What to Do After a Car Accident in Colorado: A Step-by-Step Guide from Denver Injury Lawyers

After handling thousands of car accident cases across Denver and the Front Range, the attorneys at Ward & Yarbro have learned that what you do in the minutes and days after a crash can have a major impact on your health and on any personal injury claim you bring. Here’s what to do.

1. Secure the Scene & Call 911

Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away so police can document the scene and paramedics can respond. A police report is valuable evidence when fault is disputed.

If no one is injured and the vehicles can be driven, Colorado law requires you to move them out of traffic. For minor, non-injury crashes, some agencies, including Denver police, may not come to the scene and will ask you to file a report online. Do it promptly.

2. Document the Scene

Before you leave, gather:

• Photos and video of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries
• Names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance information for every driver
• Names and contact information for independent witnesses
• The names and badge numbers of responding officers

We regularly see cases where fault is later disputed and the client has no photos or witness information. That missing evidence can make a case much harder to prove and can significantly reduce what an injured person recovers.

3. See a Doctor Right Away

Adrenaline often masks concussions and soft-tissue injuries. Getting prompt medical care protects your health and creates a record linking your injuries to the crash, which makes it harder for insurers to claim they were pre-existing. Follow through with your treatment plan, because gaps in care are something insurance companies look for. Your health and recovery come first.

4. Be Careful What You Say

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule (C.R.S. § 13-21-111). If you’re found 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover damages. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. That’s why insurers look for anything that shifts blame to you.

• Don’t apologize or admit fault at the scene.
• Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
• Avoid posting about the crash or your injuries on social media.
• Do notify your own insurance company promptly, as your policy requires.

5. Know Colorado’s Deadlines

• Most car accident injury claims: Three years from the date of the crash (C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n)).
• Wrongful death claims: Generally two years (C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(d)).
• Government vehicles: If a state, county, city, school district, or RTD vehicle was involved, you must serve written notice within 182 days under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (C.R.S. § 24-10-109). This deadline is strictly enforced, and missing it can end your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Colorado?
Generally three years from the date of the crash. Claims involving government vehicles require written notice within 182 days.

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, as long as you were less than 50% at fault.

Do I have to report a car accident to police in Colorado?
Colorado law requires reporting crashes involving injury, death, or property damage. For minor crashes, many agencies let you file a report online.

Does a consultation cost anything?
No. Consultations are free.

Talk to a Denver Car Accident Lawyer

Dealing with medical bills and insurance adjusters while you’re trying to recover is overwhelming. Call Law Offices of Ward & Yarbro at (303) 399-3800 for a free consultation. Our paralegal, Ann, will gather some basic information and set up a call with one of our attorneys.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.