Serving Fort Collins, the Surrounding Communities, and Throughout Colorado
Car accidents and other motor vehicle crashes tragically cause about 43,000 deaths each year in the United States. In Colorado alone, over 530 people have sadly lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2024. In addition to those killed in accidents and crashes, another 4.5 million people suffer from serious injuries in car accidents each year.
Car accidents disrupt the lives of those injured and their families. Those injured in car accidents often face a long road of recovery, often involving hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, and psychological treatment for the mental distress from the accident. In addition, those who cannot work usually also suffer from financial strain and the pressure of trying to figure out how they will pay the bills.
In Fort Collins, with its growing population and busy roads, car crashes are an unfortunate reality. Whether on I-25, Harmony Road, or other roadways, collisions often leave victims injured, overwhelmed, and in need of compensation for the damages they have incurred. As car accident lawyers, we are committed to helping clients rebuild their lives after a car crash by pursuing the justice and the full compensation they deserve.
Call Us at (970) 893-8857 for a Free Case Evaluation and Get Your Questions Answered!
If you or a loved one was injured in a car crash in Fort Collins or the surrounding communities and are looking for the best car accident lawyer for your case, we invite you to call our office at 970-893-8857 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced car crash attorney. We represent injury victims on a contingency fee basis (no fee if compensation is not obtained), and we advance all litigation costs.
We represent clients in Fort Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Aurora, Grand Junction, Centennial, Greeley, Castle Rock, Lakewood, Broomfield, Arvada, Pueblo, Parker, Longmont, Westminster, Loveland, Thornton, Commerce City, Canon City, and throughout Colorado.
Why Choose Anzen Legal Group for Your Car Accident Case?
We know that you have a choice in which car crash attorney will represent you. If you’re looking for the best car crash lawyer in Colorado, please contact us to learn how we can help. We know how overwhelming a car accident can be, and we are committed to providing personal, dedicated legal representation tailored to your unique situation. Here’s what sets us apart and why so many trust us with their car accident cases:
- Personalized Attention From Start to Finish. When you work with us, you will work directly with our attorneys. We’ll be there to answer your questions and ensure your concerns are addressed and your voice is heard.
- Dedicated to Maximum Compensation. We are not a high-volume practice focused on quick undervalued settlements. Instead, we dedicate the necessary time, effort, and resources to fully develop your case. By proving fault and damages with meticulous attention to detail, we aim to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Pursuing All Liable Parties. In many car accidents, liability isn’t limited to the other driver. Additional parties, such as municipalities, contractors, or vehicle or parts manufacturers may also share responsibility. We thoroughly investigate every angle of your case to identify all potentially liable parties, ensuring no avenue for compensation is overlooked.
- Covering Litigation Costs. Car accident cases can involve significant costs for evidence collection, expert witnesses, and court filings. At Anzen Legal Group, we advance all litigation costs on your behalf while a case is ongoing. These expenses are typically fully repaid from a settlement or jury award.
- Contingency Fee Representation. Our commitment to your case is reflected in our contingency fee structure for personal injury matters: you pay nothing upfront. We only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation for you, aligning our goals with yours and ensuring we work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Local Knowledge and Experience. Based in Fort Collins, we bring a deep understanding of Colorado’s legal landscape, local courts, and accident hotspots. This familiarity enables us to navigate your case with precision, leveraging our experience to advocate effectively on your behalf.
Call us today. Get your questions answered. Learn your options for seeking a full financial recovery for your car accident and the compensation to which you may be entitled.
In the interim, we also invite you to read the FAQs and other information below to learn more about how car accident cases are handled in Colorado.
Do I Need a Car Accident Law Firm if I Was Not Injured?
If your car accident only resulted in vehicle damage and no personal injuries, you may not need to hire a car accident attorney. In these cases, working directly with your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer is often sufficient to resolve issues related to vehicle repair or replacement.
Here’s why you might handle it yourself:
- Straightforward Claims: For minor accidents without injuries, insurance claims typically focus on property damage (either the cost to repair your vehicle or the fair market value of your vehicle if it is unrepairable of if the cost or making repairs exceeds the fair market value of the vehicle).
- Insurance Coverage: If the at-fault party has adequate insurance, their insurer should handle the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
However, there are situations where seeking legal advice could still be beneficial, even if no injuries resulted:
- Disputes Over Fault: If the other driver’s insurance company disputes liability, an attorney can advocate on your behalf.
- Inadequate Compensation: If the insurance company’s offer doesn’t fully cover your losses, an attorney can help negotiate a fair settlement.
- Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers: If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient financial coverage, legal representation can help you explore other options for recovery, including seeking compensation from your own insurance company if you have uninsured or underinsured vehicle coverage.
At Anzen Legal Group, we’re happy to provide guidance if you’re unsure whether your situation requires legal assistance. Even if you weren’t injured, we can review your case and advise you on the best path forward.
Why Is It Critical to Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Immediately After a Crash? The Importance of Event Recorders.
An event recorder is another name for a “black box”. Event recorders continuously track information about a vehicle when it is moving, and are now included in virtually all new vehicles. Specific matters tracked include vehicle speed and whether (and when) brakes might have been applied just prior to a crash.
Event recorders often serve as critical pieces of evidence in proving fault. However, in a vehicle crash, if the at-fault vehicle is totaled, the insurance company for the at-fault driver will want to have that vehicle demolished as soon as possible, because demolition will destroy the event recorder (and thus potential evidence of fault).
As car crash lawyers, in a serious injury case, we will often want to seek an immediate court order (or injuction) prohibiting such destruction so that the event recorder can be recovered, and so that we can learn more about the crash by examining the vehicle damage.
Should I Give a Statement to the Insurance Company After a Car Accident?
No, you should never give a statement to the insurance company for the at-fault driver after an accident.
What should I do if the insurance company contacts me?
If you are contacted, politely decline to provide a statement and inform the adjuster that you are seeking legal representation or that you are represented by counsel. That’s it.
If we represent you, we will handle all communication on your behalf. Avoid sharing any details about the accident or your injuries, as even seemingly harmless comments can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
Why is it important to avoid speaking with the insurance company directly?
Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims shortly after the incident, appearing helpful and eager to resolve claims. However, their primary goal is to minimize their liability, not to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Insurance companies have extensive experience in extracting statements that may weaken a claim. Anything you say can be misconstrued to shift blame or reduce the value of your case. Allowing your car crash attorney to manage communications ensures your rights are protected, providing the best chance that your claim will not be compromised.
When speaking with adjusters, people may unintentionally downplay their injuries, saying things like “I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad.” These statements can (and will) later be used against you, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than initially realized. Many injuries, such as back pain or whiplash, may not become apparent until days or weeks after the accident.
If you have questions about dealing with insurance companies after a car accident, we can help. We’ll handle the complexities of your case while you focus on recovery.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire the Best Car Crash Attorney?
We (and most other injury law firms) provide representation to injury clients and the families who have lost a loved one in a wrongful death case on a contingency fee basis. This means that it does not cost more to retain a highly experience car crash lawyer.
What is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee arrangement means that you don’t pay any upfront legal fees. Instead, our fees are a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict. If we don’t secure compensation for you, you will not owe us anything.
During your free initial consultation and case evaluation, we will discuss our fee structure in detail, including the specific percentage we would receive upon a successful outcome and any potential costs that may arise during the legal process. Our goal is to ensure you have a clear understanding of how a contingency fee arrangement works, so you can make an informed decision about your legal representation.
How Does a Contingency Fee Benefit You?
- No Upfront Costs: You can access quality legal representation without any initial payment, allowing you to focus your financial resources on recovery and other immediate needs.
- Aligned Interests: Our success is directly tied to your success. We are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for your case because our payment depends on it.
- Risk-Free Representation: You won’t be responsible for attorneys’ fees if compensation is not received, minimizing your financial risk.
Do Attorneys Advance Litigation Costs in Car Crash Cases?
We advance all litigation costs in all injury and wrongful death cases.
In addition to attorney’s fees, there are costs associated with pursuing a car accident claim, such as court filing fees, costs for obtaining medical records, and fees for expert witnesses. At Anzen Legal Group, we will advance all litigation costs on your behalf. These costs are typically fully repaid from a settlement or verdict.
Will I Have to Pay Back My Insurance Company Out of a Settlement or Verdict for a Car Crash?
In some cases, you may need to reimburse your health insurance company from the proceeds of a car accident settlement or verdict. Here’s how it works:
Insurance companies that cover your medical bills may place a lien on any settlement or award you receive. This lien ensures they are repaid for the medical expenses they paid for your treatment. For example, if your health insurer paid for your hospital stay after the accident, they may have the legal right to recover those costs from any compensation you receive.
However, there are ways to address these liens:
- Negotiating a Reduction: Insurance companies often recognize that recovering compensation requires legal representation. In many cases, they are willing to reduce the lien amount to account for the attorney’s fees and other costs associated with securing a settlement or verdict.
- Government Liens: If your medical bills were paid through Medicare, Medicaid, or another government program, these entities automatically impose liens on compensation received. Strict rules apply to how these liens can be negotiated or reduced, but an experienced car accident lawyer can help navigate this process.
Understanding and resolving medical liens is a critical part of maximizing your compensation after a car accident. At Anzen Legal Group, we work to minimize these liens whenever possible, so that you can retain more of your settlement or verdict.
Can I Collect Compensation for a Car Accident in Colorado if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes, you may still be entitled collect compensation for a car accident in Colorado even if you were partially at fault, thanks to the state’s modified comparative negligence rule under C.R.S. § 13-21-111. However, your ability to recover damages depends on the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Under this statute:
If you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover compensation. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would be eligible to receive $80,000.
If you are 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation.
This system incentivizes accountability while allowing injured parties to seek financial recovery even if they share some responsibility for the accident.
At Anzen Legal Group, we meticulously investigate every case to ensure that fault is assigned accurately and fairly. If you were involved in an accident and are concerned about partial fault, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Can I Sue a Bar or Restaurant If I Was Hit by a Drunk Driver Who Was Overserved?
Yes, under Colorado law, you may be able to sue a restaurant or bar if you were injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver who was overserved alcohol. Colorado’s Dram Shop Law, outlined in C.R.S. § 12-47-801, allows victims to pursue compensation from establishments that negligently served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or to a minor who then caused harm.
Key Points of Colorado’s Dram Shop Law:
- Liability for Overserving: If a restaurant, bar, or other establishment served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later caused an accident, the establishment may be held responsible for the resulting damages.
- Liability for Serving Minors: Establishments can also be held liable if they served alcohol to someone under the age of 21 who caused an accident.
- Time Limits: Claims under Colorado’s Dram Shop Law must be filed within one year of the date of the accident.
Proving a Dram Shop Claim
To successfully sue a restaurant or bar under the Dram Shop Law, you need to demonstrate:
- The establishment served alcohol to the at-fault driver.
- The driver was visibly intoxicated at the time of service or was underage.
- The overserving contributed to the driver causing the accident that resulted in your injuries.
If successful, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Other accident-related losses and damages.
While Colorado’s Dram Shop Law places a cap on damages that can be recovered from the establishment, you may still pursue a claim against the driver for additional compensation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, contact Anzen Legal Group. As drunk driving liability lawyers, we can help you navigate Colorado’s complex Dram Shop Law, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Does Anzen Legal Group Maximize Compensation for Car Accident Victims?
At Anzen Legal Group, we believe that meticulous case preparation is the foundation for securing maximum compensation. We do not aim for quick settlements with minimal upfront effort; instead, we fully investigate every car accident case. This includes identifying all liable parties, collecting detailed evidence, and documenting the full extent of your damages. By building a comprehensive case from the start, we position you for stronger negotiations and a better chance of a successful outcome in a settlement, mediation, or court.
What steps does your team take to prove fault and damages?
We leave no stone unturned when proving fault and damages. Our process involves:
- Gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
- Consulting with experts, such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals, to establish liability and the extent of your injuries.
- Documenting both tangible losses (e.g., medical bills, lost wages) and intangible damages (e.g., pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life).
This detailed approach ensures that insurance companies and opposing counsel recognize the strength of your case.
Do you take cases to trial if necessary?
Yes. While we aim to resolve cases through fair settlements, we are always prepared to go to trial if the offered compensation does not reflect your losses. Our readiness to litigate demonstrates to opposing counsel that we won’t accept less than you deserve. Experience in the courtroom is invaluable, and insurance companies know which attorneys are willing and capable of taking cases to trial.
Who decides whether to settle or proceed to trial?
You do. Our role is to provide informed advice about the value of any settlement offer and the potential outcomes of a trial. We ensure you have all the information necessary to make the best decision for your circumstances, but the final choice is always yours.
Does Anzen Legal Group Represent the Families Of Those Who Have Tragically Died In Colorado Car Accidents?
Yes, Anzen Legal Group represents families of individuals who have tragically died in Colorado car accidents. We understand the profound impact such a loss can have and are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support during this challenging time. As wrongful death car accident lawyers, we demand full compensation for families who have suffered the tragic loss of a loved one.
What is a Wrongful Death Car Accident in Colorado?
Under Colorado law, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another party. This is set forth in Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-201 and § 13-21-202.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Colorado?
Colorado law specifies who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim:
- First Year After Death: Only the surviving spouse has the right to file a wrongful death claim during the first year following the death.[1]
- Second Year After Death: In the second year, the right to file includes the surviving spouse, and extends to any surviving children, or a designated beneficiary of the deceased. If there is no spouse or children, the deceased’s parents may file a claim.[2]
Types of Compensation Available in Colorado Wrongful Death Lawsuits
We extend our condolences if you have suffered the tragic loss of a loved one in a car or other vehicle crash caused by someone else. If you retain our car accident wrongful death law firm, we will use all of our resources and experts in seeking to recover for your family the full compensation to which you are entitled.
Families may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Economic Damages: Medical expenses incurred prior to death, funeral and burial costs, and loss of the deceased’s future earnings.
- Non-Economic Damages: Loss of companionship, emotional pain and suffering, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
In a wrongful death case, we carefully document the full nature of all damages due, which often include the loss of future wages and the loss of companionship.
Statute of Limitations
It’s important to act promptly, as Colorado imposes a statute of limitations on wrongful death claims. Generally, you have two years from the date of death to file a claim. However, certain circumstances, such as hit-and-run accidents, may extend this period.
How Anzen Legal Group Can Assist
At Anzen Legal Group, we provide comprehensive legal services to support families through the complexities of wrongful car crash death claims, including:
- Thorough Investigation: We conduct detailed investigations to establish liability and gather necessary evidence.
- Expert Consultation: Our team consults with medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and other experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiation and Litigation: We negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, we’ll represent you in court to pursue the compensation you deserve. As wrongful death car accident lawyers we will not hesitate to present a client’s claim to a jury and let them determine fault and liability.
Schedule A Free Consultation with an Experienced Fort Collins Car Crash Attorney.
If you have any questions about our fees or the legal process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are committed to maximizing your recovery through diligent case preparation and aggressive representation. Whether through skillful negotiation or vigorous advocacy in court, we will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve while keeping you informed and in control every step of the way.
[1] Unless the surviving spouse has waived his or her privileges to file a claim.
[2] Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-21-201 (2023) – [Effective Until 1/1/2025] Damages for death :: 2023 Colorado Revised Statutes :: US Codes and Statutes :: US Law :: Justia
