Following an accident, there are some important things you must do
A car accident can turn your life upside down in a fraction of a second. Without warning, you could be fighting for your life and facing costly medical bills despite not being at fault for the accident.
Fortunately, there’s a way to prevent this tragic outcome. By taking the correct steps after a car accident, you can increase your chances of winning a settlement that pays for your medical bills. To help you make choices that will aid your legal case, we’ve put together this guide on what to do after a car accident in Colorado:
- Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
- Step 2: Call Law Enforcement
- Step 3: Document General Accident Information
- Step 4: Call Your Insurance Company
- Step 5: Call a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
Immediately after your accident, seek medical attention – even if you believe that you are uninjured. Adrenaline from the accident may mask the pain of serious injuries. Additionally, calling for medical assistance will create documentation of any injuries you sustained. If you file a personal injury claim, your car accident lawyer can use the documentation provided by your doctor to prove that you were injured and deserve compensation.
When you visit a doctor, disclose any pre-existing injuries or conditions. Your doctor can use that information to establish how the accident affected your existing injury. Without your doctor’s medical advice and diagnosis, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may claim that your injury was simply a pre-existing one and not one that was aggravated by the accident.
Step 2: Call Law Enforcement
After a crash, call 911 to bring an ambulance and a police officer to the scene of the accident. Colorado law requires drivers to report all traffic accidentsthat cause either injury or property damage.
Once the officer arrives, you can provide your testimony about the accident. Your attorney can use the statement you provided, as well as the statements of any witnesses, to help prove your case. However, you must be cautious while answering the officer’s questions. Simply tell the police officers exactly what happened and with as much detail as you can, without accepting or assigning fault. Always avoid making statements that may look like you are accepting the blame for the accident. Even an “I’m sorry” can be twisted by insurance companies to show that you admitted fault for the crash.
After speaking with the officer, request a copy of the accident report so you can give it to the attorney you’ll be working with.
Step 3: Document General Accident Information
Immediately after an accident, if you are able, document and gather general accident information, such as:
- Other driver’s license number
- Vehicle license plate number
- Driver’s insurance card information
- Driver’s address or contact information
- Time and date of the accident
- Location of the accident
- Circumstances leading to the crash
- Statements made by the other driver
Additionally, you should take photos of the damage to your car, the other car, and any public property.It’s also a good idea to take picturesof the roadway, traffic lights, skid marks, and any other details that could help your lawyer establish negligence.
Step 4: Call Your Insurance Company
Many injured drivers fail to notify their insurance companies because they believe they don’t have to. Even if you are not toblame for the accident, contact your insurance company as soon as you are able. If the other driver makes a claim against you, your insurance company will be able to defend you against these claims or negotiate a fair settlement if you are at fault. If the other driver is at fault but doesn’t carry enough insurance or isn’t insured, then you will need to tap into your ownUIM/UM insurance policyto pay for medical bills and damages.
When speaking to your insurance company or the “at-fault” driver’s insurance company, be careful what you tell them. Avoid discussing fault, and decline to give them a recorded statement until you have hired a Colorado car accident lawyer. The other driver’s insurance company may attempt to pressure you into signing an unfair settlement that is often far below what you need to pay for your medical treatment.
Step 5: Call a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer
As soon as you are able, contact a car accident lawyer in Colorado. Valuable evidence can be lost or destroyed if you don’t act quickly. Your attorney will investigate all aspects of your accident, gather the necessary evidence, and file the appropriate claims against the liable parties, all while helping you understand what to do after a car accident.
Through meticulous preparation and planning, your attorney can obtain maximum compensation for you after an accident. In fact, statistics have shown that injured accident victims with legal assistance are able to obtain up to 300% more compensation than those without a lawyer on their side.Your attorney can help you obtain money to pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Long-term care costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Pain and suffering
