In June, a fatal crash occurred on Interstate 25 south of Fort Collins, Colorado. The crash involved a van from a Larimer County shuttle company that, according to USA Breaking News, is currently involved in a personal lawsuit injury from a separate incident.
As reported by Colorado State Patrol, a white 2011 Chevy passenger van traveling northbound in the left lane and a 2006 Chevy sedan traveling northbound in the right lane collided. The collision caused the van to skid into the grass median between the interstate and the frontage road and roll over.
Colorado State Police trooper Josh Lewis confirmed that the van at the scene was from Estes Park Shuttle, a company offering daily rides between the Estes Park area and Denver International Airport.
One fatality, a 72-year old man, resulted from the accident. He died at the scene. Five other occupants of the van, including the driver, were transported to the hospital with a variety of injuries. A press release later stated that the driver was not injured.
In regards to the personal injury lawsuit filed against Estes Park Shuttle in May, the suit states that a driver’s negligent actions caused the shuttle rider’s injuries. The lawsuit further states that the driver made an abrupt stop, causing the plaintiff several injuries, including cervical fractures, a fractured nose, head hematoma and mouth lacerations.
When sued for a car accident, most lawsuits are settled through negotiations. Cases that do go to trial are heard by a judge or jury. The process to get to a resolution, however, can be lengthy.
After an initial lawsuit is filed, a copy of it is sent to the defendant. The defendant should notify their insurance company (if applicable) and obtain a lawyer. Both sides will then enter a discovery phase, where investigations are made and information gathered by both sides to build their case. Both parties may be required to answer questions under oath at a deposition, where the other side asks questions regarding the case. The testimony given during a deposition is extremely important, as it can be used to either help or hurt a case later.
After the discovery phase, the case will either settle out of court or go to trial. If the defendant wins, they won’t have to pay anything. If the defendant loses, they may be ordered to pay money to the plaintiff. However, if the defendant has adequate insurance coverage, the insurance company may take care of everything.
