What to Do After a Car Accident in Colorado Springs: A Complete Guide for Your Recovery

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A car accident is an event that can completely change the course of your day and even your life. The few minutes right after a crash are often filled with confusion and distress, making it difficult to focus on the steps you need to take. Whether the accident is a small fender-bender or a serious collision with injuries, how you react in the aftermath is crucial for your safety, health, and legal rights.

If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Colorado Springs, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities to protect your future. The actions you take in the first few hours and days after the crash can influence how quickly you recover both physically and financially. 

This guide will walk you through each necessary step to take after an accident, ensuring that you’re prepared to handle the legal and insurance aspects with confidence.

1. Your Immediate Safety Comes First

The moments following a car accident can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to stay calm and focused on ensuring safety first. Injuries are not always immediately obvious, and other vehicles or road conditions could make the situation more dangerous.

First, Assess Yourself and Your Passengers

Start by checking yourself and your passengers for any visible injuries. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to be thorough. The adrenaline rush after an accident can mask pain or symptoms of injuries, so take a moment to carefully evaluate your body for any aches, pains, or discomfort.

  • Are you injured? Pay attention to any pain in your neck, back, or head. These could be signs of serious conditions, such as whiplash or concussions, which may not show symptoms right away.
  • Are your passengers okay? If anyone in your vehicle is injured, it’s important to address the situation immediately. Call 911 for emergency medical help and stay with your passengers until help arrives.

Then, Move to a Safer Location

If your vehicle is still operational, and it’s safe to do so, move it to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. This will protect you from potential collisions with other vehicles and keep traffic flowing. 

If the vehicle is not drivable and you cannot get out, remain inside with your seatbelt fastened and activate your hazard lights. This makes your car more visible to oncoming drivers. If you can exit your vehicle but it is not driveable, move to a safer location like the road’s sidewalk. This ensures you will remain safe if another vehicle hits your car  

By ensuring the safety of everyone involved, you create a controlled environment to start dealing with the aftermath of the accident.

A picture of a man on the phone after getting into a car accident.

2. Call Emergency Services

No matter how minor an accident seems, involving the police and other emergency services is critical. A police report not only documents the event but also serves as an official record that may be necessary for insurance claims and legal matters.

Why You Need a Police Report

  • Official documentation: A police report includes an account of the incident, listing the facts, identifying the parties involved, and providing evidence like witness statements or the officer’s opinion on fault. This documentation is essential if there is a dispute over who was at fault for the accident.
  • Legal requirement: According to Colorado law, any accident that involves injuries, death, or significant property damage must be reported to the police. A police report provides an objective, legally recognized record of what happened.
  • Evidence for insurance claims: Insurance companies rely on the police report to determine the validity of your claim. The more detailed and accurate the report, the easier it will be to support your case.

When the police arrive, give them a factual description of what happened. Avoid admitting fault or guessing at what caused the accident. Let the officers gather the facts and investigate based on evidence.

3. Document Everything

The more evidence you can gather at the scene, the better prepared you’ll be for any claims, lawsuits, or disputes that may arise later. While the scene might seem chaotic, the details you capture could make or break your case.

Take Photos of the Accident Scene

Use your smartphone to document the scene. Pictures are powerful evidence that can speak volumes in a dispute or when presenting your case to an insurance company.

  • Damage to vehicles: Photograph the damage to your vehicle as well as any damage to the other vehicles involved. Be sure to capture any obvious dents, scratches, or broken parts.
  • Accident location: Take wide-angle shots of the accident scene, including traffic signs, road conditions, and any nearby obstacles that might have played a role in the crash.
  • Skid marks or debris: If there are skid marks, broken glass, or other evidence on the road, take pictures of these as well. These can help reconstruct the event and establish who was at fault.
  • Injuries: Photograph any visible injuries on yourself or others. Documenting these immediately after the accident will support any claims for medical treatment down the road.

Get Witness Information

If there were any bystanders or people who saw the accident, ask for their contact information. Their testimony could be critical if there’s a dispute about fault or the events leading up to the crash. Eyewitness accounts can provide crucial support when you need to prove your version of events.

A picture of a car crash accident scene.

4. Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s)

After ensuring your safety and documenting the scene, the next step is to exchange important information with the other drivers involved in the accident. This is critical for insurance claims, potential legal action, and future communication.

Key Information to Exchange:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Driver’s license number
  • License plate number
  • Insurance company name and policy number
  • Make, model, and year of the vehicle

Be polite and never admit fault during this exchange. Stick to the facts and let the authorities or your legal team determine liability later. Having the correct details from the other driver will help you file your insurance claim and pursue any legal action if necessary.

5. Seek Medical Attention

One of the biggest mistakes many people make after a car accident is assuming they’re “fine” and delaying medical care. You should never wait to receive medical attention, even if you feel fine. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, some injuries, such as soft tissue damage, whiplash, and concussions, may not become apparent until hours or even days after the incident.

Why It’s Important to See a Doctor

  • Delayed symptoms: Soft tissue injuries, like whiplash, or brain injuries may not show symptoms right away. Getting a professional evaluation ensures that any hidden injuries are diagnosed early.
  • Medical documentation: Visiting a doctor creates a record of your injuries, which is crucial for any insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Delaying treatment can hurt your ability to prove that your injuries were directly caused by the accident.
  • Injury diagnosis: A medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis, preventing minor issues from turning into chronic conditions. This also allows you to begin treatment right away.

Go to the emergency room, or at least visit your doctor, even if you feel okay. Keep a detailed record of all your medical visits, treatments, and bills, as they will be important for your claim.

A picture of a man and a doctor talking to each other after a car accident.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Timing is key. After an accident, it’s essential to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. In Colorado, you’re typically required to report the accident within 24 hours of the incident to police. You also have up to 60 days to report the crash to Colorado’s Department of Motor Vehicles. The sooner you report, the sooner your claim can be processed.

Key Points for Dealing with Insurance:

  • Report promptly: Contact your insurer immediately to report the accident, but don’t rush to give a statement until you’ve fully assessed your injuries and damages.
  • Don’t settle too quickly: Insurance companies may offer a settlement quickly, but it’s often lower than what you truly deserve. Make sure you’ve thoroughly evaluated your injuries and damages before accepting an offer.
  • Provide complete documentation: Ensure your insurance company has all the necessary documents: police reports, medical records, photos, and witness information.

Be cautious of accepting a settlement right away, especially if you’ve suffered serious injuries or ongoing medical costs. Insurance companies are motivated to settle quickly, but that may not always be in your best interest. 

Better yet, a personal injury lawyer can help you with the settlement process, ensuring you’re fully represented so you can receive maximum compensation for your injuries and suffering. 

7. Contact a Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in the accident or if there’s any disagreement about who is at fault, contacting an experienced car accident lawyer is critical. An attorney will help you navigate the often complicated legal and insurance processes, ensuring your rights are protected.

Why You Need a Lawyer:

  • Expert guidance: A personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process, making sure you understand your options and that all necessary steps are taken.
  • Maximize compensation: A skilled lawyer will ensure that you receive a fair settlement based on your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Legal representation: If your case goes to court, an attorney will advocate for your best interests and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you’re facing challenges in dealing with insurance companies or the at-fault party, or if your injuries are severe, consulting a personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Protect Your Health, Rights, and Financial Future

A car accident can throw your life into chaos, but the steps you take immediately after the crash are critical in protecting your health, rights, and financial future. From ensuring everyone’s safety at the scene to seeking medical attention and legal advice, each step you take can significantly impact the outcome of your recovery.

If you’ve been in a car accident in Colorado Springs, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Schofield & Green Law, we specialize in personal injury cases and are committed to fighting for your rights. We’re here to help you navigate the insurance and legal complexities, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you take the next step toward a full recovery.

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