Car accidents are jarring and traumatic, leaving you with a whirlwind of emotions and concerns. In the chaotic aftermath, it is easy to make missteps that could negatively impact your physical recovery and ability to secure compensation. If you are in an accident in the Denver Metro area, knowing what not to do is just as crucial as knowing what to do. Below, a Denver car accident attorney from Flesch Law outlines five common mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Colorado.
1. Delaying Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after a collision, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding, and other soft tissue injuries may not show symptoms until hours or days later. Delaying medical evaluation can jeopardize your health and legal claim.
Insurance companies may argue that the accident did not directly cause your injuries if there is a significant gap between the collision and your first medical visit. Go to the emergency room, an urgent care center, or your primary care physician as soon as possible after an accident.
2. Admitting Fault or Apologizing at the Scene
It is natural to want to be polite. However, resist the urge to apologize or admit fault, even if you think you might be to blame. Insurance companies can use statements made at the scene against you later to deny or reduce your claim. The full circumstances of an accident are often complex and require investigation. Simply exchange information, check on the other parties involved, and leave the determination of fault to the authorities and legal professionals.
3. Failing to Document the Accident Scene
Your memory can fade, and you can overlook crucial details if you do not document them immediately. Take photos and videos of damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, debris, and any visible injuries. Get names, phone numbers, and email addresses from witnesses. Note the date, time, and location of the accident. This evidence can be invaluable for your personal injury claim.
4. Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company Without Legal Counsel
Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators, and their goal is to minimize their company’s payout. They may contact you soon after the accident, requesting a recorded statement. You are not obligated to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer without consulting with an attorney first. They can twist what you say and use it against you. Let our Denver car accident lawyers handle all communication with the opposing insurance company.
5. Delaying Legal Consultation
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit relating to a car accident in Colorado is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, waiting too long can hinder your ability to collect evidence, locate witnesses, and build a strong case. The sooner you speak with our experienced car accident attorneys, the better.
We can protect your rights, navigate the complex legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Meeting legal deadlines is paramount.
Contact Flesch Law for Help After a Car Accident
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but by avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly improve your chances of a successful recovery and a favorable outcome for your legal claim. If you have been in a car accident in Englewood or the Denver Metro area, schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable car accident attorneys. We can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.