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Victims injured in car accidents are often panicked and confused after the crash. There are many things running through your mind after an accident, including if anyone was injured, whether or not to call the police, who was at fault for the accident, and a slew of other issues. Knowing what to do in the event of an auto accident is crucial in making sure you receive just compensation if the accident was not your fault.

1. Do not leave your damaged vehicle in the middle of the roadway in an attempt to preserve evidence. Doing so will only place your life and the lives of others on the road in danger. Instead, pull over on the side of the road as near to the scene of the crash as possible, but out of harm’s way. If your car is too damaged to move, get out of the vehicle and move to the side of the road at a safe distance from the car.

2. Call the police. Even if you believe the damage to your vehicle or yourself is negligible, you should immediately report the accident. You may have hidden injuries that do not manifest for days or weeks after the accident. A police report of the accident will be necessary to file an injury lawsuit against the other driver in the event that hidden injuries later surface. In addition, the other driver may be uninsured, driving on a suspended license or driving while intoxicated. The police will be able to determine whether or not the other driver has violated the law, and issue a citation or make an arrest, as needed. The police report will serve as evidence should you later choose to file a lawsuit against the offender for damages suffered in the accidents. Finally, the police will take photographs, interview witnesses and collect evidence at the scene of the crash that can later be used in your case.

3. Exchange vital information, such as your name, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number with the other driver. In addition, you should also take down the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Do not rely on the police to do this for you. Always make your own notes at the scene of the crash – you may get vital information that the police missed.

4. Make sure you take your own photos of the crash scene, if possible. Most cell phones have good quality cameras with which you can document evidence at the scene. Take pictures of the damaged vehicles; any visible injuries sustained by you, your passengers or occupants of the other vehicles in the crash; the scene of the accident, including skid marks or any obstructions on the roadway; the license plate of the other vehicles involved in the crash; and the other drivers’ insurance cards. This will help your attorney investigate the crash and prepare your case.

5. Don’t admit fault. Remember that anything you say may be used as evidence against you if you or the other driver chooses to file a lawsuit. Even seemingly innocent statements can cause you to lose your case in court. So, it is important to be polite and courteous to the police and to the other driver – but to never admit fault.

6. Always seek medical treatment immediately after an accident. As mentioned before, you may have suffered injuries that won’t show symptoms for hours or days after the accident. It is absolutely crucial that you visit a doctor, who can diagnose these injuries and begin to treat them.

7. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you do not notify your insurance carrier, they will not conduct an investigation of the incident and may deny your claim.

8. Never negotiate a settlement on your own. The other driver’s insurance company may call you and offer a settlement. However, the settlement will likely be much lower than what your case is actually worth. Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, consult a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case

Knowing what to do after an auto accident is essential in ensuring you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other damages that resulted from the accident. In Colorado, the Law Firm of Sloat & Nicholson, P.C. is dedicated to helping injury victims get fair compensation for all of their physical and financial losses. Call  866-944-2651 to schedule a free consultation regarding your auto accident case.

The Law Firm of Sloat & Nicholson P.C. are experienced Boulder injury attorneys handling cases involving motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, insurance bad faith, medical malpractice, and all types of accident injury cases in Boulder, Longmont, Denver, and throughout the state of Colorado. We are personal injury lawyers with over 70 years combined legal experience. Contact us for a no cost, no obligation discussion about the merits of your claim. Visit http://www.sloatlaw.com to learn more about the firm.