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A Guide from Pueblo Personal Injury Attorney Michael M. Clawson
If you have been involved in a car accident on Interstate 25 near Pueblo, Colorado, you may be wondering what to do next. The moments following a crash are often confusing and stressful. Knowing the right steps to take can protect your health, preserve important evidence, and help safeguard your legal rights.
For more than 30 years, Michael M. Clawson, a founding Partner of Clawson & Clawson, LLP, has represented individuals and families throughout Pueblo, Pueblo West, Colorado City, Canon City, Walsenburg, Trinidad, and Southern Colorado who have suffered serious injuries in automobile and trucking accidents. During that time, Michael Clawson has seen firsthand how the decisions made during the first few hours and days after an accident can significantly affect the outcome of an injury claim.
Whether your collision occurred near Exit 101, Exit 104, the Highway 50 interchange, Northern Avenue, Pueblo Boulevard, or elsewhere along I-25, the following information can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
Why I-25 Near Pueblo Is One of Southern Colorado's Most Dangerous Highways
Interstate 25 is the primary transportation corridor connecting Pueblo with Colorado Springs, Denver, Trinidad, and New Mexico. Every day, thousands of passenger vehicles, delivery trucks, and commercial semi-trucks travel this stretch of highway.
Michael M. Clawson has represented numerous clients injured in crashes involving:
- Rear-end collisions
- High-speed interstate crashes
- Commercial trucking accidents
- Distracted drivers
- Drunk drivers
- Construction zone accidents
- Multi-vehicle collisions
- Weather-related crashes
Traffic congestion, heavy commercial truck traffic, construction projects, and rapidly changing weather conditions all contribute to serious accidents throughout Pueblo County.
1. Put Your Safety First
Immediately after a collision, your first priority should always be safety.
If possible:
- Move your vehicle out of traffic.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Call 911 immediately.
- Check on everyone involved.
- Wait for emergency responders.
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, allow emergency medical personnel to evaluate you.
Michael Clawson has represented many clients whose injuries—including traumatic brain injuries, herniated discs, and internal injuries—did not become apparent until hours or even days after the accident.
2. Call Law Enforcement
Most accidents involving injuries or significant property damage should be investigated by law enforcement.
Depending on where the crash occurred, responding agencies may include:
- Colorado State Patrol
- Pueblo Police Department
- Pueblo County Sheriff's Office
The accident report often becomes one of the most important pieces of evidence in your injury claim.
When speaking with the investigating officer:
- Tell the truth.
- Stick to the facts.
- Avoid guessing what happened.
- Never admit fault.
Liability is often much more complicated than it first appears.
3. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
One of the biggest mistakes Michael M. Clawson sees accident victims make is waiting several days before seeking medical care.
Adrenaline often masks pain.
Common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Hip injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries
Many people are transported to Parkview Medical Center or other medical providers in the Pueblo area following serious collisions. Even if you are not transported by ambulance, you should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Prompt treatment protects both your health and your claim.
4. Preserve Every Piece of Evidence
Evidence begins disappearing almost immediately after a crash.
Michael Clawson recommends collecting:
- Photographs of every vehicle
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Debris
- Traffic signals
- Weather conditions
- Visible injuries
- Witness information
- Insurance information
- Driver's license information
Commercial truck accidents require even quicker action because trucking companies often possess electronic driving records, onboard computer data, maintenance records, and driver logs that may become critical evidence.
5. Be Careful What You Tell the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters frequently contact injured drivers within a day or two after an accident.
Remember:
Their job is to minimize the amount the insurance company pays—not necessarily to maximize your recovery.
Before providing:
- A recorded statement
- Medical authorizations
- Detailed descriptions of your injuries
- Settlement discussions
Michael M. Clawson recommends speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney who can explain your rights.
6. Follow Your Doctor's Treatment Plan
Insurance companies often argue that missed appointments mean an injury is not serious.
Continue with recommended:
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic treatment (if recommended)
- Orthopedic care
- Neurology appointments
- Pain management
- Diagnostic testing
- Follow-up appointments
Consistent treatment creates a clear medical record documenting your injuries and your recovery.
7. Keep Excellent Records
Good documentation often leads to stronger cases.
Maintain copies of:
- Medical bills
- Medical records
- Prescription receipts
- Mileage to appointments
- Lost wages
- Repair estimates
- Rental vehicle expenses
- Insurance correspondence
Michael Clawson also recommends keeping a daily journal describing your pain levels, physical limitations, sleep problems, and activities you can no longer enjoy.
8. Stay Off Social Media
Insurance companies frequently review Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other social media accounts.
Even an innocent photograph can be taken out of context and used to argue that your injuries are less serious than you claim.
Until your case is resolved, it is generally best not to discuss your accident or injuries online.
Common Causes of Car Accidents on I-25 Near Pueblo
After decades of representing injured clients throughout Southern Colorado, Michael M. Clawson frequently sees crashes caused by:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Driver fatigue
- Commercial truck negligence
- Unsafe lane changes
- Drunk driving
- Drug-impaired driving
- Construction zones
- Poor weather conditions
Many collisions involve more than one contributing factor.
Why Hiring an Attorney Early Can Make a Difference
One of the biggest advantages of hiring an attorney early is preserving evidence before it disappears.
An early investigation may uncover:
- Surveillance video
- Dash camera footage
- Commercial truck electronic data
- Cell phone records
- Witness statements
- Vehicle inspections
- Black box information
The sooner an investigation begins, the greater the opportunity to preserve evidence that may otherwise be lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
Generally, you should be cautious. Insurance companies are trained to investigate claims and may ask questions designed to minimize your case. Before giving a recorded statement, consider consulting an attorney.
How long do I have to file a claim in Colorado?
Colorado law establishes deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Waiting too long can affect your ability to recover compensation. Speaking with an attorney early helps ensure important deadlines are not missed.
What if the accident involved a semi-truck?
Truck accident cases are often much more complex than ordinary automobile accidents because they may involve federal regulations, multiple insurance companies, and corporate defendants.
Should I hire an attorney even if the insurance company accepts responsibility?
Yes. Even when fault is admitted, disputes often arise regarding the value of your injuries, future medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Michael M. Clawson Has Been Helping Southern Colorado Families for More Than Three Decades
For more than 30 years, Michael M. Clawson has dedicated his practice to helping injured individuals and families throughout Pueblo and Southern Colorado. He understands that every accident affects far more than just a vehicle—it can impact a person's health, finances, career, and family.
His goal is to help clients understand their legal rights, navigate the insurance process, and pursue the compensation they deserve while they focus on healing.
Contact Michael M. Clawson and Clawson & Clawson, LLP
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident on I-25 near Pueblo, you do not have to face the insurance companies alone.
Attorney Michael M. Clawson and the team at Clawson & Clawson, LLP proudly represent accident victims throughout Pueblo, Pueblo West, Canon City, Colorado City, Walsenburg, Trinidad, and communities across Southern Colorado.
Michael M. Clawson
Clawson & Clawson, LLP
Email: [email protected]
If you have questions about your rights after a serious car or truck accident, contact our office to schedule a free consultation. We are committed to helping injury victims understand their options and move forward with confidence.