What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

Advice you can trust from an experienced lawyer

Knowing what to do after a car accident caused by another driver can be confusing. Even knowing what your options are might not be clear. There are so many different issues you often need to deal with – from getting the proper medical care to repairing your car and making sure you’re fairly compensated for all your accident expenses.

Knowing where to start in such situations can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you’re not alone. We can help. At The Longo Firm, LLC, we have the knowledge and the expertise you need to handle any challenge you encounter after your accident.

Attorney Stephen A. Longo and his dedicated legal team have extensive experience dealing with a wide range of accidents in Colorado Springs. As a result, we’re familiar with the laws governing such cases. We know what evidence to look for. We understand what strategies can be the most effective. You can count on us when you need us most.

What steps should I take after my accident?

Every accident is different, from rear-end accidents to head-on collisions, but regardless of the type of crash, there are certain steps you should take if you’re involved in a crash caused by another driver. Such steps include:

• • Contact the police right away and tell them you have been in an accident caused by another driver. If your accident happened several hours or days ago, you still can (and should) contact the police and tell them what happened.
  • If you are at the scene of the accident and the other driver does not want to contact the police, insist on doing so, especially if you or anyone else was injured. Many states, including Colorado, require motorists to report all accidents in which someone was injured.
  • Seek immediate medical attention. At the scene of the accident, this might involve having an emergency medical technician (EMT) examine you there or transporting you via an ambulance to an emergency room to be evaluated. Don’t take chances with your health. Have a doctor examine you right away. You could have a life-threatening injury that requires immediate medical treatment.
  • If you are healthy enough to do so, take the following steps at the scene of the accident:
    • Get the other driver’s full name, address, phone number and insurance information. Feel free to give the same information to the other driver.
    • Do not talk about your accident with the other driver. Anything you say could be used as evidence to deny your accident claim.
    • Take pictures of your accident. Make sure to take photos of damage to both vehicles, debris on the road, stop signs or traffic lights near the crash site.
    • If someone saw your accident, get the witness’ name and best phone number to contact them.
  • Several hours or days after your accident, make sure you take the following steps, as well:
    • Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Have a doctor examine you, even if you were evaluated at the crash site. Many car accident injuries, including traumatic brain injuries like concussions and neck injuries like whiplash, take several days to develop.
    • Follow your doctor’s instructions. If they tell you to rest and not work for several days, take their advice. Otherwise, you might not fully recover or have a hard time getting the money you deserve for your accident claim because you ignored your doctor’s instructions.
    • Call your insurance company and tell them you were involved in an accident caused by another driver.
    • Obtain a copy of your official accident report from the investigating police officer. If you’re not sure how to do so, have your lawyer contact the police and get a copy of your official accident report.
    • If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, do not talk to them. Legally, you do not have to answer any their questions. Anything you say can be used as evidence to deny your injury claim.
    • Do not discuss your accident or post any information about it on social media. Anything your write or say could potentially be used by the at-fault driver’s insurance company to deny your claim.
    • Contact a lawyer right away. Your attorney can help you after your accident in many different ways.

How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance company?

The time frame for reporting a car accident to your insurance company can vary depending on the terms of the policy. It is recommended to report the accident sooner rather than later, ideally within 24 hours. Even if it was a minor accident, it is important to speak with your insurance company while the details of the accident are still fresh in your memory.

However, anytime you speak with an insurance company – even your own – you need to be careful. Stick to the basic facts of what happened and don’t go into detail about fault for the accident or your injuries. “I am getting medical treatment” is perfectly fine at this stage. Refer any further questions to your attorney.

Get the law firm that gets results. Contact us.

The stakes are high after many accidents. Your claim can easily add up to thousands of dollars or much more. The insurance company for the at-fault driver knows this. That’s why they’ll often do everything they can to reduce or deny your accident claim.

They don’t scare us. We know how to take on insurance companies and demand the money you deserve. In case after case, we consistently obtain sizable settlements and verdicts for injury victims. Case results matter here.

It isn’t just about the money. We believe your best interests should always come first after your accident. That’s why attorney Longo gives his personal number to his clients. That way, if you have a question about your case, you can reach him directly anytime. We’re accessible on your terms. You are our priority.

Get the law firm that gets you. Contact us and schedule your free case evaluation right now.