1. Get to safety and call 911
Move out of traffic if you can do so without worsening an injury. Call 911 for any collision involving injury, disputed fault, or meaningful property damage. In Denver, an official police report from DPD or Colorado State Patrol becomes a foundational document for your claim.
2. Get medical care — even if you feel "okay"
Adrenaline masks pain. Soft-tissue injuries, concussions, and internal bleeding often show up 24–72 hours later. See a doctor the same day when possible. Two things happen when you delay care:
- Your injuries get worse without treatment.
- Insurers argue the injuries can't be that serious — or weren't caused by the accident at all.
3. Document everything at the scene
- Photos of vehicles, damage, license plates, and the wider scene.
- Photos of visible injuries, road conditions, and signage.
- Names and phone numbers of every witness — not just the other driver.
- Insurance info, driver's license, and vehicle registration.
- The responding officer's name, badge number, and report number.
4. Don't admit fault or minimize injuries
"I'm fine" and "I didn't see them" are quotes that end up in statements to insurers. Stick to facts. You don't yet know the full extent of your injuries or what a full investigation will show.
5. Preserve evidence going forward
- Keep every medical record, bill, and prescription receipt.
- Track lost work time, missed events, and daily pain levels.
- Save damaged property (torn clothes, broken helmets, damaged devices).
- Don't repair or dispose of the vehicle before it's documented.
6. Be careful with the other driver's insurer
You are not required to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurance company. Their goal is to reduce or deny your claim. Politely decline recorded statements until you've talked to a lawyer — most Denver personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation for exactly this reason.
7. Watch the Colorado clock
Colorado generally gives you two years for personal injury and three years for motor vehicle claims. Claims against government entities require a Notice of Claim within 182 days — a much shorter window that traps many people.
8. Talk to a Denver personal injury lawyer
A consultation is free and non-binding. Even if you don't hire anyone, you'll learn what your case may be worth, what evidence matters, and what mistakes to avoid.