If you or somebody you care about has been injured or sustained property damage in a car accident caused by another driver in Colorado, there are various types of information that you need to exchange right after the incident occurs. Here, we want to list the information that needs to be exchanged as well as some details that we want you to avoid altogether at the scene of the accident. We strongly encourage you to reach out to a skilled car accident lawyer in Boulder for help with your claim as soon as possible.
Slow Down, Process the Incident, and Gather Info
The immediate aftermath of a car accident in Colorado is often a confusing scene. The reality is that adrenaline will course through our bodies after a crash occurs, even for relatively minor incidents, and this can create further confusion. It is important to take a moment to breathe and calm down as much as possible before beginning the process of exchanging information and gathering evidence.
The most important thing you need to do is call 911 to report the incident. Dispatchers can send police, fire, and EMS personnel to the scene. If you are not seriously injured, you can begin to gather evidence and take photographs of the scene around you. Eventually, you will need to exchange various types of information with the other driver(s) involved. However, if any other party is hostile at the scene of the incident, wait for the police to arrive and let them gather the information and exchange it with the other parties.
The only information you are really responsible for exchanging with others at the scene is your name, the name of your insurance carrier, and your insurance policy number. You do not need to give any additional information to others involved. Do not let other drivers or passengers at the scene force you into making a statement or saying anything that you are not comfortable with.
What NOT to Say at the Scene
It is not uncommon for individuals to simply want to talk after a crash occurs. However, talking could significantly jeopardize any claim you make with the insurance carrier. We encourage you to limit the amount of conversation you have with others at the scene of the incident. Again, all you are responsible for is exchanging very basic insurance information with the other parties involved.
Under no circumstances should you admit fault for an incident or apologize, even if you think you were completely or partially responsible for the incident. No matter what anybody else says to you, do not admit fault. There are circumstances where you may not realize that another party is partially responsible for the incident, but the moment you start taking the blame, this jeopardizes any accident claim.
Call an Attorney
If you or somebody you love has been injured or sustained property damage in a vehicle accident in Colorado, you need to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. When you have an experienced legal advocate by your side, you will have someone ready to investigate the incident who can handle all communication with other parties on your behalf. Your attorney will talk to the insurance carriers involved and can handle any negotiations necessary to recover compensation for your losses.