Denver Car
Accident Lawyers

Born & McCaffrey Injury Law represents people injured in car accidents throughout Denver, Aurora, Glendale, Brighton, and Weld County. Attorneys Michael Born and Peter McCaffrey handle claims against insurance companies on a contingency fee basis.

No upfront cost, and no fee unless they recover compensation for you. Consultations are free. Call us at (303) 800-6996.

When you are hurt and the insurance calls start coming, the pressure to settle quickly is real. We take over that fight so you can focus on recovering. Every case is handled directly by Michael Born or Peter McCaffrey, not passed off to a case manager.

If you are trying to figure out your next step after a Denver crash, a free consultation is the fastest way to understand your options.

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Why does hiring a Denver car accident lawyer change your outcome?

Hiring a Denver car accident lawyer means you are no longer negotiating alone against an insurer whose job is to minimize your payout. Our role is to build your case, handle all communication, and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of the crash, not just the first offer on the table.

What does an insurance adjuster actually do with your claim?

Adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. They may reach out within days of the crash, before you have a full picture of your injuries or what treatment will cost. A quick settlement offer can sound fair until you realize it does not cover future care or lost income.

We handle all communication with the insurer from the start. That removes the pressure and keeps you from saying something that gets used against you later.

What makes car accident cases complicated in Colorado?

Colorado is a fault-based state, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for your damages. But determining fault, valuing injuries, and pushing back on low offers involves legal strategy, not just paperwork.

Cases handled in the Denver metro may eventually involve filings at the Denver District Court or Arapahoe County District Court depending on where the crash occurred. Knowing that process matters when negotiations stall.

Why does acting early protect your case?

Surveillance footage gets overwritten. Witness memories fade. Physical evidence disappears. The sooner an attorney gets involved, the better your chances of preserving what you need to build a strong claim.

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What challenges do Denver car accident victims typically run into?

Most injury claims hit the same walls. Here is what we see regularly, and how we work through each one:

• The insurer disputes who was at fault. We gather police reports, crash reconstruction data, traffic camera footage, and witness accounts to establish the facts.
• Medical bills are higher than the settlement offer. We document both current and future care needs so the claim reflects the full picture, not just what has been billed so far.
• Lost income is hard to quantify. We work with pay stubs, employer documentation, and when needed, vocational assessments to build a complete picture of your financial losses.
• The at-fault driver had no insurance. Colorado requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage. We review your policy and pursue that route when it applies.
• You were partially at fault. Shared fault does not automatically end your claim. Colorado’s comparative fault rules reduce recovery proportionally — they do not eliminate it unless you were 50 percent or more responsible.
• The first offer arrived fast. Speed is a tactic. Early offers rarely account for long-term impact. We review every offer before you sign anything.

How long do you have to file a car accident lawsuit in Colorado?

Three years from the date of the accident, under C.R.S. § 13-80-101. Miss that window and the court will likely dismiss your case regardless of how strong your claim is.

How does Colorado’s comparative fault rule affect your case?

Colorado follows a modified comparative fault system. If you were partly responsible for the crash, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. At 19 percent at fault, you recover 81 percent of your damages. At 50 percent or more, you cannot recover from the other party under Colorado law.

Are there situations where the deadline is different?

Yes. Claims against government entities, cases involving minors, and situations where injuries were not immediately apparent can all affect the timeline — sometimes shortening it significantly. This is not legal advice. An attorney can review the specific facts of your case and tell you which rules apply.

Find Out If Your Claim Has a Deadline Issue

What compensation may be available after a Denver car accident?

Recoverable damages in a Colorado car accident claim typically include medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. The value of each category depends on the facts of your case, what your injuries are, how they affect your life, and how well they are documented.

Can you pursue compensation for medical expenses in Colorado?

You may be able to recover costs for emergency care, follow-up treatment, rehabilitation, and future medical needs related to the crash. Documenting all care thoroughly, and connecting it clearly to the accident, is what gives this part of the claim its strength.

What about the income you lost while you were unable to work?

Lost wages are recoverable when injuries kept you from working. When injuries affect your long-term earning ability, a claim may also account for reduced future income. We work to make sure those losses are fully documented and included.

How do Colorado courts approach pain and suffering damages?

There is no fixed calculation. Pain and suffering damages reflect the physical discomfort and life disruption caused by your injuries. The severity, duration, and day-to-day impact all factor into how these damages are assessed. Insurance companies routinely start low on this category, having counsel often changes what gets offered.

Find Out What Your Claim May Be Worth

Do you have a valid car accident claim in Denver?

You may have a claim if another driver’s negligence caused the crash and you suffered real losses because of it. That generally means showing the other party failed to drive with reasonable care, that failure caused the collision, and that you have documented damages as a result.

What if it is not clear who caused the accident?

Fault is not always obvious at the scene, and initial police reports are not always accurate. Evidence gathered in the days and weeks after the crash, including vehicle damage analysis, traffic signal data, and witness statements, can change the liability picture significantly. We work to secure that evidence early.

Understanding how to tell who is at fault in a Colorado car accident is one of the most important steps in building your case.

Is it worth talking to a lawyer if the crash seemed minor?

Often yes. Certain injuries present symptoms gradually rather than immediately. Settling quickly without fully understanding the extent of your injuries can close off your options before you know what you are giving up. A free consultation carries no obligation and can clarify whether pursuing a claim makes sense.

If you’re on the fence, read about whether it is worth hiring an attorney for a car accident before making a decision.

What happens if the other driver had no insurance?

Colorado law requires insurance carriers to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If you carry that coverage, you may be able to file a claim through your own policy. We review your policy language and advise on every available path to recovery.

Ask Born & McCaffrey

These are the questions people search before they call us. Direct answers below.

Q: Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already made me an offer?

You are not required to have one, but having an attorney changes the dynamic considerably. Adjusters contact you early because it benefits them to settle before you understand the full value of your claim. We review any offer before you sign and negotiate from a position of preparation, not urgency.

Q: How much does a Denver car accident attorney cost?

We work on contingency, meaning there is no upfront cost and no fee at all unless we recover compensation for you. We explain our fee structure at the start of every case, clearly and in writing, so there are no surprises.

Q: What if I was partly to blame for the accident?

Shared fault does not automatically end your claim in Colorado. Under the state’s modified comparative fault rule, you can still recover as long as your share of responsibility is below 50 percent. Your recovery is reduced proportionally. A consultation can tell you where your case likely stands.

Q: How long will my car accident case take to resolve?

Cases with clear liability and defined injuries can resolve in a few months. Cases with disputed fault, serious injuries, or that proceed to litigation in Denver District Court typically take longer. We give you a realistic estimate once we know the facts of your case.

Q: What should I bring to my first meeting?

Anything you have gathered already helps, the police report, photos from the scene, medical records, insurance correspondence, and notes about how the crash has affected your work and daily routine. If you do not have these yet, do not wait. We can help you understand what to collect.

FAQ for Denver Car Accident Lawyer

Can I still file a claim if the accident happened several months ago?

Yes, provided you are still within the three-year statute of limitations under C.R.S. § 13-80-101. That said, delays make it harder to gather evidence and build a strong claim. Moving sooner preserves more of your options.

The other driver got a ticket. Why is the insurance company still fighting my claim?

A traffic citation is documentation, not a liability admission. The insurer conducts its own investigation and may still contest fault, damages, or both. An attorney can challenge that position and, if needed, file in court to force a fair resolution.

Will my case go to trial?

Most car accident claims settle before trial. When an insurer refuses to offer fair compensation through negotiation, filing a lawsuit becomes the path forward. We prepare every case as though it will go to trial, that preparation is often what moves a stubborn insurer toward a reasonable number.

Are car accident settlements taxable?

Compensation for physical injuries and medical expenses is generally excluded from taxable income under federal law, per IRS Publication 4345. Punitive damages and interest on a settlement may be treated differently. We are not tax advisors — a tax professional can address your specific situation.

What if the driver who hit me left the scene?

A hit-and-run does not necessarily mean you have no options. Uninsured motorist coverage in your own policy may apply. Colorado law requires carriers to offer this coverage. We review your policy and the circumstances of the crash to identify every available path forward.

Related pages from Born & McCaffrey

• Denver Truck Accident Lawyer
• Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Denver Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Colorado Dog Bite Claims
• Slip and Fall Claims in Denver
• Denver Personal Injury Lawyer

Ready when you are

There is no perfect moment to call a lawyer. Most people wait longer than they should, either because they think the case will resolve on its own or because they are not sure it is worth pursuing.

If you are unsure, a conversation is the fastest way to find out. Our team handles cases in both English and Spanish. Peter McCaffrey works directly with Spanish-speaking clients across the Denver area and hosts a weekly Spanish-language radio program, because getting real legal help should not depend on what language you speak.

Call us, or reach out online. We will tell you honestly what we think your options are.

Call Now — Free Consultation, English & Spanish

Call (303) 800-6996 — Free Consultation, English & Spanish

Born & McCaffrey Injury Law  ·  4100 E Mississippi Ave Suite 802, Denver, CO 80246  ·  (303) 800-6996

ATTORNEY MICHAEL BORN

Michael has represented well over a thousand injury victims in his career. He has litigated 500 court cases. He has tried cases in counties all over Colorado. He has briefed and argued appeals in the appellate courts. This experience ultimately led to him leaving the big firm life to form Born & McCaffrey in order to provide a more client centered and personal representation than a large law firm is able to provide. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]