What to Do After a Car Accident in Denver: A Step-by-Step Guide

Being involved in a car accident in Denver can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. In the minutes and hours that follow a crash, the decisions you make can have a significant impact on your health, your legal rights, and any compensation you may be entitled to receive.

At Roberts Accident Law, we have helped hundreds of Denver-area car accident victims navigate the aftermath of a crash. Here is a clear, actionable guide on exactly what to do — and what to avoid — after a car accident in Colorado.

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911

Your safety and the safety of everyone involved comes first. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries before anything else. Even if injuries seem minor, call 911 immediately. Colorado law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.

When the police arrive, they will create an official accident report. This report is a critical piece of evidence if you later file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Request the report number before you leave the scene.

2. Move to Safety and Document the Scene

If your vehicle is drivable and it is safe to do so, move it out of traffic to avoid secondary collisions. Then document everything you can:

• Take photos of all vehicles involved, including damage and license plates
• Photograph road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any debris
• Capture the positions of the vehicles before they are moved
• Note the time, weather, and lighting conditions

Your phone’s camera is one of the most powerful tools you have in the first few minutes after an accident. Use it.

3. Exchange Information — But Don’t Admit Fault

Exchange the following with all drivers involved:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance company name and policy number
• Vehicle registration and license plate

Be polite but say as little as possible beyond factual information. Do not say “I’m sorry” or admit any fault — even if you think you may have contributed to the accident. Fault is a legal determination, not something to work out at the scene.

4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Visit an emergency room or urgent care as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Many serious injuries — including whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding — do not present symptoms immediately. Adrenaline masks pain.

Delaying medical treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident. A same-day or next-day medical visit creates a documented link between the crash and your injuries that is essential to any personal injury claim.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your own insurance company promptly. You are typically required to report accidents regardless of who was at fault. However, you are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance without legal counsel.

If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you asking for a recorded statement, politely decline until you have spoken with an attorney. Recorded statements are often used to minimize or deny claims.

6. Track All Costs and Keep Every Record

From the moment of the accident forward, document everything:

• All medical bills and treatment records
• Prescription receipts
• Lost wages if you miss work
• Property damage estimates and repair receipts
• Out-of-pocket transportation costs (Uber to doctor appointments, etc.)

Compensation in a car accident claim is directly tied to documented losses. The more thorough your records, the stronger your case.

7. Consult a Denver Car Accident Attorney

Colorado has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but the sooner you consult an attorney, the better. Evidence degrades, witnesses move on, and insurance adjusters are working against your interests from day one.

Roberts Accident Law offers free consultations with no obligation. If we take your case, we work on contingency — meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Contact our Denver office today to discuss your situation and understand your options.

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