Colorado is no stranger to motorcycle accidents. In 2022, 149 motorcyclists lost their lives on Colorado roads, accounting for 20% of the state’s traffic fatalities.

Following a motorcycle accident, your priority should be taking care of yourself. Depending on your injuries, you may have doctor’s appointments, require physical therapy, and may even need surgery. The healing process can be exhausting, but it becomes even more tiresome if you lack the financial means to cover medical costs.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, our Fort Collins motorcycle accident attorney is here to assist you. Attorney Darby L. Hoggatt is here to provide an overview of how negligence is determined in a motorcycle collision and factors that are considered in an accident settlement.

Parking lots are notorious for collisions. A recent study revealed that one in five car accidents occur in parking lots and garages.

The number one culprit of parking lot accidents? Distractions. With a false sense of security, motorists have their guard down while navigating a parking area. 

If you have been in a parking lot accident due to another driver’s negligence, you need to speak with a Fort Collins car accident attorney to determine what compensation you may be eligible to receive.

Each year, there are 4.9 million workers’ compensation claims in both government and private industry occupations, with 2.8 million in the private sector alone. These claims cost employers $100.2 billion each year in insurance payouts.

While workers’ compensation is usually associated with a workplace injury, employees also qualify to receive workers’ compensation if they develop an illness from their job. 

If you have developed an illness as a result of your job, you need the representation of a Larimer County workers’ compensation attorney. 

When tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks are in an accident, victims often suffer devastating injuries. Given a commercial truck’s weight and overall mass, accidents are more likely to happen on congested roads and in inclement weather.

Truck accidents are on the rise, with a 49% increase in the last decade. In 2021, 117,300 large trucks were involved in an accident that caused injuries, with 5,700 large trucks being part of a fatal crash. 

Proving fault in a truck accident case can be complicated, so it is crucial that you hire a Fort Collins truck accident attorney to recover the compensation you deserve.

Pedestrian fatalities in the United States have reached a 40-year high, with an estimated 7,500 pedestrians being killed by drivers in 2022. 

While pedestrians in the “Sun Belt” states face the highest risk of suffering injuries, anybody traveling by foot can suffer catastrophic injuries when hit by a vehicle.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, a Fort Collins pedestrian accident lawyer is available to help you recover the compensation that you deserve.

Speeding is a major issue threatening the safety of all road users. In 2021, 12,330 people were killed due to speeding, or roughly about 33 fatalities each day. 

A driver is considered to be speeding if he or she is exceeding the posted speed limit, driving too fast for conditions, or racing with another vehicle. 

Our Fort Collins car accident attorney is here to give you five reasons why speeding leads drivers to crash and help in the event of an accident and injuries.

Being a road crew worker is no easy task; between the sun beating down on you and the physical exhaustion of working outside for extended periods of time, it can make anyone think twice about entering this line of work.

A road crew worker is at risk of being seriously injured at a construction site. If you sustained injuries on the job, you may be entitled to compensation.

To discuss your personal injury case, you should speak with a Fort Collins construction injury lawyer today.    

When you think of impaired driving, you might immediately think of drunk driving. While this is a common form of impaired driving, there are other factors that can impair a driver’s ability to drive safely and avoid accidents and injuries. 

Below is a brief overview of different types of impaired driving that might cause injuries and lead to an injury claim. If you want to discuss a possible injury case from a crash, speak with a Fort Collins car accident attorney right away.

Causes of Driver Impairment

Driving impairment is a significant risk factor for accidents, posing danger to both the driver and others on the road. Several forms of impairment can compromise a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely:

When considering a personal injury case, one of the most important decisions you will face is whether to settle or pursue a trial. This decision can significantly impact the outcome, financial implications, and the duration of your case. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are key factors to consider when you decide whether to settle or go to trial. Discuss the matter with your lawyer, as they will possess the legal guidance and practical advice you need to make the wisest decision during this critical time. 

What You Need to Consider 

Here are the most important things you need to consider when deciding whether to settle your injury case or go to trial, including:

• The strength of your case – Before deciding on a settlement or trial, it is crucial to assess the strength of your case. Consider the evidence, witness testimonies, and legal precedents that support your claim. If the evidence is strong and in your favor, pursuing a trial might be a viable option to seek maximum compensation. Conversely, settling may be a wiser choice if the evidence is weak or uncertain. 
• Time and costs – Another important factor to consider is the time and costs associated with a trial. Trials can be lengthy and unpredictable, potentially dragging on for months or years. Additionally, litigation costs, like legal fees, witness fees, and court fees, can accumulate very rapidly. If time and financial constraints are relevant to your case, settling could provide a quicker resolution and a more concrete solution. Keep in mind that the Colorado statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years for non-car accidents. 
• Risk and uncertainty – Trials inherently involve a certain level of risk and uncertainty. The outcome of a trial depends on the judge, jury, and the presentation of evidence. Even with a strong case, a favorable verdict is not guaranteed. Settling a case eliminates this uncertainty, allowing you to avoid the risk of an unfavorable case outcome.
• Emotional and mental well-being – Legal battles can be emotionally draining, causing stress and anxiety. Going through a trial can cause feelings of stress and anxiety to become even worse. Settling may offer a sense of closure and allow you to focus on healing and moving forward. 

Contact a Ft. Collins, CO Personal Injury Lawyer 

Deciding whether to settle your injury case or pursue a trial is a big decision that requires careful consideration. For help making this decision, talk to the Larimer County, CO personal injury attorney with Hoggatt Law Office, P.C.. Call 970-225-2190 for a free consultation. 

Rib injuries can be painful and debilitating, affecting daily activities and quality of life. As with any injury, understanding the healing process is essential for managing expectations and planning for recovery. If you suffered your rib injury in a motor vehicle accident or another way through someone else's negligence, consider contacting a lawyer, as compensation may be available to help pay for medical costs, pain and suffering, and more. 

Types of Rib Injuries

Colorado's statute of limitations for injuries not involving a car is two years. For injuries related to a car accident, the statute of limitations is three years. Rib injuries can range from minor bruising to more severe fractures. Common types of rib injuries include:

• Rib contusions – Also known as bruised ribs, occur when muscles and tissues surrounding the ribs are injured, causing pain and tenderness.
• Rib fractures – This involves a break or crack in one or more ribs. Fractures can be simple, where the bone is broken but the pieces remain aligned, or displaced, where the bone fragments shift out of their normal position.

Recovery Timeline

The healing process for rib injuries varies depending on the type and severity of the injury. While every individual's healing time may differ, the following timeline provides a general overview:

Amputation injuries can profoundly and last impact a person’s life. In personal injury cases, the question arises whether injured persons can receive lifetime compensation to help them cope with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with amputation. The potential for lifetime compensation will depend on the severity of the injury, its impact on the individual’s daily life, and the jurisdiction where the lawsuit is filed. However, no law states that amputees are entitled to lifetime compensation. 

If you were injured and suffered an amputation as a result, contact an attorney to begin the process of seeking compensation. Your lawyer will walk you through everything that needs to be considered, granting you the knowledge you need to make as informed a decision as possible. 

Damages in Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases feature many different forms of compensation to equate to injuries suffered. These can include economic and medical damages, rehab costs, prosthetics, loss of earning capacity, and more. Additionally, damages not related to financial matters, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, may also be awarded. Remember, according to Colorado law, people have two years to pursue a personal injury case from the time of their accident. In cases involving car accidents, this is extended to three years. 

A spine injury can have profound and lasting effects on a person’s life, affecting their physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Understanding the potential consequences of a spine injury is crucial for both the injured individual and their loved ones. If you or a loved one has suffered a spine injury, contact a lawyer to pursue compensation related to your injury. Such compensation can be useful in moving on with your life post-accident. 

In Colorado, car accidents, which are the culprit of many spine injuries, have a statute of limitations of three years, while all other personal injury cases have a statute of limitations of two years. Do not wait to file a claim; otherwise, you may miss your opportunity.

Physical Limitations and Disabilities

A spine injury can result in significant physical limitations and disabilities. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, individuals may experience partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, or reduced mobility. This can impact one’s ability to perform daily activities, pursue hobbies, and maintain independence. Physical therapy and assistive devices may be necessary for mobility and rehabilitation.

It is well-documented that distracted driving is a significant contributor to road accidents. While texting while driving is widely recognized as a dangerous behavior and a cause of many distracted driving car accidents, other forms of distractions can divert a driver’s attention from the road, thereby increasing the risk of accidents. Today, we will explore some common sources of distracted driving that do not include texting. As always, if you have been injured in a distracted driving car accident, contact a personal injury attorney to pursue compensation for your injuries.

Talking on the Phone

Whether handheld or hands-free, using a mobile phone for voice calls can significantly distract drivers. Engaging in conversations diverts a driver’s cognitive focus from the road, impairing attention and reaction times. Research shows that even hands-free conversations can lead to

inattentiveness and reduce situational awareness, increasing the risk of accidents.

Car accidents can often result in severe injuries, with individuals relying on various safety features, including airbags, to minimize the impact. However, what happens when these safety measures fail, especially when an airbag malfunctions? Today, we will shed light on the possibility of having a valid personal injury claim if your car’s airbag malfunctioned and failed to deploy during an accident. If an unfortunate incident like this has occurred to you, do not hesitate to call a personal injury lawyer, as they will fight to protect your rights and interests moving forward in your case.

Understanding Airbag Malfunctions

Airbags are designed to deploy during accidents and protect occupants by cushioning their impact and reducing the risks of injuries. However, occasionally, airbags can malfunction, failing to deploy or deploying with excessive force, which may cause significant harm. Some common causes of airbag malfunctions include manufacturing defects, electrical issues, faulty sensors, or even inadequate warnings regarding deployment issues.

Establishing Liability

You must establish liability against the responsible party to have a valid personal injury claim. Depending on the circumstances leading to the malfunction, multiple parties may be held accountable, including the vehicle manufacturer, airbag manufacturer, or even the car dealership. Proving liability typically requires a thorough investigation, professional analysis, and gathering substantial evidence.

Bicycle accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries and significant financial burdens. One common question that arises in such cases is whether an injured cyclist can seek compensation if they were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Today, we will review the legal implications surrounding this issue in the state of Colorado. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact a personal injury lawyer today to pursue compensation related to your injuries.

Understanding Comparative Negligence

Colorado follows the legal principle of comparative negligence, which means the amount of compensation the plaintiff can receive may be reduced based on their percentage of fault in causing the accident. However, the absence of a helmet does not automatically absolve the defendant of their liability.

Contributory Negligence and Bicycle Accidents

In bicycle accidents, contributory negligence refers to the actions or omissions of the injured cyclist that may have contributed to the accident or worsened their injuries. While not wearing a helmet may be considered contributory negligence, it does not necessarily bar the injured party from seeking compensation. Colorado also follows the “modified comparative negligence” rule, which allows injured parties to recover damages even if they were partially at fault. However, the amount of compensation you can receive may be reduced according to your degree of responsibility.

T-bone motor vehicle accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, can be incredibly dangerous, resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the primary causes behind these accidents is essential for implementing effective preventive measures. Today, we will explore the five leading causes contributing to T-bone accidents, shedding light on their legal implications. If you have been injured in a T-bone accident, contact a personal injury lawyer to see whether pursuing compensation related to the accident and the injuries you have suffered makes sense.

Failure to Yield at Intersections

One significant cause of T-bone accidents is the failure of a driver to yield the right-of-way at intersections. This can occur due to distracted or negligent driving, running red lights or stop signs, or misjudgment when turning left or right. Failure to yield can lead to devastating accidents where the front end of one vehicle collides with another, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Drivers who fail to yield may be held legally liable for the resulting adverse consequences.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Excessive speed and reckless driving significantly contribute to T-bone accidents. When drivers exceed safe speed limits or engage in aggressive behaviors, they have less control over their vehicles, increasing the risk of losing control during critical moments at intersections. These actions may include racing, tailgating, or running through yellow lights. Legal consequences for drivers involved in T-bone crashes caused by speeding and reckless driving can consist of citations, fines, license suspension, and civil lawsuits.

Colorado’s magnificent landscapes and diverse terrain make for beautiful scenery and dangerous driving conditions. As a result, the state’s mountainous regions, steep slopes, and challenging weather conditions also contribute to an increased risk of runaway truck accidents. Today, we will explore the common causes of runaway truck accidents in Colorado and shed light on the legal implications related to injuries resulting from these accidents. And remember, if you have been injured in an accident related to a runaway truck, contact a truck accident attorney to ensure your rights remain protected as you look to claim compensation.

Key Causes of Runaway Trucks in Colorado

• Brake failure on mountainous roads: Colorado’s mountainous regions, with their steep inclines and winding roads, put intense strain on the brakes of large trucks. Brake failure can occur due to factors such as insufficient maintenance, lack of proper adjustment for the terrain, or excessive weight being carried exceeding the brake’s capacity. When brakes fail on these treacherous slopes, trucks can rapidly gain momentum, resulting in catastrophic accidents.
• Insufficient training and fatigue – Truck drivers who navigate through Colorado’s challenging terrain must possess the necessary skills and training to handle the unique hazards posed by mountain roads. Inadequate training and fatigue can significantly impair a driver’s ability to make quick decisions and react appropriately when faced with unexpected situations, leading to loss of control and potential runaway truck accidents.
• Weather conditions – Colorado experiences a variety of weather conditions, ranging from snow and ice in the winter to heavy rain and strong winds throughout the year. These adverse weather conditions can reduce traction on the roads and impact a truck’s ability to brake effectively. Combined with steep slopes, this creates a high risk of runaway truck accidents.

Legal Implications

• Negligence claims – When injuries occur as a result of runaway accidents, negligence claims may be filed against the truck driver, trucking company, or those responsible for vehicle maintenance. Negligence can be established through evidence of improper maintenance, inadequate driver training, or violations of federal and state regulations that pertain to the safe operation of commercial vehicles.
• Compliance with federal and state regulations – Trucking companies must comply with numerous federal and state regulations, such as weight restrictions, regular maintenance and inspection requirements, and driver test rules. Failure to comply with these regulations may create liability on the part of the responsible party if they contributed to the accident.

Contact a Fort Collins Truck Accident Lawyer

Runaway truck accidents can result in serious, even life-threatening injuries. If you have been injured, contact the skilled Larimer County truck accident attorney with Hoggatt Law Office, P.C.. Call 970-225-2190 for a free consultation.

Workplace accidents can have devastating consequences, with severe burn injuries being one of the most debilitating outcomes. Colorado has witnessed its fair share of unfortunate incidents in recent years, many of which involve workplace explosions, especially in the oil and gas industry. When employees sustain severe burn injuries due to such explosions, workers’ compensation becomes critical for their physical, emotional, and financial recovery. If you have suffered a severe burn from a workplace explosion, contact a Colorado workers’ compensation lawyer to pursue compensation.

Legal Obligations

Employers have a legal duty under Colorado state law to provide a safe working environment for their employees. This includes following strict safety regulations, conducting regular inspections, and implementing necessary precautions to prevent workplace explosions. To protect employees injured in such accidents, workers’ compensation laws offer compensation for various reasons, emphasizing assisting injured parties from being overly burdened by the exorbitant cost of hospital stays, rehab, missing work, and more.

Workers’ Compensation Process

When severe burn injuries occur, the immediate focus is on receiving medical attention. Afterward, initiating the workers’ compensation process is crucial. It starts by reporting the incident promptly to the employer. Gathering evidence, such as photographs, medical records, and testimonies, is essential to support the claim. Consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney who handles burn injury cases can provide invaluable insight and guidance throughout the workers’ compensation process, ensuring rights are protected and maximum compensation is pursued.

Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation and recreation in Colorado, known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant cycling culture. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents can happen, often resulting in significant injuries. Today, we will be delving into the most common injuries sustained in Colorado biking accidents, with a focus on legal considerations and the assistance available to injured individuals seeking compensation. If you have suffered an injury related to a bicycle accident, contact a personal injury lawyer today, as you may be eligible to receive compensation related to your injuries.

Bicycle Accidents Can Result in Serious Injuries

It is not uncommon for biking accidents to result in serious injuries for the rider. Among the most common are head and brain injuries, especially when the rider is not wearing a helmet. One of the most severe forms of head injuries is traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These can occur when a cyclist is involved in a collision with a vehicle, falls from their bicycle, or hits their head on the ground. These injuries can result in cognitive impairments, motor skill dysfunction, and long-term disabilities. It is crucial for cyclists to wear properly fitted helmets to protect against sustaining a TBI.

Bicycle accidents can also lead to spinal cord injuries, varying in severity from temporary to full paralysis. Injuries to the spinal cord can occur due to the abrupt impact of a collision or a fall from a bicycle. Like TBIs, spinal cord injuries often require a prolonged rehabilitation process, as well as ongoing support and care as the injured individual works to recover. Legal professionals are well adept at assisting injured individuals in determining liable parties and seeking compensation to cover future expenses like medical bills, future care, and loss of income.

Truck tire blowouts are a critical issue in the transportation industry, posing risks to drivers, cargo, and other road users. Understanding the causes of these blowouts can help fleet operators, truckers, and legal professionals address the cause of these kinds of incidents. Today, we will discuss the primary reasons behind truck tire blowouts and how a personal injury attorney can assist you if such an accident ever affects you.

Here Are the Reasons Why Truck Tire Blowouts Happen

Tire blowouts are a major danger to all road users, regardless of whether they happen to a truck or a car. However, truck tire blowouts can be especially dangerous because of the sheer size of trucks compared to their smaller four-wheeled counterparts. Here are why truck tire blowouts happen, including:

• Overloading and underinflation – When trucks carry excessive loads beyond their weight capacity, it puts excessive pressure on the tires, leading them to overheat and eventually burst. Similarly, underinflated tires increase the surface area in contact with the road, generating excessive heat, which weakens the tire structure and can result in blowouts.
• Poor maintenance and damage – Neglected maintenance and damaged tires contribute significantly to blowout risk. Lack of regular inspections, tread monitoring, and proper repairs can lead to the deterioration of tire quality over time. Consequently, worn-out or damaged tires are more likely to fail, particularly on extended journeys or challenging road conditions.
• Puncture and road hazards – Potholes, sharp objects, debris, and uneven surfaces can cause tire punctures, leading to devastating blowouts. Truck drivers must remain attentive and adopt defensive driving tactics to avoid potentially dangerous obstacles on the road, reducing the risk of tire failures.
• Tire manufacturing defects – Such defects may include weak sidewalls, substandard materials, delamination, or other manufacturing errors. Tire manufacturers have a responsibility to produce reliable, high-quality products. Still, when they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any accidents or damage resulting from a blowout.

What to Do if Your Truck Has a Tire Blowout Accident and You Are Injured

As with any vehicular accident, call first responders to the scene immediately. The officers will document the accident through a police report detailing the circumstances surrounding the accident. Next, you will want to seek medical attention. Seeking medical attention is essential, especially if you are interested in filing a personal injury claim later. Documentation of your injury and the circumstances surrounding it will likely prove key evidence as you go through the personal injury claims process.