What to Do After a Head-On Collision in Colorado?

After a head-on collision in Colorado, your priority should be ensuring your safety, getting medical care, and understanding your legal rights. These accidents can be some of the most dangerous types of crashes, often resulting in serious injuries, long recovery times, and overwhelming financial stress. In the aftermath, it’s completely normal to feel disoriented, frightened, and unsure of what steps to take next.

Knowing what to do following a serious car accident in Colorado can make a real difference in your recovery and your ability to move forward. From protecting your health and documenting the scene to understanding fault laws and insurance claims, every decision matters.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do from the moment of the crash to the weeks that follow. We’ll also explain how a Colorado car accident lawyer can stand by your side during this process, helping you to navigate Colorado’s legal system while you focus on healing.

Prioritize Your Health and Safety First

In the immediate aftermath of a head-on collision, your safety and medical well-being are of the utmost importance. Call 911 right away so emergency services can respond to the scene. Let paramedics assess you, and if they recommend transportation to the hospital, follow their advice without hesitation. Even when they do not recommend emergency medical care, it’s important to follow up with your doctor.

If possible, try to stay still and wait for help rather than moving around, as certain injuries, especially those to the neck, spine, or head, can worsen with movement. Once at a medical facility, make sure to describe all your symptoms and follow through with any recommended tests or treatments.

Medical records create a clear timeline that links the accident to your physical condition, which can be crucial if liability or damages are contested later.

Secure the Scene and Gather Information

If it’s safe to do so after the collision, take steps to protect yourself and collect important details that may be critical later. The immediate aftermath of a crash can be chaotic, but preserving evidence and gathering accurate information can make a significant difference in your ability to recover damages.

Here’s what to do at the scene:

• Exchange Info With All Involved Drivers: This should include full names and contact details, driver’s license numbers, insurance providers and policy numbers, license plate numbers, and vehicle descriptions.
• Take Photos and Videos: It should show vehicle damage, the position of the cars, skid marks, debris, any road hazards, weather conditions, and any visible injuries you have.
• Speak With Witnesses: Request the names and contact information of anyone who may have witnessed the crash.

These actions not only help emergency responders and law enforcement but also lay a solid foundation for any insurance or legal claim that may follow.

Report the Collision to Authorities and Insurers

Reporting the crash is required by law in Colorado if the accident results in injury, death, or significant property damage. Most head-on collisions meet these criteria.

Steps to take:

• File an Official Police Report: If law enforcement responds to the scene, they will usually file a report automatically. Be sure to get the officer’s name, badge number, and report number so you can request a copy later. If police do not come to the scene, you are still legally obligated to file a report as soon as possible through the Colorado Department of Revenue or a local police station.
• Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly: You will need to report the collision to your insurance provider, even if you believe the other driver was entirely at fault. Most policies require timely notice of any accident, and failing to report it could jeopardize your coverage. We advise contacting a law firm first and allowing them to speak to the insurance company on your behalf.

Understand Your Legal Rights

After a head-on collision, you may be eligible to seek compensation from a driver if they were negligent. 

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (both current and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Emotional distress

Your Colorado car accident attorney can seek to prove negligence by:

• Investigating the collision 
• Using accident reconstruction experts if needed
• Gathering and preserving critical evidence
• Challenging unfair fault determinations

Understanding your legal rights early can prevent avoidable mistakes and strengthen your claim.

Special Considerations Under Colorado Law

Under CO. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-101, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits resulting from auto accidents is generally three years. However, delays in action can weaken the evidence. For example, witnesses may no longer remember exact details of the accident or security camera footage may be deleted.

Colorado requires drivers to carry insurance, but not all drivers are adequately insured. If an underinsured or uninsured driver hits you, a Colorado uninsured car accident lawyer can help you explore options through your policy or other legal avenues.

Contact a Colorado Car Accident Attorney Today

Having a lawyer means you don’t have to handle the stress, paperwork, and legal complexity alone. While you focus on healing, your attorney focuses on securing the compensation you need and deserve. Your lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation. Our goal is for you to recover compensation for all your losses, both now and in the future.

A head-on collision can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. In the days and weeks that follow, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by medical appointments, insurance demands, and worries about your future. Our Colorado car accident lawyers can take on the burden of the legal process for you. 

Matlin Injury Law is here to support you through every stage of that process. We do so with the legal knowledge, experience, and compassion you deserve. If you’ve been involved in a head-on collision, we encourage you to contact our office for a free consultation. We’re ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward recovery.