Posted on January 14, 2025 in Car Accident

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, preliminary 2024 data reports 203 motor vehicle accident deaths involving an impaired driver. This figure is the lowest since 2019, representing 30 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state and an 11 percent decrease from 2023 totals. However, even one death is too many.

If an impaired driver injured me, can I sue? What if my family member was killed in a drunk driving crash? Working with a knowledgeable Larimer County, CO personal injury lawyer is important if you want to get as much compensation as you deserve.

Why Is Impaired Driving Dangerous?

Besides being illegal, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs causes various impairments that make safe driving impossible. Along with drugs like cannabis, some prescription and over-the-counter medications cause similar impairments. In fact, driving while fatigued has been compared to drunk driving due to how excessive drowsiness can affect people. Still, there were over 14,000 DUI arrests made in Colorado during 2024, showing that drivers often ignore the laws.

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 Posted on January 06, 2025 in Car Accident

Fort Collins sees lots of pedestrian traffic. Besides people moving around on foot, pedestrians include bicyclists and those using wheelchairs and micro-mobility devices like scooters and skateboards. Because all these people are extremely vulnerable in car accidents, the Fort Collins Active Modes Plan includes several recommendations to promote safety. Although cold weather and slick streets often limit the number of pedestrians during the winter, pedestrian accidents still happen. In fact, inclement weather increases the risks.

If a driver loses control of his car on icy streets, is he still responsible if he hits a pedestrian? How is fault determined in pedestrian accidents? Working with an experienced Larimer County, CO personal injury lawyer can maximize your compensation.  

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 Posted on December 27, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

The advent of the internet in the 1990s opened the possibility of remote work across several industries. However, as recently as only a decade ago, remote work was still not widespread. Employees who typically worked on-site might have been allowed to work from home periodically if they were ill, but companies offering remote positions were somewhat unusual. Between 2019 and 2021, the popularity of remote work soared.

Colorado employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance policies to provide benefits to their employees who become ill from job-related causes or are injured while working. Do these employers have to cover remote employees or only those who work on-site? A knowledgeable Fort Collins, CO workers’ comp attorney can assist if you need help with your claim.

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 Posted on December 20, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

Whether you are injured at work or elsewhere, it is often possible for you to reclaim compensation for your damages. You might consider hiring a Fort Collins, CO lawyer to represent you for your accident claim, but do not think you can afford the legal fees.

When you choose Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we take personal injury and workers’ compensation cases on a contingency fee basis. Many people who do not have legal experience may not be familiar with that term. Part of our responsibilities include ensuring that you fully understand every aspect of your case, including what various legal terms mean.

What Is a Contingency Fee Basis?

Most people injured in accidents face a significant financial strain from medical bills, property damage, and lost income. They may struggle to feed their families, leaving no funds to hire an attorney. We understand how heavy your financial burden is, so we generally bill our clients on a contingency fee basis. With this structure, you do not pay us any upfront fees.

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 Posted on December 11, 2024 in Personal Injury

When policyholders pay premiums to insurance companies, the insurers are obligated to pay valid claims against those policies. Many people believe claims are paid fairly and without any hassle. Unfortunately, insurance companies want to keep as much of your money as they can.

Unless you have competent legal representation to advocate for your best interests, liable insurers can get out of paying you the full amount that you deserve. Whatever kind of claim you have, a knowledgeable Larimer County, CO personal injury lawyer will advocate on your behalf and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you.

Accusing You of Fault

The amount of fault you bear for contributing to your accident directly affects your eligibility for compensation and will reduce your damages accordingly. Insurance companies can accuse you of an undeserved degree of fault to reduce or eliminate their liability for your damages.

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 Posted on December 04, 2024 in Car Accident

I-25 outside Colorado Springs was the site of a tragic pedestrian accident on November 27, 2024. After a two-vehicle collision, two drivers were outside their cars on the shoulder of the interstate when a speeding Subaru struck one of the pedestrians, throwing him into oncoming traffic and killing him. Colorado recently revised its "Move Over" law to encompass any disabled vehicle on the road, not only emergency vehicles. Unfortunately, the Subaru’s driver apparently did not comply.

Does a driver need to be charged with a moving violation for you to get compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim? Your Fort Collins, CO lawyer from Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable. Se Habla Español.

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 Posted on November 26, 2024 in Car Accident

Although the mountains in Colorado provide some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation, navigating the mountain terrain can be challenging even with ideal weather conditions. During the winter months, inclement weather makes these areas treacherous to travel. Still, tractor-trailers must transport goods year-round.

What problems do trucks experience on Colorado’s roads during winter? What should you do if you are injured in a truck accident? Call to discuss your accident and legal options with our skilled Fort Collins, CO lawyer from Hoggatt Law Office, P.C..

Challenges Trucks Face on Colorado’s Winter Roads

Semi-trucks can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds. You might think the extreme weight provides stability, but these trucks are also high-profile vehicles, with a height of 13.5 feet. In ideal conditions on flat roads, trucks traveling at 65 mph require 525 feet to stop. Icy mountain roads are anything but ideal.

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 Posted on November 18, 2024 in Car Accident

Snow and ice arrive in Fort Collins, CO, sooner and leave later than in many other parts of the country. Long-time residents are accustomed to the driving challenges posed by winter weather, but car accidents still happen frequently.

If winter storms and driving conditions contribute to your accident, are you entitled to compensation? Who is liable for paying your damages? Your knowledgeable Larimer County lawyer from Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. can evaluate your eligibility and discuss your legal options during your free consultation.

Collisions Caused by Winter Weather Conditions

Nobody can control the weather. However, drivers who brave perilous wintry conditions can and must adapt their driving accordingly. For instance, they should:

• Drive slower and more carefully

• Use headlights

• Ensure their brakes and tires are in good condition

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 Posted on November 11, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

In Colorado, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance policies to provide benefits to employees who are injured at work or become ill due to work-related causes. As an injured employee, you may wonder if workers’ comp should cover your accident and resulting injuries or whether you can file a personal injury claim to receive compensation.

The answer: it depends on the circumstances surrounding your accident. For the smoothest process, you can partner with a Fort Collins, CO  attorney who handles both workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. When you choose Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we can explain your legal options and help you decide how to proceed. Se Habla Espanol.

Understanding Colorado Workers’ Comp

Workers’ compensation benefits should apply if you are hurt at work, regardless of fault. These benefits cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. They can also provide disability benefits if you qualify. However, unlike personal injury claims, you cannot receive compensation for emotional or mental anguish and other conditions that affect your quality of life.

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 Posted on November 04, 2024 in Car Accident

Fort Collins was abuzz in October with news of four separate fatal accidents that occurred within one week. Two pedestrians were killed, along with a motorcyclist and a motorist. As investigations are ongoing, there have been no confirmed causes. However, some speculate that alcohol, running a red light, and excessive speed may have contributed to these crashes.

At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we hope you and your loved ones remain safe on the roads. However, if you are injured or a loved one loses her life in a motor vehicle accident, our effective lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

The 4 Deadly Crashes

It is rare to see so many fatal accidents in such a short period, but these crashes highlight the dangers of modern travel:

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