Car Accident? Here’s What to Do Afterwards to Protect Yourself and Your Family

When a man driving a lifted truck ran over a woman walking through a Walmart crosswalk, contacting a personal injury lawyer right away was vital to the case’s outcome.

“He claimed she wasn’t paying attention and ran right in front of his vehicle,” said Stephen Burg, a trial attorney at Burg Simpson, whose practice focuses on representing victims of auto crashes, personal injury, trucking accidents, motorcycle collisions, and more. Burg Simpson is a prestigious law firm helping Colorado clients in a wide range of legal matters.

The woman, who suffered open fractures to both shins and several other injuries, contacted Burg Simpson Law Firm early on, giving them time to obtain video evidence from Walmart.

“It showed that the driver’s statements were totally made up,” Burg said.

Burg Simpson attorneys won a considerable settlement for the woman, allowing her to get the proper medical care and restart her life. And the case is one of many that illustrates how essential it is to contact an attorney as early as possible after a crash involving a motor vehicle.

Any type of car accident, no matter how small, can leave you and your loved ones rattled and confused about what to do next. Before the adrenaline wears off, taking a deep breath and assessing the situation to ensure your safety and others’ safety is essential.

Burg Simpson provides step-by-step instructions on what to do immediately following a car accident. Don’t let uncertainty take the wheel — take charge of your situation.

What to Do Immediately Following a Car Crash in Colorado

Step One: Assess the Situation

Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, no matter how minor. Even a seemingly small bump or bruise can worsen later, so err on the side of caution. If anyone experiences dizziness, pain, or other concerning symptoms, dial 911 immediately.

Burg added that you should also be sure to note any injury, no matter how minor, to avoid focusing on “distracting injuries” that may end up being less significant in the future.

“If you say, ‘Oh, my left wrist hurts, but I’m ignoring the twinge in my neck because it’s not that bad,’ but then that gets worse later, the insurance company may deny the neck injury,” Burg said. “So be sure to list 100% of the medical issues you’re having to ensure you get full compensation and medical treatment.”

Step Two: Move to Safety

If everyone’s okay and your car still hums, carefully pull off the road and onto the shoulder, away from the flow of traffic. Aim for a safe distance from the accident, ensuring both your own safety and preventing further collisions. This may feel counterintuitive, but staying in the middle of the lane can cause additional accidents, especially in high-traffic areas.

Your hazard lights are your best friend in this situation. Turn them on to alert other drivers to the ongoing incident. If you have roadside emergency flares or triangles, deploy them to enhance visibility and warn approaching vehicles. This simple step could save lives.

Moving to safety might not be possible in all situations. If your car is significantly damaged or staying put feels safer, don’t attempt to move it unless absolutely necessary. Prioritize staying inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened and wait for emergency assistance to arrive.

Were you involved in a car accident? Contact Burg Simpson today for a free consultation. Their team of seasoned car accident attorneys can help you through the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Step Three: Contact the Authorities

Call the police no matter how severe the accident seems. A car crash police report is vital for insurance claims and potential lawsuits. Police reports document the scene, witness statements, and driver information — crucial evidence if things end up in court.

Colorado law requires drivers involved in a car accident resulting in injury or property damage to contact the police. Additionally, Colorado law mandates that any driver involved in an accident that results in injury to another person must render aid (i.e. calling for an ambulance).

Step Four: Gather Evidence

Exchange information with the other driver(s): names, addresses, phone numbers, license plates, and insurance details. Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, the surrounding scene, and any visible injuries.

“Taking photos at the scene to document it is critical, as is documenting your own injuries,” Burg said.

In one case, a motorcycle crash victim contacted Burg Simpson immediately, enabling the firm to send an investigator out the next day to take photos the police had missed. Those photos became critical to the case’s outcome after the at-fault driver took a photo of a speed limit sign installed five days following the crash.

“The defendant tried to use the photo of that sign and pass it off as earlier,” Burg said. “Our photo, taken right after the scene, showed she was dishonest. It made a huge difference as the case was then resolved before going to trial.”

Ultimately, the more evidence you have, the better! Photos and witness statements can strengthen your case if you need to file a claim.

Step Five: Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

If anyone was hurt in the accident, consider contacting an experienced Personal Injury lawyer like Burg Simpson as early in the process as possible. They can help you navigate the legal complexities, fight for fair compensation, and protect your rights.

“We do things like get investigators to do their own investigation of the facts,” Burg said. “We contact insurance companies by letter so there’s a record. We can even open the door to potential medical providers to help victims get treatment that might not otherwise be available to them.”

That was certainly the case in a recent lawsuit involving a total $25.8 million judgment. In that case, the Burg Simpson trial team represented a client who sustained significant injuries in a motor vehicle crash. After five years of work, the team won an $18 million jury verdict for the client.

They also helped the client navigate the medical process and better understand what was required to gain admittance to Craig Hospital, where the client eventually regained the ability to walk and travel.

“There are many factors for people to be admitted to different rehab facilities or acute care facilities,” Burg said. “We know what is required and that information can be very helpful.”

Ultimately, don’t underestimate the value of legal advice at any point in the process. An attorney can ensure you get the medical care and financial compensation you deserve.

Step Six: Contact Your Insurance

Report the collision to your insurance company as soon as possible. Remember, in Colorado, drivers must carry a minimum of $25,000 in Bodily Injury Coverage (BI) to cover medical expenses for those injured in an accident you cause.

Pro Tip: This crash might be a good reminder to review your policy regardless of your location. Your declaration page (the first few pages of your policy) summarizes key details, like coverage amounts, policy limits, and insured individuals. It’s like a quick reference guide to what’s covered under your policy.

The Bottom Line

Before you hit the road again, ensure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. Collisions happen, but being informed can make all the difference.

If you’ve found this guide helpful, check out the Burg Simpson blog for additional tips on staying safe on the road and knowing your rights. Don’t let uncertainty take the driver’s seat — empower yourself with knowledge!

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.