Posted on February 06, 2024 in Wrongful Death

The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to compensate the surviving family of a passing loved one due to the negligence or recklessness of others. The family can sue the individual or entity responsible for the death so that they may recover something for the damages they have suffered. There are many ways in which a wrongful death can occur and an experienced attorney can help determine if you and your family have a potential lawsuit worth pursuing.

Finding the Defendant Guilty

It can be very difficult to prove negligence in wrongful death cases. Liability must be proven by the plaintiff, which involves showing the court that the defendant owed your deceased family member a duty of care. You must show that the duty of care was breached by the defendant and that the breach is what ultimately caused your loved one’s death.

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 Posted on January 25, 2024 in Personal Injury

Are you thinking of filing a personal injury claim in hopes of receiving compensation for damages? Limitations exist in Colorado for both the time you can file a claim and the amount you can receive in damages. To truly understand the “how, when, and for how much” of a personal injury lawsuit, consulting an experienced lawyer is highly recommended.

Colorado Damage Caps

Damage caps are set limits on how much a plaintiff can receive in a personal injury claim. Colorado has set damage caps on certain claims and damage types. Economic damage caps only extend to dram shop and medical malpractice lawsuits. Economic damages are financial expenses, which can include:

• Current and future medical bills
• Wages lost due to injury
• Property damage, such as a car in need of repairs
• Lost earning capacity

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 Posted on January 15, 2024 in Workplace Injury

Slip and fall accidents in the workplace are far too common in Colorado. Understanding the causes of these accidents and what can be done to prevent them can go a long way in avoiding workplace injury. Unfortunately, filing workers’ compensation claims in Colorado can be a nightmare. Some employers and insurance companies may choose to minimize or deny your rightful claim to benefits. Because of this, it is in your best interest to secure yourself a skilled attorney to negotiate the details on your behalf.

Slippery Floors

Probably the most common cause of slip and fall injuries is wet floors. Wet surfaces can come about in many ways including:

• Spills and leaks
• Inclement weather such as snow, ice, and rain
• Workplace sanitation efforts

In an effort to keep the areas clean, the floors can become slippery and cause workers to fall and suffer injuries requiring a compensation claim. It is no secret that it snows in Colorado which could cause slippery surfaces outside but also inside, especially near entranceways. In all of these circumstances, the consequences of a slip and fall could be quite severe.

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 Posted on January 11, 2024 in Personal Injury

Motorcyclists can have it pretty rough when out on the road. Cars and trucks refusing to give the right of way, failing to signal for left turns, or simply ignoring your existence are only a few of the reasons a motorcycle accident may occur. However, as a member of the road, it is your duty to look out for anything that could put you in a bad spot that would result in injuries or even death. Understanding how best to avoid accidents is a good way to minimize the possibility of either occurring. Of course, if you need legal advice or representation in a personal injury lawsuit, an attorney is only a phone call away.

Avoid Nighttime Rides

Though fun, riding a motorcycle at night, especially without reflective clothing, is a recipe for disaster. Riding under the cover of darkness only increases the likelihood of an accident occurring so it is in your best interest to avoid doing so whenever possible. Fatality facts show that 28 percent of motorcycle accidents that ended in death happened during the nighttime hours between 9 pm and 3 am.

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 Posted on January 05, 2024 in Car Accident

A motor vehicle accident as the result of a blown-out tire can occur at any time while on the road. The best thing you can do when this happens is to remain calm, keep steering true, and allow the car to slow itself until it is safe to put pressure on the brakes. Understanding what to do in the situation is important. What else is important is understanding how you got into this situation in the first place. Blowing out a tire can lead to potential injuries and knowing who is liable when that occurs can help when seeking compensation. For additional help in these legal matters, it is a great idea to consult a local personal injury lawyer.

Incorrect Tire Pressure

An underinflated tire is the most common reason for a blowout accident. When a tire falls below or above the recommended pressure, it can cause serious complications while out on the road. Strain is placed on the tires which causes them to overheat and lose structural integrity which can result in a blown tire.

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 Posted on December 27, 2023 in Car Accident

Although a fender bender is usually a mere inconvenience, pedestrians are at risk of suffering serious injuries when hit by a moving vehicle

Many do not realize the dangers that pedestrians face simply walking through a parking lot. On average, there are over half a million accidents in parking lots and garages annually. Of these, at least 60,000 people suffer injuries.

If you have been injured in a parking lot collision, speak with our Fort Collins pedestrian and bicycle accident attorney to learn more about recovering compensation.

Dangers to Pedestrians in Parking Lots

Pedestrians are at high risk of being injured in a parking lot due to the following factors:

Motorists Usually Do Not Adhere to Traffic Regulations

Motor vehicle drivers usually do not take the same care driving through a parking lot as they would driving on the road. Many drivers will even cut through empty parking spaces, not following the posted speed limit. This disregard for traffic laws results in a large number of injuries and fatalities.

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 Posted on December 23, 2023 in Truck Accident

Each year, Amazon drivers traveled approximately 5.2 million miles delivering packages to customers across the country. People order from Amazon on a regular basis, with an estimated 3.5 million packages being delivered daily.  

With the holidays upon us, you will likely see Amazon trucks delivering at all hours of the day and into the evening. Having to keep to such stringent schedules, it is feasible that an Amazon driver could hit your vehicle while rushing to get to another location. 

If you have been hit by an Amazon driver, you may be able to recover compensation for the delivery driver’s negligence. Our Fort Collins truck accident lawyer would like to discuss navigating the insurance process with Amazon.

Insurance Claims

If you are in an accident with an Amazon driver, you may be able to submit a claim directly to Amazon. If anyone was injured, then you will want to request that medical personnel be dispatched.

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 Posted on December 16, 2023 in Car Accident

Distracted driving does not just take the lives of motor vehicle occupants. Recent statistics revealed that 644 pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-vehicle occupants died due to distracted drivers in a recent year

Distracted driving is anything that takes a motorist’s attention away from the road. It can include visual, cognitive, or manual distractions. When a motorist diverts their attention away from the road, the consequences are bound to be devastating for pedestrians.

If you or a loved one have been injured due to a distracted driver, a Fort Collins pedestrian and bicycle accident attorney may be able to assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve.

What is Distracted Driving?

Many motorists have a tendency to take care of other tasks while driving. When an individual is engaged in another activity and not giving complete attention to traffic conditions, this is a recipe for disaster.

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 Posted on December 08, 2023 in Car Accident

Each year, there are an estimated 1,300 fatalities and 116,800 injuries due to inclement weather. 24% of weather-related accidents take place on snowy, slushy, or icy pavements.

The effects of inclement weather cannot be understated, causing limited visibility, decreased vehicle performance, reduced speeds, narrowed lanes, and increased speed. 

If you have been in an accident on icy or snowy roads, a Fort Collins car crash attorney can help you recover compensation for any injuries and property damage you sustained. Below, we discuss some of the dangers of inclement weather on the road and tips to keep you safe.

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 Posted on November 30, 2023 in Car Accident

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.

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