After an accident, you may experience financial stress and uncertainty about your future. Fortunately, if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, Colorado law allows you to pursue compensation for your accident-related losses.

It’s important to get the most from your claim since you generally cannot go back and ask for more damages once you’ve received a settlement or award. The sections below discuss how to maximize your compensation award after an accident.

What Compensation Are You Entitled To After an Accident in Colorado?

Personal injury settlements in Colorado generally fall into three categories of damages: economic, non-economic, and, in limited cases, punitive damages.

Economic damages compensate you for measurable financial losses, including medical expenses, hospital stays, rehabilitation, prescription medications, future medical care, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. These damages can be proved by bills, pay records, and expert testimony, among other things.

Non-economic damages cover the personal and emotional losses you’ve experienced. This may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, and permanent impairment.

Punitive damages may also be available in rare cases when the defendant’s conduct was intentional or extremely reckless. Their purpose is to punish a defendant for outrageous behavior rather than compensate you for any losses you’ve experienced.

How to Maximize Your Injury Award

Maximizing your settlement starts with taking your injuries seriously. You should seek prompt medical treatment, follow your doctor’s recommendations, and document how your injuries affect your daily life. Gaps in treatment or inconsistent records can give insurers a reason to downplay or dispute your injuries.

You should also take the following steps:

Gather Strong Evidence of Liability and the Damages You’ve Suffered

Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful injury claim. To maximize your settlement, you must be able to prove the other party was negligent and that you suffered financial harm.

Helpful evidence may include

Accident reports
Photographs of the scene
Video footage, witness statements
Medical records
Expert opinions
Documentation of lost income

The more clearly you can show how the accident happened and how it has impacted your life, the harder it becomes for insurers to undervalue your case.

Identify All Liable Parties Who Owe You Compensation

Some accidents involve more than one responsible party. Colorado’s comparative fault laws allow you to recover compensation from each party who contributed to your accident. Identifying all liable parties increases available insurance coverages and improves your chances of full recovery.

Failing to pursue every responsible party can leave compensation on the table, especially in cases involving serious or long-term injuries.

Be Wary of Signing the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers that do not reflect the true value of your claim. These offers may come before you know the full extent of your injuries or before you’ve had a chance to secure legal representation. Of course, such agreements typically favor the insurer.

Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you usually give up the right to seek additional compensation, even if new medical issues arise. You should always take time to understand your long-term needs before agreeing to any settlement.

Consider Hiring an Attorney To Manage Your Claim

Personal injury claims in Colorado often require experienced representation to truly maximize their value. An experienced Greenwood Village personal injury attorney can manage all aspects of your case, including filings, investigations, communications with insurers, and even litigation. Your lawyer will protect your rights throughout the case process and help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim.

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced attorney for help. Legal Help in Colorado offers free consultations.