After a car accident, check for injuries, move to a safe spot if you can, and call 911. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, take photos of the scene, and speak with police without admitting fault. Afterward, notify your insurance company and consider speaking with a lawyer, especially if there are injuries or damage.
This article shows you what to do right after a crash and in the days that follow. You’ll learn how to protect your health, deal with insurance, and avoid common mistakes, whether it’s a small fender bender or something more serious.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
The moments after a car crash can be stressful, but taking a few clear steps can protect your safety, your rights, and your wallet.
Call 911 right away.
Whether it’s a serious collision or a minor traffic accident, call the police immediately. Emergency responders can help anyone who’s hurt, and police authorities will create an accident report. That report is often legally required and may be important for your insurance claim or personal injury case.
Check for injuries.
Look for visible injuries on yourself, your passengers, and anyone in the other vehicles involved. If someone is seriously hurt, avoid moving them unless there’s immediate danger.
Move to a safe area.
If your vehicle is blocking traffic but still drivable, turn on your hazard lights and move to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. This helps ensure safety for everyone at the scene of the accident.
Exchange information with the other driver.
Swap names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers. Also note the vehicle details and registration. Get contact details from any other parties involved.
Document the scene.
Take clear photos of all the vehicles involved, vehicle damage, the location, and any road signs or traffic signals. Capture visible injuries and damage to any personal property too. These images can support your insurance claim and help determine legal liability.
Talk to witnesses.
If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their name and phone number. Their version of events might help later during the claims process or if there’s a dispute.
Avoid admitting fault.
Don’t say “I’m sorry,” even if you feel responsible. Stick to the facts when speaking to police or the other driver. Fault will be determined based on the investigation, not opinions at the scene.
Cooperate with police.
When officers arrive, answer their questions truthfully and calmly. Avoid guessing or exaggerating. Ask how to get a copy of the official accident report, which is often needed for auto accident claims or to file a personal injury protection claim.
Quick Checklist to Follow at the Scene
Call 911
Check for injuries (your own and others')
Turn on hazard lights and move to safety if possible
Exchange names, insurance details, and contact info with drivers involved
Take photos of the scene, damaged vehicle(s), and license plates
Collect witness names and contact details
Cooperate with police and request a copy of the report
Don’t admit fault or speculate about what happened
Get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
What to Do After Leaving the Scene
Just because the immediate aftermath is over doesn’t mean your job is done. There are several steps you should take to protect your health and make sure the insurance process goes smoothly.
Get Checked by a Doctor
Even if you didn’t ride in an ambulance, you should still see a doctor after the accident. Some injuries, like soft-tissue damage or a concussion, can take hours or days to appear. A prompt medical check can help catch problems early and link your condition to the auto accident. It also supports your injury claims and helps cover medical expenses through your insurance provider.
Follow All Medical Advice
If your doctor recommends rest, medication, or physical therapy, follow through. Ignoring medical advice could slow your recovery and make it harder to prove your injuries later. Consistent care helps strengthen your case if you need to pursue a personal injury claim or seek legal advice.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Make prompt notification to your insurance provider. Share the time and location of the accident, the drivers involved, vehicle details, and whether anyone was hurt. You don’t need to guess about fault or give too much detail early on. Reporting the accident gets your car insurance claim started and may help cover damages or medical bills.
Keep Records of Everything
Hold on to everything: your medical bills, doctor notes, accident report, repair estimates, and receipts from the repair shop. If your vehicle is being repaired, track that process too. If you miss work, write down the dates and calculate lost income. All of this can support your claim and may affect the actual cash value or reimbursement you receive from your insurer.
Don’t Speak With the Other Driver’s Insurance Adjuster (Yet)
If the other party’s insurance adjuster contacts you, it’s okay to decline the conversation. Their job is to limit what they pay, not to protect your interests. You’re not required to give a recorded statement, and doing so without legal support could hurt your claim. It’s safer to let your own insurer or attorney handle those calls.
Consider Talking to an Attorney
If the accident caused serious injuries or there’s a question about fault, a lawyer can help. They’ll explain your legal liability, help you understand your insurance policy, and guide you through the claims process. They can also work directly with both insurance companies so you don’t have to deal with stressful calls. Many car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee, meaning they don’t get paid unless you do.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident
Even if you’re doing your best, it’s easy to make a few missteps in the immediate aftermath of a crash, especially when emotions are high and you’re unsure of what to expect. Here are some common mistakes people make, and why it’s smart to steer clear of them:
Leaving the accident scene too early:
No matter how minor the collision seems, never drive off without speaking to the other driver and calling the police. In Colorado, you’re legally required to report many motor vehicle accidents. Leaving the scene can affect your insurance coverage and even lead to legal consequences.
Delaying medical care:
Waiting too long to see a doctor can hurt your injury claims. Hidden injuries like internal bruising or whiplash are common. Getting checked right away also helps tie your medical expenses directly to the crash.
Admitting fault at the scene:
It may feel natural to say “I’m sorry,” but avoid it. That could be seen as an admission of fault. Let police officers and insurance companies determine who’s responsible based on the facts.
Not gathering enough information:
Skipping out on collecting key details like the other driver's license plate, vehicle registration, insurance company, and policy number can slow the claims process. Be sure to get accurate contact info from all drivers and other passengers involved.
Talking to the other driver’s insurance adjuster alone:
Their goal is to settle your auto accident claim for as little as possible. Without legal guidance, you may say something that impacts your case. It’s better to speak with your own insurer or seek legal advice before engaging with the other party’s adjuster.
Should You Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer?
Yes, speaking with a car accident lawyer is often a wise decision, especially if you’re injured, unsure who was at fault, or getting calls from the other driver’s insurance company.
A lawyer can explain your rights, help you understand your insurance policy, and walk you through the repair process, paperwork, and legal steps. They’ll handle communication with the insurance companies, letting you focus on recovery while they focus on your personal injury case.
Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but that amount might not reflect the full repair costs, lost wages, or ongoing medical care you need. A good attorney will help calculate these long-term effects and protect you from being underpaid.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing upfront. They only get paid if you receive compensation. There’s little risk in reaching out, and a quick conversation could make a big difference in how your claim is handled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Colorado?
You typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. That said, starting early helps preserve evidence, organize vehicle details, and document injury claims properly.
Do I need to file a police report for a minor accident?
Yes. Even if the vehicle damage looks minor, you should call the police and file a report. Police officers will document the facts at the accident scene, which supports your insurance claim and may be legally required.
Can I get a rental car while my vehicle is being repaired?
If your insurance policy or the other driver’s coverage includes rental reimbursement, you may be eligible. Ask your insurance agent for details and check the limits in your company and policy number.
What happens if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage may help cover damages and medical bills. If you don’t have that coverage, you might need to seek compensation through other legal channels.
What should I do if I start feeling pain a few days after the accident?
Go see a doctor right away. Delayed symptoms are common and could relate to the crash. Let your doctor know it happened after your motor vehicle accident, and keep the visit on file in case it’s needed for your claim.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under Colorado’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault. Your compensation may be reduced based on your share of the blame, but you can still recover costs like lost wages and medical care.
How do you know if you are okay after a car accident?
You may not know right away. If you feel dizzy, sore, have trouble concentrating, or notice any unusual pain, it’s best to see a doctor. They can check for injuries that aren’t visible, such as a concussion or soft-tissue damage.
How long does hearing loss last after a car accident?
It depends on the severity and cause. Temporary hearing loss from airbag noise or head trauma may improve within days or weeks. If hearing doesn’t return, it could indicate more serious damage. A hearing test or visit to a specialist is a good idea if symptoms continue.
More Frequently
Asked Questions
If you’ve been injured in an accident, there are several important steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights
- Dial 911 – Emergency Services. Get checked out by emergency responders, even if you think injuries are minor, you should always get evaluated. If the accident involved a motor vehicle, file a report with the police This documentation could be important later on.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles or property. Collect contact information from witnesses and others involved in the accident READ MORE…
When involved in a personal injury claim, the process can be very intimidating. Many individuals facing this situation are often dealing with life-altering injuries, high medical bills, financial hardships and find themselves feeling very vulnerable.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in a variety of situations, particularly when you have sustained significant injuries or damages due to someone else’s negligenceREAD MORE…
After being injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering if you actually need to hire a personal injury lawyer. You would want to consult with an attorney, because in most cases, there will be an opposing party in your case that will be working against you. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your case is important to ensure you receive the best possible representation and outcome. Hiring a Denver Personal injury lawyer that specializes in that area of law is crucial, to ensure that you are getting proper representation, and your case is in good hands. Having an experienced lawyer like FIEDLER Trial Lawyers is helpful and provides powerful representation.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right lawyer:READ MORE…
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer can vary depending on the lawyer and the specifics of your case. However, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Here’s how the contingency fee structure typically works and other potential costs to consider:
Contingency Fees: Percentage of Recovery: If the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, they will take a percentage of the settlement or judgment amount you receive if you win your case. This percentage is typically around 33% to 40% but can vary depending on the lawyer and the jurisdiction.
No Win, No Fee: If you do not win your case, the lawyer will not charge you for legal fees. However, there may still be other costs you could be responsible for (discussed below).RAED MORE…
In a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, also known as damages, to address the losses and injuries you’ve suffered due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. The types of compensation typically fall into three main categories: economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Here’s an overview of each:
Economic Damages: These damages are intended to compensate you for actual financial losses resulting from the injury:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical treatment. READ MORE…
The value of a personal injury case can vary greatly depending on several factors unique to your situation. Since each case is different, there is no standard formula to calculate the exact value. However, here are some key factors that generally affect the worth of a personal injury case:
Severity of Injuries: The more serious and long-lasting your injuries, the higher the potential value of your case. This includes considering whether your injuries result in permanent disability or disfigurement.
Medical Expenses: Your case will take into account all medical expenses you have incurred, as well as future medical costs related to your injury.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: The case can include compensation for lost income due to time off work and any future loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.READ MORE…
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