Posted on May 18,2022 in Car Accident

Waiting too long to call a lawyer after you have been injured in a car accident could be a costly mistake. Making this common mistake could make recovering financial compensation more difficult. It is quite common for people to think about it for several days or more before finally deciding to reach out to an attorney. People may initially think they can handle their claim alone, only to discover that the process is much more complicated than they thought. The best possible course of action after a car accident is to call an attorney as immediately as is possible. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the easier it may be for them to uncover the evidence they need to prove your case. An attorney can also help you avoid making further mistakes that could impact your case. Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. is always ready to start protecting your interests as soon as we hear from you.

Why Calling a Lawyer Quickly is Important

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 Posted on May 06,2022 in Car Accident

A car insurance company is first and foremost, a business designed to make money. Earning a profit is their number one goal. Offering you fair and full compensation after one of their customers injures you is contrary to that goal. In nearly all cases, that means they are not going to do it unless someone - usually your lawyer - forces their hand a bit. This is why the other driver’s insurance company is going to be very eager to talk to you as soon as possible after the accident. You may not even be home from the hospital when you start getting phone calls. Generally, their goal is to get to you before you can get to a lawyer. They know they are more likely to “win” when they deal with an unrepresented party. This means that contacting an experienced attorney is rather urgent when you have been hurt in a car accident. Insurance representatives can be very convincing.

What Tactics Might Insurance Companies Use When Dealing With an Unrepresented Party?

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 Posted on April 28,2022 in Car Accident

Proving who was responsible for a car accident can be more difficult than it may seem. The simple fact that many people will lie to avoid liability for a crash they caused can easily complicate your case. When drivers and other vehicle occupants tell conflicting stories after an accident - which they often do - you will need to come up with some more concrete evidence showing what happened. There are a variety of types of evidence that can help you if this is the case. This is one of the reasons that time is of the essence when it comes to contacting an attorney after a car crash - they will want to collect evidence from the location of the accident as quickly as possible.

What Types of Proof Can Show Who Caused a Car Crash?

Unless your accident happened in the absolute middle of nowhere at midnight, odds are it was either caught on camera or there were witnesses. Even if this is not the case, physical evidence can still be used to show that the other driver was responsible. Your lawyer may use evidence like:

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 Posted on April 21,2022 in Car Accident

Whether you were hit by a negligent driver while you were driving, riding as a passenger, on a motorcycle, or on foot, medical evidence is one of the most important things you are going to need to win. This is one of several reasons it is so often repeated that after a car accident, you should get medical attention whether you immediately believe that you are injured or not. The medical evidence of any harm done to your body is going to be incredibly important as your attorney attempts to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company - or in trial, if it comes to that. If you are involved in a serious accident, it is important that you consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible for further guidance.

Why is Seeking Immediate Medical Attention Important?

Aside from calling a lawyer, getting checked out by a medical professional immediately after the accident is one of the most important things that you can do. You might feel okay at the time, but not all injuries - even serious injuries - are readily apparent while you are still on the side of the road.

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 Posted on April 18,2022 in Car Accident

Now that Spring is here - hopefully, to stay - many motorcyclists have dusted off their bikes and returned to the roads. Colorado is beautiful in the Springtime, and a nice ride through the mountains can be an almost awe-inspiring experience. Drivers should be well-aware that they are sharing the road with people on motorcycles and take precautions to avoid putting riders in unnecessary danger. Unfortunately, not all do. There is little room for carelessness when one is driving a vehicle around motorcyclists. Even an accident that would have been quite minor had it happened between two cars can be devastating for a motorcyclist. If you were injured while riding a motorcycle, an attorney can help you seek the financial settlement you need to fully compensate you for every type of harm you suffered.

What Careless Driving Practices Create Serious Dangers for Motorcyclists?

When a driver crashes into a biker, it is a fairly safe bet that they were being careless in some way. Very few accidents are truly unavoidable when everyone uses an appropriate level of caution. If you were injured by the driver of a car or truck, your attorney is likely to investigate to determine whether they were doing something careless like:

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 Posted on April 07,2022 in Workplace Injury

Getting hurt at work can create a serious interruption in your life. Making sure that you get the medical care you need to return to work - if that is possible for you - can be challenging in some cases. Not all employers are as cooperative with the process as they should be. When you are injured and trying to recover, you could probably benefit from having a professional with in-depth knowledge of workers’ compensation law to advocate for you. While not every workers’ compensation claim requires assistance from an attorney, if your injury is on the more serious or impactful side, then having quality legal representation can be invaluable. If you are in doubt, calling an attorney for a complimentary consultation may be the best course of action.

When Might I Need Legal Representation for My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If your injury is fairly minor, you did not miss much work, and your employer is cooperative about covering your medical costs and required missed wages, you might be alright handling the claim on your own. However, if your injury is more serious, then having an attorney who knows your legal rights to advocate for you could result in a more favorable outcome. If any of the following factors is present in your case, it might be worth it to contact an attorney:

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 Posted on March 29,2022 in Car Accident

Drivers are responsible for safely operating their vehicles. In a normal situation, the driver has sole and complete control over the vehicle's movements. Nearly all car crashes are caused by someone who is in the driver’s seat. However, the line between “driver” and “passenger” can become blurred when a passenger attempts to take control of a vehicle or interfere with the driver’s ability to do so. These reckless actions can very easily cause a needless accident. This type of event is not nearly as rare as you might think. Passengers can be held liable if they are in fact at fault for a crash. If you were injured in a car accident caused by a passenger, you should contact an attorney promptly. You may be able to recover compensation from your passenger.

When is a Passenger Liable for a Car Accident?

Even if you were doing everything right - eyes on the road, obeying all traffic laws - you still might end up getting hurt if your passenger does not share your responsible attitude toward road safety. In Colorado, you can hold a passenger legally liable for a car accident that they caused. These incidents frequently involve a passenger who is either intoxicated or enraged - or both - versus a sober driver.

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 Posted on March 28,2022 in Car Accident

After a car crash, you have a long to-do list. Attend all your medical appointments. Seek counseling if the accident caused an emotional impact. Work on replacing or repairing your vehicle. Deal with the police if they are investigating. Report the accident to insurance. Get a lawyer? If you are unsure about whether you need an attorney to help you recover damages after a car accident, you probably do. A lawyer can help take the more technical side of dealing with a car accident claim off your plate so that you can focus on your own personal recovery. The safest thing to do is to reach out to a lawyer who can help you understand what his role would be and how he can help.

When Should I Get a Lawyer After a Car Crash?

Trying to handle a car accident claim on your own can be enormously stressful and time-consuming. Even if it was very obvious that another driver was at-fault, you may still encounter some resistance - and you might not get a fair offer. A lawyer will be better able to assess what your claim is worth and can fight to reach a fair settlement. In these circumstances, you will most likely benefit from being represented by counsel:

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 Posted on March 15,2022 in Car Accident

Larimer County residents know how beautiful our landscape is. The natural beauty of our landscape, the opportunities for outdoor recreation - and of course, our legal marijuana - are all draws for tourists. Hosting visitors can be great for our local economy. It can be not-so-great for our road safety. You may have heard that most car accidents happen within a few miles of a person’s home, but tourists seem to habitually ignore this statistic and cause accidents quite far from their homes. Getting into a car accident can ruin a family vacation, but it can cause even bigger problems for the unfortunate locals who fall victim to a careless visitor. If you get hit by a non-local driver, quick action is important. You will want to get in contact with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Why Are Tourists Prone to Causing Car Crashes?

If you are driving along and abruptly get hit by a tourist, a few types of careless mistakes made by visitors might be the culprit. Common reasons tourists cause accidents include:

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 Posted on March 04,2022 in Car Accident

Everyone loves St. Patrick’s Day, which falls on March 17 every year. This late-winter holiday is devoted to wearing green and celebrating Irish culture and heritage. Local delis work overtime producing literal tons of corned beef and other Irish fares. Festivals pop up featuring activities for all ages. Children may enjoy hunting for ever-elusive four-leaf clovers or setting leprechaun traps. Adults often enjoy green beer, Guinness, and Irish cream-based cocktails. Unlike corned beef and green T-shirts, sober drivers may be in short supply. Those who plan on driving on St. Patricks Day will need to exercise great caution. Unfortunately, even the most careful sober driver cannot always avoid getting into a wreck with a careless and unpredictable drunk driver. If a car accident with injuries ruins your holiday, it is a good idea to call an attorney as quickly as possible. You may have a strong case for a significant financial recovery.

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