Dangerous Spots on Centennial Area Roads
In the Centennial and Denver areas, traffic fatalities have risen by nearly 50% in the last decade, identifying several high-risk, crash-prone areas:
- Colorado State Route 470
- Arapahoe Road
- Intersection of I-25 and I-70
- US Route 85
This increase in crashes can be attributed to increasingly poor driving habits, exacerbated by the pandemic, which has led to more reckless and distracted driving. As traffic volumes return to pre-pandemic levels, these negligent practices are making the roads increasingly dangerous for all users.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. At Galperin & Associates, our attorneys have successfully recovered six and seven figure settlements for clients injured by the negligence of others. Contact our firm today to discuss your car accident case and explore your legal options for obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Negligence in Car Accident Cases
In any car accident case, proving the other party was negligent is essential to obtaining financial compensation for your injuries. Negligence means that someone else’s improper action or inaction caused your accident.
In order to prove negligence, you need to prove four critical elements in your claim:
- Duty: The other driver had a duty of care to act safely and reasonably while driving. This duty applies to all drivers who have to keep other road users and passengers safe.
- Breach: The other driver breached this duty by acting carelessly or irresponsibly, which could include anything from texting while driving to ignoring traffic lights.
- Injury: You must have suffered injury, either physical or to your property, as a direct result of the accident.
- Causation: The other driver’s breach of duty must be the direct cause of your injuries.
Breach of duty is often the focus of road accident cases, as it involves comparing the actions of the other driver with what is considered reasonable in similar circumstances. While the law does not expect drivers to be perfect, it does require them to take reasonable care and not cause harm to others.
Understanding these elements can be complex, but with the help of a skilled Centennial car accident lawyer, you can navigate the legal nuances to assert your right to compensation. Our team at Galperin & Associates is experienced in analysing these issues and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Examples of Negligence in Car Accident Cases
Negligence in car accidents can take many forms, including
- Speeding
- Careless driving
- Illegal lane changes
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving, such as using a phone while driving
- Failure to stop at a stop sign
- Running red lights
In addition, cases of recklessness or impaired driving, such as drink-driving, significantly increase the liability of the offending driver. Proving these actions often requires gathering substantial evidence, a task that can be daunting without legal expertise, especially if you are recovering from injuries.
At Galperin & Associates, we specialise in meticulously gathering the necessary documentation and witness statements to build a strong case for our clients. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek the skilled legal representation you need to secure the compensation you deserve.
Defective Vehicle Components and Liability
In some cases, the driver responsible for the accident may not be entirely at fault if a vehicle defect played a role. For example, if a critical part such as brakes or steering failed and led to an accident, the manufacturers, designers or distributors of these faulty components may be liable.
Commonly reported defective parts include
- Airbags
- Fuel systems
- Windscreens
- Tyres
- Steering systems
- Seat Belts
- Braking systems
At Galperin & Associates, we meticulously investigate the role of defective parts in car accidents to identify all liable parties. This comprehensive approach ensures that our clients can pursue claims against major manufacturers and suppliers, potentially resulting in significant compensation.
Road Hazards and Liability
Not all road accidents are the fault of the driver; sometimes road conditions play a crucial role. When accidents are caused by poor road maintenance, such as potholes, unmarked construction or obscured signage, responsibility may lie with local or state road authorities.
Victims of such accidents may have valid claims against entities such as the City of Centennial or the Colorado Department of Transportation. These cases can involve complex legal analysis to determine negligence in road maintenance and safety standards.
If you’ve been affected by a road hazard, it’s important to explore all legal options. Galperin & Associates can help identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover.
After any car accident, it’s important to take the following steps immediately:
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel hurt, see a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, aren’t immediately obvious.
- Legal advice: Contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal advice can be crucial in protecting your rights and ensuring you can effectively pursue compensation.
Car accident symptoms can develop over time, so it is important to document your medical condition immediately after the incident. Galperin & Associates advises all accident victims to seek both medical and legal assistance promptly to protect their interests.
Seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident is important for several reasons:
- Diagnosis and treatment: Early diagnosis can prevent injuries from getting worse. Immediate treatment starts the recovery process sooner.
- Legal documentation: Medical records serve as crucial evidence in your car accident claim. They document the extent of your injuries and link them directly to the accident.
- Insurance claims: Timely medical care will counter any claims by insurance companies that your injuries were not related to the accident or were not serious.
Remember that it is equally important to consult a lawyer after an accident. Even if you think your case is straightforward, legal advice is invaluable. Galperin & Associates offers free initial consultations to assess your situation without obligation. This step ensures that you do not overlook potential compensation, regardless of the severity of the accident.
Insurance Company Tactics to Undermine Your Claim
When you present a strong legal case following a car accident, the other driver’s insurance company may react aggressively to protect their interests. They often employ tactics designed to minimize their payout, such as:
- Pressuring you for a recorded statement that could be used to contradict your claim.
- Offering a quick settlement that is likely far below what you are truly entitled to, hoping you’ll accept before fully understanding the extent of your damages.
These practices reflect the insurance company’s priority of profit over fair compensation. Without legal representation, you might be vulnerable to these tactics. At Galperin & Associates, we stand firm against insurance companies, ensuring our clients’ rights are protected and they receive the full compensation they deserve.
Securing Adequate Compensation for Car Accident Victims
Negotiating compensation for car accidents can be complex. Even when liability is clear, insurers often focus on minimising the payout rather than fairly compensating victims for their losses. You are entitled to full compensation for both tangible and intangible losses, which may include
- Medical expenses: Covering current and future medical treatment.
- Lost wages: Compensation for the time you were unable to work.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Pain and suffering: For the physical and mental suffering caused by the accident.
- Emotional trauma: including anxiety, depression and PTSD.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: When the accident affects your ability to enjoy daily activities.
Galperin & Associates is committed to ensuring that you receive full compensation for all aspects of your injury and will fight to overcome any tactics used by insurance companies to undervalue your claim.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Many victims don’t realise that they have the power to negotiate with insurance companies. You do not have to accept their initial offers, especially if they undervalue your claim. Here are some strategies for dealing with insurance companies:
- Reject inadequate offers: Don’t hesitate to say no to a low settlement.
- Negotiate: With the help of a skilled lawyer, you can push for a more appropriate settlement that reflects the true cost of your damages.
- Consider litigation: If negotiations stall, taking your case to court may be the best way to get the compensation you deserve.
An experienced car accident attorney from Galperin & Associates can tip the balance in your favour. We understand the tactics used by insurance companies and are prepared to challenge them vigorously to protect your rights and interests.
Centennial Car Accident FAQs
When you’re faced with a car accident claim, whether it involves significant damages or complex legal issues, expert legal assistance is crucial. At Galperin & Associates, we provide aggressive representation to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call 720-501-3451 today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and how we can help.