DON’T BLOCK TRAFFIC.

Immediately stop at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. If each vehicle involved can be safely driven, each driver should move their vehicle as soon as practicable off the road, to the nearest suitable cross street, or other suitable location to exchange information.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.

You should try to render reasonable assistance to anyone injured and call 911 for medical assistance if necessary.

EXCHANGE INFORMATION.

You should get the name, address, and telephone number of all persons involved, including any passengers. In order to help prevent the other driver from giving you false information you should also get their vehicle registration, license plate number, and request to see their driver’s license and proof of insurance.

REPORT THE ACCIDENT TO THE POLICE.

If possible, and while still at the scene of the collision, report the location of the accident, names of the parties involved to the police, and wait for instruction from the police whether to remain at the scene of the accident until the police arrive so they can complete their investigation. Having the police come and investigate the scene is always preferable.

Colorado law requires that all motor vehicle accidents are reported immediately and that each driver involved in the accident must file an accident report.

A proper police investigation with a formal report will help support your insurance claim for any injuries and property damage.

If you did not report the accident to the police while still at the accident scene or if an Accident Alert was issued for your location, you may be able to submit an accident report online with The Colorado State Patrol if it meets certain criteria listed on the Colorado State Patrol’s website.

PHOTOGRAPH EVERYTHING.

Take detailed photographs of the damage to your vehicle, the at-fault party’s vehicle, any other cars involved in the collision (Preferably at the scene). There may be more damage to your vehicle than on the surface, so check for any damage inside the vehicle, trunk, or underneath the vehicle. Don’t rely on the insurance company or the repair shop to take photographs, as it is not in their best interest to take photographs that adequately convey all the damage to your vehicle. Plus the insurance company may wait weeks or months to take the photos, leaving time for paint transfer marks to fade or wash away. Also photograph any bruises, lacerations, or scars you or any passengers in your vehicle may have suffered.

SEE A DOCTOR.

Seek medical treatment as soon as possible. A delay in seeking treatment may prolong your recovery from your injuries and give the insurance company a reason to otherwise question legitimate injuries. Although you may think that your injuries are not significant enough to see a doctor right away, you may by surprised how an injury may initially appear minor, may be more significant than you ever thought. An early evaluation by a trained medical professional is paramount.

It is not uncommon for injuries or symptoms to appear hours or days after the collision, and even though you did not report feeling any injuries at the scene or to an insurance adjuster shortly after the collision, you should still go see a doctor to get help and document your complaints.

The visual damage to your vehicle and/or the estimated repair cost is not the only predictor of the severity of your bodily injuries. Today’s car technology is more advanced and varies more than you may know. Many vehicles use different frame designs and plastics that will transfer the force of an impact differently and will also look different after an impact. It is always better to be safe, and get checked out by a doctor immediately, even if it looks like you only have some scratches on your car.

CONTACT A COLORADO PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER.

Contact a Colorado personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your rights. Many personal injury attorneys, including the D’Angelo Law Office, P.C., will conduct a free initial consultation about your accident, and can help advise you about the many important steps you should take immediately after an accident to protect your rights.

DO NOT TALK TO THE OTHER DRIVER’S INSURANCE COMPANY.

Do not give any statements or sign any documents for the other driver’s insurance company. Nothing requires you to speak to the other driver’s insurance company or give them a written or recorded statement about the collision or your injuries. You may think, “What could it hurt, it wasn’t my fault, I’m only going to tell the truth?”, however, giving a statement to the other driver’s insurance company does not help you. You’d be surprised what information you may provide that appears harmless but will be used against you to pay you less money than you deserve.

If you are making claims with your own insurance company, however, you do have a duty to cooperate, otherwise your car insurance could potentially deny your claim for failing to cooperate. Even though it is your own insurance company, you still need to be careful and understand your legal rights and your insurance company’s duties and contractual obligations to you. You should consider talking to an attorney to discuss any claims you may have under your own car insurance policy as your insurance company many not advise you about all your rights and benefits.