Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Denver, CO (2024)

Car accidents are terrifying and stressful. In the aftermath of a collision, it’s easy to make mistakes. Knowing the most common mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Denver can keep you from jeopardizing your rights and ensure you’re set up to receive a fair settlement. If you’re ever in a car accident in Denver, avoid the following mistakes:

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel unharmed. Internal damage or concussion might not manifest right away, but a medical evaluation will ensure your health and provide valuable documentation for any subsequent claims.

Failing to Call the Police

Tell the police about it regardless — no matter how insignificant the accident may appear — as you will need an official record to settle your insurance claim and to take legal action. Without a police report, you could find yourself struggling.

Admitting Fault

Don’t admit fault at the scene of the accident. Deciding who’s responsible is complicated enough that it should be left to the professionals. Apologies can result in a loss of your possible compensation claim. Just focus on ensuring everyone is safe and cooperative with the authorities.

Not Collecting Sufficient Evidence

Get as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the cars and the scene of the accident. Get photographs of any visible injuries. Obtain the contact information for any witnesses. Note the weather and road conditions — these may well be crucial elements in proving liability.

Posting on Social Media

Do not post or Tweet about your accident or injuries. Social media sites can provide useful information to defense lawyers and insurance adjusters, who may review your account to determine if you were acting injured, drinking alcohol, or similar negative activities.

Neglecting to Inform Your Insurance Company

Inform your insurance company immediately of the accident. If you wait, your claim could become stalled or denied. Be sure to provide them with all the relevant information and cooperate fully in their investigation to ensure your claim is processed without complication.

Ignoring Follow-Up Medical Care

Continue any recommended follow-up care, and don’t ignore it. Your well-being depends on it. Furthermore, failure to follow your doctor’s advice could undermine your claim, suggesting that you don’t really have an injury worth the attention. If you don’t keep up with the appropriate medical care, opposing counsel will claim that your injuries are not severe. Medical documentation is the next crucial step in proving an injury.

Not Keeping Detailed Records

Make sure you document all expenses related to the accident, including any medical bills, car repairs, and long-term income loss. Keep a log of any injuries and their effect on your life. These documents can help boost your damage award.

Failing to Document Injuries and Treatment

Since your case will rest on proving injuries and the effect of treatment, keeping detailed notes about your condition and treatment is important. Track all of your doctors’ visits and treatments, and note any changes in your physical or emotional condition. Make sure that your healthcare providers keep detailed notes about your care.

When supported by medical records and documentation of your treatment, your claims for medical bills and non-economic damages (pain and suffering) can better demonstrate the full impact of your accident and your ability to obtain equitable compensation. Accurate and thorough medical records can greatly enhance the settlement negotiations process and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.

Ignoring Legal Deadlines

By failing to meet your deadline, you could lose your chance to ever be compensated after a car crash. In Colorado, for instance, the limit to file personal injury claims is generally three years from the collision. If that limit lapses, your right to sue is gone. Retaining a lawyer as quickly as possible ensures that all your paperwork gets filed on time and you keep your legal rights intact.

Settling Without Understanding Future Expenses

It’s not uncommon for the injuries you sustain in a car crash to eventually require multiple medical procedures, rehabilitation treatment, and drugs for pain. Therefore, the full scope of your treatment plan might not be known to you immediately after the accident. It’s vital to have a proper medical examination and to rely on a financial projection from your lawyer so that you have the resources to cover your future expenses to ensure financial security.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Red Flags After a Car Accident?

A: After a car accident, symptoms such as severe pain, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness warrant immediate medical attention because they often lead to concussion, internal bleeding, and spinal injury. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately seek medical attention, as symptoms often worsen with time.

Q: What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Colorado?

A: The average car accident settlement varies widely based on different factors, such as the severity of injuries, medical expenses (current and potential), lost wages, and emotional pain and suffering. Consulting with a legal professional can provide a more accurate estimate based on the details of your specific case.

Q: Is Colorado a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: No, it is not a no-fault state for car accidents; it is a fault-based state, which means the driver responsible for the accident is liable for the damages. Victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance for damages, but due to comparative negligence, their settlement amount may be reduced if they share fault with the driver.

Q: What Is a Common Cause of Accidents in the State?

A: One of the common causes of car accidents in Colorado is distracted driving. This includes everything from texting behind the wheel to talking to others on the phone, eating snacks, and using in-car technologies. Drivers who are distracted are much more likely to get into an accident. It is important for all Colorado drivers to practice safe driving at all times.

Contact a Denver Car Accident Attorney

Mitigating common mistakes can make all the difference when it comes to the outcome of your car accident case. If you are hurt in a car crash, seek treatment immediately. Document your injuries from the scene and have records from all of your treatments. Consult with a knowledgeable car accident attorney at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard to learn more about your rights and options. To discuss your case, please contact our office today.