Car Accident Lawyer in Greeley

Tens of thousands of people are hurt in crashes across Colorado each year. Here in Greeley, we see countless accidents take place due to driver negligence. Serious accidents can result in life-altering injuries that require extensive medical care. If you have been hurt in a car crash, you need someone who can fight for your rights. A car accident lawyer can help you seek the financial compensation you deserve.

At The Wilhite Law Firm, we handle cases like yours and are ready to stand by your side. Call us today at 970-782-2392 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Greeley

After a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed by medical treatments, insurance claims, and financial losses. Having a lawyer on your side can make all the difference. A Greeley car accident lawyer understands personal injury laws and knows how to handle aggressive insurance companies. They can gather evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and fight for the maximum compensation possible.

Without legal help, you risk being pressured into accepting a low settlement that does not cover your medical expenses, lost income, or future care. You can benefit greatly from letting a car accident attorney in Greeley guide you through the process.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Greeley

Many different factors can lead to car accidents, but some situations make crashes more likely.

Distracted Driving

Not paying attention to the road ahead can have deadly consequences. Even a split-second of distractions can lead to a severe accident. This is particularly true when traveling in heavy traffic or at high speeds.

Drunk or Drugged Driving

Alcohol and drugs impair reaction times and decision-making, leading to dangerous collisions. Impaired drivers often struggle to stay in their lanes, misjudge distances, and fail to react to sudden stops or turns, putting everyone at risk.

Speeding

Driving too fast makes it harder to stop in time to avoid a crash, often leading to severe injuries. High-speed accidents tend to cause more damage because the impact is greater, increasing the likelihood of life-threatening injuries or fatalities.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Failing to obey traffic signals can cause serious T-bone or head-on crashes. These accidents are especially dangerous at intersections, where cars cross paths at high speeds, leaving little time to react.

Reckless Driving

Aggressive behaviors like tailgating and switching lanes without signaling or leaving space can create dangerous conditions for everyone on the road. Drivers who take unnecessary risks put themselves and others in danger, as one wrong move can quickly turn into a major accident.

Drowsy Driving

Falling asleep at the wheel or being too tired to focus can result in devastating crashes. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment, making drowsy driving just as dangerous as drunk driving in many cases.

Types of Car Accidents Handled by Our Car Accident Lawyer

Different types of accidents can result in life-changing injuries. At The Wilhite Law Firm, our Greeley car accident lawyers handle cases involving:

• Rear-End Collisions – Even at low speeds, these crashes can cause painful injuries, especially to the neck and spine.
• Head-On Collisions – Often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities, these crashes can lead to long-term medical care and recovery.
• T-Bone Accidents – When one car hits another from the side, it can cause serious harm, especially to passengers sitting near the impact.
• Hit-and-Run Cases – Victims of these accidents are left to deal with medical bills and lost income, making legal assistance even more important.

Even if you don’t see your type of accident listed here, call us to learn how we can help.

How Fault Is Determined in a Greeley Car Accident

Figuring out who is responsible for your car accident is an important step in getting the compensation you deserve. Police reports can play a big role. Officers investigate the crash, talk to witnesses, and sometimes assign fault in their report. Other evidence that can be used to establish who caused the accident includes:

• Pictures of the crash scene
• Video footage from nearby surveillance cameras or dashcams
• Witness statements

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible after an accident. Here’s what you need to know:

Why Insurers Try to Minimize Payouts

Their goal is to save money, not to ensure you receive full compensation. They may downplay your injuries, shift blame, or delay the process to pressure you into accepting a lower offer. Understanding this can help you stay patient and avoid settling too soon.

What to Say (and What Not to Say) to Adjusters

Be careful with your words, as anything you say can be used against you. Even a simple statement like “I’m feeling okay” might be used to argue that your injuries aren’t serious. Stick to the facts, avoid guessing, and never admit fault.

How a Lawyer Can Negotiate for You

A car crash lawyer knows how to push back against unfair settlement offers and fight for what you deserve. They can gather evidence, calculate the true value of your losses, and handle all negotiations so you don’t have to deal with the stress of the insurance company’s tactics to minimize your claim’s value.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:

• Whiplash injuries that cause pain and range of motion problems
• Traumatic brain injuries that cause mood problems, pain, and potentially debilitating changes in function
• Broken bones that require surgeries and long recovery times
• Back injuries that make daily tasks difficult
• Soft tissue injuries that lead to lasting discomfort
• Internal injuries that can be life-threatening
• Spinal cord injuries that limit mobility and independence
• Facial injuries that require reconstructive surgery
• Psychological trauma that affects daily life
• Burn injuries from airbag deployment or vehicle fires

These injuries can be painful and costly to treat. Taking legal action after someone else hurt you through their negligence or wrongdoing is in your best interest.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

After an accident, you may be eligible for compensation, including:

• Medical bills so you are able to get the care you need for your injuries
• Property damage to cover the costs of repair or replacement for your vehicle
• Lost wages from missed work
• Pain and suffering for any resulting emotional and physical hardships
• Future medical expenses if ongoing treatment is needed
• Diminished quality of life caused by injuries impacting your daily activities
• Rehabilitation costs for physical therapy and other recovery needs

When to File a Lawsuit Instead of Accepting a Settlement

While settlements are common, sometimes filing a lawsuit is a better choice. Here’s why:

• If the offer doesn’t cover all your costs, a lawsuit may be necessary.
• If the at-fault driver’s insurance policy doesn’t have high enough limits to cover your losses, you may be able to get complete compensation through a court award.
• If multiple parties are at fault, taking your case to trial will allow the court to apportion liability among all responsible parties.

Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

Many people make mistakes that hurt their ability to recover compensation. Avoid these common errors:

Admitting Fault at the Scene

Even a simple apology, like saying “I’m sorry,” can be held against you later. It may seem like a natural response, but insurance companies can twist your words to make it look like you caused the accident. Instead, stick to the facts when speaking to the police or others involved.

Accepting the First Settlement Offer

It’s usually much lower than what you actually need. Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible, and their first offer rarely covers all your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Take time to review any offer with a lawyer before agreeing to settle.

Failing to Get Medical Treatment

Some injuries take time to appear, so always see a doctor. Even if you feel fine, conditions like whiplash or internal injuries might not be obvious immediately after an accident. Seeing a doctor also creates a medical record, which is important if you need to prove your injuries later.

Posting About the Accident on Social Media

Anything you post could be used to discredit your claim. Even an innocent comment or picture could be taken out of context by the other party’s insurance company. It’s best to stay off social media until your case is resolved.

How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take?

The timeline for a case depends on different factors:

• The severity of injuries, the circumstances surrounding fault, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate all play a role.
• Settlements can take months to achieve. If your case goes to trial, it can take years.
• Gathering evidence early and having a local car accident lawyer handle negotiations can help move things along.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Greeley Today

If you have been hurt in a crash, you don’t have to go through this alone. At The Wilhite Law Firm, our team is ready to fight for you. We offer free consultations, and you won’t pay unless we win your case. Call us at 970-782-2392 today to speak with a car accident settlement lawyer and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.