Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Fort Collins, CO

FAQs

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

  You may call 970-419-FCPD (3273) to report non-emergencies to the local police station in Fort Collins.

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

  Go to https://fortcollinspoliceco.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest to request a copy of the police report for an incident in Fort Collins. Or you may call 970-221-6540 and press 5 to get assistance from a records staff.

• What is the deadline for taking legal action for a personal injury case in Fort Collins?

  Generally, the deadline for taking legal action for a personal injury case in Fort Collins is two years. However, for car accidents, victims have three years to sue the at-fault party. The purpose of the window is to provide plaintiffs with enough time to recover and evaluate damages, as well as to allow defendants to prepare an explanation while the incident is still recent.

• Is there a maximum amount of compensation that can be awarded in a personal injury case in Fort Collins?

  The maximum amount of compensation that can be awarded in a personal injury case in Fort Collins depends on the damages incurred. There is no limit to the financial damages that one can receive. However, for mental anguish, the maximum is $250,000, excluding inflation, unless there is justification for an increase up to $500,000.

• Should an accident victim in Fort Collins allow an insurer to record their conversation?

  No. Accident victims in Fort Collins, especially those not mentally stable at the time, should not give an insurer permission to record a conversation with them. Anything a person says could be used against him or her, potentially reducing possible compensation. If recording is unavoidable, it is crucial to be precise in what is said or to indicate a lack of recall.

• How can one identify if an insurance company in Fort Collins is deceiving an accident victim?

  To identify if an insurance company in Fort Collins is deceiving an accident victim, one should look out for various signs, such as being given incorrect information, experiencing delays in the process, and being unfairly pressured to accept low compensation. One should also be skeptical of the insurer's intention if he or she asks for many requirements, denies claims, gives uninformative responses, or does not communicate entirely.

• Is hiring a lawyer necessary in a personal injury case in Fort Collins?

  Hiring a lawyer for personal injury cases in Fort Collins may not be necessary for certain situations. These include if the plaintiff suffered only minor sprains that did not require much hospital care or therapy sessions. Additionally, individuals can settle the case without a lawyer if the property damage is minimal and the accident did not cause the plaintiff to be absent from work for more than a week.

• 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.