What to Do After Getting Rear-Ended in Colorado
Being rear-ended can be scary and emotional for everyone. Whether you were in the first car, second car, driver’s seat, or passenger’s seat, it can cause serious injuries that may take some time to recover. You may feel overwhelmed about what to do after your accident and injury, and you’re definitely not alone.
In the United States, rear-end accidents make up 29% of all road incidents in the country, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Approximately 1.7 million rear-end collisions occur every year in our country, and 500,000 people are injured as a result.
If you are one of those half-million people that were hurt because someone rear-ended you, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Gama Law Firm in Aurora, Colorado, we have helped clients fight for compensation for their car accident injuries, but what should you do before you meet with us for a free consultation? We can help you prepare.
At the Scene of the Accident:
Call an Ambulance
As soon as you have been rear-ended, the very first thing to do is to make sure you and your passengers are okay. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, call an ambulance so they can perform a thorough examination. If you refuse medical attention or treatment, the opposing insurance company’s lawyers may use any of the following arguments that will undoubtedly hurt your case:
“Your injury occurred after the accident.”
“You had a pre-existing condition.”
“You’re exaggerating your injuries.”
“It would’ve cost less if you accepted treatment sooner rather than later.”
Getting an expert’s opinion on your injuries at the scene of your rear-end accident will strengthen your argument. If it can be easily proved that your injury was a direct result of the accident in question, you may receive a much higher settlement.
Document Everything
After you’ve been examined by an EMT, you or a loved one needs to get the other driver’s insurance and/or contact information. Then, take several pictures and thorough notes while it’s fresh in your brain. Here is the essential information you should write down at the scene of the crash:
The date, time, and location at which the accident occurred
Weather and road conditions at the time
Who was involved in the crash, such as the driver’s physical features, age, or mental state at the time (whether they seemed intoxicated or tired)
Names and contact information of anyone that did or may have witnessed the incident
A copy of the police report, if possible
In court, this information will help us prove that the other driver was the cause of the accident and thus your injury. Keep these notes in a safe place and make several copies to ensure the information doesn’t get lost.
Once You Get Home:
Contact a Colorado Auto Accident Attorney
You may have general questions about your accident or your rights. You may have been informed that the at-fault driver’s insurance company has denied the claim that they were at fault, or worse, they could say you were the cause of the accident and you owe them money. If that is the case, our personal injury team at the Gama Law Firm, LLC, can help you fight for just compensation.
Our attorneys in Aurora, Colorado, have a comprehensive knowledge of personal injury law and can represent you throughout your rear-end accident case to make sure your voice is heard and your rights are respected.
We proudly serve the greater Denver, Colorado area, including the surrounding communities of Aurora, Parker, Centennial, Castle Pines, and everywhere in between. No matter where you live or what kind of personal injury case you have, we will work diligently to do everything we can to win compensation and strive for a positive result.
Contact our office in Aurora, Colorado today to schedule a free consultation.