When your loved one dies in a motor vehicle collision, you or select family members have the right to pursue the at-fault driver for damages. This is usually done through a Colorado Springs Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney.
Families who lose their main financial provider in an accident will need to recover compensation to help them secure their financial future. With the help of a Colorado Springs Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney, surviving family members may be eligible to seek damage recovery for losses like emergency response expenses, medical bills, funeral and burial costs, loss of future earnings, and pain and suffering.
Motor Vehicle Collision Deaths in Colorado
Motor vehicle collision deaths are any fatalities that involve motor vehicles, such as cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, and golf carts. Millions of lives are lost in the US every year to motor vehicle collision accidents. While some may die on the scene of the accident, others may tragically endure pain and suffering from accident injuries before passing away.
In 2022, Colorado had 745 traffic fatalities, which is the highest number in the state since 1981 (Colorado Department of Transportation). Moreover, a record number of pedestrians and motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle collisions. Just ten years ago, Colorado’s rate of motor vehicle collision deaths was 57% lower than 2022’s numbers.
Sadly, the surviving family members of deceased victims face immense emotional suffering. But they don’t have to struggle alone and should know that they can turn to trusted Colorado Springs Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorneys for help.
The death of a loved one is a traumatic experience, and no amount of money can amount to the pain of losing a life. It can feel overwhelming to process the grief of your deceased loved one while trying to figure out how to handle a legal proceeding. The good news is that you are not alone. Our team of Colorado Springs Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorneys want to help you. We will treat you with compassion and handle your case so you and your family can grieve your lost loved one.
Who Can File a Claim for a Motor Vehicle Collision Death in Colorado?
Colorado has specifications for certain family members that have a right to file a claim after their loved one dies in a motor vehicle collision. Surviving family members who have this right usually include:
- The deceased person’s spouse (husband or wife)
- If the victim does not have a surviving spouse, their parents may file a claim
- The deceased victim’s heirs or blood children
- The deceased victim’s estate
- Designated beneficiaries of the deceased victim
There is also a time limit for family members to take legal action, so it’s best to act as soon as possible. For example, Colorado allows two years from the date of the accident for surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit (Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-202).
If you do not take action within the two year deadline, you will lose your opportunity to obtain monetary damage recuperation for your loved one’s death. For this reason, it’s best to speak with a Colorado Springs Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney as soon as possible following a motor vehicle collision death.
Examples of Motor Vehicle Collision Deaths
Motor vehicle collision deaths often occur as a result of the at-fault driver’s recklessness or negligence. A few examples of negligence that lead to motor vehicle collision deaths include:
- Speeding that results in a high-speed crash, often occurring on highways. When a driver is traveling at a very high speed, they don’t have enough time to slow down and avoid a collision.
- Reckless drivers who make aggressive lane changes or pass illegally. Failure to use proper signals and disobeying traffic signals can cause fatal accidents like head on collisions. Another scenario is an impatient or distracted driver who turns at an intersection and collides with another car.
- Drunk drivers often lose control of their vehicle due to their slowed reaction times and impaired perception and abilities while intoxicated. They could veer into oncoming traffic or hit another car at a high speed while drunk.
- Overly fatigued or tired drivers are also a common culprit for motor vehicle collision deaths. These types of accidents are common with drivers who work long hours behind the wheel, such as commercial truck drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers, taxicab drivers, and delivery truck drivers. If a driver falls asleep behind the wheel, they can cause a fatal crash by going even faster into the collision since they are asleep.
- Any of the above types of drivers who hit a cyclist, pedestrian, or motorcyclist can also be held liable for a motor vehicle collision death.
Whatever the circumstances of the fatal car accident, you’ll want to be sure to consult expert Colorado Springs Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorneys who can help you understand all of your legal rights and options.
What Are My Options After a Motor Vehicle Collision Death?
The basis for any successful wrongful death claim is clearly establishing that the other driver was at fault and their negligence caused your loved one’s death. Since Colorado has fault-based insurance laws, the at-fault motorist’s insurance would be responsible for paying accident related expenses.
That said, an insurance claim might be a portion of your losses, but usually is not enough to fairly compensate you for everything you’ve been through. This is why it’s best to work with an experienced Colorado Springs Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney. Estimating the potential of a wrongful death or motor vehicle collision death claim is very difficult and requires the expertise of a legal professional who knows how to determine a fair value.
Here are a few different options you may have after losing a loved one in a Colorado motor vehicle collision death:
- Accept a settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, which is usually an offer much lower than you deserve.
- Negotiate a better offer
- File a wrongful death lawsuit or take other legal action to pursue monetary damage compensation.
Working with a Colorado Springs Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney will ensure you don’t settle for less than what you deserve and can secure a better financial future for you and your family.
How Much Is My Motor Vehicle Collision Death Claim Worth?
After losing your loved one in a motor vehicle collision, you may have a staggering financial burden. Not only do you have to pay for accident related expenses, but you now have to anticipate additional financial losses due to your deceased loved one.
You must consider many factors when determining the value of a wrongful death claim. However, insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. The best thing to do is consult a knowledgeable Colorado Springs Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney who can assess your case and determine what damages you are eligible to claim and come up with a fair value for your claim.
Some possible damages you may qualify for as the surviving family member include:
- Medical care your loved one required before their death
- The cost to replace or repair your loved one’s motor vehicle
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost future income due to your loved one’s death, which they would have earned if they were alive.
- Pain and suffering if your loved one experienced any before their death
- Your pain and suffering from losing your loved one.
There is no price tag for a person’s life and we know that your case is more than just about money. It’s about seeking justice and holding the negligent party accountable for the accident that killed your loved one. That’s why you need a compassionate and committed Colorado Springs Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney on your side who is willing to fight on your behalf.
Speak With an Experienced Colorado Springs Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney Today
Your family has probably suffered enough. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you will pay for all the bills and the stress of financial burdens after your loved one’s death. That’s why we want to help you. Let us do what we do best by handing your case to you so you can grieve. We will aggressively deal with insurance companies and anyone else who stands in our way of protecting your rights. Most importantly, we put your best interests first.
Call us today for a free initial case evaluation.
