If you, like millions of others in the U.S. every year, find yourself involved in a motor vehicle accident, you should know the appropriate actions to take. After medical and safety needs are addressed, consult the Denver car accident attorneys at the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal for informed advice about your legal rights.
When a Crash Occurs
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. In most areas it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident. Determine if anyone in your vehicle or other involved vehicles is hurt. Summon an ambulance, if needed. If you can do so safely, mark the scene with flares or other hazard indicators.
Report the Accident
Laws in some areas require that all accidents be reported. Failure to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency could leave you at risk for legal charges. Many insurance companies also require that crashes be reported, or they may deny payment of claims. If any vehicle involved in the accident has been damaged, call 911 at once.
Be Cooperative
When police officers arrive on the scene, be cooperative, and provide any requested information. At the same time, refrain from admitting responsibility for the accident. Also refrain from making comments beyond those necessary to respond to officers’ questions. Get the names and business cards of the officers on the scene, and ask them to provide you with any information necessary for you to obtain an accident report. Also exchange contact information and insurance information with others involved in the crash. Get the names of witnesses and their contact information as well.
Seek Medical Care if Needed
You may feel that injuries you’ve sustained are minor, but it is advisable to seek treatment for any injury. Often, injuries that seemed incidental initially can worsen over hours or days, causing major problems. Be sure to report any injuries you’ve suffered – even minor ones – to the police officers who respond to the scene.
Take Photographs and Jot Notes
It may be helpful to take photos of the accident scene. Many cell phones include cameras, enabling you to snap pictures at the time of the crash if you are able to do so. If you aren’t able to photograph the scene, ask a friend or family member to do so, or return as soon as possible with a camera. It is also a good idea to jot down what happened. Do this as soon as you can after the accident so that events will be fresh in your mind. Note any road conditions, weather, obstacles and other relevant information. If others involved in the accident make any statements at the scene, make note of their comments.
Keep on Jotting Notes
In the aftermath of the accident, you may receive follow-up contact from police officers, insurance company representatives, attorneys or other parties. It is wise to keep detailed notes including the date and time of these contacts, their purpose, and who contacted you. Consider speaking with a qualified motor vehicle accident attorney in Denver before you consent to talk to insurance companies or others. Make sure you understand your legal rights and the actions you need to take in order to safeguard them.
If You Need Treatment
If injuries worsen or you experience discomfort or pain in the days after the accident, get medical treatment. Sometimes injuries don’t become apparent right away. It is important not to disregard injuries. They can be more extensive and more serious than you think. Early treatment may help you avoid potential long-term medical problems.
Consult a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
Especially in instances where you experience worsening pain or problems from injuries you suffered in an accident, speak with a qualified Colorado car accident attorney after you seek medical care. An attorney also can advise you if you have problems with insurance claims or issues with any of the parties involved in the accident. Many lawyers will speak with you free of charge to assess your case.
For a free consultation to discuss the circumstances of your motor vehicle accident, contact the Colorado motor vehicle accident attorneys at the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal: (303) 825-2223. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries, the medical care they require, any income you’ve lost because of the accident, damage to your vehicle or other property, and more.
At the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, our Colorado motor vehicle accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and providing you with the strong representation you need when you’ve been injured in a traffic crash.
Contact our Denver Colorado Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm at 303-825-2223
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