Were you injured by another party’s negligent actions in Lakewood, CO? If so, they may be liable for your losses, including medical bills, lost income, pain, and more. The best way to get the compensation you deserve under Colorado law is to hire a skilled attorney.
Matos Personal Injury Lawyers is here to provide immediate assistance. Our Lakewood personal injury attorneys have over 44 years of combined experience. We’ve helped our clients secure millions of dollars after debilitating accidents.
You don’t have to struggle with a legal claim alone. Let us take on your case, and you take the time you need to heal. Call our law firm at (720) 912 7274 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate personal injury attorney in Lakewood, Colorado.
Why Should I Hire Matos Personal Injury Lawyers To Handle My Personal Injury Case in Lakewood, CO?
When it comes to hiring an attorney after an accident, experience and dedication matter. However, it can be challenging to find the right legal advocate for your case. You want someone who will protect your right to a fair financial recovery but also treat you with compassion and respect.
At Matos Personal Injury Lawyers, that’s our primary goal. We understand the impact an accident can have on a person’s life. That’s why you’ll always have a caring, comforting attorney to guide you through the legal process. However, we’re also fiercely committed to maximizing our clients’ compensation.
That commitment has allowed us to secure millions of dollars for accident victims since opening our doors in 2016.
If you hire us to handle your case after an accident in Lakewood, CO, we will:
- Listen to you and give you the care and attention you need
- Thoroughly investigate your accident to determine how it happened and who bears responsibility for it
- Collect crucial evidence needed to prove your claim, such as accident reports, medical records, eyewitness accounts, and more
- Help you identify and calculate the accurate value of your damages
- Negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys for a settlement that fully compensates you
- Work to handle all documentation on your behalf, from insurance forms to court filings
- Represent you in Jefferson County court if we cannot settle your case for a fair amount
We are a small law firm with a big heart, and we believe in quality over quantity. Our personal injury attorneys give every case the care and attention it deserves. Learn more about an attorney-client relationship by scheduling a free initial consultation today.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case can arise after various incidents, from car accidents to premises liability cases. The key is that someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing must have caused your injury for you to have a valid claim.
For example, the following scenarios could create a legal cause of action:
- A distracted driver crashes into your vehicle, causing severe injuries
- You trip and fall at a store due to unreasonably uneven flooring
- A defective kitchen appliance burns you
- A drunk driver strikes your loved one while bicycling, leading to their wrongful death
- You sustain severe injuries and disfigurement when another person’s dog attacks you
- A medical provider fails to review your chart, leading to a misdiagnosis
These and various other situations may lead to a personal injury claim. The best way to determine whether you have a case is to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Hiring an attorney is your best chance at securing the compensation you need after sustaining an injury due to someone else’s actions. Those who acquire legal representation tend to walk away with more money than those who don’t.
Here are just a few of the benefits of hiring an experienced personal injury attorney:
- They’ll level the playing field: Insurance adjusters don’t have your best interests at heart. They’ll use their vast resources to battle you every step of the way, attempting to pay as little as possible. We won’t let them get away with paying you less than you deserve.
- They’ll protect you from unfair allegations of blame: In Colorado, if you share responsibility for an accident, your compensation will be reduced – or you may be barred from recovery altogether. That’s why other parties may try to point fingers at you. We won’t let them get away with unsubstantiated claims of shared fault.
- You might need experts: Some cases may require the assistance of an expert witness, such as an accident reconstructionist or medical specialist. We have access to leading experts, and we’ll know who to call.
- It’ll give you a chance to focus on healing: Dealing with a legal claim while struggling with painful injuries is incredibly challenging. We’ll handle your case from start to finish and take that worry off your plate. That way, you can focus exclusively on your health.
After an accident, there is a lot at stake. If you settle your case for less than you need, you’ll be unable to request more money later. An experienced attorney will ensure that you receive an amount that is fair and fully covers your damages.
We Handle All Personal Injury Cases
At Matos Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys are well-equipped to help with your legal matter. Some of our primary practice areas are outlined below.
Car Accidents
As a suburb of Denver – and Jefferson County’s most populous municipality – Lakewood sees its fair share of car crashes. Whether you suffered whiplash in a rear-end collision or catastrophic injuries in a severe head-on crash, we can help.
Before speaking with the other party’s insurance company, contact our Lakewood car accident attorneys for advice. If you decide to hire us, we’ll handle the insurance claim process and hold the at-fault driver accountable for your damages.
Bus Accidents
Colorado law requires bus drivers to have and maintain a commercial driver’s license and the necessary endorsement. Even with this specialized driving training and certification, bus crashes can and do occur.
Our Lakewood bus accident attorneys can investigate your accident to determine its cause and who is liable for your damages. That might include the bus driver, bus company, a government entity, another motorist, or a passenger, depending on what happened.
Uber & Lyft Accidents
Rideshare drivers are typically in a hurry to transport as many passengers as possible to make more money. That means they engage in risky behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, and unsafe lane changes.
We can assist with every aspect of your Lyft or Uber accident claim. Our Uber & Lyft accident lawyers will determine which insurance policy applies and handle negotiations and documentation.
Truck Accidents
When semi-trucks collide with small passenger vehicles, the consequences can be life-altering. You may suffer severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or internal organ damage. These can cost tens of thousands of dollars to treat.
Unfortunately, a truck accident case can be very complex. Federal and state regulations may affect your claim, and multiple parties may be involved. Let our Lakewood truck accident attorneys help you so that you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
Bicycle Accidents
A bicycle accident can result in various types of common injuries, from road rash to paralysis. A Lakewood bicycle accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical treatment and other losses.
How Much is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
The value of your Lakewood personal injury case will depend on many things. If you suffered catastrophic, life-changing injuries, your damages may be significant. You might be entitled to millions to account for the long-term medical care you will require.
However, various other factors can affect what your case is worth, including:
- The accident and injury-related expenses you incur
- Whether you’ve suffered a permanent injury
- Whether you missed time from work, and the value of your lost income
- Whether your ability to earn a living is impacted
- The physical and emotional effects you’ve experienced
- Whether you contributed to the Colorado accident that injured you
- The parties involved and whether they’re insured
We can assess your Colorado personal injury claim and determine its value. Contact our law firm today for a free case assessment with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Lakewood.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Accident in Colorado?
Under Colorado law, you have limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit due to the statute of limitations. For auto accidents, you typically have three years from the crash date to take legal action.
However, the deadline is shorter for other types of personal injury cases, such as those involving wrongful death or slips and falls. You only have two years from your injury date to file a lawsuit.
There may be exceptions that provide more or less time. Regardless, it’s crucial to start the claims process as soon as possible. That will give you and your attorney more time to gather strong evidence proving that you’re entitled to compensation.
Call our experienced Lakewood injury attorneys today to discuss the statute of limitations that applies to your legal matter.
What Damages Are Available to Lakewood Accident Victims?
Lakewood injury victims can pursue a legal claim for the full extent of their losses. That includes financial (economic) and personal (non-economic) damages.
Economic damages represent the financial impact of the accident and injuries, such as:
- Medical expenses for ER visits, doctor’s appointments, and treatment
- Future medical costs if you require ongoing medical care
- Out-of-pocket expenses, such as childcare and travel
- Lost wages
- Lost job benefits
- Diminished earning potential
- Property damage
Non-economic damages represent the harder-to-value effects of your injuries, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Inconvenience
- Impaired quality of life
- Permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement
Under Colorado law, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Also known as exemplary damages, courts only award these in limited cases. The defendant must have acted willfully, fraudulently, or maliciously in causing your injury.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me After an Accident?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is one of the best decisions you can make after an accident. Your attorney can handle every aspect of your legal claim for compensation while you heal from your injuries. Some of the ways your lawyer can help include:
- Determining the full value of your claim
- Internally investigating your accident
- Collecting evidence to prove your claim
- Protecting you from allegations of shared fault
- Taking care of all the paperwork and communications
- Negotiating a settlement agreement on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit against the opposing party if necessary
These are just a few examples of what an experienced personal injury attorney can do in service of your case.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers work for a contingency fee, as opposed to other fee structures like a flat rate or on an hourly basis. With a contingency fee payment structure, hiring a personal injury lawyer costs you no money upfront. In addition, your attorney only gets paid if you do.
You will agree to a contingency fee percentage when you hire the attorney. This percentage varies from case to case, but it is usually around 33%. From there, if your personal injury lawyer obtains compensation for you (whether through a settlement agreement or jury verdict in court), they will receive that percentage of your monetary award as payment for their legal services.
There are many benefits to this arrangement. For one, you can hire a lawyer to help with your case even if your accident has left you in a difficult financial situation. In addition, your attorney is incentivized to increase the value of your case as much as they can. The more money you receive, the more money your attorney receives as well.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A personal injury lawyer performs a wide range of tasks. Ultimately, their goal is to obtain as much compensation for you as possible and to make sure the legal process goes smoothly so that you can focus on your recovery. A personal injury attorney does the following, just to name a few examples:
- Gathers evidence, such as police reports, eyewitness testimony, available photos and video, and more
- Hires experts to provide analysis and testimony as needed
- Takes care of the insurance claims process, including all of the paperwork, communications, and procedures
- Negotiates with the opposing party or parties to reach a settlement agreement
- Responds effectively to accusations of contributory fault
- Conducts legal research to determine the best course of action
- Files a lawsuit if needed to take the case to court
- Works with medical providers to secure a lien, if applicable and in the client’s best interest
- Engages in pretrial processes, such as discovery
- Ensures that legal deadlines are met, such as the statute of limitations
- Represents the client at all court proceedings, including trial
The sooner you get a qualified attorney involved with your case, the better. It can take time to build a strong claim for compensation and to make the most of your legal rights and interests.
What Is Negligence and How Do You Prove It?
Negligence is a legal term that is the basis for most personal injury cases. It means something very similar to “carelessness.” Essentially, a person is negligent when they do not act as a reasonable person would under the same circumstances.
There are four legal elements that you must prove as the personal injury victim to establish negligence liability. These are:
- Duty of Care – You must prove that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers have a duty to obey traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty – This element means showing that the opposing party violated their duty of care. For instance, running a red light or speeding.
- Causation – The at-fault party must have caused your accident. This means proving both factual and proximate causation.
- Damages – You must have sustained damages, such as a physical injury or financial losses, as a result of the at-fault party’s breach of duty.
You must assert each of these elements on a “by a preponderance of the evidence” basis. This means showing that each is more likely to be true than false. Examples of evidence you can bring include medical records, eyewitness testimony, expert analysis, and much more.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
There are many things to keep in mind regarding what to do (and not do) immediately after an accident. For better or worse, these considerations can impact the success of your legal claim substantially:
- Get to safety, but remain at the scene of the accident.
- Call 911 to alert emergency medical personnel and law enforcement of the accident.
- Exchange insurance information with the other parties involved in the incident.
- Do not apologize or accept any blame for the accident.
- If it is safe to do so, collect any evidence that may support your subsequent claim.
- Receive prompt medical attention, whether or not you have sustained a clear injury.
From there, it’s best to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can to determine your next best steps. Ideally, you would consult an attorney prior to speaking with any insurance companies. Insurers are looking out for their profits, not your best interests.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries After an Accident?
Colorado law allows accident victims to hold a wide range of parties liable for their injuries. Depending on the type of case in question, any of the following types of persons and entities could be held responsible:
- Motor vehicle drivers
- Insurance companies
- Business owners
- Property managers and owners
- Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers
- Medical professionals
- Government entities
Ultimately, if someone acts carelessly (or even intentionally) and causes you harm, there’s at least a possibility you have a valid legal claim against them.
How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?
The timeline for each personal injury case is unique, depending on the facts and circumstances involved in the situation. While some may reach a final outcome in just a matter of days or weeks, others can take significantly longer.
Most personal injury cases do not make it to court and instead are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if your case does entail filing a lawsuit, it will most likely take longer. Nonetheless, keep in mind that your claim can still be settled even after it is brought to court. Sometimes, filing a lawsuit is the best way to make sure you receive maximum value for your claim.
The cases that make it all the way to trial will take the most amount of time, but very few reach that point. Other factors that can influence the timeline of your case include the strength of the supporting evidence, the nature of the accident and your injuries, whether an insurance company is involved, and more.
What Is the Personal Injury Claims Process?
While the personal injury claims process is not always the same for every situation, there are certain stages that most follow. These include:
- Initial consultation with a personal injury attorney
- Reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI) if possible
- Initial investigation to calculate damages, collect evidence, and more
- Filing the claim and demanding compensation
- Engaging in settlement negotiations
- Filing a lawsuit if an adequate settlement cannot be reached
Hiring an experienced attorney can be extremely important during this process, especially because insurance companies will do whatever they can to minimize their liability for your claim.
Contact Our Experienced Lakewood Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help
If you sustained an injury that was someone else’s fault in Lakewood, Colorado, you may have a legal claim against them for compensation. Matos Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you from start to finish.
Our trusted Lakewood personal injury attorneys have nearly a half-century of combined experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients to date. When you hire us, you can feel confident that you’ll reach a favorable outcome for your case.
Contact us today by phone or online message to schedule your free, no-risk consultation.
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