Car accidents are all too common in Colorado. According to Colorado’s State Highway Safety Reports, there are thousands every year. In the blink of an eye, you can find yourself part of an automobile wreck!
Car accidents can be traumatic and may cause serious injuries to those involved. Even though all Colorado drivers are required to have liability insurance, medical bills, and repair costs could lead to strain on your budget. You might be dealing with the aftermath of an accident for months or even years to come. For this reason, it is critical to handle things correctly immediately following an automobile accident in Colorado.
If you have been injured in a car accident near Parker, Denver, Bouler, Colorado Springs, or anywhere else in the area, call Matlin Injury Law today for assistance! In the meantime, read on to find out seven things you can do if you’ve been in an automobile collision.
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1. Make Sure Everyone is Okay and Exits the Vehicle with Care
If you have just been in a car accident, the first thing to do is make sure that you, your passengers, and any other drivers, are okay. Check for injuries and move carefully. Do not stand up rapidly and proceed with caution as you exit the vehicle. The goal is to safely distance yourself from the wreck, contact the authorities, seek medical assistance, and assess all damages.
- Sometimes, the adrenaline of a car accident can make it difficult to notice whether or not you are injured. Thoroughly assess your physical state by moving one part of your body at a time. Conduct a visual assessment as well, looking for lacerations, debris, or blood. Do the same for all passengers. As you distance yourself from the wreck, watch for broken glass and other debris from the collision. Help other passengers get out of the vehicle and check on the other driver involved.
- Be careful if you have been in an accident on a highway or near roads where traffic is moving quickly. The last thing you want is to be hit by a vehicle after an automobile accident. Use common sense and do not put yourself in a position where another vehicle could hit you on the road. Clear away from the area and seek help from first responders, police, or both.
2. Notify the Police or Call 911
In Colorado, you must legally notify the police if you have been in a motor vehicle accident that causes damage. According to Colorado Revised Statute Title 42, the driver of any vehicle in a car accident that results in injury, bodily harm, property damage, or death, must give immediate notice of the location of the accident to the police authorities in the area.
Responding law enforcement officers will create an accident report that may come into play later. Be careful what you say to the police and do not claim fault unnecessarily. Cooperate as much as you can without unnecessarily incriminating yourself. You may want to wait until medical evaluators have checked you for a concussion before you answer any questions. You can also call an attorney at any time after an accident.
3. Get Medically Evaluated and Treated
If you are injured, you should call 911 as soon as possible and wait for medical responders to arrive. Do not refuse medical care when the paramedics offer it. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and you may not notice them right away. As such, it is important to allow paramedics to evaluate you. Use your best discretion and accept the ambulance ride if you believe it necessary.
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4. Document the Wreckage
As you are waiting for first responders, if possible, take pictures of the accident. Unless you are seriously injured, you should try to get as many pictures as possible of all vehicles involved in an automobile accident. Note any damage to the automobiles and document the position of vehicles after the wreck. Try to get some shots of the area around the accident including traffic signs, stoplights, lane markings, trees, or anything else that you believe could have contributed to the car wreck.
Make note of when the accident occurred, where it occurred, and the direction both vehicles were moving if possible. Take a picture of the license plates of both vehicles as well. Documenting an accident yourself may be very important if you end up involved in a personal injury case or lawsuit.
Remember, you should always proceed with care when taking pictures of an automobile accident. Do not step into traffic to get pictures, just get the best pictures possible without placing yourself in danger.
5. Exchange Information with Drivers and Police
It is also important to get the information of the other driver and of the police officer in charge of reporting the accident. Even if the other driver says that they do not want to get their insurance company involved, you should still try to exchange relevant information with them. Try to get their name, address, and phone number. Also, ask what company they have insurance with. This information may be important later.
Be sure to get the name of the responding police officer in charge. This official will usually work up an accident report. Ask them for a business card or get their phone number before being taken to the hospital if possible. That way, you will be able to get a full accident report later when you need it.
All drivers in the state of Colorado are legally required to carry a minimum amount of insurance. The state of Colorado requires that you carry a minimum of $25,000 for single-person injuries and $50,000 for all injuries. Drivers also must carry $15,000 for property damage caused by an accident.
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6. Call an Attorney
Now, it’s probably time to contact an attorney. If you were involved in an automobile accident that was caused by someone else’s negligent driving or poor decision-making skills, you may be entitled to compensation and damages. It will all depend on the circumstances surrounding the wreck and who the at-fault driver was. Many automobile accidents are caused by intoxicated drivers. Drunk/DUI accidents are almost always followed by lawsuits. Wrongful death auto accidents require skilled legal representation as well. Your attorney will represent your interests and follow the steps needed to legally ensure that you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
There are many personal injury attorneys available to help you in Colorado. For example, at Matlin Injury Law, you will find experienced, skilled personal injury professionals to assist you after an automobile accident. These lawyers know how to handle a range of factors surrounding car accident personal injury lawsuits. Your attorney will walk you through each step to follow after your collision, help you file claims, and advise you as you navigate the complexities of insurance agencies.
7. Keep Track of Your Case and Make an Accident Log
It is a good idea to keep track of everything that happened and all information about your accident. If you are injured or incapable of keeping track of these important details, ask a close friend or family member for assistance. Write down everything you remember from the accident as soon as possible. As more time passes after an accident, it can be difficult to remember critical details that may be important later. Keep copies of your medical bills, doctor’s reports, and other costs.
Also, get a copy of the accident report from the responding police officer in charge. We recommend talking to an attorney before calling your insurer or speaking with the other party’s insurance company. If you choose to file any claims, keep track of call reference numbers and case file numbers. It may be a good idea to make a dedicated file folder so that you can find everything in one place when needed.
Need Help? Call Matlin Injury Law Now!
If you have been in an automobile accident, you probably have many questions. For specific answers to your questions based on your personal circumstances, contact our law firm at 720-464-3600. Here at Matlin Injury Law, you will find a team of experienced, skilled personal injury professionals. Our lawyers know how to handle a range of factors surrounding car accident personal injury lawsuits. We can help you file claims and advise you as you navigate the complexities of your accident!
Have you been hurt in an automobile collision in Colorado? If so, contact the skilled personal injury attorneys at Matlin Injury Law at 720-464-3600!
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