What The Tort Auto Insurance System Means For Colorado Springs Drivers
There are about a dozen states that currently follow the no-fault car insurance system. Colorado is among the majority of states that moved to a traditional tort-based system. In 2003, the state decided to eliminate the high premiums associated with the no-fault system, leading to less expensive coverage overall. But this switch has changed things for those who are injured in a car accident in the state.
It’s important to know the differences between the laws so you can understand your rights if you’ve been involved in a collision. Additionally, a qualified car accident lawyer can help you receive adequate compensation for your injuries, so you can focus on what’s important — your recovery. Continue reading to learn more about Colorado’s specific laws and what they may mean for you.
No-Fault Auto Insurance
Covering losses and injuries after a car accident is a major concern. Oftentimes, compensation is obtained through an insurance policy. So what are the differences between no-fault and tort-based auto insurance?
With a no-fault system, an individual injured in an accident could receive personal injury protection (PIP) benefits using their own policy. Under a PIP claim, the injured person may receive coverage for medical expenses despite who was at fault for the accident.
This system allowed injured parties to file claims under their own car insurance policies, which, as a result, prevented them from having to wait for a determination of fault.
Tort Auto Insurance
Under Colorado’s tort-based system, those injured in a car accident usually don’t have the option of covering medical bills with their own insurance policy if they were not at fault. Instead, they must seek coverage from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
The Consequences of Tort-Based Auto Insurance
The consequences for having tort-based auto insurance laws versus no-fault laws is far-reaching. First and foremost, injured passengers or drivers will now have to deal with the other party’s insurance company. Additionally, once fault is determined, the insurance company of the at-fault driver may not even grant the entire amount of requested compensation. In fact, it is very common for the requested amount to be disputed.
Another issue may arise if the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance to cover the injured party’s medical costs. They may not even have insurance in some cases. When this happens, the injured driver may use their own coverage or file a lawsuit to receive the necessary compensation. We’ve covered the steps you should take under these circumstances in another one of our blogs.
Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Colorado
As you can see, things can become very complicated under Colorado’s tort-based auto insurance laws. Dealing with insurance companies and the at-fault driver can be a real headache, and many are left without the compensation they rightly deserve.
By consulting an attorney at Heuser & Heuser, you can learn your rights and take the proper steps to have your expenses covered and get on with your life. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation by completing our online contact form.
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Questions Or Schedule A Free Appointment? Click To Call (719) 520-9909
No Fee Unless You Win
Questions or Schedule A free Appointment? Click to Call (719) 520-9909
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know What My Injury Case Is Worth in Colorado Springs?
There are a variety of things we look at when evaluating your case and determining its value.
We look at how the accident occurred: How did someone else’s carelessness lead to the accident? Did your actions also contribute to the crash?
We also look at what sort of injuries you sustained: Do you have a permanent injury that will last the rest of your life? Are you going to have future medical bills?
We look at lost wages: Did you lose your job? If you have permanent work restrictions due to the accident, you may not be able to find a job very easily in the future.
These are only some of the factors that we look at in evaluating a claim. You may have additional losses to account for in a claim, and sometimes additional evidence or expert witnesses will be needed to support an evaluation.
At Heuser & Heuser, LLP, we can identify those factors during a free case evaluation, during which you tell us your story so we can take the first step in building a legal strategy at no financial risk to you.
Every case is unique and different. That’s why our lawyers at Heuser & Heuser, LLP give each case personal attention during case reviews and evaluations for potential claims.
Do You Usually Win Good Settlements for Your Clients in Southern Colorado Personal Injury Claims?
At Heuser & Heuser, LLP, we have a strong track record of positive case resolutions for our clients. We have settled hundreds, if not thousands, of cases where we’ve had large settlements.
We’ve had substantial verdicts. We go to the mat for our clients if necessary. We’ll appeal cases.
Each case and client has different needs and options, and we’ll do whatever it takes to take care of our clients. We can identify the right path for your case during a free case evaluation.
Why is it Important to Hire a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Claim in Colorado Springs?
Insurance companies are in business for a reason: to make money.
Anytime the insurance company is paying money on a claim, it means less money to their bottom line. They have literally hundreds of adjusters and hundreds of lawyers who are on their side trying to figure out how to prevent money from leaving their checkbooks.
Quite frankly, you do need a lawyer to help you through this because your lawyer will stand up for your interests and seek proper compensation on your behalf.
See What Our Clients Say
No Fee Unless You Win
Questions Or Schedule A Free Appointment? Click To Call (719) 520-9909
No Fee Unless You Win
Questions or Schedule A free Appointment? Click to Call (719) 520-9909
Our Attorneys
Gordon J. Heuser, Esq.
As a Colorado Springs native, Gordon has been practicing in Southern Colorado for 40+ years.…
Brennan D. Heuser, Esq.
Brennan Dale Heuser is a Colorado Springs native who enlisted in the U.S. Army in…
Shannon R. Colt, Esq.
Shannon Colt isn’t your typical attorney. Originally from Idaho, she moved to Colorado Springs as…
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Injured? Contact Heuser & Heuser, LLP. We Are Committed to Providing Southern Colorado Tailored Legal Guidance and Peace of Mind On the Road To Recovery!
- Tell us your story during a free consultation
- We will tell you if you have a case and assess potential value
- Our personal injury attorneys can handle the insurance companies
- Our experienced Colorado trial attorneys will seek a settlement for the money you need while you recover, and we will represent you in court if it is necessary to pursue fair and appropriate compensation for your injuries and expenses
- You only pay us if we win money for you
- You focus on your physical recovery and your life
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Want To Learn More About Your Colorado Car Accident Case? Download Our E-Book for Free!
We wanted to find a way to make your car wreck case even easier for you. That is why we wrote this guide that will provide you with the information you need to know about your car accident case.
As car accident law professionals, we have seen too many individuals lose out on their potential maximum compensation. Don’t miss out on the settlement you need!
In this book, you will learn how to:
- Avoid the key mistakes that can derail your claim
- Know what you should and shouldn’t say if an insurance adjuster contacts you
- Understand the dos and don’ts of social media after a crash
- Position yourself to pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries
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Questions Or Schedule A Free Appointment? Click To Call (719) 520-9909
No Fee Unless You Win
Questions or Schedule A free Appointment? Click to Call (719) 520-9909
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