What To Do After a Car Accident

What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Colorado Springs?

Your safety is priority number one. That’s why you’ll want to take these steps right away:

• Assess yourself and others for any injuries.
• Call 911 and ask for medical help and law enforcement.
• If you can, drive your vehicle out of the traffic lanes.
• Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers are aware of your vehicle.

Many people panic and stay parked in the middle of the road. You are allowed to move your vehicle out of the roadway if it is still drivable. Getting out of the traffic lanes can reduce the risk of a secondary crash and prevent traffic jams.

Why Is Calling the Police Important in Colorado Springs Accidents?

Getting a police report after a car accident is important for dealing with the insurance company and supporting your injury case.

To create this report, a responding officer will usually do the following:

• Document the scene
• Collect evidence
• Take statements from witnesses
• Help determine what happened and who may be at fault

They may also provide a thorough account for your insurance company. The police report can become one of the most important pieces of evidence if you decide to seek compensation after your crash.

Keep in mind that if someone was injured or there is major property damage, you may be legally required to wait for law enforcement to arrive. Failing to do so could result in criminal charges for leaving the scene of the crash. Make sure to wait for a police officer after an accident.

What Information Should You Exchange and Document?

Here’s what you need to get from the other driver:

• Name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance name and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate

While you wait for the police to arrive, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and anything else that may be useful. The more information you gather for your lawyer, the easier it will be for them to piece together what happened during your consultation.

Why Is Medical Attention Important, Even if You Feel Fine?

After you are involved in a crash, you will likely be feeling adrenaline and stress. These responses can mask pain and make it more difficult to evaluate yourself for injuries.

Some injuries that may not be apparent right away include:

• Whiplash
• Concussions
• Soft tissue damage
• Internal injuries

Seeking immediate medical care is the best way to protect your health and create documentation that links your injuries to the crash. Let an experienced healthcare professional evaluate you and make sure you let the hospital know that the incident was related to a motor vehicle crash.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid After a Car Accident?

Some missteps could hinder your ability to recover compensation, such as:

• Admitting fault
• Delaying medical care
• Providing recorded statements without a lawyer
• Accepting early settlement offers

One of the biggest mistakes that people make in accident cases is waiting too long to initiate the process. Colorado law gives you up to three years to initiate a claim after a vehicle crash.

It can also be helpful to learn the most common car accident locations in Colorado Springs. While you don’t need to avoid these locations entirely, you should exercise additional caution and awareness to stay safe.

When Should You Contact a Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyer?

You should contact a car accident attorney if any of these scenarios apply to you:

• You’ve suffered injuries.
• The fault is being disputed.
• Multiple parties are involved.
• Your claim was denied or undervalued.
• You’ve incurred medical bills or lost wages.

A Colorado Springs car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities following your crash. For example, many people believe they are not entitled to compensation if they are partially at fault.

According to state law, you may still be able to recover damages, as long as you are less at fault than the other party. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

At Bachus & Schanker, our experienced team of personal injury lawyers can fight for your rights. Our attorneys handle everything on your behalf, including negotiating with insurance companies and compiling evidence.

How Bachus & Schanker Helps After a Colorado Springs Car Accident

After an accident, you need a compassionate team that cares about your outcome. We stand apart by offering dedicated victim advocates, aggressive local representation, and experience with complex accident cases. You can count on us to pursue full compensation and negotiate skillfully with insurance.

Co-founder Kyle Bachus lost his own mother in a tragic accident involving a negligent driver. He suffered the emotional and legal challenges that families face firsthand. That experience shapes our firm’s commitment to standing by clients during their most difficult moments.

Our team doesn’t just handle your case. We are here to help you face the aftermath of something life changing.

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