Car Accident Lawyer Colorado Springs – Choosing Representation After a Serious Crash
A serious car accident in Colorado Springs can change your life in seconds, and finding the right car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs is crucial. Between mounting medical bills, lost income, and aggressive insurance adjusters, injured drivers and passengers often feel overwhelmed before they even begin to think about their legal rights. Johnston Law Firm, LLC is based in Pueblo, Colorado, and represents car accident victims throughout Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and communities across Southern Colorado in serious injury and wrongful death cases.
This page explains your legal options after a car accident in Colorado Springs, what to expect from the claims process, and how a car accident lawyer can help you recover compensation. It is intended for anyone injured in a Colorado Springs car crash seeking guidance on their rights and next steps. Understanding your options and the importance of legal representation after a crash can make a significant difference in your recovery and financial future.
If you or someone close to you has suffered injuries in a Colorado Springs car crash, attorney Steve Johnston is ready to help. Call (719) 309-9484 or message us online for a free consultation about your car accident claim.
Key Takeaways
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Johnston Law Firm, LLC is a Pueblo-based law firm that routinely handles Colorado Springs car accident cases across El Paso County and throughout Colorado, offering free consultations and contingency fee basis representation so you pay nothing unless the firm recovers compensation for you.
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Colorado is an at-fault state with a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
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Colorado has a three-year statute of limitations for most motor vehicle injury claims and a two-year deadline for wrongful death actions. Missing these deadlines can destroy an otherwise valid case, making early legal help critical.
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Johnston Law Firm handles auto accident, personal injury, workers' compensation, and Social Security disability issues under one roof, giving injured people a single team for the entire legal process rather than juggling multiple attorneys.
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Most personal injury cases and car accident claims settle without going to trial. However, Steve Johnston is an experienced trial lawyer with more than two decades of courtroom experience, prepared to take your case before a judge and jury if the insurance company refuses a fair offer.
Why Contact a Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyer Right Away?
A Colorado Springs car accident is overwhelming on every level. You may be dealing with serious injuries, emergency treatment, lost wages from missed work, and relentless phone calls from insurance adjusters, all while trying to figure out what comes next. You do not have to manage this alone.
Because Colorado is an at-fault state for car insurance claims, fault must be established before the responsible driver's insurer will pay for your harms and losses. Early legal representation can significantly affect the outcome of a car accident claim by protecting crucial evidence. Skid marks fade, witnesses move, surveillance footage gets overwritten, and medical documentation becomes harder to connect to the crash the longer you wait.
Insurance companies often attempt quick, low settlements or look for statements that shift blame. A dedicated car accident attorney acts as a buffer between you and the insurer, handling communications and protecting your rights while preventing recorded-statement traps and premature settlement offers that do not account for the full scope of your injuries.
Ready to protect your rights? Call Johnston Law Firm at (719) 309-9484 or reach out online for a free case review within days of a crash in Colorado Springs or nearby communities. The sooner you seek legal advice after a crash, the stronger your position.
Johnston Law Firm, LLC: Who We Are and How We Help
Stephen M. (Steve) Johnston is the founder of Johnston Law Firm, LLC and a Pueblo-based trial lawyer with more than two decades of experience practicing in Colorado and Wyoming courts and administrative agencies. Colorado attorneys are licensed through the Colorado Supreme Court, and Steve is also admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the Districts of Colorado and Wyoming and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
The firm's six key practice areas are:
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Workers' compensation
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Estate planning
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Criminal law
These practice areas frequently overlap in serious car accident cases, for example, when an automobile accident happens during the course of employment or results in permanent disability.
Although the office is in Pueblo, Johnston Law Firm routinely represents clients after Colorado Springs car accidents and across El Paso, Otero, Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Crowley Counties. Johnston Law Firm is a personal injury law firm handling auto accident and most personal injury law matters, with direct access to Steve, a small and responsive team, free consultations, and contingency-fee representation.
Car Accident Compensation in Colorado Springs
Economic damages include medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages cover pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Victims of Colorado Springs car accidents can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses caused by someone else's negligence. An experienced personal injury attorney ensures all potential damages are considered in claims so nothing is left on the table.
Economic Damages
Economic damages typically include:
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Emergency room care and hospitalization at facilities like UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central
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Follow-up medical treatment, physical therapy, and prescriptions
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Future medical expenses for ongoing or anticipated care
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Vehicle repair or replacement and other property damage for vehicle and belongings
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Lost wages and lost income from missed work
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Reduced earning capacity due to permanent impairment
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover:
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress, including PTSD and anxiety
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Loss of consortium for spouses in serious injury and wrongful death cases
Personal injury cases can involve economic and non-economic damages, and sometimes punitive damages may apply in cases of reckless conduct, such as extreme DUI crashes.
Colorado places a statutory cap on non-economic damages - currently $1.5 million for most personal injury claims and $2.125 million for wrongful death claims as of January 1, 2025, under HB 24-1472. There is no cap on economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. Steve Johnston evaluates every category of damage in your case to pursue maximum compensation.
Understanding Colorado Car Accident Law
The legal rules for car accident claims in Colorado Springs are set by Colorado personal injury law and specific motor vehicle statutes. Understanding these rules is essential for anyone pursuing a personal injury claim after a crash.
At-Fault System
Colorado is an at-fault state for car insurance claims. At-fault system. Colorado is an at-fault state. When a car accident caused by another driver's negligence leads to injury or financial loss, proving fault is central to compensation from that driver or their insurer. This means establishing fault is the foundation of every car accident case.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Modified comparative negligence. Under CRS § 13-21-111, Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. Insurance companies routinely exaggerate a claimant's fault to reduce or eliminate payouts.
Statute of Limitations
Statute of limitations. Under CRS § 13-80-101, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within three years of the accident. For wrongful death actions, the deadline is two years in most cases. Missing either deadline typically bars the claim entirely.
Mandatory Insurance Minimums
Mandatory insurance minimums. Colorado law requires drivers to carry at least:
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Coverage Type |
Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
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Bodily injury per person |
$25,000 |
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Bodily injury per accident |
$50,000 |
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Property damage liability |
$15,000 |
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Uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Colorado, though insurers must offer it. Many drivers decline it - a decision that can leave accident victims with limited recovery options when the at fault driver has no coverage. |
Common Causes of Colorado Springs Car Accidents
Colorado Springs sees a high volume of collisions on major corridors. Data covering January 2023 through mid-2026 shows approximately 24,091 total crashes in Colorado Springs, including 194 fatalities and nearly 11,962 injuries.
High-risk roads include I-25, Powers Boulevard, Academy Boulevard, and Nevada Avenue, along with rural connectors between Pueblo and Colorado Springs like Highway 50. These corridors also see truck accidents, which often increase crash severity because of vehicle size and force.
Frequent causes of motor vehicle accidents include:
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Speeding - the most common cause of traffic fatalities in Colorado Springs
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Distracted driving - a leading factor in collisions nationwide, including phone use and in-car electronics
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Impaired driving - alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs accounted for roughly 26% of fatal accidents in Colorado Springs
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Aggressive driving - tailgating, aggressive lane changes, failure to yield, and running red lights
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Fatigued driving - particularly among commuters traveling long distances
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Vehicle malfunctions - brake failures, tire blowouts, and other maintenance issues can contribute to car accidents in Colorado Springs
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Poor road design - inadequate signage, confusing intersections, and construction zones can lead to increased accident rates
Part of a car accident lawyer's role is to investigate the root cause of the collision to identify every potentially responsible party and every available insurance policy.
Serious Injuries and Wrongful Death After an Auto Accident
Johnston Law Firm often steps in after an auto accident causes severe injuries or wrongful death serious enough to disrupt work, family life, and long-term health. Car accident injuries range widely, but the cases that benefit most from experienced legal representation involve:
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
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Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
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Multiple fractures and crush injuries
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Internal organ damage
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Severe whiplash, herniated discs, and back injuries
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Disfiguring scars or burns
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Catastrophic or permanent injuries requiring lifelong care
Wrongful death cases in Colorado Springs may involve complex damage calculations for loss of future income, benefits, and the non-economic losses suffered by surviving family members.
Steve Johnston's broader experience in workers' compensation and Social Security disability is especially valuable when crashes intersect with on-the-job driving or result in permanent disability. Having one attorney who understands all three systems prevents gaps in coverage and maximizes total recovery.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Colorado Springs Car Accident
What you do in the first minutes, hours, and days after a car crash can significantly impact your car accident claim. These steps protect both your health and your legal rights:
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Call the police to report the accident immediately. A Colorado Springs Police Department or Colorado State Patrol report creates an official record of the crash. Police reports and witness statements gathered at the scene become foundational evidence.
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Seek medical attention even for minor injuries. Many serious conditions - including brain trauma and internal bleeding - do not produce obvious symptoms right away. Early medical records link your injuries to the crash.
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Collect information from all drivers involved in the accident. Get names, phone numbers, insurance details, license plate numbers, and driver's license numbers.
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Document the accident scene with photos and videos. Capture vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road signs.
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Gather evidence from witnesses. Write down witness names and phone numbers before they leave.
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Do not admit fault or sign documents without legal advice. Even a casual apology can be used against you by insurance adjusters later.
Follow through with every recommended medical treatment. Gaps in care can be used by the insurance company to argue your injuries are not as severe as claimed.
Contact Johnston Law Firm quickly at (719) 309-9484 or via the online contact form before speaking with the other driver's insurer.
The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer in Your Case
A Colorado Springs car accident lawyer handles both legal strategy and many of the day-to-day burdens of a claim so the injured person can focus on healing. Qualified personal injury lawyers and auto accident attorneys manage the claim from the initial investigation through final resolution.
Core tasks include:
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Investigating the crash and gathering evidence to support your claim
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Preserving physical evidence, digital records, and witness testimony
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Dealing with insurance companies and tracking all communications
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Monitoring your medical treatment and coordinating documentation of bills, records, and prognosis
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Evaluating the full value of the car accident claim, including future medical care, long-term limitations, and potential impacts on employment
An experienced attorney does not just look at current costs. They project future medical expenses, calculate reduced earning capacity, and account for the physical or emotional injury that may persist for years. Steve Johnston represents clients in settlement negotiations, mediation, and, when necessary, in trial and appeals in Colorado courts.
How Johnston Law Firm Builds a Strong Colorado Springs Car Accident Claim
Johnston Law Firm takes a methodical, evidence-driven approach to car accident cases arising in and around Colorado Springs.
Investigation steps include:
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Obtaining Colorado Springs Police Department or Colorado State Patrol crash reports
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Interviewing witnesses and preserving their statements
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Analyzing vehicle damage, black-box data, and dash cam footage
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Consulting accident reconstruction experts in high-speed, multi-vehicle, or fatality cases
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Case investigation includes collecting police reports and witness statements from every available source
Medical coordination:
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Working with treating physicians and specialists to document diagnosis, treatment plans, prognosis, and permanent impairment ratings
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Ensuring medical records clearly establish the causal link between the crash and every injury claimed
Insurance review:
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Reviewing all available insurance policies - liability, UM/UIM, medical payments coverage - to identify every source of recovery
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Evaluating the at fault driver's policy limits and exploring additional avenues such as employer liability or vehicle owner responsibility
Attorneys gather evidence to support clients' claims at every stage, and they help clients navigate complex insurance claims processes that would otherwise be confusing and time-consuming.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Crash
Insurance carriers in Colorado Springs car accident cases are primarily focused on minimizing payouts, not on fully compensating injured people. Understanding their playbook protects your claim.
Common insurance adjuster tactics:
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Asking for recorded statements that can be taken out of context
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Pushing quick settlements before the full extent of injuries is known
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Disputing medical necessity of treatments or suggesting pre-existing conditions caused your symptoms
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Suggesting shared fault to reduce payments under Colorado's comparative negligence framework
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Requesting broad medical authorizations to search for unrelated health history
Do not give recorded statements or sign broad medical releases for the other driver's own insurance company before consulting with counsel. Provide only basic information - your name, contact details, and vehicle information - and direct all other questions to your attorney.
Johnston Law Firm takes over communications and negotiations with all involved insurers, protecting clients from pressure tactics. Lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation using documented evidence rather than accepting a lowball number driven by the insurer's internal benchmarks.
What to Expect From the Colorado Car Accident Legal Process
Many Colorado Springs car accident cases settle without a trial, but they still follow a structured legal process. Settlements are often reached outside of court in car accident cases when liability is clear and damages are well-documented.
Typical phases include:
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Initial consultation and case review - Steve Johnston evaluates the facts, injuries, and potential value of the claim at no cost.
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Investigation and evidence gathering - The firm collects crash reports, medical records, expert opinions, and insurance policy information.
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Demand letter to the insurer - A detailed demand supported by evidence of liability and damages.
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Negotiation and possible mediation - Settlement negotiation involves evaluating offers for fair compensation. Most personal injury attorneys resolve cases at this stage.
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Filing a lawsuit - If the insurer won't offer a reasonable amount, the firm files in El Paso County District Court or another appropriate venue.
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Litigation - Written discovery, depositions, expert disclosures, pretrial motions, and, in some cases, a jury trial.
Most clients will not have to appear in court frequently. When testimony is required, Johnston Law Firm prepares clients carefully so they know exactly what to expect.
Connections to Workers' Compensation and Social Security Disability
Car accidents sometimes occur while someone is working - delivery drivers, construction workers moving between job sites, home health nurses, and many others face this risk daily. When a crash happens on the job, it can trigger both a personal injury case against the at fault driver and a workers' compensation claim against the employer's insurer.
Steve Johnston's extensive workers' compensation experience allows him to coordinate benefits, protect the work comp claim, and still pursue third-party negligence claims against at-fault drivers. This dual approach avoids common pitfalls like subrogation liens eating into the injured worker's recovery.
In cases of long-term or permanent disability from a Colorado Springs car accident, Johnston Law Firm can also assist with Social Security disability applications and appeals. Careful handling of these overlapping systems helps avoid benefit offsets and maximizes the injured person's total recovery across all available sources.
Choosing the Right Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyer
The lawyer you choose after a serious crash in Colorado Springs can affect both your financial recovery and your overall experience during one of the most difficult periods of your life, so it helps to look for counsel with regular Colorado Springs personal injury experience.
Factors to consider:
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Factor |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|
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Experience with Colorado auto accident law |
Familiarity with statutes, case law, and insurance practices |
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Knowledge of El Paso County courts |
Understanding local judges, procedures, and timelines |
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Willingness to go to trial |
Insurers offer more when they know the lawyer will litigate |
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Communication style |
Attorney-client communication should be clear and timely |
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Attorney involvement |
Time the attorney - not just staff - spends on the case |
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Related practice areas |
Ability to handle workers' comp, SSDI, and estate planning needs |
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Johnston Law Firm's strengths include decades of courtroom experience, hands-on representation by Steve Johnston as an experienced attorney who personally manages cases, and the ability to handle related workers' compensation, Social Security, and estate planning needs for severely injured clients and families facing wrongful death. |
Schedule a free consultation by calling (719) 309-9484 or by sending a secure message online to compare the firm's approach with others, including whether the firm regularly handles these matters.
Costs, Fees, and How You Pay for a Car Accident Lawyer
Financial stress after a car accident is real, and the last thing most personal injury victims need is an upfront legal bill. Car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe no attorney's fees unless the firm recovers compensation for you through settlement or verdict.
Johnston Law Firm typically represents car accident and personal injury clients on a contingency fee basis. The firm discusses fee percentages, case costs, and how expenses are handled in an engagement letter so clients have clear expectations from the beginning.
The first consultation is free and carries no obligation. You can learn your rights and options without paying a dime by calling (719) 309-9484 or using the online contact form.
Serving Colorado Springs and Communities Across Southern Colorado
Johnston Law Firm handles car accident claims in Colorado Springs, CO, while being rooted in Pueblo. The firm represents injured people throughout Southern and Central Colorado, including El Paso, Pueblo, Otero, Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Crowley Counties.
The firm is comfortable working with clients remotely via phone, video, and email, and can travel or coordinate local resources when needed for serious injury and wrongful death cases. Whether the crash occurred on I-25 near downtown Colorado Springs, along Highway 50 near Pueblo, or on a rural county road, Johnston Law Firm can evaluate and pursue the car accident claim.
Contact Johnston Law Firm After a Colorado Springs Car Accident
Do not wait for an insurer's decision or for symptoms to worsen before learning your rights and potential case value. Every day that passes without legal guidance is a day evidence can disappear and deadlines can draw closer.
Call Steve Johnston at (719) 309-9484 for a free, no-obligation consultation about a Colorado Springs car accident, serious injury, or wrongful death claim. You can also message the firm online 24/7 to schedule a time to talk. Responses are prompt, and every conversation is confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Springs Car Accident Cases
How long will my Colorado Springs car accident case take to resolve?
Timelines vary significantly. Straightforward car accident claims with clear liability and completed medical treatment may resolve in a few months through negotiation. Serious injury cases, disputed-fault scenarios, or cases requiring litigation can take a year or longer. Johnston Law Firm generally waits until a client reaches maximum medical improvement or has a solid long-term prognosis before pushing for final settlement. This avoids undervaluing future care needs. The firm keeps clients updated at each stage and works to move cases efficiently without sacrificing value.
Do I need to live in Colorado Springs to hire Johnston Law Firm?
No. Clients do not need to live in Colorado Springs or Pueblo to work with the firm. Johnston Law Firm represents people throughout Colorado after auto accidents that occur in the Colorado Springs area. Much of the work - document review, case updates, strategy discussions - can be handled by phone, email, and secure document exchange, with in-person meetings arranged when helpful or necessary. Out-of-area or out-of-state visitors injured while in Colorado Springs should call (719) 309-9484 or contact the firm online to discuss their options.
What if I was partly at fault for the car accident?
Under Colorado's modified comparative negligence rule, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the crash. Your total damages award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, a 20% fault finding would reduce a $100,000 award to $80,000. Insurance companies often exaggerate a claimant's share of blame to minimize payouts. An experienced car accident lawyer can push back with evidence and legal arguments that accurately establish responsibility.
What if the at-fault driver has little or no insurance?
Many Colorado drivers carry only the state minimum coverage - $25,000 per person in bodily injury - and some are completely uninsured. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own insurance policy becomes especially important in these situations. Johnston Law Firm reviews all available coverages, including UM/UIM and medical payments coverage, to identify additional sources of compensation. In some cases, other defendants such as employers, bars under dram shop theories, or vehicle owners may share liability, and the firm investigates these possibilities to help you recover compensation that reflects your actual losses.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance adjuster before I hire a lawyer?
You are not legally required to provide a recorded statement or broad medical releases to the other driver's insurer. Doing so before you fully understand your injuries and rights can harm your claim. Provide only basic information - name, contact details, and vehicle information - and then direct further questions to your attorney. Contact Johnston Law Firm first at (719) 309-9484 or through the online contact form so the firm can handle all substantive communication with insurers and protect the strength of your personal injury claim from the start.