Car accidents happen suddenly and can leave you shocked, hurt, and unsure of what to do next. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, the state recorded 716 traffic fatalities in 2023, and thousands more people experienced a car accident injury ranging from minor to life-changing.
In the moments after a road accident, one question comes up again and again: what should you do first?
Taking the right steps can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to file a claim. Below, we walk you through eight important things to do after a car accident in Colorado.
1. Check for Injuries and Focus on Safety
The first priority after any traffic accident is to check for injuries. Look at yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved to see if anyone appears to be hurt. If someone has an auto accident injury or you suspect one, call 911 right away for emergency assistance so that police and EMTs can respond to the scene.
When medical responders arrive, allow them to evaluate you even if the car crash seems minor. After a Colorado accident and injury, some problems, such as whiplash, concussion, or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Getting medical treatment early helps protect your health and creates necessary documentation related to the car accident.
2. Move to a Safe Location if You Can
If your vehicle is drivable, carefully move it to the shoulder or another safe spot away from traffic. Creating distance from active lanes reduces the risk of additional motor vehicle accidents.
If your car cannot be moved or traffic conditions are dangerous, stay inside the vehicle, keep your seat belt on, and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Do not try to move if you suspect a serious injury or feel significant pain. Wait for first responders and allow EMTs to help you out of the vehicle.
3. Report the Accident
When you call 911, the dispatcher may send police officers to the accident scene. Officers check for common injuries, direct traffic if needed, and create an official accident report. In Colorado, car crashes that involve injuries or significant property damage should be reported to law enforcement.
Even if the automobile accident seems minor or involves a rental car, it is still wise to report it. A police report is often critical when you file an insurance claim or pursue compensation for a car accident injury. The responding officer will document key details such as the location, vehicle damage, witness statements, and any apparent traffic violations.
4. Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Exchange basic identifying and insurance information with every driver involved in the crash. Be calm and brief. The most important details to collect include:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
If there are witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact information as well.
Avoid arguing about fault or discussing how the car crash happened. If a driver refuses to cooperate, do not push the situation. Write down the license plate number, wait for the police officer to arrive, and document the information in the official report.
5. Document the Scene
If it is safe to do so, use your phone to take photos and videos of the crash scene. Visual evidence can be very helpful later when you file an insurance claim or describe what happened. Try to capture:
- Damage to all vehicles
- The location of the accident and the surrounding area
- Road and weather conditions
- Skid marks, debris, or broken glass
- Any visible injuries
- License plates and identifying vehicle details
Take images from several angles and distances. If you cannot safely take photos, ask a passenger or bystander for assistance.
These images and videos can support your version of events and may be essential to a Colorado accident and injury claim. A car accident attorney can also use this documentation when evaluating liability and damages.
6. Get Medical Attention
Even if you do not feel injured right away, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible after a crash. Adrenaline can mask pain and emotional stress. As such, some car accident injury symptoms appear hours or days later, including traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A prompt medical evaluation protects your health and creates a record that links your condition to the auto accident. These medical records are often key evidence in a Colorado accident and injury claim and can help document the full impact of the collision.
If symptoms worsen or new ones appear in the days after the accident, return to your doctor or an urgent care center for follow-up treatment.
7. Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the auto accident as soon as possible. Provide the basic facts and the information you gathered at the scene, but avoid admitting fault or guessing about what happened. Fault is determined after investigation, not at the roadside.
Your insurer will open a claim and explain the next steps. However, remember that insurance companies also look for ways to limit payouts. If you have questions or feel uncertain about what to say, you should speak with a car accident attorney in Colorado before giving a recorded statement.
8. Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney
Colorado follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means the driver who causes a collision is generally responsible for the resulting damages and car accident injury losses. An injured person may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future needs, such as physical therapy)
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Non-economic losses such as pain and suffering
Proving fault, however, can be challenging. Evidence can be disputed, and insurance companies may question liability or the extent of your injuries.
A personal injury attorney can review the facts, gather records and witness statements, communicate with the insurance company, and advise you about your legal options after a car wreck in Denver or anywhere in Colorado.
Speak with Manning Herington Law Firm Today
If you have been in a car accident, it is important to learn about your rights and deadlines as soon as possible. Colorado law limits the time you have to bring a claim after a traffic accident, and waiting too long can affect your ability to pursue compensation.
The attorneys at Manning Herington Law Firm help victims of Colorado accidents and injuries, from dealing with insurance companies to filing personal injury claims when appropriate. We can review your situation, explain the claims process, and discuss your potential recovery options.
We offer free case evaluations. Call 720-605-9784 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.
FAQs: Colorado Car Accident Injury
1. What are common injuries after a car accident?
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, even at lower speeds. Common car accident injuries include:
- Soft-tissue injuries such as whiplash, sprains, and muscle strains
- Back and neck injuries
- Knee injuries from striking the dashboard
- Bruising from seat belts or airbags
- Concussions or other head injuries
Some people also experience psychological effects such as anxiety or PTSD after a serious collision. Because symptoms do not always appear right away, it is important to seek medical care after a crash.
2. What should I do first after a road accident in Colorado?
Your first priority is safety. Check for injuries, call 911 if anyone is hurt, move to a safe location if you can, and report the crash to the police. Then exchange information, document the scene, and seek immediate medical attention.
3. Do I need to see a doctor after a car accident if I feel fine?
Yes, it is a good idea. Some car accident injury symptoms do not appear right away, such as whiplash or concussion. A medical evaluation protects your health and helps document any Colorado accident and injury for future insurance or legal claims.
4. When should I contact my insurance company?
Notify your insurer soon after the accident. Provide the basic facts but avoid admitting fault or guessing about what happened. You may wish to speak with a personal injury lawyer first if you have questions about your rights or the claims process.
5. When should I call a car accident lawyer in Colorado?
Consider contacting an attorney if you suffered serious injuries, if liability is disputed, if an insurance company is pressuring you to settle quickly, or if you are unsure about what to do after a traffic accident. A skilled lawyer can explain your options and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
