Steps to take immediately following an accident to protect your rights
For more specific information, contact the Law Office of Richard J. Banta, P.C.
at 303-331-3415.
This free report tells you what to do if you are in an accident, or if you see or come upon an accident. One of the most important steps to take right after an accident is to find a auto accident lawyer in Denver CO who is right for you. Read our free report “How To Select The Right Personal Injury Attorney For You” for some ideas on how to find the right Denver, CO auto accident lawyer for you.
Here are important steps to do immediately following an accident. Obviously, the severity of the accident and injuries will impact whether you can personally accomplish these steps. If for medical reasons you are unable to do any of these things, hopefully someone acting on your behalf will still be able to get them done. There is normally a lot of confusion and chaos immediately following an accident. Accomplishing these steps
will make it easier later on to reconstruct what happened.
Don’t hesitate to enlist the assistance of any bystanders if they are available. Even if they
did not witness the accident, they may be able to provide important information later on when it is time to settle the case. Names and phone numbers of actual witnesses and
others on the scene can prove to be invaluable.
Immediately following the accident you should:
1. License Plates: Write down or photograph as many license numbers of as many
vehicles around you as you can before anyone leaves the scene. The drivers may turn
out to be valuable witnesses.
2. Police: Call the police and report the accident. This is very important. No matter
how minor you think the accident is you (or someone else involved) may discover that
you have been injured after you leave the scene. Don’t let anyone talk you out of
reporting the accident – for any reason.
3. Other Parties: It is important to obtain information at the scene.
a. Be sure to obtain the following information on all involved parties, including
possible witnesses: name; address; phone number; and vehicle information
including the year, make, model, color and license plate number.
b. Be sure to obtain the other parties insurance information – the company name,
agents name, phone number and policy number. This information should be
listed on their proof of insurance card which the law requires them to have in
their vehicle – insist on seeing it.
c. Be sure to note the date, time and location of the accident.
4. Damages: If you can, photograph the damage to the vehicles and the scene of the
accident. If you are not able to photograph the damages, make notes.
5. Injuries: You may have been injured and not know it at the time.
a. There is not always a correlation between the physical damage to the vehicle
and your injuries. You may not think you are injured; however, you may experience symptoms after you leave the scene. These symptoms may show up in a few hours or a few days. Therefore, don’t assume you are not injured and if anyone asks – especially the investigating police – be honest and tell them that you are not sure.
b. If the paramedics recommend that you go to the hospital, follow their advice
even though you may not think you are injured. They are experienced
professionals.
6. Evidence: Gather any physical evidence from the scene and don’t let anything get
lost. Things like bumpers, grilles, headrests, undercarriage, hubcaps, seatbelts, etc. may
provide critical information regarding the accident. This is especially important if your
vehicle is going to be repaired or totaled and taken to a salvage yard.
7. Audio Recordings: If you have a phone with a recording capability, take
statements of the other party and any witnesses.
8. Insurance Reporting: Report the accident to your insurance agent as soon as
practically possible.
9. Find an Denver, Colorado auto accident lawyer:
There are many issues that come up immediately following an accident where an auto accident lawyer in Denver, CO can provide invaluable services. These areas include
concerns regarding property damage, insurance coverage, a rental car, and access to
medical treatment. Download the free report on How to Select the Right Personal Injury
Attorney.
As always, please feel free to contact an auto accident lawyer in Denver, CO from our team any time to schedule a free consultation or to discuss questions you may have regarding your rights and how to successfully process your claim.
