records division at 720-913-6755. Make Sense of Your Denver Accident Report with Tenge Law Firm Getting a copy of your accident report is the easy part. Filing a legal claim, however, isn’t always as easy—unless you have the right legal team on your side. With Tenge Law Firm’s car accident attorneys, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. Our team will work to ensure that your car accident claim goes as smoothly as possible and that you recover all your damages. Our priority is our clients’ satisfaction, which is why we have recovered more than $50 million for our clients in the last 7 years alone. Contact us for a free consultation, so we can get started on your car accident claim today!

Jun 25, 2021 | By Tenge Law Staff | Read Time: 2 minutes | Car Accidents

How to Get Your Accident Report in Fort Collins, CO

Accident reports are a critical element of all car accident claims. Attorneys, courts, and insurance adjusters all look to this official record of the incident as important evidence. Accident reports have a lot of information on them. Among other information, police include a general description of the accident, an assessment of the degree of fault of each party, and descriptions of property and injury damages. Without an accident report, filing a legal claim over a car accident may be impractical. Thus, if you live in Fort Collins, it is essential to know how to request a Fort Collins Police Department accident report. How Are Accident Reports Made? By default, police officers file accident reports for essentially all car accidents in Colorado. If property damage of more than $1,000 occurs or any injury occurs, Colorado requires responding law enforcement officers to file an accident report. The law requires the same when a driver requests an accident report even when no injury or property damage more than $1,000 occurs, Police come to the scene of car accidents because the law requires drivers to report all accidents in which property damage or personal injury occurs to the nearest available law enforcement officer. That includes most car accidents. If a driver fails to report an accident, they can face a traffic misdemeanor. Colorado traffic misdemeanors like failure to report an accident can bring a fine of up to $300, up to 90 days jail time, or both. Getting Your Fort Collins Police Department Accident Report If you need to get a copy of your car accident report, you can request a copy through the law enforcement agency that responded to your accident. Thus, for Fort Collins accident reports, you need to make a request through the Fort Collins Police Department. If your accident was on the freeway, you would need to make your request through Colorado State Patrol. Obtaining a copy of your Fort Collins accident report is a simple process. First, navigate to the Fort Collins Police Department’s records release page. Once there, you need to download the request form. You can fill out the information digitally or print it and fill it out manually. Once you complete the form, you have three options to submit the request: Email: Send the completed form to policerecordsrequest@fcgov.com. Fax: Fax the completed form to 970-221-6284. Mail: Mail the completed form to Fort Collins Police Services Records, PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522. Each record request costs 25 cents per page, and a letter certifying the legitimacy of the report costs $5.00. If you need help filling out or submitting your records request, call 970-221-6540 and select option 5 to speak to a Fort Collins Police Records representative. After You Get Your Fort Collins Accident Report Getting a copy of your accident report is the first step in recovering the damages you suffered in your Fort Collins car accident. Now, to get the compensation you deserve, you need the right legal representation. The car accident attorneys at Tenge Law Firm can take the guesswork out of the car accident claim process and advocate aggressively for you from start to finish. We pride our firm on our 5-star results and hundreds of satisfied clients. Don’t just take our word for it; check out our case results and client reviews pages for more information on our happy clients. You took the first step, now let us help you take the rest. Contact Tenge Law Firm today for a free consultation!

Jun 11, 2021 | By Tenge Law Staff | Read Time: 3 minutes | Car Accidents

How Often Do Auto Accident Settlements Exceed the Policy Limits in Colorado?

Colorado law requires automobile owners to have insurance. Car insurance policies have policy limits that dictate how much an individual is entitled to for injuries and property damage after a car accident. In some cases, policy limits may not be enough to cover the expenses incurred after your accident. So after a crash, you may wonder, How often do auto accident settlements exceed the policy limits in Colorado? This is a valid concern. But keep in mind that while policy limits are strict, there may be other ways to seek more compensation if your claim exceeds these policy limits. After a car accident, The Tenge Law Firm, LLC., is ready to help you get the financial compensation you need. Auto Accident Requirements in Colorado Colorado drivers are legally required to carry liability insurance. The minimum coverage required by the state includes: $25,000: bodily injury or death to any one person in an accident; $50,000: bodily injury or death to all persons in any one accident; and $15,000: property damage in any one accident. This is only the minimum and higher coverage is always available. Additional types of coverage are also available, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Options for Additional Compensation After an accident, injured parties are entitled to the policy limits. Taking the above as an example, if an individual were to have the minimum coverage, this would mean an injured party would be entitled to up to $25,000 for their injuries—assuming they had accrued that much or more in damages. Insurance companies may offer a settlement, but these settlements are often low and do not exceed policy limits. If your claim exceeds the policy limits, some additional options may be available for more compensation. Filing a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver The at-fault driver’s insurance company pays you because that is what the insurance is for. However, the at-fault driver is ultimately the one responsible for your injuries. Therefore, if your claim exceeds policy limits, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover the excess you are owed. However, keep in mind that not all of us have large sums of cash available to pay out judgments. So the individual’s financial situation factors into the question of whether or not a lawsuit against them is worth pursuing. Filing a Lawsuit Against Multiple Parties If multiple parties are responsible for your accident, you may be able to recover under more than one insurance policy. For instance, if the driver of a pizza delivery vehicle caused an accident that injured you while in the course of their job duties, you may be able to sue the pizza company as well as the driver. A car accident lawyer can review your case to determine whether you can seek compensation from more than one individual. Filing a Lawsuit Against the Insurance Company for Bad Faith Colorado law requires insurance companies to settle within the policy limits if they are able to do so. In some cases, insurance companies may refuse to pay when your claim exceeds policy limits. If the insurer does not make any effort to settle, you can file a lawsuit against them for bad faith. Your claim may go to court, and if a jury awards you more than the policy limits, the insurance company will need to pay whatever amount the jury dictates. Statute of Limitations to File a Lawsuit While you may wish to file a lawsuit to obtain more compensation, keep in mind you will not have an unlimited amount of time to do so. Statutes of limitations exist to limit the amount of time a person has to file a lawsuit. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. So, for example, if your accident occured on May 1, 2020, you would have until May 1, 2022 to file your lawsuit. If you fail to file your claim within the two-year period, you will likely forfeit all of your rights to compensation. Having the help of a car accident lawyer will help ensure your lawsuit is filed timely and handled properly. Consult with a Knowledgeable Colorado Car Accident Attorney If your claim exceeds policy limits, it is wise to seek the help of a skilled Colorado car accident lawyer. An attorney will be able to review your case, answer your questions, and determine what the best course of action is for your particular situation. If filing a lawsuit is in your best interest, your attorney will fight aggressively to protect your rights and get you on the road to financial recovery. Navigating these kinds of claims can be challenging, but a car accident attorney is your best ally. The Tenge Law Firm, LLC., is a boutique law firm dedicated to helping injured clients during their time of need. In our many years of experience, we have had the privilege of providing quality legal services, care, and compassion to countless clients. We take on fewer cases to be able to provide clients with the personalized attention they deserve. Our firm offers free case reviews. Contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can help you.

Jun 11, 2021 | By Tenge Law Staff | Read Time: 3 minutes | Car Accidents

What Is Considered a Serious Injury in a Colorado Car Accident?

You may hear people tell you that you should hire an attorney if you sustained severe injuries in a car crash. However, what is considered a serious injury in a car accident? Serious injuries are ones that result in permanent damage, loss of a body organ or function, significantly limited use of a body part, fractures, disfigurement, spinal cord damage, brain injuries, and death. In these situations, retaining an experienced Colorado car accident attorney is extremely helpful. At the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, our practice focuses on Colorado auto accident claims. We have years of experience assisting injured clients just like you to recover the compensation they deserve in these accidents. Types of Accidents that Often Cause Severe Injuries There are numerous ways you could sustain a severe injury in a car accident. Some of the most common types of car accidents include the following. Rollover Accidents SUVs are especially prone to rollover accidents because of their high center of gravity when compared with smaller vehicles. Many rollover accidents involve the car flipping multiple times, resulting in severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, etc. Side-Impact Crashes Side-impact crashes are typically known as T-bone collisions and occur when one vehicle makes an impact on the side of another vehicle. These accidents can leave victims with severe injuries since the side of a vehicle is typically not built to withstand the impact in the same manner as the front and rear of the car is. Head-on Collisions Head-on collisions often occur when a vehicle attempts to overtake another vehicle on a one-lane road, so they are going the wrong way. These collisions are very serious and pose an increased risk for fatalities for both front passengers and drivers in either vehicle. Other types of collisions can also result in severe injuries. If you were involved in any serious auto accident, contact the Tenge Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation. Understanding Brain Injuries in a Colorado Car Accident One of the most severe types of injuries in a car accident is a brain injury. Brain injuries are unfortunately quite common in car accidents. In some cases, symptoms of a brain injury might not appear for days or even weeks after an accident. Some people may not even be aware they have symptoms until they engage in everyday activities of work and life. These are all reasons why getting evaluated after an accident is so important. You may not even realize you have symptoms of a brain injury, but a doctor will. Symptoms of a Brain Injury in a Car Accident Brain injuries are classified as mild, moderate, or severe. A mild brain injury is one where there’s a loss of consciousness for under 30 minutes. Many traumatic brain injuries are mild, but some injured victims will experience symptoms for at least a year or more. Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms There are multiple symptoms and signs of a mild brain injury. These symptoms include: Nausea, Coordination issues, Depression, Excessive sleep, Memory loss, Mood changes, Comprehension issues, Seizures, and Sensory issues. Many victims who have a mild traumatic brain injury will fully recover and enjoy their previous quality of life. Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms Victims who have a moderate to severe brain injury will experience symptoms right away or within several days. Symptoms include: Repeated bouts of nausea or vomiting; Confusion; Depression; Clear fluid that drains from your nose or ears; One or both dilated pupils; Difficulty walking or speaking; and Bouts of irritability or combativeness. In the most severe cases, the victim will be unconscious for an extended period of time. They may be in a coma or need to be in a medically induced coma to potentially stop further damage. Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries in a Car Accident There are several different types of brain injuries you can sustain during a car accident. Some of the most common brain injuries include: Concussion: Concussions usually cause a brief loss of consciousness and no permanent damage. However, multiple concussions can cause more significant damage over time. Contusion: A contusion is a bruise on a specific part of the brain which results from an impact. Hematoma: Hematomas are blood clots in the brain that develop when a blood vessel ruptures. Hematomas can be small, or they can enlarge and compress the brain. There are different names for clots depending on where they develop. For example, an epidural hematoma forms between the skull and dura lining, while a subdural hematoma is one between the brain and dura. Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Also called tSAH, this is bleeding into the area that surrounds the brain. This type of injury occurs when small arteries tear during the initial injury. There are other types of brain injuries that you might sustain during a car accident as well. Don’t assume that if your injury is not on this list, we cannot assist you. Contact Tenge Law Firm Today If you suffered a severe injury in a car accident, don’t attempt to handle your claim alone. Let the skilled legal team at the Tenge Law Firm assist you. To learn more about how we can protect your rights and help you fight for the compensation you deserve, schedule an initial consultation. Contact our office today, so we can review the facts of your case and advise you of the best course of legal action.