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Category: McCormick & Murphy’s Articles

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Hit-and-Run Car Accidents- Things You Need to Know

Hit-and-run car accident

Hit-And-Run Car Accidents- Things You Need To Know

A hit-and-run accident is a distressful event where a reckless car driver involved in a crash abruptly leaves the scene without exchanging information or providing assistance to the victim. This irresponsible act is a violation of the law and can have dire significant consequences. Furthermore, hit-and-run car accident victims are left without essential details, which makes it even more difficult for them to file claims and obtain compensation for property damages, medical bills, and other incurred losses. Therefore, it is essential to have a solid understanding of hit-and-run accidents so you can proceed forward confidently.

Here are some crucial things you must know about hit-and-run accidents in Colorado:

A Hit-and-Run Car Accident is a Serious Offense in Colorado With Criminal Consequences

The legal ramifications of a hit-and-run car accident are particularly severe, especially when it involves injured victims. As per Colorado law, fleeing from the accident scene can result in one of the four criminal charges, each contingent on the outcome. These are:

  • If the car accident causes property damage, the departing driver may face a class two misdemeanor offense, carrying a penalty of ten to ninety days in jail or fines ranging from \$150 to nearly \$300.
  • In cases involving minor bodily injuries, the charges escalate to a class one traffic misdemeanor. It carries potential sentences of ten days to one year in jail and fines ranging between $300 and $1,000.
  • Hit-and-run car incidents that cause severe bodily injuries are classified as class 4 (four) felonies. These are punishable by imprisonment for two to six years. Plus, the driver may be fined $2,000 to nearly $500,000.
  • In the tragic event that a hit-and-run leads to the death of the victim, the driver may face a class 3 (three) felony, carrying a potential sentence of four to twelve years in prison plus fines ranging between $3,000 and $750,000.

Hit-and-Run Victims Have the Right to Claim Compensation for Economic and Non-Economic Damages in Colorado

Colorado is an ‘at-fault’ state. This means that victims have the right to claim compensation from the negligent party responsible for their injuries. The compensation to which you might have a claim can encompass both non-economic and economic damages. This includes reimbursement for medical expenses arising from your car accident injuries, as well as compensation for subsequent lost wages, pain & suffering, and other financial losses. In some situations, punitive damages may be a possibility. This is particularly true if the individual responsible for the injury behaved willfully and recklessly.

The framework established by Colorado law helps recoup losses after a hit-and-run accident via the at-fault driver’s insurance up to the limits of their liability coverage.

Prompt Reporting and Legal Representation Are Crucial for Case Outcome

Engaging an attorney after a hit-and-run incident is not obligatory but significantly increases the chance of a successful recovery. Attorneys aid in evidence collection, identify the at-fault driver, and ensure accountability. They streamline insurance claims and help construct personal injury claims if coverage falls short, leveraging their legal expertise.

Furthermore, the process of locating a hit-and-run driver can be expedited through prompt reporting and providing a basic description to the police. Valuable tools such as footage from the traffic cameras, along with eye-witness statements, aid in accurately identifying the party that caused the accident and ran away.

Wrapping Up

Connecting with a reliable and seasoned Colorado hit-and-run lawyer improves the chances of accountability while securing you the compensation you are entitled to for the losses after a distressing hit-and-run car accident. For assistance, call us at (719) 419-8510 today for a complimentary case review.

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Common Car Accident Injuries

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents occur multiple time every day in Colorado Springs, CO, and they vary widely in terms of seriousness.

When a motor vehicle collision happens, vehicle occupants and pedestrians may sustain only minor injuries from which they recover in a short period of time, or they may suffer life-threatening and debilitating injuries that require extensive medical care.

Common car accident injuries in Colorado Springs often include whiplash in rear-end accidents, as well as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, and other injuries.

Since injuries in car crashes can vary so widely, it is extremely important to be assessed by a medical professional. 

To be clear, the most common types of car accident injuries in Colorado vary greatly in severity, but accident victims may be eligible to seek compensation no matter how minor or serious their injuries might be. 

For a free consultation with a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer, please call (719) 309-4202 or send us an online message today.

Some of the Most Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

WebMD explains that neck strain, especially whiplash, is a common type of car accident injury.

Here are some of the most common car accident injuries:

Determining the Severity of Auto Collision Injuries

In general, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists tend to suffer more severe injuries than occupants in motor vehicles since they do not have the protections of a vehicle. To be sure, motorcyclists, as well as bicyclists and pedestrians, often take the full force of a collision involving a motor vehicle on their bodies since there is no automobile frame to lessen the impact of the collision. However, it is important to remember that motor vehicle occupants can also sustain severe and life-threatening injuries in a wreck.

It is important to seek immediate medical care if you have been injured in an accident.  Only a qualified medical professional can determine the full extent of your injuries. 

Contact a Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can result in many different types of injuries that you may be able to recover compensation for. If you were injured in a crash that was caused by another’s negligence, a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer can assist you.

Contact McCormick & Murphy, P.C. by calling (719) 309-4202 or filling out the online form today for a free consultation.

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Eight Common Neck Injuries from Car Accidents

Can A Mild Concussion Lead To Long-Term Brain Injury?

Car accidents occur daily, and many of those involved suffer severe neck and body injuries.

While the severity of these injuries varies depending on the type of accident, even a minor car accident may result in a neck injury.

Neck injuries can cause debilitating and long-term damage that substantially interferes with your way of life.

Contact a qualified Colorado auto accident attorney to explore your options if you suffered neck injuries from a car accident. You may be entitled to recover compensation from the responsible party.

Contact us online or call (719) 425-4389 today for a free consultation.

The Eight Most Common Neck Injuries from a Car Accident 

Please be advised that we are not doctor’s, and nothing in this description is intended to be medical advice.

Even minor accidents can cause neck injuries. The direction of impact—specifically rear-end and side collisions—can result in harm to different parts of your neck. Whiplash is the most common neck injury after a car accident.

However, whiplash may cause damage that falls under the following eight most common neck injuries from a car accident. 

Whiplash

The most common injury after a car accident is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the soft tissue in your neck gets damaged due to the impact of a collision. Whiplash can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage. 

Herniated Disc

A slipped or herniated disc commonly occurs in a rear-end collision when discs break, rupture, or shift. This injury causes numbness or excruciating pain for many sufferers.

Spinal Column Fracture

A spinal fracture causes pain in the neck and is commonly experienced after high-speed crashes. When a car hits your car abruptly and with substantial force, the upper part of your back moves forcefully, while your lower back stays in place due to the seatbelt. This movement often causes a spinal column fracture resulting in neck pain.

Spondylolisthesis

Though more common in the lower back, spondylolisthesis or a compression fracture also occurs in the neck.

A compression fracture occurs when your vertebrae slide forward over the bone below it, causing pain, weakness, and other symptoms. 

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a structural injury occurring when the spaces within your spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves traveling through the spine. This injury typically occurs in the back and neck.

Neck Sprains

Neck sprains occur when ligaments and soft tissues get damaged during impact from a car accident, causing pain, numbness, and weakness. 

Neck Strains

When neck tissue gets stretched during impact, neck strains occur, resulting in pain and mobility issues. 

Post-Traumatic Headache

Post-traumatic headaches often occur after car accidents causing dizziness, mood swings, and personality changes.

These headaches may disrupt your daily life and make it difficult to function as you did before your accident. 

Car accidents bring about various injuries to your neck and other parts of your body. Neck pain from a car accident may feel minor, but many injuries become more significant and long-lasting without proper care. You must seek medical attention immediately following a car accident.

Additionally, connecting your damage to the accident helps strengthen your case for compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. 

What Can I Recover?

After suffering neck injuries from a car accident, you deserve to recover compensation for your damages. Although Colorado requires drivers to carry liability insurance, your injuries may not adequately cover your losses.

In that situation, your attorney may advise you to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party personally.

In calculating the value of your case, you may possibly recover the following: 

  • Property damage, 
  • Medical expenses, 
  • Loss of income, 
  • Loss of earning capacity,
  • Out-of-pocket expenses, 
  • Pain and suffering, 
  • Loss of consortium, and
  • Emotional distress or mental anguish.

Contact Us Today For Help

Since 1995, the attorneys at McCormick & Murphy, P.C., have recovered millions of dollars for their clients. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our legal team understands the complexity of personal injury cases and what is at stake.

If you suffered a neck injury in a car accident, you deserve to recover compensation. We know how hard it can be to recover from such a debilitating experience and work diligently on behalf of all our clients so they can move forward with their life. 

Contact us online or call (719) 425-4389 today for a free consultation.

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Colorado Dog Bite Lawsuit Statute of Limitations

Colorado Dog Bite Lawsuit Statute Of Limitations

If you are attacked by someone else’s dog you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries under Colorado’s dog bite law.

It’s important to understand what the law entails, what constitutes an injury and how long you have to file a personal injury claim.

For a free consultation to learn how our experienced Colorado dog bite lawyers can assist you, please call (719) 425-4389 or send us an online message today.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Lawsuits in Colorado

Every state has time limits when it comes to filing personal injury claims, and Colorado is no exception.

Under Colorado law, negligence and strict liability injuries have a statute of limitations of two (2) years.

This means you are given two years to file a dog bite claim.

The clock starts ticking when you discover the injury, or should have discovered the injury. The “should have discovered” part of this rule applies primarily to medical malpractice and car accident cases, where injuries sometimes crop up weeks or months later.

In most cases, the injuries sustained in a dog attack are visible and apparent. However, there could be internal injuries that may not be diagnosed right away.

If you file a claim after the two-year time limit set by the Colorado dog bite statute of limitations, you will lose out on your rights to compensation. Therefore, do not delay. Start filing your claim soon after the incident happens.

Under Colorado law, a dog owner is strictly liable if the victim suffers serious bodily injury or death while legally on public or private property. The owner, however, is not liable if the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing on the dog’s property where there was clearly a “No Trespassing” or “Beware of Dog” sign.

In addition, veterinarians, dog groomers, professional dog handlers and others who work with dogs cannot file a claim, as the owner is considered not liable.

“Serious bodily injury” is defined as an injury that carries a substantial risk of death. This includes disfigurement, significant impairment of a body part or organ, A broken or fractured bone, or second-degree or third-degree burn. The serious bodily injury does not have to be apparent at the time of the dog bite.

In a civil suit, the victim is allowed to recover only economic damages. Pain, suffering and other non-economic damages cannot be claimed.

Speak with a Dog Bite Lawyer at McCormick & Murphy Today

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite in Colorado, act quickly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The skilled dog bite lawyers at McCormick & Murphy, P.C. have spent over 50 years of combined experience assisting those who have been injured in the area.

Don’t lose out on your rights to compensation.

Contact us online or call (719) 425-4389 today to schedule a free case evaluation.

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Colorado Auto Insurance Requirements: Tips for Colorado Drivers

Colorado Auto Insurance Requirements: Tips For Colorado Drivers

In Colorado, all drivers are required to have car insurance.

Unfortunately, not all abide by this rule.

For this reason, Colorado law requires insurers to offer policyholders the option of purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

Having these policies ensures that even if a driver is involved in an accident with someone who does not have insurance coverage or who has insufficient coverage, the injured party will still be able to collect from his or her own provider and so pay medical bills and other accident-related expenses.

In some severe cases, an injured party’s UM/UIM coverage may still not be enough to cover medical expenses, which may require the victim to seek damages in court by filing a personal injury claim.

Filing a claim requires plaintiffs to go through a number of procedural hurdles, so if you were injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Colorado, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney who can help explain your legal options.

Call (719) 249-0541 or send an online message today for a free consultation.

Minimum Liability Insurance

Colorado law requires drivers to carry a certain amount of liability insurance, including:

  • $25,000 per person to cover bodily injury;
  • \$50,000 per accident for bodily injury; and
  • $15,000 per accident to cover the cost of repairing property damage.

However, liability insurance only covers the other car or driver when an accident is the policyholder’s own fault.

To ensure that they are covered in the event that they are injured in an accident caused by someone who does not have insurance, drivers should also purchase uninsured/underinsured policies.

This type of coverage is only offered in addition to a primary automobile insurance policy and is not offered in stand-alone policies.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Colorado

When a person is injured in an accident caused by another uninsured or underinsured driver and he or she has a UM/UIM policy, the injured party’s coverage will step into the shoes of the at-fault driver to cover damages.

This is also true in situations where the at-fault party does have insurance, but his or her policy limits do not cover the extent of the injured person’s expenses. In these cases, the UM/UIM coverage will cover the difference between the policy’s limit of liability coverage and the amount of damages sustained.

These policies also cover pedestrians and cyclists who are injured in a collision with a motorist. In fact, drivers or passengers who have UM/UIM coverage and are involved in an accident while in someone else’s vehicle are also eligible to recover if the other party was at fault.

All insurance companies that sell auto insurance in Colorado are required by law to offer UM/UIM motorist coverage to policyholders. To opt out of coverage, policyholders must agree to forego it in a signed writing.

Those who do decide to purchase UM/UIM coverage, however, must receive details from the insurer on what the policy provides, which includes the terms of the policy, the premiums that must be paid, and the available benefits.

Furthermore, since 2008, Colorado law has required insurance companies to provide consumers with the option of carrying UM/UIM coverage that is equal to the limits of their bodily injury liability policy. This means that if a driver has liability coverage of up to $100,000, he or she will automatically be eligible for $100,000 in UM/UIM coverage.

Statute of Limitations

Generally, injured parties have three years from the date of their auto accident to file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim with their insurance provider.

However, if a payment is made for the underlying injury within three years, the injured party will be granted an additional two years from the date of receipt of the payment to file an underinsured claim in Colorado.

These extra two years allow injured parties who become aware of an uncompensated loss only after the underlying bodily injury claim was finalized, the option of filing an underinsured claim and collecting additional benefits from their insurer.

To ensure that injured parties do not miss the deadline, they should be sure to file an underinsured claim before the three years have expired. This will allow them to preserve their two-year extension and avoid having their claim barred by the insurer and the court.

Denied Insurance Claims

While many insurers are careful to respond to claims promptly and to conduct efficient and honest investigations, thousands of claims are still unfairly denied every year. Insurers are required by law to deal with their clients in good faith, which includes providing prompt service. When insurers fail to respond to a claim within a reasonable time or fail to conduct in-depth investigations, they can be held legally liable for damages.

Insurers are also prohibited from raising a policyholder’s rates or canceling coverage in response to a claim for UM/UIM benefits. If an insurer fails to abide by these rules and unfairly denies a claim, unreasonably delays making a decision, or increases premiums after paying out a UM/UIM claim, the policyholder who was wrongly denied can file a claim of bad faith insurance practices against the insurer in court for damages.

Contact Us About Your Colorado Uninsured Motorist Coverage Claim

Being injured in an accident can be emotional, painful, and stressful. This is especially true when the at-fault party does not have insurance.

Fortunately, drivers have the option of obtaining UM/UIM coverage to help cover medical bills and lost wages in the event that they are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.

However, even when drivers have this coverage, their claims are often denied or their premiums are unfairly increased, so if you were injured in an accident that was caused by an uninsured driver, please contact McCormick & Murphy, P.C. online or call (719) 249-0541 to speak with a capable and skilled car accident attorney in Colorado who can evaluate your case.

We have offices in Colorado Springs and Pueblo and are happy to answer your questions at any time via live chat.

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Colorado Motorcycle Laws

Colorado Motorcycle Laws

Colorado is one of the best states in the country for motorcyclists. From the twisting mountains views, to the flat meadows or the high desert near Pueblo, the state offers riders virtually every type of scenery or roadway imaginable.

Unsurprisingly, the popularity of motorcycles is surging in the state. According to data collected and provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), motorcycle registrations are up by more than 60 percent since the year 2000.

Yet, sadly, as motorcycle popularity continues to rise, so do motorcycle-related fatalities and serious injuries.

We need to make our roads safer for motorcyclists. As riding a motorcycle comes with some inherent risks, it is imperative that all bikers have a full understanding of the rules of the road so that they can operate their motorcycle in a safe manner.

Additionally, all drivers need to take care to watch out for bikers.

At McCormick & Murphy, P.C., we are committed to promoting highway safety. This starts with knowledge of and compliance with the law. Here, our Colorado Springs motorcycle accident attorneys highlight what all bikers need to know about Colorado’s motorcycle laws.

Bikers Must Follow All of the Standard Rules of the Road

First and foremost, it should be noted that motorcyclists are, for the most part, required to follow all of Colorado’s standard rules and regulations.

When you are on your bike, you should comply with all of the state’s general traffic laws.

Of course, Colorado does offer some opportunities for “off-roading”. Some laws do not apply when you are operating your bike off of the public roads.

That being said, regardless of where you are, you always have a legal obligation to operate your motorcycle in a reasonably safe manner.

Colorado’s Motorcycle-Specific Laws

While most laws that apply to full-sized vehicles also cover motorcycles, there are some unique motorcycle laws in Colorado that should also be addressed.

Lane Splitting is Unlawful

First, motorcycle lane splitting is unlawful in Colorado. Overtaking another vehicle in the same lane or riding between lanes is never allowed in the state.

This is true even if traffic is completely stalled. It is imperative that riders from out of state understand this rule, as some other jurisdictions do allow lane splitting.

Indeed, California, which holds nearly half of the total population of the western United States, allows motorcycle lane splitting.

Clinging is Unlawful

Motorcycle ‘clinging’ is also illegal in Colorado. Bikers may never grab onto any part of another car while moving on the state’s roadways.

Any type of towing or clinging is extremely dangerous and it should always be avoided. Beyond facing legal punishment, you will be putting your safety in jeopardy.

Motorcycle Lane Sharing (Co-Riding) is Allowed

It is important to note that motorcycle ‘co-riding’ is legally permissible in Colorado. This means that bikers are allowed to share one lane and ride side by side with another motorcycle. No more than two bikers should share one lane.

Of course, co-riding is by no means a requirement; motorcyclists always have the legal authority to control one entire lane just as any other full-sized automobile would be able to do.

Motorcycle Helmets are Not Required, With an Exception for Minors

Under Colorado law, motorcyclists are not legally required to wear a protective helmet.

However, there is an exception for riders (and passengers) who are under the age of eighteen. Anyone under the age of eighteen must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved safety helmet.

While Colorado does not legally require helmets for most riders, state officials want to make it clear that wearing a helmet is in the best interests of all motorcyclists. The safety benefits of motorcycle helmets are unquestioned. A helmet could save your life; please protect yourself.

Eye Protection is Mandatory

While motorcycle helmets are not required in Colorado, state law does mandate that all riders have valid eye protection when on a motorcycle. Eye protection can come in many different forms.

The most straightforward type of motorcycle eye protection is simply wearing a helmet. All DOT approved helmets are equipped with eye protection that meets Colorado’s minimum safety requirements.

Beyond wearing a helmet, a rider could also satisfy the state’s eye protection mandate by wearing an approved type of goggles or safety glasses.

Your Bike Must Meet Certain Safety Requirements

Finally, your motorcycle itself must meet certain minimally mandated safety standards to be allowed on the road. This regulation is similar to the one that all full-sized cars have to go through.

Your motorcycle must be properly registered and inspected. Further, you should have sufficient accident insurance as is mandated by Colorado law.

Beyond the standard requirements, there are also a few motorcycle-specific specifications that your bike needs to comply with to be allowed on state roads. Some of the most notable requirements are as follows:

  • Your motorcycle must be outfitted with a proper seat and proper footrests;
  • You must have at least one working headlight, along with working brake lights;
  • Your bike must have a muffler and it cannot make a sound louder than 86 decibels when fifty feet away from it;
  • At least one side mirror is required; and
  • If you are carrying a passenger, a proper passenger seat and footrest is required.

Finally, it should also be noted that Colorado police officers are legally permitted to pull over bikers to conduct random inspections.

As such, you should ensure that your motorcycle is in full legal compliance at all times. For more specific information regarding Colorado motorcycle law and bike specification regulations, please refer to the official Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook.

Were You Injured in a Colorado Motorcycle Accident?

We can Help. At McCormick & Murphy, P.C., our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers have helped many injured bikers obtain full and fair compensation for their losses. We are committed to protecting the legal rights and financial interests of motorcyclists.

To request a free, no obligation review of your accident claim, please call us today at (719) 249-0541. Our primary office is located in Colorado Springs and we also have meeting locations in Denver and Pueblo.

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Car Accident Injuries that Require Surgery

Car Accident Injuries That Require Surgery

Many car accident injuries require only rehabilitation, pain management, and compression. This is particularly true of mild soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and strains.

However, other car accident injuries require surgery to provide the injured motorist the best chance of making a full recovery.

Surgery brings its own complications, which accident victims must be aware of. In very bad situations, a victim could develop serious problems from surgery, which also require more medical treatment and extended breaks from work.  In addition surgeries almost always involve increased medical costs, which sometimes can be extremely high.

Many auto accident victims may not have the means to pay for these costs or don’t know how to arrange for payment of such costs and expenses.

Below, our Colorado car accident lawyers identify some injuries that might require surgery.

For a free consultation, please call (719) 249-0541 or send an online message today.

Fractures

When bones break, they must be aligned so that they can fuse back together properly. With some fractures, surgery is required to install a pin, screw, or plate to hold everything in place.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord runs through the vertebrae up the spinal column. Any traumatic accident can damage the spinal column, often causing injury to the intervertebral discs that separate the bony vertebrae and that when herniated can impinge on adjacent spinal nerves. In some instances the damaged discs and nerves may be so severe as to require surgery.

Bleeding in the Brain

Swelling in the brain can be deadly, if not treated quickly. The skull provides protection but also limits the ability of the brain to expand. Swelling can threaten to cut off the blood supply, and in some circumstances could require surgery. 

Knee And Shoulder Injuries

Whether by striking the dashboard of the car or being impacted by a seat belt, auto collisions can often result in serious injuries to knees and shoulders that could require surgery. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons must all work properly for shoulders and knees to work as intended. If you have suffered a shoulder or knee injury, then surgery might be necessary to reattach ligaments or perform other necessary surgical procedures. 

Surgical Costs

Surgery, depending on the type, can be extremely expensive.  Many accident victims often do not have any or sufficient insurance to pay for necessary surgeries. 

There are a number of options available however that an experienced car accident lawyer can help you with in order to obtain needed surgical procedures.

Contact Us Today for Help

Car accident victims who need surgery have high expenses and often must miss work.

Meet with an experienced Colorado auto accident attorney at McCormick & Murphy, P.C. to discuss your chances of bringing a lawsuit or insurance claim against the at-fault driver.

Call (719) 249-0541 or reach us online today for a free consultation.

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Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Common Slip And Fall Injuries

Many people assume auto crashes are the most common type of unintentional injuries, so you might be surprised to learn about the frequency and severity of slip and fall accidents. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 8.6 million people seek medical care in emergency rooms every year because of these incidents. Plus, unintentional falls are the number one reason for ED treatment in 8 out of 10 age groups. For victims, the most common slip and fall injuries can lead to agonizing injuries and pain; however, there are many other financial and emotional consequences that can affect your life.

Fortunately, Colorado law provides you with legal remedies after being hurt in a slip and fall accident.  It is important to discuss your options with a Colorado premises liability lawyer if you suffered any of these common slip and fall injuries or other harm from dangerous conditions on property.

Head Injuries

The immediate and long-term health issues related to concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other head injuries can be extreme. While the skull does protect the brain, it may not withstand a forceful impact, causing bleeding, hemorrhage, or even a penetrating brain injury. Depending on the area of the brain affected and the severity of the trauma, a victim could suffer permanent brain damage and substantial cognitive issues. 

Sprains and Strains

Falls can often result in stretching and tearing of various muscles and ligaments, resulting in what are referred to as “soft tissue” injuries.  These injuries can be severe and require months of therapy and other treatments.   

Broken Bones

A particularly hard fall could cause bone fractures, especially of your arms, hands, shoulders, ankles and legs.    

Spine and Neck Injuries

Your spine enables strength, movement, and flexibility for the rest of the body, so there are multiple consequences it bears the brunt of a fall. The effects generally relate to the section of the spine that sustains trauma; therefore:

  • Injuries that affect the lumbar region of the lower back could lead to reduced function in the legs and hips;
  • Trauma to the thoracic area, in the center of the spine, may cause organ dysfunction and weakness in the extremities; and,
  • A cervical spine injury, toward the upper back and neck and arms, can be one of the most serious forms of trauma. 

Contact a Colorado Slip and Fall Attorney to Discuss Your Options. If you were hurt in an accident that occurred because of property owner negligence, you will need experienced representation to assist with the claims process. For more information on how our team can help, please contact McCormick & Murphy right away. You can call 719-419-8510 or go online to set up a free consultation at our offices in Colorado Springs, Denver, or Pueblo, CO.

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Who to Call for Reckless Driving

Who To Call For Reckless Driving

It is common to observe motorists driving carelessly as they navigate traffic, but reckless driving takes things to the next level by significantly increasing the risk of serious harm in accidents. Though Colorado Department of Transportation data reveals that unsafe, intentional misconduct is a factor in just around six percent of all crashes the rates of serious injuries and fatalities are disproportionately high in reckless driving crashes. Because of the threats to and potential for severe harm, you probably want to know who to call for reckless driving if you see it.

The answer is relatively straightforward, as there are multiple law enforcement agencies you can notify. However, the situation is different if you were injured in a reckless driving collision. Under the circumstances, your first call after seeking medical care should be to a Colorado Springs reckless driving accidents lawyer. Some information about your legal options will help you understand why.

Contact Authorities About Reckless Driving

Instead of trying to reach a specific branch or government agency, the best way to address reckless driving when you see it is to call 911. Depending upon your location in Colorado, you may be dealing with:

  • The Colorado State Patrol;
  • Sheriff’s offices in Denver, El Paso, or Pueblo Counties;
  • Local police in the municipality where you see reckless driving; or,
  • Law enforcement personnel with jurisdiction over a college campus, state or national park, or other regions.

Call an Attorney if You Were Involved in a Reckless Driving Accident

Your first priority should be getting proper medical treatment, but make it a priority to reach out to a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer after being injured in a reckless driving crash. Your attorney can assist with the first stage of the legal process, which is usually filing a claim with the reckless motorist’s insurance company. Your reckless driving accident lawyer can also undertake a thorough investigation of the collision, including contacting and interviewing important eyewitnesses. In some cases, you may be able to settle to resolve your claim. In others, the insurer may contest the severity of your injuries or deny that its policyholder was at fault. Your lawyer will help with the next phase, since you may need to file a lawsuit in court to recover the monetary damages you deserve. You may be entitled to compensation for such losses as:

  • Your medical costs;
  • Lost wages;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Emotional distress; and,
  • Many others.

In addition, Colorado law allows victims of personal injury accidents to seek punitive damages when the incident involves willful or wanton conduct. It is possible that reckless driving could rise to this level, meaning you could obtain damages in excess of the amounts intended as compensation. The legal process is extremely complicated, so you should rely on your lawyer for help with punitive damages.

Consult with a Colorado Springs Reckless Driving Accident Attorney About Your Remedies

This overview should be helpful in describing the general legal concepts regarding reckless driving crashes, but it is no replacement for retaining an experienced lawyer to represent you. For more information about your options, please contact McCormick & Murphy at our offices in Colorado Springs, Denver, or Pueblo, CO. We can schedule a free case evaluation to review your situation and determine next steps.

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