When a person driving a lifted truck ran over a girl strolling via a Walmart crosswalk, contacting a private harm lawyer instantly was important to the case’s end result.
“He claimed she wasn’t paying consideration and ran proper in entrance of his automobile,” mentioned Stephen Burg, a trial lawyer at Burg Simpson, whose observe focuses on representing victims of auto crashes, private harm, trucking accidents, motorbike collisions, and extra. Burg Simpson is a prestigious regulation agency serving to Colorado shoppers in a variety of authorized issues.
The girl, who suffered open fractures to each shins and a number of other different accidents, contacted Burg Simpson Legislation Agency early on, giving them time to acquire video proof from Walmart.
“It confirmed that the driving force’s statements had been completely made up,” Burg mentioned.
Burg Simpson attorneys gained a substantial settlement for the lady, permitting her to get the correct medical care and restart her life. And the case is considered one of many who illustrates how important it’s to contact an lawyer as early as doable after a crash involving a motorcar.
Any kind of automobile accident, irrespective of how small, can go away you and your family members rattled and confused about what to do subsequent. Earlier than the adrenaline wears off, taking a deep breath and assessing the scenario to make sure your security and others’ security is crucial.
Burg Simpson offers step-by-step directions on what to do instantly following a automobile accident. Don’t let uncertainty take the wheel — take cost of your scenario.
What to Do Instantly Following a Automotive Crash in Colorado
Step One: Assess the State of affairs
Examine your self and any passengers for accidents, irrespective of how minor. Even a seemingly small bump or bruise can worsen later, so err on the aspect of warning. If anybody experiences dizziness, ache, or different regarding signs, dial 911 instantly.
Burg added that you simply must also remember to be aware any harm, irrespective of how minor, to keep away from specializing in “distracting accidents” which will find yourself being much less vital sooner or later.
“Should you say, ‘Oh, my left wrist hurts, however I’m ignoring the twinge in my neck as a result of it’s not that unhealthy,’ however then that will get worse later, the insurance coverage firm might deny the neck harm,” Burg mentioned. “So remember to checklist 100% of the medical points you’re having to make sure you get full compensation and medical remedy.”
Step Two: Transfer to Security
If everybody’s okay and your automobile nonetheless hums, rigorously pull off the highway and onto the shoulder, away from the movement of visitors. Goal for a secure distance from the accident, making certain each your individual security and stopping additional collisions. This will likely really feel counterintuitive, however staying in the course of the lane could cause further accidents, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Your hazard lights are your finest buddy on this scenario. Flip them on to alert different drivers to the continuing incident. You probably have roadside emergency flares or triangles, deploy them to reinforce visibility and warn approaching autos. This straightforward step might save lives.
Transferring to security may not be doable in all conditions. In case your automobile is considerably broken or staying put feels safer, don’t try to maneuver it except completely essential. Prioritize staying inside your automobile together with your seatbelt mounted and await emergency help to reach.
Had been you concerned in a automobile accident? Contact Burg Simpson in the present day for a free session. Their workforce of seasoned automobile accident attorneys will help you thru the authorized course of and make sure you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Step Three: Contact the Authorities
Name the police irrespective of how extreme the accident appears. A automobile crash police report is important for insurance coverage claims and potential lawsuits. Police stories doc the scene, witness statements, and driver data — essential proof if issues find yourself in court docket.
Colorado regulation requires drivers concerned in a automobile accident leading to harm or property injury to contact the police. Moreover, Colorado regulation mandates that any driver concerned in an accident that ends in harm to a different particular person should render support (i.e. calling for an ambulance).
Step 4: Collect Proof
Alternate data with the opposite driver(s): names, addresses, cellphone numbers, license plates, and insurance coverage particulars. Take pictures of the injury to all autos concerned, the encircling scene, and any seen accidents.
“Taking pictures on the scene to doc it’s important, as is documenting your individual accidents,” Burg mentioned.
In a single case, a motorbike crash sufferer contacted Burg Simpson instantly, enabling the agency to ship an investigator out the subsequent day to take pictures the police had missed. These pictures turned important to the case’s end result after the at-fault driver took a photograph of a velocity restrict signal put in 5 days following the crash.
“The defendant tried to make use of the picture of that signal and go it off as earlier,” Burg mentioned. “Our picture, taken proper after the scene, confirmed she was dishonest. It made an enormous distinction because the case was then resolved earlier than going to trial.”
Finally, the extra proof you’ve gotten, the higher! Images and witness statements can strengthen your case if it’s essential to file a declare.
Step 5: Contact a Private Harm Lawyer
If anybody was harm within the accident, think about contacting an skilled Private Harm lawyer like Burg Simpson as early within the course of as doable. They will help you navigate the authorized complexities, struggle for truthful compensation, and defend your rights.
“We do issues like get investigators to do their very own investigation of the information,” Burg mentioned. “We contact insurance coverage firms by letter so there’s a report. We will even open the door to potential medical suppliers to assist victims get remedy which may not in any other case be obtainable to them.”
That was definitely the case in a latest lawsuit involving a complete $25.8 million judgment. In that case, the Burg Simpson trial workforce represented a shopper who sustained vital accidents in a motorcar crash. After 5 years of labor, the workforce gained an $18 million jury verdict for the shopper.
Additionally they helped the shopper navigate the medical course of and higher perceive what was required to achieve admittance to Craig Hospital, the place the shopper ultimately regained the flexibility to stroll and journey.
“There are lots of elements for folks to be admitted to completely different rehab services or acute care services,” Burg mentioned. “We all know what’s required and that data will be very useful.”
Finally, don’t underestimate the worth of authorized recommendation at any level within the course of. An lawyer can make sure you get the medical care and monetary compensation you deserve.
Step Six: Contact Your Insurance coverage
Report the collision to your insurance coverage firm as quickly as doable. Bear in mind, in Colorado, drivers should carry a minimal of $25,000 in Bodily Harm Protection (BI) to cowl medical bills for these injured in an accident you trigger.
Professional Tip: This crash is likely to be reminder to evaluation your coverage no matter your location. Your declaration web page (the primary few pages of your coverage) summarizes key particulars, like protection quantities, coverage limits, and insured people. It’s like a fast reference information to what’s lined below your coverage.
The Backside Line
Earlier than you hit the highway once more, make sure you’re ready for no matter comes your approach. Collisions occur, however being knowledgeable could make all of the distinction.
Should you’ve discovered this information useful, try the Burg Simpson weblog for extra tips about staying secure on the highway and understanding your rights. Don’t let uncertainty take the driving force’s seat — empower your self with information!
Disclaimer: This data is for instructional functions solely and doesn’t represent authorized recommendation. Please seek the advice of with a professional lawyer to debate your particular scenario.
