Lakewood Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer
Most people who drive are involved in a minor fender-bender at one point or another. Although these accidents usually are not serious, some rear-end car crashes may cause more significant damage. If you were involved in a rear-end collision recently, you may have suffered both vehicular damage and bodily injuries.
A Lakewood rear-end car accident lawyer may be able to help you with your accident. They could provide you with the information and resources to answer any of your legal questions. Additionally, a qualified car accident attorney could advise you on whether you could benefit from filing a civil lawsuit based on your accident.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Car Accidents
Although damage in rear-end car accidents may be reduced by the presence of collapsible bumpers and other safety features, physical injuries may still occur. Common injuries in rear-end accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Back injuries, including herniated discs
- Cuts and lacerations due to broken glass
- Ligament or tendon strains or sprains
- Broken bones
Any person who has suffered a rear-end car accident may be eligible to collect compensation for any necessary medication. For example, a person who sustains a back injury as a result of such a crash may need muscle relaxation medication to help their recovery. A Lakewood rear-end car accident attorney could provide further information on the types of available damages for a given accident.
Local Laws Applicable to Rear-End Car Accidents
Those suffering injuries or vehicular damage in a rear-end car accident may be able to collect compensation for their injuries as part of a civil lawsuit. In accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes §13-80-101, Lakewood civil courts imposes a three-year statute of limitations for civil lawsuits stemming from car accidents. Generally, this statute means that any plaintiff wishing to file a lawsuit must do so within three years of the accident.
A rear-end accident victim and their Lakewood rear-end car accident lawyer may claim various types of damages as part of any lawsuit, including expenses for medical care or lost wages. Additionally, under CRS §13-21-102.5, they may be eligible to collect compensation for pain and suffering, inconvenience, or emotional stress.
Negligence Law and Rear-End Car Accidents
Many lawsuits stemming from rear-end car accidents involve a negligence claim. Negligence generally requires a plaintiff to prove that their injuries resulted from non-consensual exposure to unavoidable risks. For example, a driver may be considered legally negligent if they rear-ended another vehicle while distracted.
Colorado state law, however, stipulates that a court may reduce the amount of damages awarded to a plaintiff in a negligence-based lawsuit if they themselves were negligent. This reduction is proportional to the amount of the plaintiff’s fault. Therefore, if a court decides that a rear-end car accident victim is 20 percent responsible for their own accident, then they would only be able to collect 80 percent of their claimed damages.
Contacting a Lakewood Rear-End Car Accident Attorney
Being rear-ended may seem minor, but in certain cases, it could result in more damage than you expect. If you have incurred significant expenses relating to your accident, consider contacting a Lakewood rear-end car accident lawyer for help.
An attorney could sit down with you and review the facts of your accident. Then, they could assist you in deciding whether to file a civil lawsuit. Your lawsuit may be able to help you recover compensation for your expenses.
