No one wants to imagine themselves in a car crash. It’s uncomfortable, frightening, and entirely disruptive. But not thinking about it doesn’t mean it can’t happen. In busy cities like Denver, accidents are an unfortunate reality. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, Denver saw nearly 42 car accidents per day on average last year. That’s over 15,000 crashes in a single year—an alarming figure.
Whether you or someone you care about has already been injured in an accident (or even if you haven’t), understanding your legal rights now can make a significant difference.
Here are some of the key steps to take and legal protections to be aware of after a car accident. Stay informed, stay empowered.
1. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Right Away
One of the most important things you can do after an accident is to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. In Denver, the time you have to file a claim (called the statute of limitations) can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. That window might be shorter than you expect. If you miss the deadline, you could lose your right to compensation entirely.
This is why hiring a top Denver personal injury attorney who specializes in car accidents is so important. If you don’t already have legal representation, start looking for someone with proven experience handling similar cases. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you from the very beginning: gathering evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and making sure deadlines are met.
2. Don’t Delay Medical Treatment
Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should still seek medical care right away. Car accidents can cause internal injuries, soft tissue damage, or delayed symptoms that don’t show up until hours or days later. A medical professional can identify these problems early and begin treatment before they get worse.
Aside from taking care of your health, seeing a doctor also creates a clear record of your injuries. This documentation can be crucial if you end up filing a claim later. Insurance companies often look for gaps in treatment as a way to argue that your injuries weren’t serious. Acting quickly helps you avoid that risk.
3. Gather and Preserve All Evidence
After the accident, try to collect as much information as you can. If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the scene, your vehicle, any other vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and your injuries. Get a copy of the police report once it’s available. If there were witnesses, try to get their contact information.
Hang onto receipts for any out-of-pocket costs, like medical bills, prescriptions, towing fees, or rental cars. Keep a folder with everything related to the accident. These records can really strengthen your case when it’s time to prove your claim and negotiate for fair compensation.
4. Be Cautious with Insurance Companies
Shortly after the accident, you may get a call from the other driver’s insurance company. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer you a quick settlement. It might seem like they’re just doing their job, but their primary goal is to minimize the amount their company pays out.
You should never agree to a recorded statement without first talking to your attorney. And don’t accept a settlement before you fully understand the long-term impact of your injuries.
5. Understand What Damages You Can Claim
Compensation after a car accident isn’t limited to just your hospital bills. You may be eligible to recover lost wages if you had to miss work, and even future lost earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work long term. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage are also part of what you might claim.
It’s important to have an attorney help you calculate the full scope of your losses.
6. Know the Role of Comparative Negligence
Understanding how fault is determined in an accident is crucial. In some states, the law follows a comparative negligence system. This means if you were partially at fault for the crash, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if you were found to be 20 percent responsible for the accident and awarded $50,000, you’d only receive $40,000. And if you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible, you may not receive compensation at all.
This rule makes it especially important to present a clear and detailed case. Your attorney can help gather evidence to reduce any potential blame placed on you. The more accurately fault is assigned, the more likely you are to receive the compensation you deserve.
7. Stay Off Social Media
After an accident, it’s natural to want to update friends and family. But in this digital age, even casual posts can work against you. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys often review your social media accounts, looking for anything that might contradict your injury claims.
A photo of you smiling at a friend’s party, a status update about running errands, or even check-ins at locations can be used to downplay your pain or suggest you’re more mobile than you claim.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid posting anything related to your health, daily activities, or the accident until your case is resolved.
8. Keep a Personal Injury Journal
One of the most powerful tools in a personal injury case is a detailed journal. Start keeping notes as soon as possible after the accident. Write about your pain levels, any changes in your physical condition, emotional stress, and how your injuries affect your routine. Include entries about doctor visits, therapy sessions, or days you miss work.
This journal becomes a firsthand account of how the accident changed your life. It can help your attorney paint a clearer picture when negotiating a settlement or presenting your case in court.
9. Understand the Legal Process
Once your claim is filed, the legal process begins. Many cases are settled without going to trial, but that doesn’t mean they move quickly. There will likely be a period of investigation, followed by negotiation. If the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit.
Litigation involves court filings, discovery (sharing evidence), depositions, and possibly a trial. Your role may include providing testimony and attending hearings. Having a legal team to explain each phase ensures you’re not caught off guard.
A car accident can turn your world upside down in seconds. But you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone or uninformed. By learning these steps, you can be more in control. And when you have the right people in your corner, you can focus on what truly matters: getting better and moving forward.
Preparation doesn’t stop accidents from happening, but it does give you the power to respond with clarity and strength when they do.
