Colorado Ranks as the 5th Worst State for Drivers in the Nation
According to a report done by Bankrate.com in 2021, Colorado ranks among the top five worst states for drivers. The Brankrate.com report considered gas prices, insurance cost, driving quality, safety, and weather. Colorado ranked among the top worst states for drivers due to high auto insurance costs and gas prices. Furthermore, the report also states that Colorado drivers also deal with poor road quality and a higher level of urbanization congestion than the national average.
The combination of poor road quality and higher traffic congestion as well as the added financial stress can be deadly on the road. The most beneficial action you can take after an accident is to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. After an accident caused by a distracted or careless driver, if someone is injured because of their actions or lack of action, the victim may be able to obtain compensation by filing a personal injury insurance claim. An attorney can help guide you through the process and ensure you have the best chance to recover maximum compensation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Colorado
Colorado being in the top five worst states for drivers means that Colorado drivers may be at a higher risk of car accidents. Therefore, it’s essential for Colorado drivers to be aware of their surroundings and do what they can to prevent accidents. However, even the most experienced and cautious drivers can find themselves victims of a negligent driver. When you’re injured in a car accident, the steps you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your ability to file a claim and the success of your claim. Here are three steps to take after a car accident to protect yourself and your right to compensation.
1. Document the Accident
Initial information about the accident can be vital to understanding major elements of a personal injury claim, including liability and negligence. After an accident, if it’s safe to do so, apart from the police report, it’s important that you document as much about the scene and the other driver(s) as possible. This means obtaining the following information:
- Driver’s license number
- The vehicles license plate number
- Driver’s insurance information
- Driver’s address and contact information
- Time and date of the accident
- How the accident happened
- Details from just before the accident
- What the other driver said after the accident
- Photos of the accident scene, car damage, and injuries sustained
This information can be essential to building a strong claim and protecting your right to file a personal injury claim.
2. Call Emergency Services
It’s vital to contact emergency services as soon as you can. The sooner you contact them, the sooner they can get on the scene and ensure you and the other driver(s) involved are treated and receive the medical treatment they need. Notifying emergency services will also notify police, who can arrive at the scene and file an official accident report. An accident report is a critical piece of evidence needed to establish liability and negligence. Without an initial accident report, it means dealing with the problem of each party claiming their story is true.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company
Even if you are not to blame for an accident, you still need to notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. The at-fault driver’s insurance will cover damages if you have a successful claim. However, you still need to contact your insurance and inform them of the damages and injuries you sustained. If the other driver tries to file a claim against you, your insurance company can help defend you against that claim.
It’s essential to note that you need to be careful what you say, even when speaking with your own insurance company. It’s better not to discuss fault and decline to give them a recorded statement until speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer. Your insurance company may attempt to pressure you into signing an unfair settlement to limit their payout. An attorney can make sure you’re only accepting fair settlements.
Contact a Skilled Colorado Car Accident Lawyer at Mintz Law Firm
Choosing the right lawyer to represent you after a car accident is critical to the success of your claim. Mintz Law Firm is dedicated to providing unparalleled legal services and representation to ensure our clients have the best chance of success. Our car accident lawyers are determined to support our clients and work tirelessly to pursue the compensation they are owed.
Contact our office at (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form and start building a strong car accident claim today.