Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Highlands Ranch, CO

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency matters, call 303-660-7505 for Douglas County Sherriff's Office at the Highlands Ranch Substation.

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

  Requests can be made in person, via US Mail, or online. Visit personally or send mail to the Highlands Ranch Substation of the Douglas County Sherriff's Office. The substation is based at 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. Call 303-660-7545 for any questions about records requests. To obtain reports online, go to https://www.msbpay.com/DouglasCountyCitationsReports/.

• Can you settle a personal injury claim in Highlands Ranch on your own?

  Possibly. There are instances where an accident case in Highlands Ranch can be settled without the help of an attorney. But if the insurance company is not being reasonable and refuses to give you an amount that will fully cover your losses, then it would be wise to get an experienced personal injury lawyer involved to obtain the amount of compensation you truly deserve.

• Are personal injury lawyers in Highlands Ranch expensive?

  While lawyers have a reputation for being expensive, this is not true when it comes to personal injury cases. In fact, anyone in Highlands Ranch who sustained injuries from an accident due to someone else’s negligence can afford a personal injury lawyer. This is because most injury attorneys in the area operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning the lawyer only gets paid if they successfully secure compensation for you. Their payment will then come from the settlement or court verdict that they won on your behalf.

• What compensation is available to you after getting injured in an accident in Highlands Ranch?

  If you sustained injuries in Highlands Ranch due to someone else’s negligence, Colorado’s state laws allow you to claim compensation to cover various types of losses you incurred as a result of the incident. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle or property damage, all of which are often referred to as economic damages. You may also seek compensation for non-economic damages like emotional distress and physical pain and suffering.

• Are there limits to the compensation you can receive in a Highlands Ranch personal injury claim?

  In most Highlands Ranch personal injury cases, there is no cap or limit on economic damage, which means you can be compensated for all the out-of-pocket expenses you incurred in relation to your injuries from the accident. Meanwhile, non-economic damages are limited to $300,000, and if punitive damages are awarded, the amount cannot exceed the sum of economic and non-economic damages.

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

  If you are looking to pursue a personal injury claim in Highlands Ranch, you must file your claim within two years from the date your injury occurred. Depending on the unique details of your case, this deadline—also known as the statute of limitations—may be shortened or extended. Seeking prompt legal assistance would be wise, as once the statute of limitations expires, you may no longer be able to recover 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.