Member of the Colorado Bar Association since 2014. Attorney, Christopher M. Nicolaysen focuses primarily on helping those injured in Colorado car accidents, other auto accidents, and Colorado personal injury incidents.
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and attorneys at Springs Law Group and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced Colorado personal injury lawyer, Christopher Nicolaysen, you can do so here.
Springs Law Group does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.
A Fort Carson car accident lawyer from Springs Law Group can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation on behalf of accident victims.
Colorado has specific laws related to auto insurance requirements, proving negligence, and damages that can be claimed, which an experienced local attorney understands.
Car accidents in Fort Carson can result in severe injuries like concussions, spinal cord damage, and whiplash, making it crucial to have legal representation to ensure proper medical care and financial recovery.
Were you injured in a car accident in Fort Carson, Colorado?
Contact an experienced Fort Carson car accident lawyer from Springs Law Group at (719) 300-7554 if you have been injured in a car accident in Fort Carson, Colorado (CO) at no fault of your own.
You can also use our website chat for a free instant case evaluation.
An experienced car accident attorney from our law firm will manage all aspects of your car accident claim, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies, to advocating for your rights and recovering compensation.
On this page, we’ll discuss the role of a Fort Carson car accident lawyer, how experienced legal representation can help car accident victims seek compensation for their serious injuries, the legal process for car accident claims in Colorado, and much more.
Car accidents disrupt the lives of Coloradans every day, leaving victims to face physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected financial burdens.
From mounting medical bills to vehicle repair costs and lost income, the aftermath of an accident can feel overwhelming.
At Springs Law Group, our experienced car accident attorneys focus on helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
We investigate every detail of your case and advocate for your rights at every step.
Our team is committed to handling the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
With a results-driven approach, the Auto Accident Attorneys at Springs Law Group fight for the best possible outcome for every client we represent.
Call our Fort Carson car accident lawyers today at (719) 300-7554.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, you may be eligible to file a car accident claim and seek compensation.
Contact the Fort Carson auto accident lawyers at Springs Law Group today for a free consultation.
You can also use the chat feature on this page for a free case evaluation to find out if you qualify for a car accident claim instantly.
Car crash victims often face painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of lost income.
Insurance adjusters frequently deny or delay claims, making it even harder for victims to recover financially.
Our Fort Carson Personal Injury Law Firm can protect your rights, push back against these tactics, and work to secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Reach out to us today if this situation sounds familiar and you need a trusted advocate to help you.
The Fort Carson car accident lawyers at Springs Law Group handle a wide range of personal injury and motor vehicle accident claims.
Whether your injuries stem from a distracted driver, a collision with a commercial truck, or a complex insurance dispute, our legal team has the experience to help.
We represent injured clients across many types of car accidents, from minor crashes to severe and life-altering incidents.
No matter the circumstances, we can help you determine fault, assess your damages, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Some of the car accident claims our Fort Carson personal injury attorneys can help you with include (but are not limited to):
Call Springs Law Group at (719) 300-7554 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation if your case may not be included in this list of practice areas our Fort Carson personal injury lawyers handle.
Our firm is committed to standing by your side, advocating for your interests, and securing the financial recovery you need to rebuild.
When the unexpected happens, trust the Fort Carson car accident lawyers at Springs Law Group to deliver the legal representation you deserve.
Recent motor vehicle accident settlements won by Springs Law Group on behalf of our clients in Colorado include awards for:
Each case is unique, and past results cannot guarantee future outcomes.
However, these settlements demonstrate Springs Law Group’s commitment to fighting for the financial recovery our clients deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a Fort Carson auto accident, call us at (719) 300-7554 for a free consultation.
The car accident claims process in Colorado involves several steps, starting with immediate actions at the accident scene and extending through filing insurance claims, negotiating settlements, and potentially pursuing litigation.
Understanding this process can help victims protect their rights and secure fair compensation.
After a car accident, the first priority is ensuring everyone’s safety and seeking medical attention for injuries.
Colorado law requires drivers involved in accidents to remain at the scene, exchange information, and report the accident to police if injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceed $1,000.
Documenting the scene with photos, gathering witness contact information, and obtaining a copy of the police report are critical for building your claim.
Colorado follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance typically covers damages.
You’ll need to file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company, providing evidence of the accident, your injuries, and damages.
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts, so having legal representation during this process can protect your interests.
Establishing fault is critical in Colorado car accident cases.
This involves proving the other driver was negligent through evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction.
Colorado’s modified comparative fault rule means that if you’re found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Damages in car accident cases include both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future medical costs.
Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
An experienced attorney can accurately assess the full value of your claim.
Most car accident claims resolve through settlement negotiations rather than trial.
Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
If negotiations fail to produce an acceptable offer, your case may proceed to litigation.
If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit.
This involves presenting your case in court, where a judge or jury will determine fault and award damages.
Having skilled legal representation is essential for navigating the complexities of litigation.
Colorado requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage to operate a vehicle legally.
Understanding these requirements and how they affect your car accident claim is essential for protecting your rights.
Colorado mandates the following minimum coverage:
These minimums often fall short of covering serious accident damages, which is why many drivers purchase additional coverage.
While not required, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is highly recommended.
This coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver without insurance or whose insurance is insufficient to cover your damages.
Given that approximately 13% of Colorado drivers are uninsured, this coverage can be invaluable.
Medical payments coverage (MedPay) is optional but beneficial coverage that pays for medical expenses regardless of fault.
This can help cover immediate medical costs while your claim is being processed.
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-altering disabilities.
Understanding common car accident injuries can help victims recognize the importance of seeking immediate medical attention and legal representation.
Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, can occur even in seemingly minor accidents.
Symptoms may not appear immediately and can include headaches, confusion, memory problems, and personality changes.
TBIs can have long-lasting effects requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering a victim’s life.
These injuries often require lifelong medical care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.
The financial and emotional toll of spinal cord injuries makes securing adequate compensation critical.
Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries, particularly in rear-end collisions.
While often dismissed as minor, whiplash can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term complications.
Other soft tissue injuries affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons can also result in prolonged pain and disability.
The force of a car accident can easily break bones, with common fractures occurring in the ribs, arms, legs, and pelvis.
These injuries may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended time off work for recovery.
Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding, can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
These injuries may not be immediately apparent, highlighting the importance of seeking medical evaluation after any accident.
The emotional impact of a car accident shouldn’t be overlooked.
Many victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and fear of driving.
These psychological injuries are compensable and should be included in your claim.
Selecting the right attorney can make the difference between a fair settlement and inadequate compensation.
Springs Law Group brings extensive experience, proven results, and personalized attention to every car accident case we handle.
Our attorneys have deep knowledge of Colorado traffic laws, local courts, and insurance company tactics.
We understand the unique challenges Fort Carson residents face and how to navigate the legal system effectively on your behalf.
With numerous successful settlements and verdicts, Springs Law Group has demonstrated our ability to secure substantial compensation for car accident victims.
Our results speak to our commitment to fighting for every dollar our clients deserve.
We treat every client as an individual, not a case number.
Your attorney will take time to understand your specific situation, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout the process.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
This ensures that quality legal representation is accessible regardless of your financial situation.
From investigating your accident to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary, we handle every aspect of your claim.
This allows you to focus on recovery while we fight for your rights.
After ensuring everyone’s safety and calling 911 if needed, you should document the scene with photos, exchange information with other drivers, gather witness contacts, and seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor.
Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident details with insurance companies before consulting an attorney.
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly, but be cautious about providing recorded statements without legal guidance.
Keep all medical records, receipts, and documentation related to the accident.
Contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your case.
The value of your car accident case depends on multiple factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and the impact on your quality of life.
Cases involving permanent disabilities, extensive medical treatment, or significant pain and suffering typically result in higher compensation.
Your percentage of fault, if any, will also affect the final amount.
Insurance policy limits and the at-fault driver’s assets may cap potential recovery.
An experienced attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances and provide a realistic estimate of your case value.
Even seemingly minor accidents can result in injuries that worsen over time or hidden vehicle damage.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially for unrepresented victims.
An attorney can ensure all your damages are properly documented and valued, including future medical costs and lost wages.
Legal representation levels the playing field with insurance companies and their teams of adjusters and lawyers.
Most car accident attorneys offer free consultations, making it risk-free to explore your options.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still have options for recovery.
Your uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it, can compensate you for injuries and damages.
You might also pursue a lawsuit against the uninsured driver personally, though collecting damages can be challenging.
Colorado’s Victims Compensation Fund may provide limited assistance in certain circumstances.
An attorney can explore all available avenues for compensation and advise on the best strategy for your situation.
The timeline for resolving a car accident case varies significantly based on factors like injury severity, liability disputes, and insurance company cooperation.
Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries might settle within a few months.
Complex cases involving serious injuries, multiple parties, or disputed fault can take a year or more.
If your case goes to trial, the process typically extends to 18-24 months or longer.
Your attorney can provide a more accurate timeline based on your specific circumstances.
Colorado’s modified comparative fault rule allows you to recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault.
Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault – for example, if you’re 30% at fault for a $100,000 claim, you’d receive $70,000.
Insurance companies often exaggerate victims’ fault to reduce payouts.
An experienced attorney can challenge fault determinations and minimize your assigned percentage.
Even if you believe you were partially at fault, you may still have a valid claim worth pursuing.
Yes, many car accident injuries don’t manifest symptoms immediately due to adrenaline and shock.
Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and internal injuries can take days or weeks to become apparent.
This is why seeking medical evaluation promptly after an accident is crucial, even without immediate pain.
Document any delayed symptoms and seek medical attention as soon as they appear.
Insurance companies may try to use delayed symptoms against you, making legal representation important.
Strong evidence includes police reports, photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage, witness statements, medical records and bills, and proof of lost wages.
Traffic camera footage, cell phone records (for distracted driving cases), and vehicle black box data can also be valuable.
Keep a journal documenting your injuries, pain levels, and how the accident affects your daily life.
Preserve all physical evidence, including damaged personal property and clothing.
Your attorney can help gather additional evidence through discovery and accident reconstruction experts if needed.
Most car accident cases (approximately 95%) settle out of court through negotiations.
Cases typically go to trial only when liability is strongly disputed, damages are substantial, or insurance companies refuse reasonable settlements.
Your attorney will prepare your case for trial while working toward a fair settlement.
The decision to go to trial is ultimately yours, with your attorney’s guidance on risks and benefits.
Having an attorney willing and able to go to trial often motivates better settlement offers.
Most car accident attorneys, including Springs Law Group, work on a contingency fee basis.
This means you pay no attorney fees unless your case results in a settlement or verdict.
Contingency fees typically range from 33% to 40% of your recovery, depending on case complexity and whether it goes to trial.
Case expenses like filing fees, expert witnesses, and medical records may be advanced by your attorney and reimbursed from your settlement.
Always discuss fee structures clearly during your initial consultation.
Insurance claim denials can be challenged through appeals, providing additional evidence, or filing a lawsuit.
Common reasons for denial include coverage disputes, liability questions, or alleged policy violations.
An attorney can review the denial, identify weaknesses in the insurance company’s position, and develop a strategy to overturn it.
Bad faith insurance practices may entitle you to additional damages beyond your original claim.
Never accept a denial as final without consulting an experienced car accident attorney.
While you have the right to handle your own claim, statistics show that represented victims typically receive 3.5 times more compensation than those without attorneys.
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts.
Complex legal procedures, evidence requirements, and negotiation tactics can be overwhelming for non-lawyers.
Mistakes in handling your claim can permanently reduce or eliminate your compensation.
Most attorneys offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in at least exploring your options with professional guidance.
Settlements provide guaranteed compensation, faster resolution, lower costs, and privacy, but may result in less money than a favorable trial verdict.
Trials offer the potential for higher awards and public vindication but involve risk, longer timelines, higher costs, and no guaranteed outcome.
Your attorney will advise on which option best serves your interests based on case strength and circumstances.
Settlement negotiations can continue even after a lawsuit is filed.
The choice between settling and trial should be made with full understanding of risks and benefits.
A valid claim typically requires proving another driver’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries.
You must have suffered actual damages – medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering.
The accident must have occurred within Colorado’s statute of limitations (generally three years).
Even complex situations involving multiple parties or disputed fault may constitute valid claims.
The best way to determine claim validity is consulting with an experienced car accident attorney who can evaluate your specific circumstances.
Many healthcare providers offer treatment on a lien basis, meaning they wait for payment from your settlement.
Your attorney can help arrange medical care through their network of providers.
Medical payments coverage (MedPay) or health insurance can cover immediate treatment costs.
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, if available, provides no-fault medical benefits.
Never delay necessary medical treatment due to cost concerns, as this can harm both your health and your claim.
Springs Law Group combines extensive local experience with a track record of substantial settlements and verdicts.
We provide personalized attention, treating each client as an individual rather than a case number.
Our attorneys are accessible and responsive, keeping you informed throughout your case.
We have the resources to thoroughly investigate accidents and stand up to insurance companies.
With Springs Law Group, you can trust that we are fully invested in securing the compensation you deserve.
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally three years from the date of the accident.
This means you must initiate legal action within that timeframe, or you risk losing the right to pursue compensation.
However, some exceptions may shorten or extend this period.
For example, if the accident involves a government vehicle or entity, you may need to file a notice of claim within 180 days.
It’s critical to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed on time and all procedural requirements are met.
A car accident attorney handles all aspects of your case to help you secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
This includes investigating the accident, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, representing you in court.
Attorneys also assess the value of your claim by considering factors such as medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
An experienced car accident lawyer will protect your rights by pushing back against insurance tactics designed to minimize payouts.
Hiring a skilled lawyer ensures you have an advocate who is fully focused on achieving the best outcome for your case.
Victims of car accidents in Colorado may be entitled to several types of compensation, known as damages.
These include economic damages, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages address the emotional and physical toll of the accident, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish particularly reckless behavior, like drunk driving.
Colorado’s modified comparative fault rule may impact your compensation if you are partially at fault, so it’s important to work with a lawyer who can accurately evaluate and present your claim.
Colorado follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident.
For instance, if you are deemed 20% at fault, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%.
However, if you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
Insurance companies often use this rule to argue for higher fault percentages to lower payouts, making it crucial to have an experienced car accident attorney on your side.
Your lawyer will work to minimize your share of fault by presenting strong evidence and countering the insurer’s claims.
A driver is considered negligent when they fail to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle, resulting in harm to others.
Negligence can take many forms, including violating traffic laws, engaging in reckless or distracted behavior, or failing to account for road and weather conditions.
Common examples of negligent driving include speeding, running red lights, texting while driving, failing to yield, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or following another vehicle too closely.
In legal terms, proving negligence requires showing four key elements:
If a driver’s actions deviate from what a reasonable person would do in similar circumstances, they can be considered negligent and held liable for damages.
An experienced car accident attorney can help gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to establish negligence and strengthen your case.
In Colorado, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit for a fatal car accident is governed by the state’s Wrongful Death Act, which outlines who can bring a claim and when.
The law prioritizes certain family members based on their relationship to the deceased and the timeline following the accident.
Other considerations for wrongful death claims:
Wrongful death lawsuits aim to provide financial support for the surviving family members and hold the at-fault party accountable.
Consulting with an experienced attorney can help clarify your rights and ensure all legal deadlines are met.
Partner
Attorney, Christopher M. Nicolaysen focuses primarily on helping those injured in car accidents due to no fault of their own.
The personal injury matters include auto accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and trucking accidents.
Chris truly enjoys helping clients through a difficult time and helping them get the compensation they deserve.
We use reviews to help show more people like you why we do what we do!
I was uneasy about reaching out to a law firm after being in an accident that left me injured and my vehicle totaled. I don’t care for the idea of suing for what was very clearly an accident. However, after learning more about the overall process of working with a professional team to navigate the murky waters of the insurance world, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the experience wasn’t as gross as I’d originally felt about it.
Springs Law is very friendly and professional. I always felt that they were on my side and cared about my injury and what I was going through. I highly recommend them.
Springs Law Group is an amazing group to work with! I got into a rough accident, and they never ceased to let me know they were there working hard to help me in my hour of need. It was always very easy to reach out to someone if I had any questions, and they were always happy to answer any questions I had.
I never have a problem with getting a response when I need them – which is not the case with most other firms. They really truly care about each client. As a plus, they always have positive attitudes, which matters tremendously when you are in a stressful legal situation.
Big thanks to Mr. Jake Kimbell and his team for their assistance with my case. He helped me through an incredibly challenging part of my life, and most importantly helped navigate through the convoluted legal channels of my case. I cannot thank him and his team enough for their support.
The entire team at Springs Law group has been nothing but amazing. Jake and the rest of the staff were great to work with and extremely professional. They were very attentive and answered any questions and concerns I had. I was always able to contact them and they were very responsive and communicated with me.
Springs Law Group is an amazing group to work with! I got into a rough accident, and they never ceased to let me know they were there working hard to help me in my hour of need. It was always very easy to reach out to someone if I had any questions, and they were always happy to answer any questions I had.
