What to Do When You Get into a Car Accident in Colorado 

Regardless of whether you are able to stay completely composed on the outside or you are absolutely hysterical, there is always an element of shock with any car accident. After you have taken a moment to recognize what has happened and take a deep breath, you may find yourself wondering what to do when you get into a car accident in Colorado. 

The team at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. understands how confused you may be following a vehicle accident and how intimidating the legal system can be. We are committed to helping you determine the best course of action following your accident. If you were injured in a car accident because of someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to legal recovery. 

Colorado Vehicle Accident Statistics

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Colorado State Highway Safety Report, in 2020 there were 622 vehicle fatalities on Colorado roadways and 2,762 serious injuries. Of the crashes that year, 62% occurred in urban areas of the state, with the remaining 38% happened in rural areas. In 2022, El Paso County had the most fatal accidents, followed by Adams, Arapahoe, and Denver Counties. 

What to Do When You Get into a Car Accident in Colorado

If you are unlucky enough to become part of these crash statistics, it is important to know what to do in a Colorado car accident. If you are reading this after already having been in an accident, some of these steps may not be relevant, but there are still a number of useful takeaways. 

Seek Medical Attention

There is nothing more important than your health and well-being. If you have experienced serious injuries that need immediate attention, contact emergency medical personnel. Everything else can wait. If your injuries are not critical, you may be seen by a medical professional later in the process. Even if you do not think you have been injured, injuries can take days, weeks, or even months to present themselves. 

Move Out of the Road

If it is safe for you to move the vehicle to the side of the road, you should do so. If not, you and anyone else in the vehicle should exit and move to the side of the road. A vehicle that remains in traffic runs the risk of being hit by other vehicles that fail to slow down or stop in time to avoid another collision. 

Contact Law Enforcement

It is important to have official documentation of the accident. A police report can serve this purpose. Depending on where the accident takes place, it could be a Colorado State Patrol or a local sheriff who writes and files the report. Make sure you note the officer’s name and where you can retrieve a copy of the report later on. 

Photograph the Scene

If you have a smartphone with you, consider taking photos of the accident scene. Include a wide view of traffic and how the vehicles are situated, along with close-ups of the damage. These may help prove fault by showing a visual of the angle of the vehicles and road conditions. You may want to document your injuries as well. 

Talk to Witnesses

In a perfect world, the law enforcement officer asks all the right questions, and you will not need any witness testimony. It is a good idea for you to request contact information from witnesses in case it is necessary for your claim. 

Watch Your Words

You should never lie about the circumstances of your accident, but you do not have to provide more details than requested. Insurance companies are notorious for searching for evidence of admitted or implied fault. Even something as simple as an apology to the other driver could be construed as guilt. 

Keep Detailed Records 

Make sure to document all expenses related to the accident. This includes medical bills, missed days at work, property damage, and more. You should not have to be financially responsible for damage you did not cause. 

Hire an Attorney

The best way to ensure you know what to do in a Colorado car accident to receive what you deserve is to seek professional legal counsel. Do not go up against insurance companies alone. 

What Happens After a Car Accident in Colorado?

After a car accident in Colorado, you are obligated to contact your car insurance company and report that you were in an accident. You may decline to provide a recorded statement until after you speak to an attorney. You can certainly cooperate with your insurer, but you do not need to provide anything beyond the basic details. 

It is not unusual for insurance companies to offer fast settlements that are ultimately less than what you are entitled to for the severity of your injuries. They often count on the fact that you need funds now to cover your medical bills and would prefer to take what you can get rather than engage in negotiations. Do not settle for less than what you deserve. 

Accident Fault in Colorado

Colorado is an at-fault state which means that the insurance company for the negligent party is responsible for compensating the injured party. Colorado also follows the system of modified comparative negligence when determining settlement and verdict amounts. Under this system, the injured party can be at fault and still recover as long as they are not 50% or more at fault. This is why it is so important that you understand what to do when you get into a car accident in Colorado and what not to say without legal counsel. 

Contact Us

Our case results speak for themselves. At Gerash Steiner Blanton, we have helped countless Colorado car accident victims receive the compensation they deserve so they can get on with their lives after devastating accidents. We are happy to negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement, and we also have decades of trial experience if negotiations don’t work out. Contact us to schedule your case consultation.