What to Do After a Car Accident in Fort Collins: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming and disorienting.

Your safety, legal protection, and potential compensation are contingent upon the immediate aftermath of a collision.

As someone who has handled over 10,000 car accident cases in Colorado over the past 32 years, I understand the confusion and stress that accident victims experience.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step you need to take after a car accident in Fort Collins, helping you protect your rights and set the foundation for a successful insurance claim or legal case.

Immediate Safety Steps at the Accident Scene

The moments immediately following a car accident can be chaotic, but your first concern must always be safety.

If your vehicle is still operational and you can safely move it, pull out of the flow of traffic to prevent additional collisions.

Hit your hazard lights the instant you’re able to reach them. These flashing warnings are your first line of defense against other drivers who may not yet realize there’s been an accident.

However, if anyone appears injured or your car won’t start, resist the urge to move anything and leave everything exactly where it came to rest.

Take a moment to check yourself and any passengers for injuries, keeping in mind that adrenaline is already surging through your system and may be masking pain or discomfort.

What feels like a minor bump now could reveal itself as something more serious once your body begins to settle.

If you notice any injuries, no matter how small they appear, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.

When you have a moment, look for road flares or reflective triangles in your trunk and set them up behind your vehicle if you can do so safely.

These simple tools create a buffer zone that warns approaching drivers to slow down and change lanes.

Throughout this process, take deep breaths and speak calmly to everyone involved. Accidents trigger strong emotional responses, and keeping the situation peaceful will help everyone think more clearly.

Contacting Law Enforcement and Emergency Services

Colorado law requires you to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.

In Fort Collins, you should call 911 even for seemingly minor accidents.

Police officers will create an official accident report, which becomes evidence for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.

When speaking with the 911 dispatcher, provide your exact location using street names, nearby landmarks, or mile markers if you’re on a highway.

Describe the number of vehicles involved and whether anyone appears to be injured.

The dispatcher may ask you additional questions to determine the appropriate emergency response.

While waiting for police to arrive, do not leave the scene of the accident, even if damage appears minimal.

Leaving an accident scene can result in serious criminal charges, including hit-and-run violations.

If the other driver suggests handling the matter privately without involving police, politely decline.

The implementation of appropriate procedures is guaranteed by official documentation, which safeguards all parties.

Gathering Essential Information from All Parties

After confirming everyone’s safety and notifying the authorities, proceed to gather information from all drivers involved.

Exchange driver’s license information, including full names, addresses, and license numbers.

Obtain insurance company names and policy numbers from each driver.

Record the make, model, year, color, and license plate number of all vehicles involved in the accident.

Ask for phone numbers where each driver can be reached in the coming days.

If any drivers claim they don’t have insurance, note this information carefully, as Colorado requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage.

Document the exact location where the accident occurred, including the street address or intersection.

Note the date, time of day, and current weather conditions.

Weather can be a contributing factor in accidents and may be relevant to your case.

Ask each driver to provide their version of how the accident happened, but avoid admitting fault or making statements about who caused the collision.

Be polite but stick to factual observations rather than opinions about what occurred.

Documenting the Accident Scene Thoroughly

If it’s safe to do so, take extensive photographs of the accident scene before moving the vehicles.

Photograph all vehicles involved from multiple angles, showing the damage to each car.

Capture wide shots showing the overall scene, including the position of vehicles, traffic signs, and road conditions.

Take close-up photos of specific damage, license plates, and any debris on the roadway.

Photograph any skid marks, broken glass, or other evidence showing how the accident occurred.

If there are traffic lights or stop signs nearby, include these in your photos as they may be relevant to determining fault.

Document any injuries you can see, but be respectful when photographing people who may be hurt.

Make written notes about what you remember happening, as these details may become fuzzy over time.

Note the direction each vehicle was traveling and any actions taken immediately before the collision.

Record the names and badge numbers of responding police officers for future reference.

Identifying and Speaking with Witnesses

Look for people who may have witnessed the accident and ask for their contact information.

Witnesses can provide objective accounts of what happened, which can be invaluable if there are disputes about fault.

Ask witnesses to briefly describe what they saw and take notes on their statements.

Get their full names, phone numbers, and addresses if they’re willing to provide this information.

If witnesses seem hesitant to get involved, explain that their testimony could be important for determining what actually happened.

Don’t pressure anyone who doesn’t want to provide information, but most people are willing to help if asked politely.

Take photos of witnesses if they consent, as this can help you remember who provided which information.

Ask if any witnesses took their own photos or videos of the accident scene.

Sometimes, bystanders capture footage you may not have been able to obtain on your own.

Note whether any nearby businesses might have security cameras that recorded the accident.

Seeking Medical Attention Even for Minor Injuries

Many car accident injuries don’t show symptoms immediately after the collision.

Adrenaline and shock can mask pain, and some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not be apparent for hours or days.

Even if you feel fine at the scene, seek medical evaluation within 24 hours of the accident.

This creates a medical record that links any injuries to the car accident, which is important for insurance claims.

If you experience any pain, discomfort, or unusual symptoms in the days following the accident, consult a doctor promptly.

Don’t assume that minor aches and pains will go away on their own.

Some injuries can worsen over time if left untreated.

Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and expenses related to the accident.

This documentation will be essential if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.

Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments as recommended by your healthcare providers.

Reporting the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident, ideally within 24 hours.

Most insurance policies require prompt notification of accidents, and delays could potentially affect your coverage.

When speaking with your insurance adjuster, stick to factual information about what happened.

Describe the sequence of events leading up to the accident, but avoid speculating about fault or making definitive statements about who caused the collision.

Provide all the information gathered at the scene, including the other driver’s insurance details and the police report number.

Ask your insurance company about your coverage limits and what expenses will be covered.

This includes property damage, medical expenses, and potentially lost wages if you’re unable to work.

Keep detailed records of all conversations with insurance representatives, including the date, time, and name of the person you spoke with.

Follow up in writing to confirm important details discussed during phone conversations.

Be aware that the other driver’s insurance company may contact you directly.

Vehicle Towing and Storage in Fort Collins

If your vehicle needs to be towed from the accident scene, several reputable towing companies serve the Fort Collins area.

When choosing a towing company, ask about their storage fees and what insurance coverage they carry for your vehicle.

Remove all personal belongings from your car before it’s towed, as you may not have immediate access once it’s in storage.

Get the exact address where your vehicle will be stored and ask about their hours for vehicle retrieval.

Some insurance companies have preferred towing services, so check with your insurer before arranging towing if the situation isn’t urgent.

When to Contact a Car Accident Attorney

Consider consulting a car accident attorney if you’ve suffered significant injuries or if there are disputes about who caused the accident.

An experienced Fort Collins car accident attorney can help you understand the full value of your claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

If the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, an attorney can help you explore all available options for compensation.

Complex accidents involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or government entities often require legal expertise to navigate properly.

Don’t wait too long to seek legal advice, as evidence can disappear and witness memories can fade over time.

Allen Accident Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.

As someone who has represented both accident victims and insurance companies, I understand how insurers evaluate claims and what strategies work best for maximizing settlements.

Most cases resolve out of court, but having knowledgeable legal counsel guarantees you’re ready for any scenario.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the other driver does not have insurance, you may still have options for compensation through your own insurance policy, provided that you carry uninsured motorist coverage. I can help you explore all available avenues for recovery, including potentially pursuing the at-fault driver’s personal assets.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Colorado?

Colorado has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but it’s much better to begin the process immediately while evidence is fresh. Insurance claims should be filed as soon as possible after the accident.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?

Insurance companies often make low initial offers, hoping you’ll accept quickly. Before accepting any settlement, make sure you understand the full extent of your injuries and all damages you’re entitled to recover. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?

If you have injuries, there are disputes about fault, or the insurance company isn’t treating you fairly, it’s worth consulting an attorney. Most attorneys offer free consultations to help you understand your options.