5 Critical Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident in Denver | Venyx Injury Law

The adrenaline is high. The other driver is yelling. Here is exactly what to do—and what not to do—in the first 24 hours.

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A car crash changes your day in a split second. One minute you’re driving down I-25, and the next you’re standing on the shoulder, staring at a crumpled bumper, wondering if you need to call the police or just exchange info.

Most people panic. They apologize when they shouldn't, they forget to take photos, and they wait too long to see a doctor.

As a personal injury attorney in Denver, I see the same mistakes made over and over, mistakes that cost clients thousands of dollars later. Here is the checklist I wish every client had before they called me.

1. Safety First, Then Check "Accident Alert" Status

First, get to safety. If your car is drivable, move it to the shoulder. If you are hurt, stay put and call 911.

Here is the Denver-specific part most people miss:In Denver, during severe weather (snowstorms), the police often go on "Accident Alert" status. This means they will not come to the scene unless:

• Alcohol or drugs are involved.
• It was a hit-and-run.
• There are fatalities or injuries requiring immediate transport to a hospital.
• A vehicle is completely disabled and blocking traffic.

If you call 911 and they tell you they are on Accident Alert, you are on your own to document the scene. Do not leave without getting the other driver's info. You will need to file a report online at the Colorado Department of Revenue website within 60 days (Form DR 2447).

2. Document the Scene Like a Detective

Memory fades. Photos do not. In my motorcycle racing career, we use data to win. In your injury case, evidence wins.

Before you move the cars (if safe), take photos of:

• The position of the cars: Show how they are angled. This proves who hit whom.
• Skid marks: These tell a story about speed and braking.
• Debris field: Where is the glass? Where is the plastic?
• The other driver's license and insurance card: Don't write it down, take a picture. It eliminates transcription errors.

VENYX Pro Tip: Look around for cameras. Did this happen near a King Soopers? A 7-Eleven? A traffic light? Security footage is often deleted after 72 hours. If you don't secure it immediately, it could be gone forever. Document any possible cameras adn tell your attorney where they might be.

3. The Exchange: What to Say (and What NOT to Say)

Be polite, but brief. Exchange names, insurance info, and phone numbers.

Do NOT say: "I'm so sorry." "I didn't see you." "I think I'm okay."Why? In Colorado, an apology can be twisted into an admission of fault by an insurance adjuster later. You might be apologizing just to be polite, but they will use it to deny your claim.

4. Go to the Doctor (Even if You Feel "Fine")

Adrenaline is a powerful drug. It masks pain. I have had clients walk away from a crash thinking they were fine, only to wake up the next morning unable to turn their neck.

• Go to the Emergency Room, Urgent Care, or your PCP immediately.
• Tell them clearly: "I was in a car accident."

If you wait two weeks to see a doctor, the insurance company will argue that you weren't really hurt, or that you got hurt somewhere else in the meantime. The "gap in treatment" is the #1 killer of valid injury cases.

5. Call a Lawyer Before You Call the Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. You are not. Their goal is to get you to accept a quick, lowball settlement before you realize the full extent of your injuries.

The "3-Year" Myth:In Colorado, the Statute of Limitations for a car accident is generally 3 years (C.R.S. 13-80-101). But don't let that fool you. While you can file a lawsuit in year three, the evidence (witness memories, video footage, vehicle black box data) is usually gone by month three.

At VENYX, we move fast. We secure the evidence while it's fresh, and we handle the insurance calls so you don't accidentally say something that hurts your case.

Need help now?If you’ve been in a crash, don’t sign anything until you’ve spoken to us. Contact VENYX Injury Law

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