No one really expects to be in a car accident, so figuring out what to do next can be hard. Some drivers are not sure if they even need to file reports. However, to get the compensation you need for your injuries, you should do your best to learn about the process for car accident settlements.
Although insurance companies like to make it seem easy, it rarely is. The process involves much more than just submitting a claim and waiting for an insurer to pay out. You can probably expect pushback from the insurance company no matter what the situation.
Colorado drivers must have insurance
Depending on your needs, you can get auto insurance that provides basic liability coverage or much more. Regardless of your needs, every driver in Colorado has to maintain a minimum level of liability coverage. These minimums are as follows:
- $15,000 for damage to others’ property
- $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $50,000 for bodily injuries to multiple people
If another driver hits your car, damages it and also injures you, you should be able to count on his or her liability coverage. But first, you have to show that the other driver was the one who caused the wreck. Your original police report should help demonstrate who was really at fault.
Do I have to go to court?
It always seems as if insurance companies prioritize profits over people, which might be why they are so resistant to compensating victims. This does not necessarily mean that insurers are eager to take things to court. In fact, most pending lawsuits never actually make it to court.
In some ways, it is more advantageous for insurance companies to keep things outside of the courtroom. It can also be a helpful tool for victims. Although it is perfectly acceptable to pass on an unreasonable settlement, Colorado state law does encourage accident victims to accept good offers for compensation. If you do refuse a settlement and are then awarded a lower verdict in court, you will not only miss out on part of your compensation, but you will also have to foot the cost of the legal fees.
Help is not far away
Surviving a car accident can be a surprisingly lonely experience. Maybe you do not have anyone who can relate to your situation, or you are stuck in the hospital or at home. The very thought of fighting for what you deserve could just feel like too much.
Feelings in the moment can pass, and the real difficulty might start when medical bills start piling up and you are still not back at work. If the insurance company already denied your claim or offered you far less than you deserve, you should start on the next step as quickly as possible. An attorney who understands who car accident settlements work in Colorado can be a strong ally through this process.
