What Steps Should I Take After A Car Accident in Colorado Springs?
Reviewed by: Brennan Heuser, Personal Injury Attorney, Heuser & Heuser, L.L.P.
If you’ve just been in a car accident in Colorado Springs, the first few hours matter a lot. Here’s what you need to do, in the right order. Stay at the scene. Leaving an accident, especially one involving injuries or significant property damage, can result in criminal charges under Colorado law. Move your car out of the flow of traffic only if it’s safe to do so.
Call 911 right away. Report the accident and request medical help if anyone is injured. Colorado requires drivers to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage under C.R.S. 42-4-1606. When the responding officer arrives, give a clear and factual statement. Do not speculate about fault or admit blame. Get the officer’s name, badge number, and report number before they leave.
Exchange information with the other driver: name, phone number, insurance carrier, policy number, license plate, and vehicle make and model. Take photos of everything you can. The damage to both vehicles, the position of the cars before they’re moved, skid marks, the surrounding road, any traffic signs or signals, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information. Police reports are important, but witness statements often make or break a disputed claim.
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor that same day. Adrenaline masks serious injuries, and some, like concussions or soft-tissue damage, take hours or days to show up. A same-day medical visit also creates a clear record tying your injuries to the accident. Delaying treatment gives the insurance company an opening to argue that your injuries aren’t related to the crash, and they will use that opening.
Notify your insurance company that an accident occurred, but keep the conversation short and stick to the facts. Do not give a recorded statement and do not agree to a settlement. For a more detailed walkthrough of what to do in the days after a crash, see our blog on what to do after a Colorado car accident. Before you talk to the at-fault driver’s insurance company at all, call Heuser & Heuser, LLP for a free consultation: heuserlaw.com/practice-areas/car-accidents/.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know What My Injury Case Is Worth in Colorado Springs?
There are a variety of things we look at when evaluating your case and determining its value.
We look at how the accident occurred: How did someone else’s carelessness lead to the accident? Did your actions also contribute to the crash?
We also look at what sort of injuries you sustained: Do you have a permanent injury that will last the rest of your life? Are you going to have future medical bills?
We look at lost wages: Did you lose your job? If you have permanent work restrictions due to the accident, you may not be able to find a job very easily in the future.
These are only some of the factors that we look at in evaluating a claim. You may have additional losses to account for in a claim, and sometimes additional evidence or expert witnesses will be needed to support an evaluation.
At Heuser & Heuser, LLP, we can identify those factors during a free case evaluation, during which you tell us your story so we can take the first step in building a legal strategy at no financial risk to you.
Every case is unique and different. That’s why our lawyers at Heuser & Heuser, LLP give each case personal attention during case reviews and evaluations for potential claims.
Do You Usually Win Good Settlements for Your Clients in Southern Colorado Personal Injury Claims?
At Heuser & Heuser, LLP, we have a strong track record of positive case resolutions for our clients. We have settled hundreds, if not thousands, of cases where we’ve had large settlements.
We’ve had substantial verdicts. We go to the mat for our clients if necessary. We’ll appeal cases.
Each case and client has different needs and options, and we’ll do whatever it takes to take care of our clients. We can identify the right path for your case during a free case evaluation.
Why is it Important to Hire a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Claim in Colorado Springs?
Insurance companies are in business for a reason: to make money.
Anytime the insurance company is paying money on a claim, it means less money to their bottom line. They have literally hundreds of adjusters and hundreds of lawyers who are on their side trying to figure out how to prevent money from leaving their checkbooks.
Quite frankly, you do need a lawyer to help you through this because your lawyer will stand up for your interests and seek proper compensation on your behalf.
Our Attorneys
Gordon J. Heuser, Esq.
Gordon Heuser Founding Partner, Heuser & Heuser, L.L.P. | Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation Attorney,…
Brennan D. Heuser, Esq.
Brennan Dale Heuser is a Colorado Springs native and partner at Heuser Law. He brings…
Shannon R. Colt, Esq.
Shannon Colt isn’t your typical attorney. Originally from Idaho, she moved to Colorado Springs as…
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Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request a Free Consultation
Contact Us And We’ll Tell You Everything You Need To Know!
Required Fields*
Your Information Is Safe With Us
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
Injured? Contact Heuser & Heuser, LLP. We Are Committed to Providing Southern Colorado Tailored Legal Guidance and Peace of Mind On the Road To Recovery!
- Tell us your story during a free consultation
- We will tell you if you have a case and assess potential value
- Our personal injury attorneys can handle the insurance companies
- Our experienced Colorado trial attorneys will seek a settlement for the money you need while you recover, and we will represent you in court if it is necessary to pursue fair and appropriate compensation for your injuries and expenses
- You only pay us if we win money for you
- You focus on your physical recovery and your life
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