Personal Injury Legal Blog

Importance of an Accident Report in Colorado Springs

The State of Colorado has very strict rules regarding the reporting of accidents by those who are involved in it. Not complying with the regulations in this case can lead to a Class II misdemeanor charge for which the minimum sentence is 3 months imprisonment or a $250 fine or both. The maximum sentence is 1 year in prison or a $1000 fine or both. The law laying down the reporting of accidents in Colorado is covered by Title 42, Article 4, Part 16 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.

In most situations, no special knowledge of the law is required to comply with regulations. It's common sense that both vehicles must stay at the place where the accident took place and inform the authorities. In addition, both parties must divulge to each other, all the relevant information about themselves including their names, address, registration numbers and the driving licenses.

Interestingly in a case in 1981, it was determined that a person couldn't be convicted for leaving the scene of an accident where no one other then themselves was involved.

The law also requires medical assistance to be provided if possible and where necessary. Or if a person feels that further aid at a hospital is needed, they must make the arrangements to carry the injured party to the hospital. They must then inform the police and inform them about the situation.

Cases where the police need not file an investigation

The law recognizes that not all accidents need a full investigation and that sometimes the damage is minor enough so as to not require further attention from the police. Such situations include incidents where the damage to either person's property doesn't exceed $1000 and no one has been hurt in the process. Also, if there is no motor vehicle involved in the accident, the police need not file an accident report if a person isn't seriously injured.

Hiring a competent Accident Attorney

If you find yourself in an accident, you can be sure you need an experienced attorney specializing in such cases. Without one, you can either be charged under serious sections of the law or fail to realize your rights. You must waste no time in contacting a Clawson & Clawson attorney as soon as the accident takes place. The more you delay, the greater the danger you will take an ill advised step. So don't hesitate. Call us for an initial consultation.

Anyone who has ever been a pedestrian involved in an accident knows how complex these cases can become, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the laws of Colorado.  If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, a Pueblo personal injury lawyer can help unravel the legal aspects of your accident and allow you the time you need to heal from your injuries. 

When cars collide with pedestrians, the potential for serious injury is very high.there is high potential for serious injury. In the United States, about 5,000 pedestrians are killed in motor vehicle accidents every year, and according to the National Highway Traffic Association, 11 percent of these are pedestrian accidents.

As a Pueblo personal injury lawyer, I am pleased to see an outpouring of support from the auto industry on a wider ban on texting while driving.  Earlier this year, Colorado lawmakers made it illegal for drivers in the state to use a handheld mobile device while driving.  More stringent than similar laws in other states, the law prohibits Colorado motorists from handling a texting device even while stopped at a red light.  This legislation has prompted other states to take a closer look at their laws and consider revising them to meet the standards set by Colorado. 

What is a slip and fall injury? 

Anytime you slip and fall in a public place or private residence, and sustain injuries, you may be able to file for a slip and fall injury suit.  However, if the cause of the accident was your fault, you may be ineligible to file a suit.  If you are wondering whether your incident qualifies for a slip and fall lawsuit, it makes sense to consult with a Colorado Springs personal injury attorney who has experience in these matters.

If you have been charged with a crime and feel your constitutional rights have been violated by an illegal search, a Colorado criminal defense attorney can help you.  First, it makes sense to learn your rights.   According to the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, illegal search and seizure is an important issue, guaranteeing the "right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures..."  Violation of these rights has been cited by defense attorneys in many criminal cases, often resulting in the charges being dropped or dismissed.    However, in the context of the war on drugs, and its subsequent expansion of police powers, evidence produced through illegal search and seizure has been allowed in some cases.  This development has presented a significant challenge to the Fourth Amendment’s integrity.

If you suffer a “slip and fall” injury in Colorado, what should you do?   We’ve all heard the ads from Colorado personal injury attorneys claiming they will get you a quick settlement for a “slip and fall” injury, but few people know the steps that need to be taken immediately following an injury like this.