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Recent Results

2019 - $1,325,000

Settlement in Pedestrian Versus Motor Vehicle Accident Case.

2019 - $625,000

Settlement in Van Accident.

2019

Jury Verdict for Plaintiff Against the City of Denver in Motor Vehicle Accident Case.

2019

Jury verdict for Plaintiff in motor vehicle accident case.

2018 - $715,000

Settlement in Motor Vehicle Accident Case.

2018

Represented Widow of Shooting Victim at the 2016 Colorado Motorcycle Expo.

2017 - $1,600,000

Settlement in Tractor Trailer Accident Case.

2017

Jury Verdict for Plaintiff at Trial in Motor Vehicle Accident Case.

Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. is dedicated to helping you protect your rights in your personal injury case.

With over 30 years of experience, and over $100 Million recovered, we have a record of winning cases for our clients. We will fight the insurance company to ensure that you receive the damages you deserve.

If you or someone you love has suffered because of the negligence of another, call us at (303) 393-6666, or fill out the form to receive a free case evaluation. Someone from our office will contact you within 24 hours to start helping you with your case.

Distracted Driving Crashes

People check their cell phones for calls, emails, and texts. We use GPS systems to figure out where we’re going. We eat and drink on the run, too. Sometimes, we even groom in the car. While they may beg to differ, those who routinely multitask when they drive are distracted drivers who are impaired drivers who could harm or kill someone.[1]

What Is Distracted Driving?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention away from the primary task of driving.[2] In 2016, 3,405 in the United States died due to distracted drivers.[3] According to the Center for Disease Control, distracted driving kills approximately nine people and injures 1,000 people each day in the U.S.[4] In Colorado, an estimated 57,298 distracted-driving crashes occurred between 2012 and 2015 with an average of 40 distracted-driving crashes occurring each day last year.[5]

What Kinds of Actions Constitute Distracted Driving?

Many drivers are aware of the dangers of distracted driving but continue to do so. Most people understand that texting and using a handheld cellphone while driving can be distracting. However, possible distractions include things many may not even consider distractions at all, like adjusting the radio, eating and drinking, using a navigation system and talking to someone in the car.[6]

How Common Are Distracted Driving Crashes?

Distracted driving crashes are likely under-reported.[7] Unlike alcohol-impaired driving, there’s no quick test, like a breathalyzer, to tell if someone was distracted at the time of the crash, and some drivers involved in crashes don’t admit they were driving while distracted. In fact, the police may not even check to see if a driver was distracted. The police would have to get a subpoena to check a driver’s phone records, and they may not be willing to do that with every single car crash just to find out if there was a phone call, internet activity, or text messages going out at the time. 

What Should I Do If I Suspect That the Other Driver Was Distracted?

Sometimes in a car crash, you may actually see the other driver on the phone or looking down at their lap to send a text message. Other times, distracted drivers may actually be seen ending phone calls after they collide with another car. If so, tell police. What you remember right before the crash is most fresh in your memory immediately afterward.

Next, you should document what you saw or heard that made you think the driver was distracted. Chances are, the distracted driver has also committed some other behavior while to show inattentiveness, such as running a red light, going over the lines into the other lane, or turning when they don’t have the right of way.

The attorneys at Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C., P.C. are experienced at handling distracted driving cases and know the questions to ask and the records to obtain, such as cell phone records, in order to prove a distracted driving case. Call Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. at 303-393-6666 to schedule your free consultation. 

[1]  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Distracted Driving. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving.

[2] Id.

[3] Id.

[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Distracted Driving. https://www.cdc.gov/ motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/index.html

[5] Hayley Sanchez. Distracted driving caused 40 crashes each day in Colorado last year, and CDOT wants it to stop. https://www.denverpost.com/2017/04/04/distracted-driving-caused-40-crashes-each-day-in-colorado-last-year-and-cdot-wants-it-to-stop/.

[6] Id.

[7] Joan Lowy. Study: Distracted Driving Deaths Underreported. https://www.usnews.com/news/ politics/articles/2013/05/07/study-distracted-driving-deaths-underreported.

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    Testimonials

    “I had an excellent experience at Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C.. I was in an auto accident and had severe injuries. Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. helped me get the medical treatment I needed, as well as a wonderful settlement with the insurance company. Everyone at Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. was very caring and understanding of my situation, and especially supportive when my husband passed away during the case. Attorney Charlie Crichton was particularly wonderful and I would give him and the Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. firm 5+ stars.”

    Grace Collier - Former Client

    “After I was injured in a serious auto accident, I was in a lot of pain and didn’t know what to do. Having been involved in her own accident several years earlier and hired Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. to help her, my girlfriend told me I needed to speak with attorney Jennifer Crichton. I’m so glad I did. I had a great experience with Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. and Jenny was there by my side all the way. Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. is definitely a 5 star law firm. I certainly got my money’s worth by going to Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C..”

    Joel Fisher - Former Client

    Success Stories

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    The Baby That Needed Help

    The baby would be turning two years old in a couple of days. Little Pablo (not his real name) could not see, or talk, or even crawl let alone walk. Leave him alone to sit and he would more likely than not tip over. He could not eat without choking so they fed him a liquid formula through a tube that...

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    The K, K, & C Difference

    • Over 35 Years in Business

      For over 35 years, Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. has been dedicated to helping personal injury victims, which means we have a proven track record of success.

    • We Only Represent Personal Injury Victims

      Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. only represents injured victims, never insurance companies or corporations. For over 35 years, we have been wholly devoted to helping individuals.

    • Trial Experience

      In 1982, Steve Kaufman had the honor of trying the first Toxic Shock Syndrome case to go to trial in the country against Procter & Gamble and its Rely tampon, obtaining a verdict in favor of a teenage girl who had almost died. Since then, Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. has taken on corporations and insurance companies in courtrooms throughout Colorado as well as the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Colorado Supreme Court, and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. All told, the attorneys at Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. have tried numerous cases to verdict.

    • We Only Get Paid if You Get Paid

      Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. handles all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you get paid. We will never ask you for a retainer and you never have to worry about us sending you a bill for our time. You can rest assured knowing that we will do everything to obtain fair compensation since we only get paid when you do.

    • Committed to Our Clients

      Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. is totally devoted to its client. We get back to all clients within 24 hours and our attorneys can even be available by cell phone on nights and weekends when necessary. If you ever want to know what's going on with your case, feel free to just give us a call, send us an email, or text us. We are always available for our clients.

    • We Handle It All

      Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. handles all aspects of your personal injury claim. If you are in a car accident, we can help you with your property damage and medical payments coverage at no additional charge to you. Not only will we negotiate a settlement, but we will also help you with your medical bills and health insurance as part of our representation of you.

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    Firm Overview

    What to Expect for Your Case

    You Are Involved in an Accident

    You are stopped at a red light, waiting for the light to change and you get rear-ended.

    You are walking toward the deli counter at the grocery store, and you slip and fall in the beverage aisle.

    Your insurance company denies your claim for the hail damage from the storm in your neighborhood.

    What do you do when an accident happens? First, check to see if you are injured. If you are injured, be sure to seek immediate medical attention. You also want to be sure to document everything. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, then be sure to take photos, obtain the other driver’s insurance information, and contact the police. If you slip and fall at a grocery store, make sure you complete an incident report, obtain witness information, and take photos. If you have a dispute with your insurance company, make sure you document all of your correspondence and communication.

    Contact An Attorney

    Be sure to contact an attorney about your accident as soon as possible following your accident.

    An attorney can help guide you through the process of making a claim with an insurance company, which is an unfamiliar process for most people. An attorney can makes sure that the correct parties and entities are notified and that your accident and injuries are well documented. Not only can an attorney help you with this process, but hiring an attorney gives you the peace of mind knowing that things are being done the right way.

    Accept a Settlement or Proceed to Litigation

    Does it make sense to accept a settlement or file a lawsuit?

    You have completed your medical treatment and your attorney has submitted a demand to the insurance company. At this time, the insurance company may be willing to make a settlement offer to resolve the case. Your attorney will help you decide whether to accept a settlement or proceed with a lawsuit against the opposing party.

    Litigation

    You filed a lawsuit against the opposing party so what happens now?

    When you file a lawsuit against another party, then the litigation process begins. The insurance company will likely hire a well-qualified attorney to represent its Defendant and the case will be assigned to a judge and courtroom. Attorneys will send written discovery, obtain documents, and take depositions. The attorneys are doing everything they can to prepare the case for trial and to find out more about the other side’s case. The parties may still try to resolve the case either informally or with a mediator.

    Trial

    What happens in a trial?

    The parties are unable to resolve the case so they go to trial. The attorneys and the judge pick a jury to decide the case. Then each attorney makes an opening statement. Next, the injured party’s attorney presents his case, which usually includes testimony from the injured party, any witnesses, medical providers, and hired experts. Then the Defendant’s attorney has the opportunity to present his case and call his own witnesses and present his own evidence. After jury instructions, each side makes a closing argument, trying to convince the jury to find for their side. Finally, the jury must agree on a verdict.

    • 1You Are Involved in an Accident

      You Are Involved in an Accident

      You are stopped at a red light, waiting for the light to change and you get rear-ended.

      You are walking toward the deli counter at the grocery store, and you slip and fall in the beverage aisle.

      Your insurance company denies your claim for the hail damage from the storm in your neighborhood.

      What do you do when an accident happens? First, check to see if you are injured. If you are injured, be sure to seek immediate medical attention. You also want to be sure to document everything. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, then be sure to take photos, obtain the other driver’s insurance information, and contact the police. If you slip and fall at a grocery store, make sure you complete an incident report, obtain witness information, and take photos. If you have a dispute with your insurance company, make sure you document all of your correspondence and communication.

    • 2Contact An Attorney

      Contact An Attorney

      Be sure to contact an attorney about your accident as soon as possible following your accident.

      An attorney can help guide you through the process of making a claim with an insurance company, which is an unfamiliar process for most people. An attorney can makes sure that the correct parties and entities are notified and that your accident and injuries are well documented. Not only can an attorney help you with this process, but hiring an attorney gives you the peace of mind knowing that things are being done the right way.

    • 3Accept a Settlement or Proceed to Litigation

      Accept a Settlement or Proceed to Litigation

      Does it make sense to accept a settlement or file a lawsuit?

      You have completed your medical treatment and your attorney has submitted a demand to the insurance company. At this time, the insurance company may be willing to make a settlement offer to resolve the case. Your attorney will help you decide whether to accept a settlement or proceed with a lawsuit against the opposing party.

    • 4Litigation

      Litigation

      You filed a lawsuit against the opposing party so what happens now?

      When you file a lawsuit against another party, then the litigation process begins. The insurance company will likely hire a well-qualified attorney to represent its Defendant and the case will be assigned to a judge and courtroom. Attorneys will send written discovery, obtain documents, and take depositions. The attorneys are doing everything they can to prepare the case for trial and to find out more about the other side’s case. The parties may still try to resolve the case either informally or with a mediator.

    • 5Trial

      Trial

      What happens in a trial?

      The parties are unable to resolve the case so they go to trial. The attorneys and the judge pick a jury to decide the case. Then each attorney makes an opening statement. Next, the injured party’s attorney presents his case, which usually includes testimony from the injured party, any witnesses, medical providers, and hired experts. Then the Defendant’s attorney has the opportunity to present his case and call his own witnesses and present his own evidence. After jury instructions, each side makes a closing argument, trying to convince the jury to find for their side. Finally, the jury must agree on a verdict.