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5916 N Lisbon St, Aurora, CO 80019
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BY: KEVIN VOLZ | INSURANCE AGENCY PRINCIPAL
How you handle the aftermath of a car accident can make or break your injury or insurance claim. In many cases, you will only have a limited time to take action.
Each situation is different, but there are specific steps you should always take after a crash. This guide will walk you through what to do (and what not to do) after a car accident in Colorado.
Your health and that of your passengers should be your first priority after an accident. Even if the damage to your vehicle appears minor, it's always a good idea to have a medical professional check you for injuries. Some injuries like whiplash and concussion may not be immediately apparent.
If anyone is injured, request an ambulance.
Even if there are no apparent injuries, you should still call the police. A law enforcement officer will create an accident report that may be important later when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
If possible, try to move your vehicle out of the way of traffic. This will help to prevent further accidents, and it will also make it easier for the police to investigate.
Once you've called the police and ensured everyone is safe, you can exchange information with the other driver. You will need to get their:
If there are any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their names and contact information.
If you have a camera or smartphone, taking pictures of the accident scene is a good idea. This will provide valuable evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Be sure to take pictures of:
Once you have the necessary information, you can call your insurance company to begin the claims process. In most cases, your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage to your vehicle. They will also investigate the accident to determine who was at fault.
If you were not at fault for the accident, your insurance company should cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle. In some cases, they may also provide you with a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
If you were at fault for the accident, your insurance company might still cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle. However, they may also charge you a higher premium or cancel your policy altogether.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, it's essential to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can also help you get the compensation you deserve.
After being involved in a car accident, it is normal to feel shaken up and uncertain about what to do next. However, it is essential to remain calm and act resiliently to protect your interests and ensure the best possible outcome.
The following are some of the things you should NOT do after a car accident:
All drivers in Colorado are required to carry a minimum amount of auto liability insurance. The minimum coverage limits are:
If caught driving without insurance, you may be subject to jail time, a fine of up to $500 or $1000, and a negative effect on your driver's license points.
Though Colorado only requires you to purchase the minimum amount of auto insurance, it is generally advisable to purchase additional coverage. This is because if you are found at fault in an accident, the minimum insurance limits may not be sufficient to cover the other driver's damages, leaving you responsible for paying the remainder out of your own pocket.
For example, if you are found at fault in an accident that caused $40,000 in property damage, but you only have the minimum $15,000 in property damage coverage, you would be responsible for paying the remaining $25,000.
In addition, if you do not have enough insurance to cover the other driver's bodily injuries, they may sue you for the remainder of their medical expenses.
Once you have reported your claim to your insurance company, they have 30 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim. Most insurers will send you a notice of claim within 14 days, and most payments are made within 30 days of the insurance company receiving your claim.
However, if your claim is more complex, it may take longer to resolve. In such cases, the insurance company must send you a written notice within 45 days of receiving your claim stating why they need additional time and when you can expect a resolution.
The surest way to avoid the pitfalls after a
car accident is to be prepared. We help vehicle owners in Colorado access the most affordable and reliable insurance coverage from top providers in the state. Our licensed agents can help you find the best possible coverage at the most affordable rate. Give us a call today for a free quote.
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