Posted on November 06, 2025 in Car Accident

Last month, a tragedy made headlines in Larimer County when a suspected drunk driver went the wrong way on U.S. Highway 287 and caused a fiery head-on collision that killed two people. Sadly, crashes like this happen far too often in Colorado, leaving victims and families facing medical bills, emotional trauma, and life-changing loss.

When a drunk driver causes harm, a criminal case may bring justice through punishment, but it does not automatically cover your financial recovery. If you were injured in a crash caused by an impaired driver, an experienced Larimer County, CO car accident lawyer can help you navigate the civil side of your case to pursue monetary compensation.

What Is the Difference Between a Criminal and Civil Case for a Drunk Driving Accident?

In Colorado, a criminal case is handled by the state. Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver broke the law under C.R.S. § 42-4-1301, which addresses the offense of driving under the influence. A conviction can lead to jail time, fines, license suspension, and probation. The goals in these cases are punishment and deterrence, but they do not provide any financial compensation to the victims.

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 Posted on October 30, 2025 in Car Accident

Hit-and-run accidents leave victims with questions and damages. One of the most pressing concerns is how you will pay for your financial losses. Even if the person responsible disappears, you still have legal options. Colorado law provides ways for you to recover compensation through sources other than the at-fault driver. An experienced Fort Collins, CO car accident lawyer can help. At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we will guide you through the claims process and help you prepare for a lawsuit if necessary.

What Should You Do Right After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Colorado?

Colorado law, under C.R.S. § 42-4-1601, requires drivers involved in an accident to stop, exchange information, and help anyone who is hurt. When a driver leaves, they break the law, and that can strengthen your case for compensation. What you do in the first few minutes and days after the crash can make a big difference in your case.

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 Posted on October 22, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

In Colorado, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim if you are hurt on the job. The law also protects you from retaliation. These protections exist to make sure you can get medical care and wage replacement without worrying about losing your job. If you think your employer treated you unfairly after you filed a claim, you may have legal options. A Larimer County, CO workers’ compensation lawyer will help you understand your rights and the steps you can take to hold your employer accountable.

Is It Legal To Fire Someone for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in Colorado?

Colorado law specifically protects employees who file workers’ compensation claims. Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 8-43-408, it is illegal for an employer to fire, demote, or discriminate against you for exercising your right to seek benefits. This law helps prevent retaliation when you are trying to recover from a legitimate work injury.

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 Posted on October 15, 2025 in Wrongful Death

There are two types of damages for personal injury claims. Compensatory damages cover your losses, and punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, serve a different purpose. While it is rare, you can recover punitive damages in a Colorado wrongful death case. To find out whether punitive damages might be available in your case, talk to the Fort Collins, CO wrongful death lawyer at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C.. He will ensure your claim covers all available damages.

How Do Punitive Damages Work in Colorado?

Most damages in civil cases are compensatory, which means they are meant to pay for actual losses such as medical bills or lost income. Punitive damages do not cover anything you lost. They are designed to punish the wrongdoer and discourage others from acting the same way in the future.

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-102, a court may award punitive damages if the defendant’s actions were willful, wanton, or malicious. "Willful" means the person knew what they were doing was wrong. "Wanton" means they ignored obvious risks that could hurt someone. "Malicious" means they acted with the intent to cause harm.

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 Posted on October 05, 2025 in Car Accident

Bicyclists share the road with cars every day in Colorado. One of the most common and dangerous risks riders face is being "doored." The injuries from these crashes can be serious, resulting in medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Filing a bike accident claim is often the best way to cover the expenses, and it means identifying who is at fault. At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., our Larimer County, CO bicycle accident lawyer will investigate your case to gather the evidence you need to collect compensation.

What Is a Dooring Accident?

A dooring accident occurs when someone opens a vehicle door without checking for oncoming traffic, striking a bicyclist. The sudden impact can cause a cyclist to hit the door or swerve into traffic. The results can be broken bones, head injuries, or worse. Unlike other accidents, these crashes typically happen at low speeds. However, they can still cause devastating harm because bicyclists have little protection.

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 Posted on September 27, 2025 in Car Accident

In April 2025, a pedestrian in Larimer County was hit on I-25 after fleeing a traffic stop and running into traffic. Police reported that the man was struck by multiple vehicles. While what happened to the man was tragic, it highlights that pedestrians, not just drivers, can sometimes be at fault for causing an accident.

It is common to assume that the driver is at fault in a pedestrian accident. In reality, Colorado law says both drivers and pedestrians must follow the rules of the road. In some cases, a pedestrian may be partly or even fully at fault. If you were involved in an accident involving a pedestrian, a Fort Collins, CO pedestrian accident lawyer can review your case and offer tailored guidance.

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 Posted on September 19, 2025 in Car Accident

Lane splitting is a controversial practice, legal in some states and illegal in others. Legality aside, lane splitting can be highly dangerous, especially in moving traffic. If you were injured in a crash involving lane splitting, you need help. Speak with an experienced Larimer County, CO motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss the details of your case and start building your claim.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado?

Lane splitting happens when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Under Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 42-4-1503(6), motorcyclists cannot pass cars in the same lane or ride between two lanes of traffic. However, Colorado recently made an important change for riders.

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 Posted on September 12, 2025 in Truck Accident

Traffic on I-25 north of Mead came to a standstill one morning in May 2025 when two semi-trucks collided and blocked multiple lanes. Drivers sat for hours as crews worked to clear the wreckage.

Even though no one was killed, the crash had the potential for serious injuries and resulted in significant property damage. When two commercial trucks collide, the question of who pays for the damages is rarely straightforward to answer. If you have been involved in an accident with a semi, a Fort Collins, CO truck accident lawyer can help untangle the legal issues and fight for fair compensation.

Determining Liability Under Colorado Auto Accident Laws

Colorado follows a fault-based system, meaning the driver who causes the crash is responsible for paying damages. Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1401, a reckless or careless driver who endangers others can be liable for resulting damage and injuries. For example, if a truck driver is speeding or making unsafe lane changes, they can be held responsible.

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 Posted on September 03, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Working in a nursing home is a rewarding but demanding job. Caregivers and staff often deal with residents who have dementia, mental health struggles, or behavioral challenges. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to violent incidents. If you were injured by a patient while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. A Larimer County, CO personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the claim process.

When Does a Nursing Home Assault Become a Workers’ Compensation Case in Colorado?

Not every injury at work is automatically covered, but most injuries caused by patient assaults do qualify for benefits. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 8-41-301, employees can receive workers’ compensation for injuries that happen while on the job. If you were assaulted by a patient or nursing home resident while you were carrying out your job duties, it is generally considered work-related.

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 Posted on August 30, 2025 in Car Accident

Pedestrian accidents can leave victims with life-changing injuries. Unlike vehicle passengers, people out walking have no protection from the force of a crash. When a collision involves a car, truck, or even a bicycle, the results can be devastating. If you or someone you love has suffered a catastrophic injury, a Fort Collins, CO pedestrian accident attorney can help you pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and future care.

Common Catastrophic Injuries Related to Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado

Catastrophic injuries are those that permanently affect a person’s ability to live and work as they once did. Pedestrian accidents often cause:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that can impair memory, speech, or motor skills

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