Being in a car accident can be shocking. You might not know what to do to protect your health and legal rights. Use this checklist to do everything necessary after a car accident in Boulder:
Call a Boulder car accident lawyer today at 720-303-8591 for a free consultation.
Get to Safety
The most important thing is your safety. Pull your vehicle over near the accident scene in a well-lit area out of the direct path of traffic. This can help prevent secondary crashes with other motorists.
Check for Injuries
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries — a serious injury such as to the head or spine may need medical attention immediately. Check the other vehicle’s occupants for injuries. If anyone is injured, try not to move them as long as that is the safest thing to do.
Alert Other Drivers
Activate your hazard lights or set up emergency flares to alert other drivers to the accident so they know you’re there and won’t cause additional injuries.
Call 911
Call 911 to report the accident. If anyone was injured, request an ambulance. A law enforcement officer may respond to the scene to collect your statement and investigate the accident.
Ask the Other Driver for Information
Colorado is an at-fault state for car accidents, meaning the driver found at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the damages they cause. Make the process easier by getting identifying information about the other driver and their insurance, including:
- Their name
- Their contact information
- Their driver’s license number
- Their liability insurance carrier and policy number
- A description of their vehicle
- Their license plate number
Document the Accident Scene
Take proactive steps to gather evidence at the accident scene. Take pictures of the following:
- The general accident scene
- Skid marks and broken car parts on the road
- The damage to all involved vehicles
- Cross streets and traffic signs
- Road and weather conditions
Include close-ups and long shots to get different angles and information.
Ask Witnesses for Their Information
If anyone stopped at the accident scene, get their names and contact information.
Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention for any injuries you sustained due to the accident. Don’t delay, as any delay in your care could damage your claim.
Keep All Accident-Related Documents
You may begin receiving various documents related to your accident. Keep all of these in an organized file. Examples of information you may need to preserve include:
- Accident reports: Ask the law enforcement officer how to get a copy of the accident report and keep it safe for your lawyer — you can file a report at the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles.
- Documentation from insurance companies: Keep a copy of your initial filing with the insurance company and any subsequent correspondence regarding requests for information or settlement offers.
- Medical records: You may have various medical records related to your accident, including emergency room records, diagnostic tests, doctor’s notes, documentation regarding medical treatment and medication, and more. Keep all of these records.
- Property damage reports: Keep all documentation from the body shop that repaired your vehicle.
- Receipts: You may have receipts for car rentals, rideshare trips, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Call an Experienced Boulder Car Accident Lawyer
The most important call you can make after a car accident is to an experienced Boulder personal injury lawyer.
Contact Daniels & Scriven, P.C. online or call 720-303-8591 today for a free consultation.