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If you’ve sustained injuries in a Denver car crash, you understand how quickly medical costs, lost wages, and property damage expenses accumulate. At McCormick & Murphy, our auto collision attorneys work diligently to help accident victims secure fair compensation for their injuries and losses. A Denver auto accident lawyer from our law firm can represent you throughout the legal process, collecting necessary evidence to build a strong case while allowing you to focus on recovery.
Auto accidents don’t simply happen randomly; they typically result from someone’s negligence. This might include the driver of the vehicle involved, a party responsible for road maintenance, another driver, or even vehicle manufacturers.
Common causes of car accidents in Denver, Colorado include
When vehicles travel at excessive speeds, drivers have less control and reduced reaction time. According to safety statistics, over one-third of fatal rollover crashes involve excessive speeding. Speed-related accidents are particularly dangerous when taking turns faster than posted limits.
Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Approximately 50 percent of all rollover crashes involve alcohol or intoxicated driving, demonstrating how significantly impairment affects driving ability.
Though less common than driver negligence, vehicle defects or mechanical failures frequently lead to accidents. Brake failures may force drivers to crash to stop their vehicle, while tire blowouts can cause swerving, collisions with objects, and in severe cases, vehicle rollovers.
Hazardous road conditions include potholes, road defects, debris, animals crossing, inadequate signage (especially for sharp turns), and improperly placed construction barriers. While less common causes, these infrastructure issues can lead to serious accidents.
The negligence of nearby drivers—including erratic lane changes, unexpected turns, failure to yield, and other traffic violations—can force even careful drivers to make sudden maneuvers resulting in single-vehicle collisions as they attempt to avoid a crash.
Auto accident victims in Denver frequently suffer these injuries:
Following an auto accident, consulting with a Denver auto accident lawyer promptly helps establish liability and ensures your rights are protected. Our attorneys have the expertise and resources to thoroughly investigate your claim and document all damages.
Under Colorado state law, you’re entitled to compensation for:
A car collision can instantly alter your life. Following these steps after an accident will significantly impact your ability to make a successful claim:
Call 911 immediately if you’re physically able. Police will gather essential information including the other driver’s license number, vehicle license plate, insurance details, and contact information. Record the date and time of the accident—this information is crucial when filing an insurance claim.
Take photographs of all vehicle damage, property damage, the intersection, traffic signals, skid marks, and other accident scene details that can help establish negligence. Document:
Visit a healthcare professional immediately after your accident, even if you feel fine initially. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, and prompt medical attention creates documentation essential for your claim. Follow all medical advice and attend recommended follow-up appointments—failure to do so could give insurance companies reason to question the severity of your injuries.
Even if you weren’t at fault, contact your insurer promptly. This allows them to evaluate damage and injuries and provides coverage options if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance or is uninsured.
Although you should always advise your insurance carrier when you are involved in an accident, you have no obligation to speak to the other driver’s insurance company.
After a motor vehicle collision, you will likely receive a call from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. They will request a recorded or written statement. They may even go so far as to suggest that giving such a statement is required. But it is important that you do not provide any statement until you talk to an attorney.
Insurers can use any part of your statement against you. They will look for reasons to deny your claim or to minimize its value. In fact, that is the exact reason that they are asking you for a statement. The best way to avoid giving them any ammunition to use against you is to not speak to them until you consult with your attorney.
Should you find yourself on the phone with the insurance company, say nothing beyond providing them with the name and contact details for your car accident attorney in Denver.
In some cases, your own insurance carrier might request a formal statement. Although it isn’t common, an accident victim must occasionally pursue an insurance claim against their own insurer. For this reason, you should probably also avoid giving a formal statement to your own carrier until you clear it with your attorney, and have he or she present for the interview.
A quick call to McCormick & Murphy P.C. can get you the answers you need, when you need them.
Colorado operates under a fault-based system for auto accidents. To hold another driver liable, you must prove they caused the crash through negligent conduct. According to the Colorado Civil Jury Instructions, negligence is “the failure to do an act which a reasonably careful person would do, or the doing of an act which a reasonably careful person would not do, under the same or similar circumstances.”
Common forms of driver negligence include:
The first thing that you should know about driving in Colorado is that carrying auto insurance is required under the law.
It is mandated that a person carry:
Having this insurance is not optional, and can result in penalties for drivers who fail to drive while insured. Despite this, though, there are many drivers who choose to operate their vehicles without insurance. Not only are these drivers breaking the law, but they are also putting themselves at risk of personal liability in the event that they cause an accident.
Being involved in a crash with a driver who doesn’t have insurance can leave you with a sinking feeling, and a lot of anxiety about the future and how you will pay for your losses.
Fortunately, there are usually other options. For example, if you have health insurance coverage, your health insurance provider should pay for your medical bills.
In addition to your health insurance provider, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, property damage costs, and even your lost wages by filing a car accident claim against your own insurance policy if you maintain certain coverage types.
These include:
Most people in Colorado carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
This type of coverage can pay for some or all of your losses in the event that you’re involved in a crash with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to fully cover the extent of damages you’ve suffered.
In Colorado, you can waive this coverage in writing, but our Denver auto accident attorneys advise that it never be waived.
This type of coverage is optional in Colorado and offers medical and funeral expenses coverage for you and any of your passengers harmed as a result of an auto accident. This coverage can be waived but we recommend that you do not waive it.
Finally, if your vehicle was damaged in the crash and the at-fault driver doesn’t maintain property damage liability coverage, you can file insurance claims against your policy’s collision coverage for the cost of vehicle repairs.
Colorado uses comparative negligence rules (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-111). Under this system, each party will be held responsible for their share of the collective damages. If you were injured in a Denver fender bender and you are found to be partially responsible for the crash, it will reduce your compensation.
As an example, a motorist who is deemed to be 20 percent at fault for their own crash will have their compensation reduced by 20 percent. The effect of Colorado’s comparative fault laws is that unfair blame can easily take thousands of dollars directly out of a settlement. Protect yourself by hiring an experienced car accident attorney in Denver.
Choosing to have a Denver car accident lawyer handle your case can provide lots of advantages for injury accident victims, but at what cost?
At McCormick & Murphy, P.C., we understand what victims go through after being involved in an accident that someone else caused. You might have no way to pay your medical bills or cover your living expenses while you recuperate—especially if your injuries prevent you from working.
For that reason, most Denver auto accident lawyers will accept your case on a contingency fee basis.
We will handle your case on contingency, which means that you won’t owe any retainer or legal fees upfront. Your lawyer will do all the work and pay all the expenses associated with your case. You will not owe any legal fees at all until and unless your lawyer recovers compensation for your claim.
Upon receiving a settlement or jury award, your attorney will deduct a previously agreed-upon percentage of the total as well as any agreed-upon expenses.
Car accidents can result in serious injuries and expensive repair bills. Under the Colorado state laws, you have the right to hold a negligent defendant legally responsible for any injuries and damages you incur from a crash.
While insurance adjusters often fight aggressively to limit settlement offers, you should not accept less than you truly deserve. At McCormick & Murphy, P.C., our Denver car accident attorneys will help you maximize your compensation. Contact us for a free consultation today to learn how we can help you.
We take car accident cases on a contingency fee basis which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win.
You may be able to recover financial compensation for:
While Colorado law doesn’t require legal representation for personal injury claims, having an attorney provides several key advantages:
At McCormick & Murphy P.C., our team includes skilled investigators who will gather evidence establishing liability. We’ll advise you on Colorado’s statute of limitations and best practices throughout your case, including avoiding recorded statements to insurance companies without representation and limiting social media use during your claim.
After documenting your claim, we’ll submit information and a demand letter to the insurance company. With decades of combined experience, we negotiate effectively to maximize your compensation while protecting your legal rights and ensuring good faith practices.
When you work with our firm, you won’t need to deal directly with insurance companies. Your attorney will manage all communications with insurers, their attorneys, and other parties, allowing you to focus on recovery.
We prioritize exceptional client communication, providing regular case updates and remaining accessible via phone, text, or email for any questions. We recommend contacting an auto accident lawyer immediately after an accident before evidence disappears, witness memories fade, or insurance companies take advantage of your vulnerability.
For expert legal representation after a car accident in Denver, contact McCormick & Murphy P.C. at 720-782-8595 for a free case evaluation. Our Denver office is located at 1547 N Gaylord St, Unit 303, Denver, Colorado 80206.
The cost can vary, but many Denver car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that when your case is settled or if you prevail at trial, the attorney will receive a percentage of the gross amount of the recovery. The attorney will typically be reimbursed for his out-of-pocket expenses at that time.
Colorado operates under a tort system. As it relates to car collisions, the person who is found to be at fault for causing the collision will be responsible for the other person’s injuries and damages. If the at fault person has automobile insurance, then their insurance will be responsible up to the insurance policy limits of his or her insurance policy.
A lawyer can navigate legal requirements, investigate the crash, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure your rights are protected and you get fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
If the fault of who caused the collision is contested, your attorney can gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to build your case of proving that the other driver was at fault.
They can explore other avenues for compensation, such as your uninsured motorist coverage or filing a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.
It’s wise to contact one as soon as possible to ensure evidence is preserved and your legal rights are protected, including understanding when your statute of limitations will end.
The timeline can vary based on the complexity of your case, the extent of your injuries, and negotiations with insurance companies.
They can help navigate specific laws and insurance issues related to motorcycle accidents and work to secure compensation for injuries and damages arising from your motorcycle accident. Including investigating any applicable insurance polies that may provide coverage.
You may have claims against multiple parties, including drivers of any involved vehicles, including the one you were a passenger in. A qualified Denver accident attorney can help you navigate these claims, including the different insurance coverages that may be applicable.
After a car accident in Denver, Colorado, you’re likely facing pain, mounting medical bills, and confusing insurance claims. You need a powerful advocate on your side. Our Denver car accident lawyers at McCormick & Murphy, P.C., have a proven track record of securing millions for Colorado clients, helping them rebuild their lives and recover fully since our founding in 1995. We’re ready to fight for you.
Our firm’s founders, Kirk R. McCormick and James “Jay” Murphy, bring over 60 years of combined legal experience to your case. Their unique background, including prior work representing insurance companies, gives us unparalleled insight into how the opposition operates.
Immediately after an accident, insurance companies will contact you. Understand this: their primary goal is not your recovery, but to minimize their payout. They often offer settlements that barely cover immediate expenses, leaving you vulnerable for long-term needs. Without legal representation, you face a significant disadvantage.
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. They employ tactics such as:
McCormick & Murphy, P.C., knows these tactics intimately from our founders’ experience, and we are prepared to counter every one of them to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Denver’s unique environment presents specific challenges that affect car accident cases:
Mountain Weather Conditions: Sudden snowstorms, ice, and visibility issues on roads like I-70 or C-470 contribute to accidents that require specific legal insight to establish fault.
High Altitude Effects: Visitors unfamiliar with altitude effects may experience impaired judgment or fatigue, creating complex liability questions for accidents involving out-of-state drivers.
Construction Zones: Denver’s ongoing infrastructure development creates hazardous driving conditions that may involve government responsibility, necessitating claims against specific municipal entities (e.g., City and County of Denver).
Tourist Traffic: Unfamiliar drivers navigating Denver’s busy streets (e.g., downtown, near sports arenas) can cause accidents with complicated insurance coverage issues from various states.
We don’t just handle paperwork; we build powerful cases designed to achieve maximum compensation for you. Here’s exactly how McCormick & Murphy, P.C., does it:
Within 24 hours of taking your case, we begin investigating:
Your medical records form the foundation of your case. We assist by:
We handle all communication with insurance companies, leveraging our extensive experience:
McCormick & Murphy, P.C., has extensive experience with a wide range of car accident scenarios in Denver, each with its own complexities:
These are common in Denver, especially during rush hour on I-25 and I-70. While they may seem straightforward, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by claiming:
We know how to counter these arguments and prove the full extent of your damages. Our firm secured an $850,000 settlement for a rear-end collision victim with back injuries.
Denver’s busy intersections (e.g., along Broadway, Colorado Blvd.) see frequent accidents involving:
These cases often involve multiple parties and complex liability determinations that require experienced legal representation to navigate.
Denver’s major highways (I-25, I-70, I-225, US-6) see serious accidents involving:
Highway accidents often result in severe injuries and involve multiple insurance companies, making experienced legal representation essential.
Colorado’s unpredictable weather creates specific accident scenarios in Denver:
Proving fault in weather-related accidents requires understanding Colorado’s specific traffic laws and weather-related driving requirements, and diligent evidence collection.
Denver’s entertainment districts unfortunately see their share of drunk driving accidents. These cases may involve:
With Denver’s growing population, hit-and-run accidents are increasing. We help by:
Insurance companies want you to accept their first offer, but most accident victims don’t realize the full value of their claim. Here’s what you may be entitled to, with particular consideration for Colorado’s new 2025 damage caps:
These are the financial losses you can calculate with bills and receipts:
These damages compensate you for the intangible ways the accident has affected your life. As of January 1, 2025, Colorado’s non-economic damage cap can be as much as $1,500,000 for personal injury claims.
In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, Colorado law allows for punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. This is often pursued in drunk driving cases, where we’ve secured significant results.
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some immediately apparent, others developing over time. We have extensive experience helping clients recover for:
In Colorado, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, delaying action can significantly harm your case because:
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning:
Insurance companies often try to blame accident victims to reduce their payouts. We fight these tactics and work to minimize any fault attributed to you.
Colorado requires drivers to carry:
These minimum amounts are often insufficient to cover serious accident damages, making uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage essential.
Colorado has a seat belt law, and insurance companies may try to reduce your compensation if you weren’t wearing one. However, not wearing a seat belt doesn’t automatically bar recovery – it depends on whether it contributed to your specific injuries, which we are prepared to argue.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
Our attorneys know Denver’s roads, courts, and legal community intimately. With offices strategically located in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo, our local knowledge helps us:
Unlike large firms that treat you like a number, at McCormick & Murphy, P.C., we provide:
Check for Injuries: Get medical attention for anyone who needs it. Call 911 immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries.
Call Police: Denver police should investigate any accident involving injuries or significant property damage. Ensure an official police report is filed.
Document Everything: Take photos of vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions (e.g., ice, debris), and any visible injuries.
Exchange Information: Get names, phone numbers, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers from all drivers involved.
Talk to Witnesses: Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident. Their testimony can be crucial.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Don’t apologize or make statements about who caused the accident. Let the investigation determine what happened.
Seek Medical Attention: See a doctor immediately after the accident, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries may not show symptoms for days.
Report to Insurance: Contact your own insurance company, but do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without talking to an attorney first.
Keep Records: Save all medical bills, prescription receipts, repair estimates, and other accident-related expenses.
Don’t Sign Anything: Insurance companies may ask you to sign medical releases or settlement agreements. Do not sign anything without legal advice from McCormick & Murphy, P.C.
Contact an Attorney: The sooner you get legal help, the better we can protect your rights and build your case.
Protect your claim by avoiding these common pitfalls:
Trying to Handle It Yourself: Car accident law is complex, and insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working against you. Without legal representation from a firm like McCormick & Murphy, P.C., you’re at a significant disadvantage.
We investigate every aspect of your accident:
We ensure your injuries are properly documented:
We meticulously calculate all damages you’re entitled to:
We negotiate aggressively for fair compensation:
Navigating insurance claims can be complex and frustrating. We handle all communication so you don’t have to.
Insurance companies use various strategies to minimize payouts:
Our goal is to recover full and fair compensation for all damages you’ve suffered.
You can recover compensation for all medical expenses related to your accident, both current and future:
You can recover compensation for income lost due to your injuries:
You can recover compensation for the physical and emotional impact of your accident:
With Colorado’s updated $1,500,000 non-economic damage cap for 2025, the potential for recovery in this category is significant.
You can recover compensation for damage to your vehicle and personal property:
Our local knowledge of Denver provides an advantage in your case.
Colorado’s weather creates unique challenges in Denver:
Denver’s ongoing construction creates hazards:
During your free consultation, we’ll:
Once you hire us, we immediately begin investigating:
While we handle the legal aspects, you focus on recovery:
Once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement:
Most cases settle out of court, but we’re prepared for trial if necessary:
At McCormick & Murphy, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or judgment we obtain for you. This allows you to get experienced legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
Colorado’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit. However, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible because evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories fade.
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Almost never. Insurance companies typically make low initial offers hoping you’ll accept quickly. These offers rarely reflect the true value of your claim, especially with the new 2025 non-economic damage caps. Always consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We can help you understand your options and pursue all available sources of compensation.
Every case is different, but most car accident cases resolve within 6-18 months. The timeline depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the case, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate fairly.
Most car accident cases settle out of court. However, if the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. We’ll advise you on the best strategy for your specific situation.
Some injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries and concussions (TBIs), may not show symptoms immediately. This is why it’s important to seek medical attention promptly after an accident, even if you feel fine initially.
Physical evidence from the accident scene can disappear quickly:
The sooner we can investigate, the better evidence we can preserve for your case.
Witnesses’ memories of the accident become less reliable over time. We need to interview witnesses while the events are still fresh in their minds.
Seeking prompt medical attention creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries. Delaying treatment gives insurance companies an opportunity to argue that your injuries aren’t related to the accident.
Insurance companies often contact accident victims quickly, hoping to get recorded statements or quick settlements before victims understand their rights. Having an attorney from the start protects you from these tactics.
While you have three years to file a lawsuit in Colorado, waiting too long can harm your case in other ways. Starting the legal process early gives us more time to build a strong case and avoid missing critical deadlines.
We limit the number of cases we take so we can give each client the attention they deserve. You’ll work directly with your attorney, not just paralegals or assistants, ensuring personalized care from McCormick & Murphy, P.C.
We keep you informed about your case progress with regular updates. You’ll always know what’s happening and what to expect next. We believe in transparent communication.
We fight hard for our clients. Insurance companies know we’re prepared to go to trial if necessary, which gives us strength in negotiations. Our founders’ experience having worked for insurers means we know how to effectively counter their strategies.
We understand that dealing with injuries and insurance companies is stressful. We provide compassionate support throughout the process and work to minimize the burden on you and your family, including home or hospital visits if needed.
Our goal is to get you the maximum compensation possible so you can focus on recovery and moving forward with your life. Our track record of multi-million dollar recoveries demonstrates this commitment.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Denver, don’t wait to get the help you need. Insurance companies are already working to minimize your claim – you need someone fighting for your rights.
Don’t delay your recovery. Contact McCormick & Murphy, P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation today. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you understand what your claim is really worth, especially with the new 2025 damage caps. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Get experienced legal representation that will fight for the compensation you deserve. Your recovery and your family’s financial security are too important to leave to chance.
Call our Denver car accident lawyers now at (719) 800-9407. We’re ready to help you get your life back on track. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start building your case and fighting for your rights.
Your future depends on the decisions you make today. Don’t face this challenge alone – let our experienced Denver car accident lawyers help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is for information purposes only. This website should not be taken as legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This information should not be taken as the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship.
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