Next Steps After an Accident
No one expects traffic accidents and resulting injuries to happen to them — until they do. According to National Safety Council estimates, there were 13.2 million documented traffic accidents in the United States in 2021, resulting in 3.7 million medically consulted injuries. Those numbers indicate that there are not only a lot of traffic accidents happening out there on the road, but also a lot of people suffering injuries in those accidents.
Knowing what to do immediately after being in an accident is important and can mean the difference between successfully obtaining financial compensation or being left with nothing but pain and mounting bills. At Gama Law Firm, we have the knowledge and experience to help you deal with the aftermath of your injury accident. If you are located in the Denver or Aurora, Colorado areas — including Parker, Centennial, or Castle Pines — reach out to us today to discuss your case.
Important Things to Do After an Accident
After an accident, there are certain things you need to focus on in order to position yourself to seek compensation from the responsible party. Knowing what to do — and what not to do — can provide you with a clearer path if legal action is taken later on.
Seek Medical Attention
First and foremost, the health and safety of everyone involved in the accident is the highest priority. Get yourself and all other parties to safety and assess everyone’s physical condition as well as you can. Determine if there are any injuries, and if there are, act accordingly to get medical personnel on the scene as quickly as possible. There are multiple reasons to ensure safety and seek appropriate medical treatment, including:
Prioritizing Your Safety — Getting the help you need for your own health & well-being.
Seeking Proper Documentation of the Incident and Your Injuries — If there are any criminal or legal issues to deal with, having official medical documentation is key.
Preparing to Deal With Insurance Providers — Insurers have a lot of tricks up their sleeves, so having medical facts on your side will be beneficial to your situation.
Once the condition of everyone involved is assessed, you can then move on to determining other aspects of the immediate situation.
Call the Police
Contact law enforcement to get officers on the scene to help assess the situation, investigate the cause of the accident, and create official police reports documenting the incident. It is also important to note that, under Colorado law, you are required to report any car accident that results in property damage or physical injury.
Document Everything
No detail is too small or seemingly inconsequential to include. All documentation — including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other evidence — can potentially be helpful to your case when you pursue legal action against the responsible party.
Notify Insurance Providers
You and the other parties involved in the accident should report the accident, as well as any immediately evident injuries, to your respective insurance providers. This will get the ball rolling on the insurance side of things (a process that can be complicated and stressful in itself).
Contact an Attorney
One of the most important things you can do following an accident is to contact an experienced personal injury law firm. Having legal counsel working with your best interests in mind can immediately put you on the right path toward seeking financial compensation to help you deal with your injuries.
Potential Pitfalls
In addition to the physical effects you may suffer in a traffic accident, there are other variables that can make the situation more complex.
Uninsured Drivers
If the party responsible for the accident (and your injury) is uninsured, that presents another reason to bring an attorney into the equation to pursue compensation.
Financial Impact
An injury can not only result in significant medical costs but also an inability to work. If you cannot perform your job responsibilities, your financial standing may quickly become precarious. Having legal representation to take action on your behalf can give you the opportunity to fight back against any mounting debt.
Low Settlement Offers
You should also be aware that insurance providers frequently attempt to submit lowball offers to settle injury claims quickly. Once you accept an offer, you cannot go back to get more. You should never accept the first offer an insurance company makes — or any other offer — without consulting with your attorney.
Statute of Limitations
Finally, it is important to know that, according to Colorado law, you have a two-year window from the date of the accident that caused your injury to file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, you will lose your opportunity to seek compensation.
Get Help to Maximize Your Compensation
When you or someone you love has suffered an injury in an accident and needs help, having skilled legal representation is imperative. With the help of knowledgeable attorneys, you can give yourself a better chance to receive the financial compensation you need. If you are in Aurora or Denver, Colorado, or in the surrounding areas of Castle Pines, Centennial, or Parker, contact our team at Gama Law Firm to schedule a consultation.