Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Boulder

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Boulder, Colorado?

  The non-emergency dispatch for the Boulder local police station is 303-441-3333.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Boulder, Colorado?

  If you need to obtain a crime report or record in Boulder, Colorado, you can get in touch with the Boulder Police Department by contacting 303-441-3333. You can also send a fax to 303-441-4330 or visit the department in person at 1805 33rd St., Boulder, CO 80301.

• How long do I have to make a personal injury claim in Boulder?

  In Boulder, Colorado, the time limit for making a personal injury claim will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Generally speaking, the Colorado Statute of Limitations sets a deadline of three years for filing a claim related to automobile accidents, and two years for other types of injuries. It is important to note that in some situations, shorter time limits may apply, such as the requirement of providing notice to governmental entities within 180 days.

• When is the right time to consult a personal injury attorney in Boulder?

  It is advisable to consult an experienced personal injury attorney in Boulder as soon as possible after an accident. While the attorney may advise you to wait until the full extent of your injuries is known before proceeding with legal action, there is no harm in seeking their advice early on. In fact, most attorneys offer free consultations, so it's a good idea to contact an attorney sooner rather than later to discuss your case.

• What is the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Boulder?

  The time limits for personal injury lawsuits in Boulder depend on the type of case. Generally, you have two years to file most personal injury lawsuits under Colorado law, but there are exceptions. For car accidents, the time limit is three years. It's important to note that the clock starts ticking on the date of your injury. If you don't file your lawsuit before the deadline expires, your case will likely be dismissed, and you won't be able to recover compensation.

• What are the financial damages that can be claimed in a personal injury case in Boulder?

  In a personal injury case in Boulder, the financial damages that can be claimed will depend on the extent of the injuries. These damages may include current and future medical costs, medical devices, prescription expenses, therapy, and rehabilitation appointments. Other monetary compensations may involve temporary or permanent disability, lost wages, diminished working capacity, and psychological damages.

• Is any family member allowed to file a wrongful death claim in Boulder?

  No. According to Colorado law, only certain family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation. During the first year after a wrongful death, only the victim's surviving spouse can file a wrongful death claim. However, the decedent's children can also file a claim during this period if they have written permission from the surviving spouse. If the decedent doesn't have a surviving spouse, their surviving children or designated beneficiary may also file a wrongful death claim within the first year.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.