Knowing what to do after a car accident in Colorado can make a significant difference in the outcome of any potential legal claim. While most people will experience a collision at some point in their lives, few are prepared for the steps that follow.
With the majority of all motor vehicle accidents caused by human error, the decisions made in the moments and days after a crash often shape the entire legal and medical outcome of the situation.
Call 911 and File an Official Police Report
The first and most important step after any collision is to call 911 and notify the authorities. A police report creates an official record of the incident, which becomes a critical piece of evidence in any subsequent personal injury claim.
When speaking with law enforcement, always tell the truth. You are not required to admit fault or volunteer information beyond what is asked, but honesty with authorities is essential.
Report All Injuries to First Responders
One of the most common and costly mistakes accident victims make is downplaying their injuries at the scene. If you are injured, tell the police, first responders, and medical personnel, even if you do not have a visible wound or broken bone.
Soft tissue injuries, whiplash, back pain, and concussion symptoms such as nausea or disorientation can be serious and may worsen over time.
If your neck hurts, say so. If your back hurts, say so. The failure to report symptoms at the scene can be used later to suggest that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are physically able to do so, photograph the scene immediately. According to national traffic safety reports and CDOT crash data, nearly 40 percent of all motor vehicle accidents occur at intersections, where questions about traffic signal status, vehicle positioning, and road conditions are common points of dispute. Photographs taken at the scene provide objective evidence that can be critical in establishing fault.
If witnesses are present, obtain their contact information before they leave. Eyewitness accounts can be invaluable in contested liability situations, and witnesses often disperse quickly after a collision.
Understand Traffic Citations in Colorado
It is important to know that a citation issued to either driver at the scene does not definitively establish fault in a personal injury case. Under Colorado state statutes, the fact that a citation was issued is not admissible as evidence at trial.
Fault is determined through a separate legal process, and an experienced personal injury attorney will guide you through that analysis.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you require medical care, seek it as soon as possible following the accident. Delaying treatment gives insurance companies grounds to argue against covering your medical bills after a crash or claiming that your injuries were caused by something other than the collision. Early and consistent medical documentation strengthens your claim and ensures that your injuries are properly treated.
After your initial medical visit, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Law One’s attorneys will connect you with providers who specialize in treating trauma related injuries arising from motor vehicle accidents, ensuring that your medical and legal needs are addressed together.
Avoid Posting on Social Media
Finally, do not post about the accident on social media. Insurance companies actively monitor claimants’ social media activity, and posts that appear to contradict your reported injuries can be used against you in settlement negotiations or at trial.
Contact a Colorado Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you have been involved in a car accident in Colorado, the decisions you make in the days that follow matter. Contact Law One today at 303-831-8313 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
