A car accident can leave you with medical bills, a lack of paychecks, and a long road to recovery. If you were partially at fault, you might think getting compensation is impossible. In Colorado, that’s not the case. State law allows injured drivers to recover damages even if they share some blame. However, insurance companies often use partial fault to reduce payouts. To preserve your legal rights and fight for a fair settlement, contact a Denver car accident lawyer from Paul Wilkinson Law.
How Colorado’s Comparative Negligence Law Impacts Your Claim
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule and it affects how much compensation an injured person can recover. If you are less than 50% responsible for an accident, you can still receive compensation. This means the percentage of fault assigned to you will reduce your total award. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you will only receive $80,000.
The key issue in these cases is proving fault percentages. Insurance companies will try to push more blame onto you to minimize their payout. An experienced legal advocate can counter these tactics and ensure a fair assessment of liability.
Common Causes of Accidents in Denver Where Fault Is Shared
Many crashes involve more than one responsible party. Some situations where partial fault is common include:
- Left-turn collisions: A driver turning left at intersections like Colfax and Colorado Boulevard may be at fault, but the other driver’s speed could also be a factor.
- Rear-end crashes: The driver in front may have stopped suddenly on I-25, but the driver behind them may have been following too closely.
- Lane-change accidents: A driver merging on Peña Boulevard could be partially at fault if they failed to signal, but the other driver may have been speeding.
- Multi-vehicle pileups: Chain-reaction crashes on highways like I-70 often involve multiple at-fault drivers.
- Distracted driving incidents: Even if one driver was texting, another may have been negligent in failing to avoid the crash.
Understanding these shared-fault scenarios is critical in proving that you still deserve compensation.
Why Insurance Companies Will Try to Reduce Your Settlement
Insurance companies have one goal: pay as little as possible. When you are partially at fault, they have an excuse to lower their payout. Adjusters will use several tactics to weaken your claim, including:
- Blaming you for more than 50% of the crash: If they succeed, you get nothing.
- Arguing pre-existing injuries: They may claim your injuries were not caused by the accident.
- Using recorded statements against you: They might twist your words to suggest greater fault.
- Offering quick, lowball settlements: They hope you accept before realizing the full value of your case.
A seasoned attorney knows how to effectively counter these tactics and demand the settlement you truly deserve.
How a Denver Car Accident Lawyer Can Maximize Your Compensation
Having a legal professional on your side makes a major difference in your financial recovery. Your lawyer will:
- Gather strong evidence: Accident reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements help establish fault.
- Work with experts: Medical and accident reconstruction specialists can prove the extent of your injuries and clarify liability.
- Negotiate with insurers: A lawyer will push back against unfair blame and fight for a fair settlement.
- Take your case to court if needed: If insurers refuse to offer a reasonable payout, your attorney can present your case before a judge.
Without solid legal representation, you risk leaving money on the table or even losing your chance at compensation entirely.
Speak With a Denver Car Accident Lawyer Today
Being partly responsible for an accident does not mean you should accept financial hardship. You still have rights, and you deserve fair compensation for your injuries. The key is building a strong case and refusing to let insurance companies take advantage of you. If you were injured in a crash anywhere in Denver, including on Federal Boulevard, Speer Boulevard, or near the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, don’t wait to get help. Contact a trusted Denver car accident lawyer today to discuss your case and take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.
