The First 72 Hours After An Accident

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) crash report, there were 121,648 total traffic crashes statewide in 2019. The first 72 hours following any kind of accident can be unsettling, emotional, and difficult to sort through. However, what you do—or fail to do—during this period can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of your injury case. An experienced Colorado personal injury attorney can enlighten you about the crucial steps to take during the first 72 hours after an accident in Denver or anywhere else in the state.

At Mark A. Simon, Attorney at Law, our attorney is poised and ready to advocate for you during this difficult time. As your legal counsel, Attorney Simon will evaluate all of the facts of your case and help you understand what you need to do during the first few days following an accident. Our team will fight vigorously to protect your rights and help you seek the financial justice you deserve. We’re proud to serve clients throughout Denver, Aurora, Commerce City, Englewood, Arvada, Lakewood, Centennial, Wheat Ridge, and Thornton, Colorado.

The First 72 Hours After an Accident in Colorado

Whether it is a car accident, motorcycle accident, pedestrian accident, slip and fall accident, or any kind of accident, the moments following the incident can feel unsettling. In such a confusing state, the next steps you take within the first 72 hours can significantly affect your health—and your ability to recover damages. Where possible, here is what you need to do:

Get to Safety. Your safety and wellbeing should be your priority. Get to safety and help other accident victims to safety, if you can.

Seek Medical Care. Get immediate medical treatment for your injuries from a qualified doctor. Even if you feel fine or believe your injuries are minor, it’s best to allow a medical expert to examine you and determine the extent of your injuries.

Some injuries may not fully manifest immediately, and you may need your medical report as evidence when filing your injury claims. If you delay seeking medical care, the insurance company may this against you to try to de-value or deny your injury claim. Remember, insurance companies are not looking out for your physical or emotional health—they’re more concerned about protecting their bottom line at all costs.

Call the Police. When involved in an accident, Colorado law requires you to file an accident report if the incident causes physical injury, death of a person, or property damage. Not filing an accident report can lead to penalties.

Gather Relevant Information. Collect all relevant information, including the other driver’s name, phone number, address, license number, and insurance information.

Documentation. Collect and document the police report, accident scene photos, and witness statements and testimonies. Also, document your medical treatment, medical bills, doctor’s appointments, personal account of the incident, and how the accident has affected your daily life. Write down your recollection of the incident as soon as you can so that it’s fresh in your mind.

Notify Insurance. Most insurance providers have notification requirements with deadlines. Ensure that you inform your insurance carrier about the accident as soon as you can.

Hire an Attorney. Retain an experienced lawyer to help file your injury claim and pursue a fair settlement with the insurance provider.

It is important that you take care of things straight away in order not to forget vital details about the incident or lose important documents. Ensure that you hire a skilled personal injury attorney to evaluate every aspect of your case, help protect your rights, explore the options available to you to recover damages.

How Mark A. Simon, Attorney at Law, Can Help

The first 72 hours after being involved in an accident is the most critical. Your actions and responses during these first few days will greatly determine what happens next. Therefore, it is essential that you act quickly and hire an experienced personal injury attorney to advocate for your legal rights and help seek fair financial compensation.

At Mark A. Simon, Attorney at Law, our attorney has the skill, diligence, and experience to help clients navigate the first 72 hours after an accident. As your legal counsel, Mark A. Simon can thoroughly evaluate and investigate every last detail of your personal situation, determine the magnitude of your injuries and losses, help prove fault, and estimate your case value. You deserve an experienced, aggressive, and resourceful advocate for your best interests during this emotional time.

Taking immediate action following an accident is crucial. Contact Mark A. Simon, Attorney at Law, today to schedule a simple one-on-one consultation with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. Our skilled attorney can offer you the personalized legal counsel, reliable advocacy, and vigorous representation you and your loved ones need. Our team proudly represents clients throughout Denver, Aurora, Commerce City, Englewood, Arvada, Lakewood, Centennial, Wheat Ridge, Thornton, and the rest of Colorado.