What Should I Do After Being Involved in a Car Accident in Colorado?

 Posted on January 13, 2026 in Car Accident

A car accident can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. However, what you do in the aftermath can affect both your physical well-being and your claim. Car accidents remain a serious issue across the state.

According to preliminary data released by the Colorado Department of Transportation in 2025, Colorado recorded fewer traffic fatalities than the prior year, but still reported hundreds of fatal crashes statewide. As of 2026, Colorado law still requires prompt reporting, proper documentation, and careful handling of insurance claims after a car accident.

If you were injured in a collision, our Fort Collins, CO personal injury lawyer can help you understand what you need to do next to protect your right to compensation.

What Should You Do at the Scene of a Colorado Car Accident?

After a collision, focus first on making sure everyone is safe. Some injuries take time to show symptoms, even when the damage to the vehicle appears minor.

After a car accident in Colorado, you should:

• Check yourself and others for injuries.

• Call 911 if anyone needs medical help.

• Move vehicles out of traffic if it is safe to do so.

• Call law enforcement so an official report can be made.

• Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with the other driver.

Taking these steps helps protect everyone involved and creates a record of what happened.

Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to Police in Colorado?

Under Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-1601, drivers are required to report accidents that involve injury, death, or significant property damage. A police report can be an important piece of evidence when dealing with insurance companies or legal claims, even if injuries seem minor at first.

Why Is Medical Care Important After a Car Accident in Colorado?

Seeing a medical provider after a crash is important for your recovery and for documenting what you went through. Some injuries, including head injuries and muscle or joint damage, can take hours or even days to become noticeable.

Medical records create a clear link between the accident and your injuries. Following your doctor’s instructions, keeping appointments, and fully describing your symptoms helps ensure your condition is taken seriously. Delays or missed care can make it harder to show how the crash affected you.

How Should You Deal With Insurance Companies After a Car Crash?

Insurance companies often contact drivers quickly after an accident. It is important to be careful with what you say. You can provide basic facts about the accident, but avoid giving detailed statements or accepting a settlement before understanding your injuries. Colorado uses a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you share fault.

Under Colorado Revised Statutes 13-21-111.5, you generally cannot recover damages if you are found more than 50 percent responsible for the crash. This means fault plays a major role in how car accident claims are handled in Colorado. Insurance companies often focus on shifting blame to reduce or deny compensation, which makes careful documentation and evidence especially important.

What Evidence Should You Keep After a Colorado Car Accident?

Strong evidence can make a big difference in a car accident claim. Preserving information early helps you keep a record of what happened and who may be responsible.

Important evidence often includes:

• Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the crash scene

• Medical records and bills related to your injuries

• Contact information for witnesses

• Insurance correspondence and repair estimates

This evidence often overlaps with what is used in many car accident cases and helps support your claim.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Car Accident?

If someone else caused the crash, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain caused by the accident.

More serious injuries may also involve future medical care or reduced ability to work. Each case depends on the facts and the severity of the injuries.

How Long Do You Have to Take Legal Action in Colorado?

Colorado law limits how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident.

Under Colorado Revised Statutes 13-80-102, most car accident injury claims must be filed within two years. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation, even if the case is strong.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid After a Car Accident?

Some actions can harm your claim, even if the accident was not your fault. Common mistakes include waiting too long to seek medical care or sharing details about the accident on social media. Others include accepting a quick settlement or giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal guidance. Contacting an attorney early can help you avoid these mistakes and protect your rights before problems develop with your claim.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Larimer County, CO Car Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a car accident, Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. can help you understand your options and next steps. Attorney Hoggatt is a member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and works with injured clients throughout Northern Colorado to navigate insurance claims and legal challenges.

Call 970-225-2190 to schedule a free consultation with our Fort Collins, CO personal injury lawyer today. Se Habla Español.