What To Do After A Car Accident

What To Do Immediately After A Car Accident

The first few moments after a car crash can leave you in shock. Take a brief moment to take a few deep breaths to regain focus, and then:

• Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
• Call 911, report the accident, and request immediate medical care.
• If you aren’t injured, check on the other driver.
• Do not leave the crash scene.

What To Do At The Accident Scene

Once you know the police are on their way, there are some other things you should do if you are not injured. If you are injured, do not move until directed by the EMTs.

Otherwise, you should:

• Take pictures and videos of all the damage.
• Take pictures and videos of the accident site.
• Exchange information with the other driver.
• Obtain contact details for any witnesses.
• Gather evidence, such as looking for traffic cams or cameras on nearby businesses.
• For minor fender-benders, you can move the vehicles off the road after taking pictures.

When speaking to the other driver or the police, do not admit fault or apologize for the accident. Only stick to the facts and do not over-embellish.

What To Do In The Days After The Accident

In the days following the crash, what you do should involve the things you still need to take care of, such as:

• Scheduling a free consultation with a Colorado car accident attorney.
• Notifying your insurance company of the accident and opening a claim.
• Gathering documentation to file for damages, including medical records, lost wages, and the police report number.
• Retaining all evidence from the accident, including clothing and damaged personal property.

If you decide to retain the lawyer to assist with your insurance claim, they will handle most everything on your behalf, allowing you to focus on resting and healing.

When And Why You Should Seek Medical Attention

You should seek medical attention if you have any type of injury, including:

• Cuts, scrapes, abrasions, and bruising
• Deeper lacerations
• Head trauma
• Broken bones
• Muscle and joint pain
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Severed fingers, toes, hands, feet, or limbs

The primary reason for obtaining medical attention is that your injuries might be more severe than you realize.

At the time of the crash, most people experience an adrenaline rush that masks pain and discomfort. Even if you do not have EMTs dispatched, you should still go to an emergency walk-in clinic as soon as possible.

There is always the possibility of internal injuries that could lead to complications if they are not treated. Another reason why you should seek medical attention is to protect your right to seek compensation for any related medical costs from the responsible party.

Basic Legal Considerations In Colorado

There are some basic legal concepts you need to be aware of after your car crash. For starters, Colorado is an at-fault state, meaning whoever was responsible for the accident is responsible for paying for your injuries and property damage.

However, the state uses a modified comparative negligence system, which could impact your settlement. You can still seek compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident.

You also need to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing your injury claim. While the state gives you up to three years from the accident date, the longer you wait, the more difficult it is to secure a favorable settlement. The insurance company will fight to reduce or even deny payment. So, it is better to file your claim as soon as possible.

Regarding timelines, you should also remember the following:

• Report the crash immediately to the police if there are injuries, death, or property damage over $1,000.
• Self-report the crash to the DMV within 10 days if there were no injuries and less than $1,000 in damages.
• Promptly notify the insurance companies within 30 days of the crash.
• Promptly file your injury claim if the at-fault party was driving a government vehicle, as the statute of limitations is very short.

Once your injury claim is filed, the time needed to resolve the case will vary based on the extent of property damage and injuries. Your car accident attorney will provide you with an estimated timeframe.

Common Mistakes To Avoid After A Car Accident

• Leaving the accident scene.
• Admitting fault or apologizing.
• Not calling the police.
• Not seeking medical care.
• Not gathering evidence.
• Not reporting the accident to the DMV.
• Posting about the accident on social media.
• Accepting the first settlement you receive.
• Providing recorded statements to the insurance adjuster without obtaining legal advice first.

When Should Someone Contact A Car Accident Lawyer In Colorado?

You should speak with a car accident lawyer in Colorado in these situations:

• You have sustained injuries.
• The other driver or their insurance company disputes fault.
• The insurance adjuster is pressuring you to accept the settlement.
• You were involved in a crash involving a commercial or government vehicle.
• Before signing a settlement agreement.
• You have questions about filing your claim.

Request Your Free Consultation Today

Being involved in a car crash can leave you with questions and uncertainty about where to begin. Get honest, legal advice after a car accident from the experienced car accident attorneys in Colorado at Bachus & Schanker. We offer free consultations and only collect legal fees after we win your case.

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