What to Do After a Car Accident in Colorado

FAQs: What to Do After a Car Accident in Colorado

---

You are not alone if you are wondering what to do after a car accident. The steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days after the crash can have serious repercussions for your health and your ability to make a claim for compensation.

---

A Denver car accident attorney at Burg Simpson can help you protect your rights. We offer FREE case evaluations and 50 years of experience representing people who have been injured in motor vehicle collisions.

Here is a quick list of the steps to take after a car accident in Colorado:

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911 (First 15 Minutes)
2. Get to Safety
3. Receive Medical Care
4. Exchange Information (First 30 Minutes)
5. Document the Accident
6. Talk to Witnesses
7. Give a Statement to Law Enforcement
8. See a Doctor (Within Hours of the Accident)
9. Notify Your Insurance Company of the Accident (24–72 Hours)
10. Consult a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer
11. Attend Medical Appointments (Days & Weeks to Follow)
12. Get a Copy of the Crash Report
13. Keep Track of Your Losses
14. Stay Off of Social Media
15. Act Within the Time Limit (2–3 Years)

We discuss each of these steps in detail below. If you do not know what to do after a car accident and need immediate help, call Burg Simpson at 303-792-5595.

Step 1: Check for Injuries & Call 911 (First 15 Minutes)

The first thing you need to do is check yourself and any passengers inside your vehicle for injuries. If you or anyone else is hurt, dial 911 immediately.

Safety should be your top priority after a car accident. Reporting the accident to the authorities ensures that first responders will arrive on site to help the victims, as well as enabling law enforcement to investigate the crash.

Step 2: Get to Safety

At minimum, you should get to the shoulder of the road and out of the path of traffic. If possible, you should try to move your vehicle out of harm’s way. This is especially important on busy roads like I-70, I-25, and 6th Avenue.

Moving your vehicle can prevent secondary collisions, but you need to be able to operate the vehicle safely. Extreme damage or severe injury can impact your ability to drive, in which case the safer choice may be to turn on your hazard lights and leave the vehicle where it is.

Step 3: Receive Medical Care

First responders can assess your injuries and provide basic aid, but you may need more comprehensive evaluation and treatment. If you sustain a serious or catastrophic injury, you should go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Accident victims in Denver are often taken to facilities such as:

• Denver Health Emergency Department
• Saint Joseph Hospital
• HCA HealthONE — multiple Denver-area locations
• AdventHealth Porter Emergency Care

If it is safe for you to remain at the scene after being checked out by paramedics, we recommend continuing with the following steps. Otherwise, you should stop here and get to an emergency room as soon as possible.

Step 4: Exchange Information (First 30 Minutes)

You need to be able to identify all of the drivers involved in the crash. Get the following information from each driver before you leave the scene:

• Name, address, and phone number
• License plate number
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance information
  • Name of the insurance company
  • Policy number
  • Contact information for the insurer
  • Name of the policyholder (may be different than the driver)
• Vehicle make, model, and color

When speaking with the other driver, be careful not to admit fault or apologize. You can ask if they are okay, but otherwise you should focus on getting the details above from every driver who played a role in the wreck.

Step 5: Document the Accident

First, note where the accident occurred. This includes the name of the street, the intersection, or the highway mile marker. You should also note the approximate time.

Next, use your phone to take pictures of the following details:

• Vehicle damage from multiple angles
• The position of the vehicles in relation to each other
• Debris, skid marks, and fluid puddles or trails
• The wider scene, including street signs, traffic lights, etc.
• Lighting and weather conditions

Step 6: Talk to Witnesses

Witnesses can help corroborate key details. Ask for their names, contact information, and what they saw. Record or write down what they say so you have a record of their testimony.

Finally, you should make notes of what you were doing just prior to the accident, as well as any information shared by the other driver(s). This can help with determining fault for car accidents, as well as identifying potential vulnerabilities in your case.

Step 7: Give a Statement to Law Enforcement

In Colorado, the police are required to investigate a crash if someone is injured or killed. They will also generally investigate accidents where drunk driving is suspected, as well as collisions where a driver flees the scene (hit and run).

The police crash report can provide support for your claim. It is important to answer the officer’s questions honestly so the report accurately reflects the details of the accident.

You should ask the officer for their name, badge number, and agency, as well as how to obtain a copy of the crash report. This will enable you to review the report for yourself and make sure the official record matches your notes.

Step 8: See a Doctor (Within Hours of the Accident)

We previously mentioned the importance of getting medical attention at the scene and going to the emergency room if necessary. Just because you did not need urgent intervention does not mean that you are “fine” or “out of the woods.”

See a doctor or go to urgent care or the emergency room the same day as the accident if you experience any of the following:

• Brain injury symptoms such as confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, double vision, etc.
• Tenderness in the neck or back — this may be a sign of whiplash
• Pins and needles sensation — numbness or tingling may be indicative of nerve damage or spinal cord injury
• Back pain could be symptomatic of soft tissue damage, a herniated disc, or fractured vertebrae
• Chest tightness or pain and shortness of breath — may be symptomatic of a broken rib, collapsed lung, or other internal injuries
• Abdominal pain, swelling, or bruising
• Uncontrollable bleeding from visible wounds

Bottom line: If you are concerned about an injury or just do not feel right after the car accident, you need to get evaluated by medical professionals.

Step 9: Notify Your Insurance Company of the Accident (24–72 Hours)

You will need to inform your insurance company that you have been in an accident. Most policies require you to give notice of the crash as soon as possible.

When reporting an accident to insurance, provide only the most essential information:

• Your name, address, and phone number
• Make, model, and license plate number for each vehicle (including yours)
• The insurance company name and policy number for the other driver(s)
• Where the accident happened
• The date and approximate time
• General description of the crash (e.g., “I was stopped at a red light on Speer and the other driver rear-ended me.”)

Even though this is “your” insurance company, you should not speculate about fault, downplay your injuries, or agree to make a recorded statement. Mistakes at this stage can make it difficult to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

Step 10: Consult a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer

You should seek legal guidance ASAP if you were injured in the wreck. Representation by a skilled attorney is crucial for protecting your rights and preparing a strong claim. It is also highly beneficial to have an advocate in insurance company negotiations.

Find out what to do after a car accident and how Burg Simpson can help. Contact us for FREE today.

Step 11: Attend Medical Appointments (Days & Weeks to Follow)

You may be tired, stressed, and in pain after the accident. Some days you might not want to get out of bed or leave the house. But it is vital for your recovery and your legal claim to attend all appointments with medical professionals. These may include:

• Visits to your GP
• Physical therapy sessions
• Imaging and scans (X-ray, CT, MRI, etc.)
• Referral to specialists
• Counseling and therapy

Keeping these appointments is critical for recovering from your injuries. It is also important for protecting your legal rights, as insurance companies often cite delays or gaps in medical treatment as signs that your injuries are not serious.

Step 12: Get a Copy of the Crash Report

Colorado State Patrol typically prepares crash reports within 10 days. The time it takes city and county police departments to finalize a crash report can vary. We recommend checking the local government website for information about requesting police records.

• City and County of Denver police records
• Colorado Springs police records release
• Aurora online accident reports
• Fort Collins police records request
• Lakewood Police Records

You can request a copy of the crash report yourself, or your lawyer can obtain a copy on your behalf. Attorneys will generally absorb the fees for records requests as part of preparing your case.

Step 13: Keep Track of Your Losses

The costs from a car accident often go beyond vehicle repair bills. If you were injured in the wreck, you may incur a number of losses:

• Medical expenses
• Out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications, mobility aids, etc.
• The cost of traveling to and from medical appointments
• Loss of income
• Physical pain and emotional suffering

Start a file of medical bills, receipts, communications with your employer, and other records that show what you have lost. Your lawyer can ensure that these and other damages are included in your car accident claim.

Step 14: Stay Off of Social Media

One of the things you should NOT do if you are involved in a car accident is post about it on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Insurance adjusters often monitor the accounts of claimants for evidence that they are exaggerating their injuries.

An ill-timed post, comment, photo, or status update can derail your claim. It is best not to share any information online about the crash until the case is over.

Step 15: Act Within the Time Limit (2–3 Years)

Finally, you need to take action within the statute of limitations for car accident claims. In Colorado, you lawsuits need to be filed within:

• 3 years, if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident
• 2 years, if a family member is killed (wrongful death claim)

Waiting too long can lead to evidence getting lost and witnesses’ memories becoming less reliable. It is best to speak with a Colorado car accident lawyer shortly after the crash. This will allow plenty of time to prepare a strong case and file a lawsuit if necessary.

Do Not Wait to Take Legal Action After a Car Accident in Colorado

A car accident is a shocking event. One moment you are driving like normal, the next your vehicle is damaged and you are hurt. Knowing what to do after a car accident is important, but it is also imperative to know when to ask for help.

Car accident lawyers at Burg Simpson can provide the help you need. We fight for maximum compensation on your behalf while providing you with individualized guidance and support. This is essential for obtaining the best outcome in your case, as well as giving you peace of mind.

Dial 303-792-5595 today for a FREE case evaluation. Burg Simpson serves clients throughout Colorado from our office in metro Denver.