Car accidents are unpredictable and can happen to anyone—even when you’re just following GPS directions. In January 2025, a driver headed to Keystone Resort’s employee housing in Colorado found himself in an unexpected situation. His GPS had him going down a ski trail! The result? His Audi hatchback was stuck in the snow, ruining the peaceful ski scene.
What happened next will make you laugh, but it’s also a great reminder of what to do when you’re in an accident or a sticky situation like this. Let’s dive into this event and walk through 10 steps for handling a car accident inspired by this Colorado mishap.
What To Do In A Unique Car Accident: A Car at the Bottom of a Ski Trail?!
Imagine pulling into Keystone Resort, following Siri’s calm voice, only to find yourself… at the bottom of a ski trail. That’s exactly what happened to this driver, leading to a unique car crash scenario. At first his car floated on the frozen snow, but it wasn’t long before the tires broke through and the car was stuck. Instead of panicking, he left a note on his car and went skiing.
Meanwhile, resort staff worked to try and get the car out, even fencing off the area to keep skiers and snowboarders safe. He didn’t get in trouble since his car wasn’t blocking a road, but he’s probably facing a big towing bill. This went viral on social media and is a perfect example of how fast things can go south—and why you should know what to do next.
11 Steps to Take After a Weird Car Accident
Here’s how his situation could have been handled better, using our 10 steps for handling car accidents:
1. Make Sure Everyone’s Safe
First always check on yourself and others. In this case no one was hurt, but the car was a hazard to skiers.
Tip: Everyone safe. If injuries, call 911. Even if you feel fine, seek medical treatment after an accident to rule out hidden injuries.
Tip: If you can, move your car to a safe spot to add no more harm.
2. Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
Understanding your insurance coverage is crucial after a car accident. Knowing what your policy covers and what it doesn’t can save you from unexpected expenses and stress. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Collision Coverage: This pays for damages to your vehicle, regardless of who was at fault. It’s essential if you want to ensure your car is repaired or replaced after an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This covers damages to your vehicle that aren’t related to a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. It’s a good idea to have this coverage for added protection.
- Liability Coverage: Required by law in most states, this pays for damages to other people or property in an accident. It’s crucial to have adequate liability coverage to protect yourself from significant financial loss.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault. PIP can be a lifesaver in covering medical bills and lost wages.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This pays for damages if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages. It’s essential for protecting yourself against uninsured drivers.
Additionally, it’s important to know your deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Also, be aware of your policy limits, which is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for damages. Understanding these details can help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident more effectively.
3. Call the Authorities
Notifying local authorities or resort management would have gotten things resolved faster and added more safety measures.
Tip: Always call the police after an accident even if it’s minor, as police officers play a crucial role in documenting the incident.
4. Document the Scene and File a Police Report
The incident went viral thanks to videos and photos shared online. Not the best documentation but it shows the importance of documenting the scene.
Tip: Use your phone to take photos and notes about the accident scene, vehicle position, and any other details for the accident report.
5. Exchange Information
This didn’t involve other drivers but in typical accidents you would exchange contact and insurance info.
Tip: Always share your name, phone and insurance info after an accident.
6. Seek Medical Attention
He wasn’t hurt but adrenaline can mask symptoms. If you’re in any accident see a doctor.
Tip: Even if you feel fine see a doctor after an accident to rule out hidden injuries.
7. Notify Your Insurance Provider
The towing bill from this mishap could be big. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to know your coverage.
Tip: Call your insurance provider asap after an accident to report what happened and navigate conversations with insurance companies carefully.
8. Filing an Insurance Claim
Filing an insurance claim can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to get the process started as soon as possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the claims process:
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. This initiates the claims process and ensures your case is on record.
- Provide Necessary Information: Share all relevant details with your insurance company, including the police report, photos of the damage, and any witness statements. This documentation is crucial for your claim.
- Work with an Adjuster: Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to your claim. The adjuster will investigate the accident, assess the damages, and determine who was at fault.
- Receive a Settlement Offer: After the investigation, the adjuster will provide you with a settlement offer. You can either accept or reject this offer.
- Negotiate if Necessary: If you’re not satisfied with the settlement offer, you can negotiate with your insurance company. Provide additional evidence or documentation to support your case.
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain detailed records of all correspondence with your insurance company, including dates, times, and the names of the people you speak with. This can be invaluable if any disputes arise.
By following these steps, you can navigate the insurance claim process more smoothly and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
9. Consult Legal Counsel
Although he didn’t get in trouble he could have sought legal advice to clarify his liabilities especially on resort property damage.
Tip: If you’re unsure about your rights or responsibilities consult an attorney. Additionally, legal counsel can assist in understanding your rights regarding rental car coverage.
10. Avoid Admitting Fault
It’s easy to blame Siri or joke about the GPS error but admitting fault can complicate things. Stick to the facts.
Tip: Don’t say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Let the investigation reveal what happened.
11. Stay Calm and Cooperate
He stayed calm, left a nice note and let the resort staff handle the situation. Being calm is always the right move.
Tip: Keep your cool and work with those on the scene to resolve the situation.
What We Can Learn from This Colorado Story
A recent car accident in Colorado highlights the importance of understanding your insurance coverage and filing an insurance claim promptly. A driver was involved in a serious accident on a snowy road and suffered serious injuries. Initially, the driver’s insurance company offered a low settlement, but by providing detailed records of medical expenses and lost wages, the driver was able to negotiate a higher settlement.
This story underscores the importance of keeping detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, and repair costs. It also emphasizes the need to understand your insurance coverage and know your policy limits.
Moreover, seeking medical attention immediately after an accident is crucial, even if you don’t think you’re injured. The driver in this story suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was able to receive treatment and compensation for their condition.
Overall, this story emphasizes the importance of being prepared and knowing your rights after a car accident. By understanding your insurance coverage and filing an insurance claim promptly, you can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Flesch Law Firm we can help you through the aftermath of any car accident, big or small.
This silly incident shows us that car accidents happen—and they’re not always as funny as a car on a ski trail. The causes of car accidents often include human behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving. The repercussions can be severe, leading to physical injuries, property damage, and complex legal processes.
Need Help After an Accident? Call Us Today
If you’re in a car accident the team at Flesch Law Firm can help. From legal advice to insurance claims we’ll walk you through it all. Call us today for a free consultation.
When life takes an unexpected turn having a plan makes all the difference. Let this Colorado story remind us all to be prepared and proactive—no matter what the GPS says!