What to Do Immediately After a Colorado Car Accident (And Why Each Step Matters)
By Michael M. Clawson, Colorado Personal Injury Attorney | Clawson & Clawson LLP
If you’ve just been in a car accident in Colorado, everything happens fast — flashing lights, damaged vehicles, adrenaline, confusion, and insurance companies already thinking about minimizing what they pay.
As a Colorado personal injury lawyer, I’ve handled hundreds of accident cases across Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Denver. I can tell you this with certainty:
What you do in the minutes, hours, and days after a crash can significantly affect your health, your recovery, and the value of your case.
Below is a step-by-step guide to what you should do immediately after a Colorado car accident — and why each step matters legally.
1. Make Safety the First Priority
Your health comes first. If you or anyone else is seriously injured, call 911 immediately.
Even if injuries seem minor, move vehicles out of traffic if possible and turn on hazard lights. Colorado law requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or significant damage to report the crash.
Why this matters legally:
A police response creates an official crash report, which becomes one of the most important pieces of evidence in any personal injury claim.
2. Call the Police — Even for “Minor” Accidents
Many people are tempted to exchange information and leave, especially if the accident seems small. That’s a mistake.
Always request law enforcement.
Why this matters:
Police reports often include:
- Driver statements
- Witness information
- Diagrams and fault observations
Insurance companies heavily rely on these reports when evaluating fault and liability.
3. Get Medical Attention — Even If You Feel “Fine”
This is one of the most common and costly mistakes I see.
Adrenaline can mask pain. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and spinal injuries often appear hours or days later.
If paramedics recommend transport, take it. If not, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Why this matters legally:
Insurance companies argue:
“If you were really hurt, you would have gone to the doctor right away.”
Early medical documentation protects both your health and your claim.
4. Document the Scene (If You Can Safely Do So)
If you’re able, take photos and videos of:
- Vehicle damage
- License plates
- Road conditions
- Traffic signals
- Visible injuries
Also, get names and contact information for any witnesses.
Why this matters:
Evidence disappears quickly. Skid marks fade. Vehicles get repaired. Witnesses move on. Photos taken at the scene can become some of the strongest evidence in your case.
5. Be Careful What You Say — Especially to Insurance Companies
At the scene:
- Do not admit fault
- Do not speculate about what happened
Later:
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without legal advice
Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that limit or shift liability.
Why this matters:
Even an innocent comment like “I’m okay” can later be used to argue you weren’t injured.
6. Report the Accident to Your Insurance — Carefully
Colorado policies require prompt notice of accidents. You should notify your insurance company, but keep it factual and brief.
If you’re unsure what to say, talk to a lawyer first.
Why this matters:
Statements made early — without understanding your injuries — often come back to hurt legitimate claims.
7. Do Not Delay — Deadlines Matter in Colorado
Colorado law imposes strict deadlines on personal injury claims:
- Car accidents: generally 3 years
- Other injury claims: often 2 years
Missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim.
Why this matters:
Insurance companies know these deadlines and will delay when it benefits them.
8. Call a Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer Early
The sooner you involve an experienced attorney, the better protected you are.
As a trial lawyer at Clawson & Clawson, I get involved early to:
- Preserve evidence
- Coordinate medical documentation
- Handle insurance companies
- Protect clients from costly mistakes
Early involvement often leads to stronger cases and better outcomes.
Why Clients Trust Me With Serious Injury Cases
I’m Michael Clawson, a Colorado personal injury attorney with decades of experience handling car accidents, truck accidents, and serious injury claims.
When you hire me, you’re not getting a call center or a case mill. You’re getting:
- Direct access to me
- Honest advice
- Strategic case development
- Aggressive advocacy when insurers refuse to be fair
What to Do Next
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Colorado car accident:
📞 Call me, Michael Clawson, today at 719-602-5888
Michael M. Clawson | Colorado Personal Injury Attorney
Email: Michael@clawsonattorney.com
💻 Request a free case evaluation by visiting our website.
There is no upfront cost, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
The sooner you act, the more I can do to protect your rights.
Legal Disclaimer- This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content or contacting the attorney does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal decisions and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. Colorado laws may change, and you should consult a licensed attorney for advice tailored to your circumstances. No guarantee is made regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.