Car Accident Was Not My Fault, So What Do I Do?

Written by Jeremy D. Earle, JD

February 27, 2023

Best Colorado Springs Car Accident Attorneys

IN THE AFTERMATH OF A CAR ACCIDENT, YOU MAY FILE A CLAIM

An car accident is no different in a society that is quick to assign blame. Everyone involved, including spectators, is traumatized by a sudden accident. People begin pointing fingers and assigning blame as soon as the dust settles.

Say nothing, whether you believe the accident was your fault, are unsure what occurred, or are certain it wasn’t your fault. When it comes to safeguarding your chances of receiving financial compensation for your injuries, silence is golden. The techniques below—along with the help of a car accident lawyer—can help you get through the aftermath of a traumatic car accident.

MAKE A 911 CALL. FOLLOWING A CAR ACCIDENT

Call 911 if you are physically able and can locate your phone. Never take it for granted that witnesses contacted to report the accident. When you call 911 on your own, you have the opportunity to tell the dispatcher about your pain and predicament.

The dispatcher may then pass this information on to emergency personnel, potentially saving you time and ensuring that you get the best possible care right away.

Try to analyze your position and that of any passengers while you chat with the dispatcher. As first responders arrive on the site, they must be aware of issues such as entrapment or spilt chemicals from a truck rollover accident. Only get out of your car if it’s safe to do so. Return to your car and lock the door if the other motorist aggressively approaches you. Tell the 911 operator that you are concerned about your safety.

ACCEPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT.

After an accident, you may seem ashen but otherwise, be alright. If left ignored, falling into shock after an accident may result in lasting organ damage and even death. Rapid breathing, for example, may seem to be a typical response to the event when it suggests a more severe condition.

Internal injuries may cause major organ damage as well as internal bleeding. Other than rare bruising or abdominal discomfort, these sorts of injuries don’t usually show any signs.

Accepting medical help is necessary to ensure that nothing is gravely wrong. A hospital visit is important evidence of your injuries and may help you be compensated.

 

DON’T ASSUME LIABILITY FOR THE CAR ACCIDENT.

Maybe you had a difficult day at work, or your kids are arguing in the backseat. The next thing you know, you’ve been in a major car accident. Your initial thoughts may be ones of personal blame for what transpired. After a car accident, one of the worst things you can do is apologize to the other motorist. When you say “I’m sorry,” you’re implying that the accident was your fault when it wasn’t.

While the accident is a painful and frightening experience, it is critical to maintaining your composure. Smartphones may be useful for gathering evidence by recording photos, videos and noting down contact information for witnesses.

At the same time, cell phones may work against you if the other motorist records you on camera and blames you for the accident. It’s ideal if you don’t communicate with the other motorist and instead request that the responding cop’s exchange insurance information.

Factors you aren’t aware of, such as activities you didn’t see or another car you didn’t notice, may have a role in the reality of the case. This is why gathering witness contact information is critical in any future case.

GATHER EVIDENCE AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT

Witness statements are one of the essential pieces of evidence. Good Samaritans who arrive at an accident site usually want to assist in any manner they can. These crucial witnesses are frequently enraged by the other driver’s behavior since they were also in danger.

Take photos of the accident site and consider recording your statement on camera. It’s a good idea to record yourself talking about what just occurred if you later suffer memory issues.

Ask a bystander to help you gather evidence if your injuries prohibit you from doing so. The more proof you gather right after the accident, the higher your chances of showing it wasn’t your fault.

DISCUSS THE ACCIDENT WITH THE APPROPRIATE PEOPLE

It’s difficult to know who to trust after a horrific event. First and foremost, they have faith in law enforcement to perform their job. Answer any questions they may have concerning the accident. Second, avoid speaking with insurance company personnel, particularly those from the other driver’s insurance company. Do not believe them, no matter how kind they look or how great their first settlement offer appears to be.

Representatives at insurance companies are merely performing their job to preserve the company’s interests rather than yours. You may also want the issue to be resolved fast to avoid paperwork and stress. Accepting the early settlement puts you at risk of receiving less than you deserve.

 

Your ailments do not have a fast remedy. Speaking with insurance company personnel and agreeing to a premature settlement might put you in danger of incurring unaffordable future medical expenditures. Instead, use your valuable time and efforts to consult with a car accident lawyer.

Having a skilled lawyer on your side during this period of uncertainty might provide you with the peace of mind you need to sleep. It is critical to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The statute of limitations in Colorado mandates that legal action be taken within a certain time.

HOW CAN A COLORADO CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY HELP?

It’s better to leave Colorado law and a personal injury lawsuit to the professionals. Factors such as the state’s no-fault insurance and medical expenditure laws are complicated.

Navigating the legal system on your own may be difficult, frustrating, and disappointing.

Medical payments coverage, often known as MedPay insurance, is required under Colorado’s no-fault statute. The least level of coverage is $10,000, which is not enough to cover your most basic medical requirements. Fortunately, legislators realized that serious damage might need monetary recompense.

Catastrophic injuries might result in further operations and hospital stays. Injuries like the ones listed below need costly medical treatment and equipment:

Traumatic brain injury TBI Injury to the spinal cord Neck and back problems Bone fractures

Injuries to the inside

The expenditures of a spinal cord injury alone may go into the millions of dollars throughout a person’s life. Powerchairs and accessible cars, for example, need replacement over time. The bills never stop, and medical costs continue to rise, necessitating long-term preparation.

The same is true when a no-fault driver and/or their passengers are killed in an accident. The

$5,000 PIP death benefit is insufficient to pay the typical funeral expenditures of $7,000 to

$9,000. A personal injury attorney may argue for compensation for the loss of benefits and future earning ability if the deceased was the principal financial source.

 

Direct expenditures, such as funeral costs and medical bills incurred before death, are often recoverable with the help of an attorney. Financial compensation will never replace your loved one, but it will help alleviate your financial burden.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, missed pay, and pain and suffering. Without going to trial, a highly trained personal injury lawyer can usually obtain a reasonable settlement. If the settlement offer is still inadequate, a trial may be required.

ACCIDENTS IN CARS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Insurance firms and their investigators will go to any length to identify flaws in your claim, including scouring your social media profiles. How you utilize social media at the site of an accident or after that might have a big impact on future litigation.

When something sad occurs, individuals are more likely to share photos, videos, and news of the occurrence on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. You do not influence what other individuals do at the site of an accident. You do, however, have authority over what you publish on your accounts.

Let’s imagine sharing a photo or a video of yourself standing or strolling freely around your car. If you claim for painful leg injuries, insurance firms may utilize such a film against you. Suppose you post anything about the accident on social media. In that case, the insurance company may accuse you of being at fault or argue that your injuries aren’t as terrible as you say.

You may wish to inform your friends and relatives about your accident. The best option to inform someone about your condition is to make a phone call to a close relative.

The best approach is to avoid posting anything on your accounts when it comes to car accidents and social media. It’s your greatest protection against inadvertent self- incrimination.

NEVER ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR A CAR ACCIDENT.

People who have excellent intentions and have been taught responsibility early want to do the right thing. They may be upset about what occurred, and the other person’s injuries, but the odds are that the other driver is to blame for your injuries.

After a car accident, empathy must be focused on you and your passengers. Looking out for your best interests is critical to obtaining medical care and paying for it for as long as it takes to recuperate.

 

Complete recovery may not be feasible in the case of severe injuries. PIP insurance does not cover these sorts of long-term payments, which is why contacting a personal injury attorney is critical.

Due to the conduct of an intoxicated or inattentive driver, no one should suffer bodily, financial, or emotional injury. They are the ones who are responsible when they choose to drive a car dangerously, causing injury to others.

Allow law enforcement to perform their job, which includes investigating the accident and charging the guilty person. With over 17 million licensed drivers on Colorado’s roads and municipal streets, it’s a question of when not if; you’ll be hurt. The influx of millions of tourists each year increases your chances of suffering a major injury.

A driver’s license is a privilege, not a right, and all Colorado drivers must share the road responsibly. Other drivers, no matter how cautiously you drive, are still irresponsible behind the wheel. Navigational device programming, reaching for things, and texting pals are all actions that may result in life-altering accidents.

An accident may be over in a flash, but the true anguish has just begun. Your actions in the early aftermath of the disaster will have a significant impact on your future. Never blame yourself for an accident. Set aside your emotions and sentiments and concentrate on your hurts and justice.

MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE WHILE MAKING YOUR CLAIM.

An car accident may injury your work and relationships. You may never return to the profession you used to like, and your family’s easygoing attitude may give way to continual concern.

The other motorist must answer for their acts when you are gravely hurt owing to someone else’s negligence. For your injuries or the death of a loved one, you deserve adequate financial compensation for the interruption of your life and health.

A consultation with a Colorado car accident lawyer might supply you with useful information. You may discover the best course of action for going ahead by presenting the evidence you gathered and discussing the circumstances of your case.

It’s critical to remember that the process is a marathon, not a sprint if you want to be patient and optimistic about your results.

Not admitting blame is the first step toward obtaining compensation for your injuries. When another motorist attempts to assign blame, don’t fall for it. After an accident, the best thing to do is to maintain your composure by remaining quiet.

 

By taking a deep breath, you may try to settle your emotions. Do tell first responders about your medical concerns, and do communicate with law police. After that, you should consider retaining the services of a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Every time a qualified driver gets behind the wheel of their car, they are taking a risk. In an instance, an ordinary trip to the supermarket or your ride home may become sad, if not lethal. No one should be forced to pay for medical expenditures incurred due to an irresponsible driver’s actions. If you’ve been gravely hurt in a car accident, don’t confess fault; instead, speak with a Colorado personal injury lawyer right away.

Warrior Car Accident Lawyers

1902 W. Colorado Ave., Suite 100

Colorado Springs, CO 80904

719-300-1100

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