Things To Do After An Accident
- Have you been involved in a car accident?
- Was someone else to blame for your accident and your injuries?
- Are you struggling to pay medical expenses while also trying to recover?
A car accident can be a complex and devastating ordeal, even when it is not catastrophic. The more serious the accident, the more serious the complications. Injured accident victims are often hospitalized for extended periods of time, and while they are struggling to recover from their injuries, medical bills and expenses can quickly pile up, leading to serious financial hardship.
The steps you take immediately following your accident can make a critical difference in your ability to recover the money you need to put your life back together. Here are the five things you must do after an accident.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Immediately after a car accident, get examined by a qualified medical professional. Some injuries are only diagnosed through MRI or physical examination and may not be apparent to you right away. Even if you do not believe you are seriously injured, seeking medical care is always the right move. In the days and weeks following the accident, do not hesitate to go back to a doctor if you start to experience pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms. Delayed symptoms are extremely common in soft tissue injuries, concussions, and internal injuries.
A medical diagnosis also creates a documented connection between the accident and your injuries, which is critical for your claim. Insurance companies will use any gap between the accident and your first medical visit to argue that your injuries were not caused by the crash or were not serious enough to warrant compensation. Do not give them that opening. You can learn more about why delayed symptoms after a car accident are so common on our website.
2. File A Police Report
Even if the accident does not seem major, call the police and file an accident report. An official police report documenting the details of the accident from an officer at the scene is one of the most valuable pieces of evidence you can have if you need to prove fault. It establishes the basic facts of what happened, identifies the parties involved, and provides an official record that carries significant weight with insurance companies and in court. In Colorado, you are legally required to report an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over a certain threshold. When in doubt, call it in.
3. Gather Evidence At The Scene
If you or someone you trust is able to do so safely, gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. This includes taking photos and video of all vehicles involved, the damage to each vehicle, the road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of eyewitnesses before they leave the scene. Write down or record your own account of what happened while the details are still fresh in your mind.
Also collect the other driver’s name, license number, insurance information, and vehicle registration. Note the make, model, color, and license plate of their vehicle. If there are any traffic or security cameras nearby, note their locations, as footage can be subpoenaed but often overwrites quickly. The more documentation you have from the immediate aftermath, the stronger your case will be.
4. Speak To An Experienced Car Accident Attorney
As soon as you are able, contact an experienced car accident lawyer. Your attorney will investigate all angles of the accident to determine who is ultimately responsible and build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Time is of the essence because valuable evidence can be lost or destroyed if too much time passes, witnesses’ memories fade, and surveillance footage gets overwritten.
Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensure all deadlines are met, and protect your right to maximum compensation. Colorado’s statute of limitations for car accident claims gives you a limited window to take legal action, so do not delay in getting legal counsel involved. Having an attorney from the start also signals to the insurance company that you are serious about your claim and will not be taken advantage of.
5. Stay Quiet — With Insurance Companies And On Social Media
Never speak to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting with your attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators whose job is to minimize what their company pays out. They may contact you quickly after the accident, while you are still in shock and pain, hoping to get you to accept a lowball settlement or make statements that can be used to reduce your claim later. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurer. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
Equally important: watch what you post on social media. Photos, comments, and even check-ins that seem completely innocent can be taken out of context and used against you by insurance company attorneys. A photo of you at a family barbecue, for example, could be used to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. The safest approach is to avoid posting anything about your accident, your injuries, or your daily activities on any social platform until your case is resolved.
You Have Rights — And We Are Here To Protect Them
If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, the law is on your side. You have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Understanding what damages you may be entitled to recover and how much to ask for in a settlement are important steps in protecting your interests. Without an experienced lawyer on your side, you may end up accepting far less than you need and deserve.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Car Accident Attorneys
At Rector Stuzynski Law Firm, our Colorado Springs auto accident lawyers have the experience and resources to build a strong case designed to obtain maximum compensation for our clients. We fight aggressively for our clients and for their future. Call us today at (719) 578-1106 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to help.
