“You’re driving through Southern Colorado when suddenly, another car swerves into your lane. Tires screech, and a loud crash occurs—all because of someone else’s careless driving.” In an instant, your drive turns into a chaotic scene, leaving you hurt and uncertain about what to do next.
If you’ve recently been in a car accident or are looking to stay informed, this blog offers essential guidance from an experienced Colorado Springs accident lawyer. By following these steps, you can protect your health, safeguard your rights, and secure your financial interests—whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a recent Colorado car accident or want to be ready if the worst happens.
Ensure Safety First
After a car accident, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but taking immediate action is crucial. Your first priority should always be safety—both for yourself and others involved. Here’s what you need to do:
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries
- If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe area away from traffic
- Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers
- If you can’t move your car, or if there are serious injuries, leave the vehicles where they are and get to a safe spot
Colorado law requires you to move your vehicle if it’s obstructing traffic and it’s safe to do so. This law is in place to reduce the risk of further accidents and keep everyone on the road safer.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Once you’re safe, it’s time to report the accident:
- Call 911, even for minor accidents.
- Provide the dispatcher with your exact location and information about any injuries
- Stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives.
- If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, it’s crucial to report the incident immediately and provide law enforcement with any details you can remember, such as the make and model of the other vehicle, its color, and any part of the license plate number
Exchange Information
While waiting for the police, you’ll need to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. Colorado law requires that you exchange names, addresses, and vehicle registration numbers. It’s also a good idea to collect insurance details and contact information from any witnesses. Be polite, but avoid discussing fault or apologizing, as this could be used against you later.
Document the Scene
In the aftermath of an accident, gathering evidence is essential to protect your rights and strengthen any potential claims. Your smartphone can be a powerful tool in this situation:
- Take photos of all vehicles involved, capturing the damage from multiple angles
- Photograph the accident scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, and weather conditions
- If you have visible injuries, photograph those as well
- Record a voice memo or write down your recollection of the events while they’re fresh in your mind
- If there are any witnesses to the accident try to get their name and contact information
This documentation can be crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out:
- Allow EMTs to examine you at the scene if they’re present
- If you’re not taken to the hospital immediately, see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident
- Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show up right away, so it’s important to see a doctor to ensure you’re okay
- Keep all medical records and bills related to your accident injuries
Prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also creates a record linking your injuries to the accident. It is also common for injuries to feel more painful after the adrenaline of the accident goes away.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible:
- Report the basic facts of the accident
- Provide them with the information you collected from the other driver(s)
- Ask about your policy coverage for medical expenses and car repairs
- Inquire about rental car coverage if your vehicle is not driveable
Be straightforward with your insurance company, but avoid giving recorded statements or accepting quick settlement offers without careful consideration or support from your attorney.
Consider Seeking Legal Advice
If you’ve been hurt in an accident or you’re facing complex insurance matters, talking to a Colorado Springs accident lawyer is beneficial. Here’s why:
- Free Case Evaluation: Many lawyers, including us at Heuser & Heuser, L.L.P., offer free initial consultations. This means you can get professional advice about your situation without any cost. It’s a no-pressure way to understand your options. Most attorneys also work on a contingency basis – meaning you don’t pay a fee unless you get compensation. Heuser and Heuser, L.L.P. works on a contingency fee basis so if we don’t obtain a recovery for you, we don’t take a fee.
- Understanding Your Rights: Colorado laws about car accidents can be complex. A lawyer can explain these laws in simple terms and help you understand what you’re entitled to under the law.
- Navigating Insurance Processes: Insurance claims can involve detailed procedures and difficult conversations with insurance adjusters and attorneys. A lawyer can guide you through these processes, helping ensure all necessary information is provided accurately and on time. They can assist in presenting evidence and negotiating a comprehensive resolution to your claim. If a claim isn’t settled, they will discuss the pros and cons of filing a lawsuit and, when appropriate, provide full representation throughout the court process.
- Calculating Fair Compensation: It’s not just about car repairs and medical bills. A lawyer can help you account for all your losses, including lost wages, disfigurement, future medical needs, and pain and suffering.
- Handling Paperwork and Deadlines: There’s a lot of paperwork after an accident, and missing a deadline could affect your case. A lawyer can manage all this for you, making sure everything is filed correctly and on time.
- Peace of Mind: When you’re recovering from an accident, the last thing you need is more stress. Having a lawyer handle the legal side of things can give you peace of mind and let you focus on getting better.
Remember, talking to a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re committing to anything. It’s just a way to get more information so you can make the best decision for you and your family. If you’re wondering whether you need legal help, give us a call. We’re on top of it and here to help you figure out your next steps.
Family-Like Care for Your Colorado Car Accident Case
If you’ve been in a car accident, compassionate and experienced legal support can make all the difference. We’re Heuser & Heuser, a law firm founded right here in Colorado Springs by brothers Barkley and Gordon Heuser. For over 35 years, we’ve been helping people in our community recover after a Colorado car accident. We’re deeply rooted in this community, and we’re committed to helping you get back on your feet after a car accident.
At Heuser and Heuser, our military roots run deep. Led by Brennan Heuser, a combat veteran, our team lives by the values of honesty, integrity, and justice. We understand the unique challenges veterans face, from VA disability ratings to PTSD, and we’ll navigate your case with the care and precision it deserves.
If you’ve been searching online for “auto accident attorneys near me” because you’re ready to get your life back on track, contact us instead. Getting started is simple. Just call us at (719) 520-9909 for a free, no-pressure consultation. If more convenient, you can fill out our confidential online form. Let’s talk about your situation and how we can help. Reach out now. Together, we’ll get you back to what matters most in your life.
While you’re waiting to meet with us, download our free report, “The Top 5 Things You Can Do To Screw Up Your Colorado Car Wreck Case.”
Copyright © 2024. Heuser & Heuser, LLP. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Heuser & Heuser, LLP
625 North Cascade Ave, Suite 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 520-9909
https://heuserlaw.com/
