The seconds after a car accident can feel overwhelming. Your heart races, your hands shake, and you’re unsure what steps to take next. In Aurora, Colorado, where over 4,500 traffic crashes occurred in 2022 according to the Colorado Department of Transportation, knowing exactly what to do after a car accident can protect your health, your rights, and your financial future.
At Lampert & Walsh, LLC, we’ve guided countless Aurora residents through the aftermath of motor vehicle accidents. This comprehensive guide outlines the critical car accident steps you need to take immediately following a collision, ensuring you’re fully prepared to handle this stressful situation with confidence.
Immediate Actions at the Accident Scene
Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
Your priority is safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic flow. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, secondary accidents at crash scenes cause additional injuries and fatalities each year.
Check yourself and all passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, remember that adrenaline can mask pain and injury symptoms. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue damage and concussions, may not manifest symptoms for hours or even days after the accident.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
In Aurora, Colorado law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Call 911 immediately to request police and medical assistance. The dispatcher will send Aurora Police Department officers to document the scene.
Police Report Tips:
- Provide information only
- Avoid admitting fault or apologizing
- Request the responding officer’s name and badge number
- Ask how to obtain a copy of the police report
- Note the report number for your records
Critical Documentation: Gathering Evidence at the Scene
Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Colorado law requires drivers involved in accidents to exchange specific information. Collect the following details from all parties:
| Required Information | Details to Collect |
|---|---|
| Driver Information | Full name, phone number, address, driver’s license number |
| Vehicle Details | Make, model, year, color, license plate number, VIN |
| Insurance Information | Company name, policy number, contact information |
| Location Details | Exact address or intersection, road conditions, weather |
Document the Scene Thoroughly
Your smartphone is your most valuable tool for evidence collection. Take multiple photographs and videos of:
- All vehicle damage from multiple angles
- The overall accident scene, including road signs and traffic signals
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Weather conditions
- Visible injuries
- License plates of all involved vehicles
Gather Witness Statements
Witness statements can provide objective accounts of how the accident occurred. If bystanders witnessed the collision:
- Ask for their full names and contact information
- Request a brief written or recorded statement
- Note their location when they observed the accident
- Thank them for their cooperation
Medical Attention: Protecting Your Health and Claim
Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation
Even without visible injuries, visit an emergency room or urgent care facility within 24 hours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that many serious injuries, including internal bleeding, concussions, and spinal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms.
Medical Documentation Essentials:
- Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts
- Follow all treatment recommendations
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Document pain levels and symptoms daily
- Maintain a journal of how injuries affect your daily life
Understand Colorado’s Injury Statistics
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, Aurora experiences significant traffic safety challenges:
Aurora Car Accident Statistics (2022)
- Total Crashes: 4,587
- Injury Crashes: 1,234
- Fatal Crashes: 43
Most Common Causes:
- Distracted Driving: 28%
- Speeding: 24%
- Following Too Closely: 18%
- Impaired Driving: 15%
- Other Factors: 15%
Insurance and Legal Considerations
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly, typically within 24 hours. Colorado follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover damages. However, provide only information:
- Date, time, and location of accident
- Basic description of what happened
- Contact information for other parties
- Police report number
Understanding Colorado’s Statute of Limitations
Colorado law imposes strict deadlines for filing accident-related claims:
| Claim Type | Statute of Limitations | Critical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 3 years from accident date | Clock starts on injury date |
| Property Damage | 3 years from accident date | Separate from injury claims |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years from death date | Different timeframe applies |
| Government Entity Claims | 182 days notice requirement | Much shorter deadline |
Avoid Common Post-Accident Mistakes
Many accident victims inadvertently damage their claims by:
- Accepting quick settlement offers: Initial offers rarely reflect true claim value
- Posting on social media: Insurance companies monitor posts for contradictory evidence
- Signing medical releases: These may allow access to unrelated medical history
- Providing recorded statements: Words can be taken out of context
- Delaying legal consultation: Evidence deteriorates and witnesses become unavailable
When to Contact an Attorney?
While not every accident requires legal representation, certain circumstances warrant immediate attorney consultation:
- Serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment
- Disputed liability or multiple at-fault parties
- Insurance company denial or unreasonably low settlement offers
- Accidents involving commercial vehicles or government entities
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death claims
Our experienced Aurora car accident attorneys understand Colorado law and fight to maximize your compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Don’t just take our word for it, see what our clients say about their experiences in ours testimonials section.
Building a Strong Case: The Investigation Process
Professional legal representation ensures thorough investigation of your accident. Attorneys gather evidence that accident victims often overlook:
- Accident reconstruction expert analysis
- Surveillance or dashcam footage from nearby businesses
- Cell phone records proving distracted driving
- Vehicle maintenance records showing mechanical failures
- Expert medical testimony regarding injury causation
- Economic expert calculations of future medical costs and lost earning capacity
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Colorado accident victims may recover various forms of compensation:
Economic Damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage and vehicle replacement
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Medical equipment and home modifications
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (for spouses)
Special Considerations for Aurora Accidents
Aurora’s unique traffic patterns and road conditions create specific accident risks:
- E-470 corridor accidents: High-speed highway collisions with multiple vehicles
- Airport-area crashes: Increased tourist and commercial traffic near Denver International Airport
- Construction zone accidents: Ongoing Road improvements throughout the city
- Winter weather incidents: Colorado’s challenging winter driving conditions
Protecting Your Recovery
After addressing immediate medical and legal concerns, focus on your recovery:
- Attend all medical appointments and follow treatment plans
- Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses
- Maintain communication with your attorney
- Avoid discussing your case on social media
- Be patient, quality settlements take time to negotiate
Moving Forward with Confidence
Knowing what to do after a car accident in Aurora, CO transforms a chaotic situation into manageable steps. By following these car accident steps, ensuring safety, documenting evidence, and consulting with experienced attorneys, you protect both your health and legal rights.
At Lampert & Walsh, LLC, we’ve successfully represented Aurora accident victims for years, securing millions in compensation for our clients. Our commitment to personalized service means you work directly with experienced attorneys who understand Colorado law and fight tirelessly for maximum compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Aurora, CO?
Colorado’s statute of limitations allows three years for personal injury claims and property damage claims from the accident date. However, claims against government entities require 182-days’ notice, so contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
No, initial settlement offers typically undervalue claims significantly. Insurance adjusters aim to minimize payouts. Consult an experienced attorney before accepting any settlement to ensure it covers all current and future accident-related expenses and losses.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance in Aurora?
Colorado requires minimum liability insurance, but some drivers operate vehicles illegally without coverage. Your uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation. An attorney can explore all available coverage options to maximize your recovery despite the other driver’s lack of insurance.
Do I need an attorney for a minor car accident?
For minor accidents with no injuries and minimal property damage, you may handle claims independently. However, if you experience any injuries, dispute liability, or face insurance company difficulties, legal representation ensures protection of your rights and maximum compensation.
How much does hiring a car accident attorney cost?
Most car accident attorneys, including Lampert & Walsh, LLC, work on contingency fees, meaning no upfront costs. You pay attorney fees only if we recover compensation. This arrangement makes quality legal representation accessible regardless of financial circumstances.
