Car Accidents
Why Choose Chalat Hatten & Banker As Your Auto Accident Attorneys?
Let Chalat Hatten & Banker be your ally. Our Denver-based personal injury lawyers have represented victims in virtually every type of traffic accident across Colorado for the past three decades. Our practice is focused on people with serious or catastrophic personal injuries, and our lawyers have extensive experience with both the mechanics and the medicine. We are here to investigate, litigate, and negotiate on your behalf. Contact us today to get started with a complimentary initial consultation.
Over 30 Years of Experience
With over 30 years handling car accident cases in Colorado, we have the expertise to fight for your rights.
Personalized Legal Strategies
We develop tailored legal plans that fit your unique situation and needs.
Proven Track Record of Success
Our firm has secured millions in compensation for our clients through successful settlements and verdicts.
Compassionate Client Care
We treat you with empathy and respect, prioritizing your well-being throughout the legal process.
No Fees Unless We Win
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you—no upfront costs or hidden fees.
We are here to help.
Get a free case evaluation
For immediate assistance, call us today. 303.861.1042
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Many people think they can handle a personal injury case on their own, and sometimes this is true. However, more severe auto accident cases involving extensive property damage and catastrophic personal injuries usually require you to seek legal counsel. Personal injury lawyers are skilled at establishing and proving the harm suffered due to another party’s negligence. Our personal injury attorneys in the Denver area are not only knowledgeable about medicine and the relevant laws that may affect a claim, but we’re also adept at negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. This is our expertise. This is what we do every day, year-round.
Consider these additional reasons why it is a good idea to hire a Denver car accident lawyer:
Navigating Insurance Companies
Insurance companies aim to protect their bottom line. A lawyer advocates for you, handling communications to prevent insurance adjusters from undervaluing your claim.
Maximizing Compensation
An experienced attorney knows how to assess all your damages—both immediate and long-term—to pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Proving Liability and Damages
Lawyers gather crucial evidence and build a strong case to prove the other party’s fault, strengthening your position for a favorable outcome.
Handling Legal Procedures
From filing paperwork to meeting deadlines, a lawyer manages the complex legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
How The Process Works
What Compensation Can You Receive?
Serious auto collisions often result in significant expenses. Your right as a car accident victim is to seek compensation against the at-fault party for harm and losses caused by the accident. In addition to medical bills and property damage, a car accident victim may also suffer from lost wages and other intangible losses that are much harder to identify and calculate. Our auto accident attorneys in the Denver area have decades of experience to help you recover compensation for any of the following:
Economic Damages
You can recover financial losses directly resulting from the accident:
- Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to inability to work.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings.
Non-Economic Damages
Compensation for intangible losses affecting your quality of life:
- Pain and Suffering: For physical discomfort and trauma experienced.
- Emotional Distress: Addresses anxiety, depression, or psychological impact.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For being unable to engage in hobbies or activities you once loved.
Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior.
Exceptional responsiveness, compassion and legal expertise. They exceeded my expectations for legal representation.
What Are Common Causes of Auto Accidents?
Though most people are familiar with the rules of the road and understand basic traffic safety, a new traffic accident occurs in the U.S. every minute. Preventable driver error, such as distracted or drunk driving, causes most motor vehicle accidents. Here are the top causes of car collisions in Colorado:
Distracted Driving
Taking your attention off the road—even for a moment—can have serious consequences. Activities like texting, eating, or adjusting the GPS divert focus and are leading causes of accidents.
Drunk & Drug-Impaired Driving
Operating a vehicle under the influence impairs judgment and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of collisions.
Reckless Driving
Aggressive behaviors such as excessive speeding, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals endanger everyone on the road.
Poor Maintenance
Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, such as engine problems or brake malfunctions, resulting in preventable accidents.
Drowsy Driving/Fatigue
Driving while fatigued slows reaction times and can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit reduces your ability to react to unexpected situations and increases the severity of accidents.
Defective Auto Parts
Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or steering issues due to defective parts can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
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Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head impacts can lead to concussions or more severe brain injuries, affecting cognitive and motor functions.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord may result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering one’s quality of life.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Sudden movements can strain neck muscles and ligaments, causing pain and reduced mobility.
Broken Bones
The force of a collision often leads to fractures in arms, legs, ribs, or other bones, requiring extensive medical treatment.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma can injure internal organs like the lungs, liver, or spleen, posing serious health risks.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Accidents can leave lasting emotional effects, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Do You Have a Case?
- Were You Injured in a Car Accident?
- Was the Accident Someone Else’s Fault?
- Did You Incur Medical Bills or Vehicle Damage?
- Have You Missed Work Due to Injuries?
- Is the Insurance Company Giving You the Runaround?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, contact us today to get get a free case review
Understanding Colorado Car Accident & Insurance Laws
Colorado is an “at-fault” state, meaning those injured in an automobile collision must prove they were not at fault and attempt to collect damages from the at-fault party or their insurance company. Additionally, Colorado is a “comparative negligence” state. Under this law, if a driver is 50% or more at fault for an accident, that party forfeits any right to receive compensation for their injuries. However, this doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to any compensation if you were partially at fault for your car accident. You can still sue for damages, but the percent for which you were at fault will be subtracted from your total compensation.
As a practical matter, an insurance company will cover your damages. But in Colorado, drivers are only required to carry a minimum of $25,000 in coverage per person for bodily injury. Many Colorado drivers carry additional insurance, including uninsured motorist coverage (UM) or under-insured motorist coverage (UIM). Following an accident, you have a limited time to sue for personal injury or property damage. Colorado’s statute of limitations is three years from the date of the incident.
Who Is Liable After a Car Accident?
Most people understand that drivers have a duty of care to others sharing the roadway. Included in that duty is the responsibility to drive carefully, obey traffic laws, and behave reasonably behind the wheel. So, when a driver is careless or breaks a traffic law, they’re considered negligent. The “at-fault” driver will be held legally responsible for the harm they cause. No matter how obvious the other driver’s fault is to you, the liability for your accident will likely be disputed. Our Denver auto accident attorneys at Chalat Hatten & Banker are skilled at compiling, preserving, and presenting evidence to prove the other party’s liability. We’ll promptly visit the accident site, contact involved law enforcement, and examine the vehicles involved. We will put in the hard work to maximize the value of your car accident claim.
While police reports and traffic tickets are essential evidence in a car accident claim, liability is not solely determined by these citations. Law enforcement officers aren’t always present when an accident occurs. Sometimes, the official report is inaccurate or records misinformation. Other times, there may not even be a police report. Likewise, traffic citations are handled separately from insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. A traffic ticket doesn’t necessarily determine someone’s liability for damages after a crash, nor does it always tell the whole story. Other kinds of evidence may need to come into play.
How Much Is My Car Accident Worth?
This is one of the most common questions we hear at our Denver car accident law firm. Every car accident claim is different, making it nearly impossible to calculate without knowing the facts and circumstances involved. However, generally, the value of an automobile collision case is determined by the injuries sustained, medical bills incurred, whether or not the claimant was employed, had lost wages, can work again, and suffered from any other psychological injuries or pain and suffering. We only get paid if you receive a settlement or verdict, which means getting you the highest settlement possible is our focus. Browse our case reviews to see how we have helped countless car accident victims.
Our auto accident attorneys take a comprehensive approach to car crash claims, pulling all of our resources and identifying all potential sources of compensation to get the best value possible for your claim. When you work with us, our process includes investigating and documenting the following:
- The at-fault driver’s insurance policy and personal assets
- The liability of the manufacturers and sellers of mechanically defective parts
- Medical expenses
- Your need for future medical treatment and long-term care
- Lost income and wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injury costs
- Punitive damages
- Funeral and burial expenses
What to Do After a Car Accident in Colorado
The steps you take following a car accident can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation for damages. It’s common to feel confused and disoriented, which is why it’s important to be prepared if an accident does occur. Please read our guide on what you should do after a car accident.
How We Help
- Offer a 100% free, comprehensive initial consultation
- Explain your rights and the legal process and answer important questions about your case
- Fully investigate the car accident
- Carefully assemble all relevant evidence
- Provide the resources needed to build a strong claim
- Work directly with crash reconstruction experts, physicians, and any other relevant experts
- Handle the paperwork
- Assess and pursue the full extent of your damages
- Negotiate a full and fair settlement with the insurance company
- If necessary, represent you in court
Your Trusted Auto Accident Attorneys in Denver, CO
The personal injury attorneys at Chalat Hatten & Banker understand that a car crash can turn your life upside-down. For over 30 years, we’ve protected the rights of car accident victims and will fight to do the same for you. Contact our Denver auto accident attorneys today to discuss your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve ever read through an insurance policy, you probably have a sense of just how complex insurance matters can be. More to the point, insurance companies have virtually endless resources at their disposal, plus an army of attorneys on their side. Trying to face them on your own puts you at a real disadvantage. By consulting with a lawyer for a car accident injury in Denver, you level the playing field.