Principle Attorney
Car accidents can turn your life upside down in seconds. Whether it happened on I-25 during rush hour or near Red Rocks after a concert, the first 48 hours are critical. What you do—or don’t do—can shape your recovery and affect the strength of any personal injury claim. At the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, we want you to feel confident about your next steps. Here’s a checklist of what to do after a crash in Denver.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Your safety comes first. If you’re hurt, call 911 or have someone take you to the emergency room. Even if you think you’re fine, it’s still important to get checked out. Many injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma, don’t always show symptoms right away.
Make sure to:
- Visit a doctor, urgent care, or hospital within the first day.
- Follow through with any treatment recommendations.
- Keep all your medical records and bills.
Why does this matter? Waiting to get treatment can give insurance companies a reason to question your injuries. Prompt care not only protects your health, it creates a record that links your injuries to the crash.
Report the Accident to the Police
In Colorado, you’re required to report most vehicle accidents. If there are injuries, more than minor property damage, or any suspicion of DUI, call the police and wait for them at the scene.
When officers arrive:
- Stick to the facts and stay calm.
- Don’t guess or assume who’s at fault.
- Ask how to get a copy of the report or incident number.
That report will be an important piece of evidence. It includes key details like time, location, road conditions, and initial statements. For crashes on major corridors like I-70 or Colfax Avenue, police documentation can also help clarify fault in high-traffic zones where liability is often contested.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re physically able, take a few minutes to document what happened. Use your phone to take photos and videos of:
- All vehicles involved, including license plates and damage
- The overall scene—skid marks, intersections, debris
- Visible injuries to yourself or others
Also, make a note of the weather, time of day, and anything unusual. For example, if the accident happened near a construction zone on I-25 or during a storm near the Denver Tech Center, those facts could impact liability and damages.
If your car has a dashcam, save the footage immediately. These early details can be incredibly helpful later. Physical evidence can fade or get cleaned up quickly, and this documentation gives us a much stronger foundation when we build your case.
Collect Witness Information
Eyewitnesses can help fill in the blanks. If someone saw the accident, ask for their name and contact information. If they’re willing, a quick voice memo or video statement on your phone can go a long way. Later on, their account might help confirm what happened, or counter a false version told by the other driver or their insurer.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You don’t have to know all the answers to report a crash. Most insurance policies require you to notify your insurer within a short period, usually 24 to 48 hours.
When you call:
- Share basic facts like time, place, and type of crash.
- Don’t admit fault or speculate.
- Politely decline to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer.
Reporting promptly protects your coverage. Waiting too long could jeopardize your benefits or delay your claim. Let us step in before you deal with complex paperwork or difficult adjusters. We’ll help protect your rights.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
Before you sign anything, return any calls from the other party’s insurer, or accept a settlement, it’s worth speaking with a car accident attorney. We can explain your rights, assess what your case may be worth, and handle the communication with insurance companies so you don’t have to.
The earlier you reach out, the better. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for less than you deserve, before you know the full extent of your injuries or what your long-term costs might be.
We’ll gather evidence, work with your doctors, and make sure your story is told clearly and effectively. You focus on healing—we’ll handle the rest.
Your First 48 Hours Matter
Accidents are unexpected. But how you respond afterward can shape your recovery and any claim you decide to pursue. These early steps—seeking care, collecting evidence, and calling for help—make a difference. If you’ve been hurt in a car crash anywhere in Denver, on I-25, in the foothills, or on a side street near Cherry Creek, call the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya. We’re here to help you make informed decisions and fight for the compensation you deserve.