Denver Aggressive Driver Collision Attorneys
Representing Victims of Aggressive Driver Crashes in Colorado
Driving can be stressful. You have to keep an eye on nearby lights and signs, respect the right of way, and watch for any pedestrians crossing the street. Some people rise to the challenge—and some people don't. Sadly, aggressive drivers are often the ones responsible for catastrophic car wrecks. But there is never an excuse for a driver to allow his feelings to come before other people's safety.
If you have been the victim of an aggressive driver and suffered severe injuries, you are well within your rights to demand compensation. A knowledgeable lawyer can get the legal support you need to hold the at-fault driver liable.
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we are ready to help you. Call our Denver firm at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to speak with our experienced car accident attorney.
What an Aggressive Driver Looks Like
Aggressive drivers are not shy about showing off their road rage. While this behavior can be blamed on any number of reasons, such as heavy traffic, running late, or just having a fight with a significant other, it often manifests in recognizable ways. In our experience, the most common signs of an aggressive driver include:
- Constant lane changes
- Weaving between traffic
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Excessive honking
- Yelling or screaming
- Swerving towards other cars
It's important to note that, oftentimes, an aggressive driver will try to take his frustrations out on the drivers around him on the road. Breaking the speed limit is bad enough, but drivers experiencing road rage will also often drive far too close to other cars or swerve toward traffic as if to hit another car before suddenly swerving away. Of course, when a driver becomes out of control, a collision is all but inevitable.
The Dangers of Aggressive Drivers
The faster a vehicle is moving, the more time it takes to slow it down. So, if an aggressive driver is going 45 in a 25-mph zone, the moment that driver collides with another car, a great deal of force will be transferred to the victim. That force will leave both cars damaged and could severely injure drivers or passengers who are involved in the crash.On top of the speeding, the fact that aggressive drivers engage in other reckless acts, such as swerving or tailgating, means they rarely have the time to hit their brakes and slow down before impact. That kind of high-speed collision can easily result in:
- Broken bones
- Severe burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain damage
- Loss of limb
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Deep lacerations
And usually, the person who was hit gets it much worse. But, of course, an aggressive driver can also kill. In such a case, the family of the victim could file a wrongful death claim to hold the negligent driver responsible. The family could also recover compensation for their loss.
Whether you were injured in an accident caused by an aggressive driver or you lost a loved one to an aggressive driving incident in Denver, the law is on your side.
Holding the Driver Accountable
Under Colorado law, aggressive drivers can be charged with careless or reckless driving. This behavior isn't just dangerous—it is illegal. This means that if the aggressive driver is arrested after crashing into you, he or she may be charged criminally. And if the driver is convicted, part of the punishment may be to pay a court-ordered fine ("restitution") to you as a victim. However, this is not a sure thing. Restitution, if it is ever collected, will only cover a small portion of the damages that come from a crash.
If the at-fault driver is not arrested, you can hold him accountable by seeking compensation through a civil claim. This is the second, better way to recover proper compensation. When you file a claim, you can list the damages for which you feel you should be compensated. These can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lowered quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional trauma
However, demanding this compensation and receiving what you have asked for is not an easy task. Keep in mind that the aggressive driver is likely to turn to his insurance provider for help. And the thing about insurance companies is that they exist to make a profit, even if their ads say differently. That means the insurance provider of the at-fault driver will do everything they can to ensure you take as low a settlement as possible. But having an experienced attorney on your side means you can rest easy knowing that you will receive fair compensation.
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Collision Caused by an Aggressive Driver
The aftermath of being involved in a collision caused by an aggressive driver can be disorienting, but understanding the steps to safeguard your well-being and protect your legal rights can greatly influence the outcome of your case. Here's a guide on how to effectively navigate the initial moments following the accident to ensure both your physical safety and the strength of your legal position.
- Ensure Safety First: Before anything else, make sure you and anyone else involved are safe. If it's possible without putting anyone in danger, move to the side of the road to avoid further accidents. If the aggressive driver is still jeopardizing your safety, avoid engaging with them until the police arrive.
- Call the Authorities: Dial 911 to report the accident. Having the police on-site ensures that an official report will be created, which can be really important later on. The police can also document and mitigate aggressive behavior from the other driver.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These photos will be helpful when explaining what happened.
- Collect Information: Get the names, addresses, and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact details too. If you feel unsafe talking to the other driver, get this information from the police.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, it's a good idea to see a doctor. Some injuries might not show up immediately, and having medical documentation can be important.
- Avoid Talking About the Accident: Be careful with what you say at the scene. Avoid discussing the details of the accident until you've spoken with a legal professional.
- Contact an Attorney: Once the immediate concerns are addressed, reach out to a Denver personal injury lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and guide you on the next steps to take for your case.
Remember, taking these steps can make a big difference in how things unfold afterward. Stay calm, and rely on professionals to get the help you need.
Seeking Legal Help After a Car Collision in Denver
Having legal representation is vital for victims of aggressive driving accidents. Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can effectively communicate with insurance companies to secure fair settlements. Without legal assistance, victims may receive inadequate compensation or encounter difficulties in proving the aggressive driver's liability.
A Denver car accident attorney provides invaluable support by navigating the complexities of personal injury law, which can be overwhelming for individuals unfamiliar with legal procedures. They ensure that all aspects of the case—from evidence collection to courtroom representation--are handled professionally, maximizing the chances of a successful outcome.
Moreover, legal representation alleviates the stress of dealing with legal matters, allowing victims to focus on recovery. Attorneys also play a crucial role in advocating for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, contributing to community safety.
The Statute of Limitations for Car Collisions in Colorado
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that victims have a limited timeframe within which they must file a lawsuit to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Failing to file a claim within this period could result in being barred from pursuing legal recourse.
It's important to note that some exceptions and specific circumstances might alter the time limit, such as cases involving governmental entities or minors. Therefore, consulting with a knowledgeable Denver aggressive driving accident attorney as soon as possible can be instrumental in ensuring that your case is filed in a timely manner, preserving your rights and maximizing your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Our Personal Injury Case Process
From the initial consultation to negotiating a fair settlement, a skilled attorney will guide you every step of the way. The process involves understanding your rights, gathering all necessary evidence, and advocating tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. With a dedicated law firm by your side, you'll have the support you need to tackle the complexities of your case with confidence.
Initial Consultation Phase
The initial consultation is a vital first step in your personal injury case. It's an opportunity for an assessment to determine if you have a viable claim. During this session, lawyers provide valuable insights into what actions to take and avoid, clarify legal procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Additionally, they outline the next steps to ensure you are fully prepared to move forward.
Gathering Critical Evidence for Your Case
Your Colorado personal injury lawsuit will depend heavily on the evidence collected, which can take various forms, including but not limited to the following:
- Relevant medical records that detail your injuries
- A doctor's account and prognosis
- Your narrative of the collision and its impact on you
- Bystander testimonies
- Specialist insights
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Accident reconstructions
- Testimonials from friends and family regarding the impact on your life
- Official police or accident reports
- Photos or videos from the scene
Negotiating Your Injury Settlement
It's crucial that insurance companies understand that your legal representative will not settle for inadequate compensation—a common tactic at the onset of negotiations. Armed with a realistic appraisal of your case's value, our lawyers work diligently to secure a fair settlement offer that aligns with what you are entitled to receive. However, if negotiations do not lead to a satisfactory resolution, our firm is fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Standing firm and advocating assertively in the courtroom, we are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf and ensuring that your rights are upheld and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Negligence in Colorado Personal Injury Cases
Negligence is a fundamental concept in personal injury law, referring to a failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would in similar circumstances. It involves several key components: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. For instance, a driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely. If they breach this duty by driving aggressively and end up causing a collision that results in injury, they will be deemed negligent.
Establishing negligence is essential in proving the liability of the at-fault party and securing compensation for the damages incurred. Even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you may still be eligible for compensation. This is because Colorado follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule, which means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, any compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
It's essential to discuss your situation with a knowledgeable Denver aggressive driving accident lawyer who can help assess the details of your case and advocate for the best possible outcome.
Denver Car Collision Lawyers at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. Are Here To Help
Suffering an injury because of an aggressive driver can be a truly terrifying event. Aggressive drivers are out of control, driving erratically and dangerously, and the injuries they cause are debilitating and costly. No one deserves to pay for a crash that wasn't their fault, which is exactly why you should work with a Denver car accident attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to speak to one of our experienced lawyers.
