Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Lakewood

FAQs

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

  People who need non-emergency assistance can call the Lakewood Police at 303-980-7300.

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

  To get a copy of a police report, you must fill out a records request form at https://www.lakewood.org/files/assets/public/police/pdfs/records-request-form-2022_1.pdf/. Lakewood Police Records encourages citizens to send requests via email to LPDRecords@lakewoodco.org. You may also fax it to 303-987-7359. Requests are reviewed and processed within 3-7 business days.

• Can you claim personal injury damages in Lakewood for an accident that happened last year?

  Yes, you still have the right to pursue damages in Lakewood even if the accident happened a year ago. Under Colorado law, victims have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. This period is extended to three years if your injury was from a motor vehicle crash.

• How do you know if you have a brain injury after an accident in Lakewood?

  If you hit your head during a Lakewood accident, watch out for signs of brain trauma, such as severe headaches, disorientation, blurred vision, mood swings, nausea, and vomiting. You might not feel these right after the accident—it may take hours or several days for some symptoms to appear. Sleepiness, sleeplessness, or not remembering what happened before the accident can also be a cause for alarm. Consult a doctor immediately.

• Is it worth seeing several personal injury lawyers in Lakewood before deciding who to represent you?

  Yes, it can be a good idea to meet with several personal injury attorneys in Lakewood. Get a second or even a third opinion on your case because different lawyers will have different perspectives. You will be closely working with your lawyer throughout the case, so you should choose someone you can trust and have good chemistry with. It is also good to select an attorney who focuses on personal injury cases and has ample resources to advocate for you.

• Who is responsible if you have been hit by an underage drunk driver in Lakewood?

  The drunk driver will be primarily held liable if he or she is under 21 years old. The restaurant, bar, or any other establishment in Lakewood that sold liquor to the underage driver can also be held responsible for your injuries, according to the dram shop liability law in Colorado. Additionally, the state imposes liability on "social hosts." These are people who knowingly serve alcohol to a minor or offer a place for drinking alcohol in social settings, like a party.

• What can delay the resolution of a personal injury claim in Lakewood?

  What drags on a personal injury claim will vary with the circumstances surrounding it. Victims with serious injuries need a longer time to either see an improvement in their condition or fully recover. Other concerned parties might be uncooperative, and some insurance companies have their own tactics to delay releasing payments. Difficulties in gathering evidence, claims paperwork errors, liability disputes, and litigation may also delay the resolution of a Lakewood injury case.

• 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.