Being a single parent in Colorado comes with its own set of challenges; you’re juggling between your job and family, and trying your best to get the most out of your day. But one car crash can change all that for the worse.
The next thing you know, you’re stuck in your hospital bed, worried about who’ll look after your kids and how you’ll pay the mounting medical bills. It’s natural for most single parents to wonder what comes next.
As a leading car accident attorney in Colorado, we want to tell you that you’re not alone. It’s not easy to handle the legal aspects of a car crash, but we’re here to help you. Think of this article as the first step in that direction.
Here, we’ll explain your rights and how to get the compensation you desire after a car crash in Colorado.
Why Are Single Parents Hit So Hard After a Crash?
As a single parent, you’ve a lot on your plate already. Taking care of your child, handling bills and daily needs, and constant pressure at work. But none of this compares with what comes after a serious car crash.
Single parents, not just in Colorado, but all over the country, are hit the hardest after a car accident because they lack a support system. If the crash puts you on bed rest for weeks or worse still, results in a disability, you risk losing your job.
The financial uncertainty, on top of the medical bills and worrying about your kids, can take a toll on your mental health. That’s why you need to know how you can get the desired compensation as quickly as possible with the help of a competent car accident attorney in Colorado.
Who Pays for Your Losses After a Colorado Car Accident?
Colorado is an “at-fault” state. That means the person who caused the accident is responsible for your losses and injuries. But insurance companies may try to pay as little as they can. This is where a skilled Colorado car accident lawyer steps in.
Your attorney will study your personal injury claim, analyze how the accident occurred, the actions of other drivers (negligence), and any contributing factors, such as weather, road hazards, and vehicle defects.
A seasoned lawyer can help you recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: You may be entitled to compensation for past, current, and future medical treatments related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, compensation can cover your lost income during recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages account for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Property Damage: Compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement is another essential part of your settlement.
Since Colorado also has a modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation even if you’re partly at fault. If you are found 20% at fault, your compensation goes down by 20%. So, if your total damages are $10,000, you only get $8,000. That said, you’re barred from recovering any damages if you’re 50% or more at fault.
That’s another reason for you to hire a seasoned Colorado Lawyer for your car accident claim. Based on the evidence, they’ll be able to tell you if you can recover damages and how much your personal injury claim is worth.
Single Parents Injured in a Car Crash Need Unique Support
Single parents have unique needs. You do not just deal with your injuries. You have to think about your child’s needs, your job, and even transportation to school and care.
You should consider these when talking with your car accident lawyer in Colorado:
- Childcare costs if you are hurt
- Missed work due to doctor visits or therapy
- Emotional support for you and your child
Colorado courts can allow these costs as part of your claim, but it’s best to speak to your car accident lawyer first. They’ll know how to push for these, so you do not have to choose between your health and your child’s needs.
How Insurance Impacts Your Compensation
Although Colorado is an at-fault state, the negligent driver needs to carry enough insurance to cover your compensation. Unfortunately, in 2023, Colorado was the ninth-worst state in the country, with nearly one in five (19.7%) drivers cruising around without insurance.
While the rest carry insurance, it’s typically minimum coverage, which isn’t always enough to cover all your damages. As a single parent, you may struggle even more if the other driver carries low or no insurance.
What happens if you’re hit by one of those drivers? That’s where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM/UM) comes in. If you have it, your own insurance may help pay the rest of your damages. But once again, you’ll need to consult a Colorado car accident lawyer to review your policy and see all possible sources of payment.
Speak with A Car Accident Lawyer in Colorado Immediately
Not all crashes are the same, and you may face serious financial, physical, and emotional consequences, especially as a single parent. You’ll want to recover compensation for your injuries and emotional trauma as soon as possible. So, hire a skilled car accident attorney in Colorado, like Manning Herington Accident & Injury Attorneys.
With our lawyers taking care of the legal battle, you can focus on your recovery and be there for your children. Call 720-649-4747 or fill out our online form to start your free case evaluation.
