Durango Car Accident Lawyer

A serious car accident can happen in seconds, but its consequences can last months or years. Injured drivers and passengers may face emergency treatment, ongoing medical care, missed work, vehicle damage, and difficult conversations with insurance companies.

At Brasure Law Firm, our Durango car accident lawyers represent people injured because of another driver’s negligence. From our Durango office, we serve clients throughout La Plata County and Southwest Colorado.

Car Accidents in Durango and Southwest Colorado

Driving in Southwest Colorado presents conditions that can be very different from those in larger metropolitan areas.

Drivers in and around Durango regularly travel routes such as U.S. Highway 550 and U.S. Highway 160, where local traffic can mix with commercial vehicles, tourists, motorcycles, and drivers traveling longer distances through the region.

Weather can also change road conditions quickly. Snow, ice, reduced visibility, mountain terrain, wildlife, and unfamiliar drivers can contribute to serious collisions.

Regardless of where an accident occurs, determining why it happened is an important part of establishing responsibility.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Our attorneys investigate crashes involving issues such as:

Distracted driving
Speeding
Failure to yield
Unsafe lane changes
Following too closely
Impaired driving
Fatigued driving
Dangerous passing
Driving too fast for weather or road conditions

More than one factor may contribute to a collision, which is why a careful investigation can be important.

Injuries Following Car Accidents

Motor vehicle collisions can cause:

Head and brain injuries
Neck and back injuries
Broken bones
Spinal injuries
Internal injuries
Soft-tissue injuries
Permanent impairment
Psychological trauma

Some injuries may not be immediately apparent following a collision. Seeking appropriate medical attention can protect both your health and documentation of your injuries.

What Can a Car Accident Claim Include?

Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may seek compensation for medical expenses, future treatment, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.

Serious injury cases require looking beyond today’s medical bills. Future treatment, rehabilitation, disability, and the long-term effect of an injury may also need to be considered.

What If the Insurance Company Contacts Me?

An insurance adjuster may contact you soon after an accident.

Remember that the insurance company is evaluating the claim on behalf of its insured and its own financial interests. You should be cautious about giving recorded statements or accepting an early settlement before understanding your injuries and legal rights.

Brasure Law Firm can handle communications with insurers while investigating the accident and evaluating your damages.

What to Do After a Durango Car Accident

After a collision:

Call emergency services when appropriate.
Obtain medical attention.
Exchange information with the other driver.
Photograph vehicles, injuries, and the accident scene when safely possible.
Obtain information from witnesses.
Preserve medical records and accident-related expenses.
Report the accident as required.
Consider speaking with an attorney before resolving the claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I was partly responsible for my Durango car accident?

Colorado uses comparative negligence principles. Your percentage of responsibility can affect your ability to recover compensation and the amount recovered. The facts of the collision should be carefully evaluated before assuming that you cannot pursue a claim.

What if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance?

Additional sources of insurance coverage may sometimes be available depending on your policy and the circumstances of the accident. An attorney can review the available coverage.

Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?

You should be careful when providing statements concerning the accident or your injuries. You have the right to consult an attorney before deciding how to respond.