Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Greeley

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Greeley Police Department is 970-350-9600.

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

  To obtain a copy of a Greeley police report, fill out the request form at https://greeleygov.com/government/cc/request-for-public-records. You may submit the completed form via email at cityclerk@greeleygov.com or through the mail:  City Clerk's Office 1000 10th Street Greeley CO 80631 For further assistance, call the City Clerk’s Office at 970-350-9776.

• Should you just accept the offer from the other party’s insurance company after getting injured in a Greeley accident?

  You can, but it might not be in your best interest to do so. Most of the time, initial settlements being offered by insurance companies are lower than what you truly deserve and if you accept an offer too soon, you won’t be able to reopen your case in Greeley to collect more damages should you need more money to treat your injuries. This is why it would be wise for you to first speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer to assess the value of the settlement being offered to you.

• Will your personal injury claim be dismissed if you are partially at fault for an accident in Greeley?

  Not always. Since Greeley follows the modified comparative negligence rule, you may still be able to recover damages even if you are partly to blame for an accident, provided that you are less than 50% responsible for the incident. Your compensation will then be reduced by the percentage of the fault you share in the accident.

• Can you choose your own doctor in a Greeley personal injury case?

  Yes. You pretty much have the freedom to choose your own doctor in a personal injury claim. But there are instances in which you must receive medical care from an “in-network” physician. This means you have to choose a medical provider from a list given by your insurance company if you are a member of a preferred provider organization (PPO) or health maintenance organization (HMO) so that your insurance policy covers your medical bills.

• How much will a personal injury attorney charge you for your Greeley case?

  It depends on your agreement with your lawyer. Most personal injury attorneys in Greeley accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they will only charge you if they manage to obtain compensation on your behalf. Their contingency fee is usually one-third of the total award and will be stated in a written contingency fee agreement. Under this arrangement, if your lawyer doesn’t secure damages for you, you wouldn’t have to pay them anything.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury claim in Greeley?

  According to Colorado Revised Statute 13-80-101, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file your personal injury claim in Greeley. If you figured in a car accident, you have three years. These deadlines are called the statute of limitations. If you belatedly take notice of an injury from your past accident the statute of limitations will begin on the date of the injury’s discovery. Once the statute of limitations passes and you did not take legal action, you may be barred from recovering damages.

• 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.