What to Do After a Car Accident: A Clear Step-by-Step Guide

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.

According to FIEDLER Trial Lawyers, using your phone to document a crash can make a big difference when it comes to your insurance claim or legal case. There are a few apps that help you gather details, take photos, and organize everything in one place:

• iWrecked – Helps you collect key details at the scene like photos, insurance info, and driver details. Generates a PDF accident report and store your emergency contacts.
• SOSmart – Detects crashes and can alert emergency contacts or first responders. Shows nearby hospitals and directions if you need help fast.
• AxiKit Accident Report Kit – Walks you through what to collect after a crash. You can record witness statements, follow a photo checklist, and quickly contact emergency services.
• CamOnRoad – Works like a dashcam by recording your drive. Video footage can help show what happened and support your claim.
• Your Insurance Company’s App – Insurers like Progressive, Allstate, and State Farm have apps to report accidents, file claims, and message your adjuster directly.

These tools don’t replace proper documentation, but they can make it easier to keep everything organized right after a crash.

Filing an insurance claim online is fine for minor, no-injury accidents. But if there are injuries, disputed fault, or significant damage, it’s usually smarter to speak with a lawyer first before submitting anything detailed.

Why you might wait:

• Your first statement sticks. What you write in the online form can be used later to limit or deny your claim.
• Fault isn’t settled yet. Early wording can be interpreted as admitting responsibility.
• You may not know the full impact. Injuries (especially neck/back) can show up later, and initial reports can undersell your damages.

Adjusters move fast. Once the claim is filed, you may start getting calls and requests you’re not prepared for. Speaking with an auto accident attorney early on can help you understand what information should be shared and what can wait until your situation is clearer, especially when there’s a risk of insurance bad faith. In some cases, insurers may delay responses, request unnecessary documentation, misinterpret statements, or undervalue claims to limit payouts. Ken Fiedler and our team of injury attorneys can help recognize these patterns and make sure your claim is handled fairly from the start.

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.

Get the other driver’s full name, phone number, home address, and driver’s license details (including the state it was issued). It’s a good idea to take a photo of their license to avoid mistakes. You’ll also want their insurance information, including the company name, policy number, and a photo of their insurance card if possible. From there, note the vehicle details like the make, model, year, and license plate number, and double-check everything since it’s easy to miss something under stress.

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.

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.

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.