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What to do After a Colorado Springs Car Accident
- Do you make a phone call?
- Do you and the other driver share information?
- What happens if you are hurt?
- Is it necessary to contact the police?
- Is it better to remain in your car?
- Do you need the police report?
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Here is What to Do After a Car Accident in Colorado Springs
Your mind is racing. You’re in desperate need of knowledge, and you need it now. We’re here to help you get the answers you’re looking for. This post will walk you through what you should do if you’re involved in a vehicle accident.
You may wish to print this out and keep it in your glove box as a reference in case of an car accident. The car accident claims process can be difficult to navigate, but that is why we offer a free consultation. You have the right to understand the personal injury process and how to handle a auto insurance claim. Insurance companies will do everything they can to complicate the process so you don’t make an insurance claim.
Step #1: First and foremost, do not leave the scene.
This should go without saying, yet it must be said. Never leave the site of an automobile collision until all of the details have been resolved and you receive a copy of the police report. Make sure to turn on your hazard lights, especially at night. We always recommend waiting for the tow truck and for police to arrive.
Usually the accident report will have the driver’s license number on it, which can be helpful later on. This is especially important if someone has been hurt. If you flee the scene of an car accident where someone has been hurt or killed, you might face substantial criminal charges.
Always, always, always remain at the car accident scene. You will want to get the insurance policy for the other driver that cause the auto accident. You will need this for your car insurance claim and to confirm insurance coverage. This is simply to do by calling the other driver’s insurance company.
Step #2: Look for injuries in yourself and your passengers.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries before doing anything else. If someone has been hurt, call 911 right away. If you are critically wounded, attempt to move as little as possible while waiting for medical services to come.
Do not attempt to transfer an injured person oneself unless it is essential, such as if your automobile is on fire. You run the danger of injuring the victim much more. Observe the situation until qualified medical personnel arrives. It is important to not take actions that will jeopardize the claims process down the road or prevent you from recovering the cost of your medical bills.
Step #3: Make Your Way To Safety
Move to the side of the road or a sidewalk if feasible. Move your automobile to the side of the road as well if it is driveable. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the road with a broken-down automobile because you risk getting struck by another vehicle.
Place the road flares a safe distance away from your disabled vehicle if you have an emergency road kit to alert other traffic to slow down. Make sure to turn on your hazard lights.
You should nearly always call the police unless the collision is a simple fender bender. In certain states, it’s even required. The cops will record the situation as well as fill out an car accident report.
Request that a police report is completed and the names and badge numbers of the officers that responded. This information may be required for several reasons, including if you need to file a lawsuit due to the car accident or if you need to submit an insurance claim.
Step #5: Disseminate Information to Other Drivers
Find the other drivers involved in the collision and exchange information with them after establishing that everyone is safe. Feel free to wait till the police arrive before doing this. Car accidents can be jarring so don’t make haste decisions. This will make contacting the insurance companies much easier.
- Full name and contact details are the most critical pieces of information to keep safe.
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license and license plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
- Accident location
One thing to keep in mind. Do not debate who was at blame for the car accident while sharing information. You may be accepting legal blame for the car accident if you apologize for anything, such as crossing into another lane.
In many circumstances, the adjuster will analyze information you and other parties supplied, the police report, pictures from the scene, and any other supporting paperwork when you submit your insurance claim. After that, the adjuster will establish who is to blame for the car accident.
We understand that you may feel compelled to apologize in the aftermath of an car accident, especially if you believe you were at blame. However, this is usually always to your disadvantage.
Step #6: Take Photographs of the Car Accident
You should record the accident as much as possible to protect yourself and have enough data if you need to submit a claim. This entails:
Photographing both autos from various angles. Demonstrate the extent of the damage to both vehicles. Also, if possible, photograph the license plate of the other vehicle. Photos will assist the insurance adjuster in determining how much you should be reimbursed, and they will also be beneficial in court.
Identify the officers on the scene by name, badge number, and other details, and inquire about obtaining a copy of the accident report.
Write down the names and addresses of everyone involved in the accident.
Passengers in the other car are included. Get the names and contact information of anybody who observed the accident.
The purpose of this is to reproduce the event as accurately as possible for any interested parties, such as lawyers and insurance companies.
Step #7: Inform Your Insurance Provider
You should tell your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. You must cooperate fully with them and give them the truth about the accident. Make sure you understand the degree of your injury. You will want to file a claim with the insurance company. They will determine who is at-fault for the car accident, whether you have serious injuries, what your policy limits are, explain the claims process, and the actual cash value of your car if it is totaled.
Also, confirm insurance coverage for your own policy. You will want to know about rental car coverage, though the at-fault driver and potentially other driver will be responsible for providing rental car coverage.
In the event the other driver does not have insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage will cover your damages up to the amount of insurance coverage you have. The same applies to property damage. While you may not want to use your own insurance, you may have to so that your property damage and medical bills get paid. Don’t worry though, as the insurance company cannot raise your rates if you were not at fault.
If your insurance company discovers that you misrepresented them, you may face serious consequences, including full coverage refusal. Review the police report if one has been filed to know what traffic rules were violated and who was to blame. They will also want to know about the vehicles involved and explain the insurance claim process, but don’t trust them to be honest.
Step #8: Monitor Medical Care
If you were hurt in the accident, you must keep note of the treatments you get. Make a note of any treatment you get from a doctor, therapist, chiropractor, or another medical expert for injuries you incurred in the collision. Keep track of all the treatments and drugs you’ve had.
Also, if feasible, make a note of how the accident has affected your day-to-day life. You aim to keep track of any pain and suffering brought on by accident. This should include things like hobbies you are no longer able to participate in, missed work, and so on.
Step #9: Have the damage assessed by a third party.
If you’re unhappy with your insurance company’s assessment of your car and the damage it has sustained, acquire at least two independent repair or replacement bids. Inform your adjuster of your worries and provide him with the quotations. If you are unable to reach an agreement, you may need to contact an attorney.
Step #10: Take a breather before accepting any settlement offers.
Stop and consider things over before accepting a settlement from your insurance company. Have you received complete treatment for all of your injuries? It’s important to remember that some injuries don’t show up for weeks or even months after a vehicle collision. Don’t make a hasty decision to accept a settlement. It’s good to speak with an attorney before agreeing to a settlement.
Step #11: Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
It’s nearly always advisable to engage a competent attorney if anybody was wounded in the vehicle collision. They could make sure you get a fair settlement for your injuries and successfully defend you if you were at fault in the accident.
Many lawyers only accept payment if you are awarded damages or reach a settlement if money is a factor.
Finally, remember to be safe and thorough.
If you’re in a vehicle accident, you should think about your own and everyone else’s safety. Make every effort to stay out of harm’s path. Once you’ve done that, record the situation and gather information as thoroughly as possible. Every piece of knowledge you gather may come in handy at some point in the future.
Consider contacting an attorney to assist you in dealing with the aftermath of the vehicle accident in the days after the collision. This entails dealing with insurance companies as well as healing from your injuries. Are you unsure whether you need the services of an attorney? To learn more, go here.
The plain fact is that vehicle accident are never fun. However, if you follow the processes outlined above, you should recover from your accident and be adequately paid.
Watch out for Aggressive Drivers During Rush Hour: Your Life Depends on It
It’s difficult enough during rush hour without aggressive drivers adding to the mix. Unfortunately, at least one driver on the road always shows a callous disdain for you and other road users. Every day, millions of drivers use the nation’s roads and byways to and from work. Aggressive drivers can turn their life completely upside down in an instance.
Every commuter in Colorado and around the United States should know how to spot aggressive Driving and what to do—and what not to do—after a collision with one. If you have suffered a significant injury or are grieving the loss of a loved one due to an automobile accident, call our Colorado car accident attorneys as soon as possible.
Aggressive Driving is a term that has been defined.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines aggressive Driving as “when individuals conduct a series of moving traffic violations to harm other people or property.” Road rage is aggressive Driving that is motivated by anger and provoked by a particular occurrence. According to Colorado law, aggressive, reckless Driving is defined as performing two or more of the following actions simultaneously or in succession.
During your next rush-hour trip, keep an eye out for the following symptoms of aggressive Driving:
Speeding
Aggressive drivers continuously speed, disregarding any stated speed restrictions. These drivers are continually attempting to beat the clock and force other motorists out of the passing lane.
Weaving
Aggressive Driving is characterized by frequent lane changes to gain only one more automobile ahead.
Never give the right-of-way
Aggressive drivers will step on it to turn in front of other cars, even if it means passing on the left. The world revolves around them, putting others in grave danger of severe damage or death.
Failing to signal
An aggressive driver’s primary concern is getting to their location. They often fail to utilize their signal lights because lane changes are made at the last possible moment, leaving no time to indicate.
Tailgating
Another method aggressive drivers frighten other cars is through tailgating. Aggressive drivers often approach another vehicle from behind, flashing their lights and honking their horns. Tailgating is, in fact, a kind of bullying. It’s also one of the most certain methods to cause a crash.
The horn
Most drivers seldom use car horns. On the other hand, aggressive drivers abuse their horn by honking it in retaliation for another motorist or just to vent their stress or frustration.
Lane blockage
Blocking a lane change or merging on purpose is another symptom of aggressive Driving. It is also a form of conduct that drives aggressive drivers to get enraged when other drivers engage in it.
Why Is Rush Hour the Most Aggressive Driving Time?
During rush hour, traffic congestion takes away your control over how quickly you travel to work or home. You can’t do anything about backed-up traffic. You’re not alone if waiting in traffic is a part of your regular commute. According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, the typical American commuter spends 42 hours per year delayed in traffic during peak hours.
Even while traffic congestion is widespread, it isn’t always steady. Your journey to work may go easily, but your drive home may be filled with unforeseen delays. This uncertainty contributes to the irritation of a motorist. According to recent government research, motorist rage is linked to driving aggressiveness.
Driver rage provides them a false feeling of control, leading them to take more risks. Certain cognitive activities, such as thinking, decision-making, and judgment, are harmed by anger. Driver mistakes, unsafe Driving, and aggressive Driving are all exacerbated by anger.
Due to rush hour tension, drivers are likely to feel stressed when they get to their destination, whether it’s work or home. Arriving late for work or missing a child’s school function at home causes worry in drivers.
When an Aggressive Driver Collides With You, What Should You Do?
An automobile accident is an unexpected and stressful event. An accident is much more unpleasant for commuters during rush hour, which is already a stressful day. Traffic congestion may cause emergency vehicles and law police to be delayed.
Following are some useful hints for safeguarding your safety after a collision with an aggressive motorist during rush hour:
If at all feasible, pull over to the side of the road and dial 911. Tell the dispatcher that the collision featured an aggressive driver on the 911 call so that first responders are prepared when they get to the site.
Check for injuries in yourself and your passengers. Ask other drivers to check on the passengers if there are other cars involved in the collision.
Only leave your car if it is on fire or otherwise hazardous. A furious motorist is often aggressive. Wait for law enforcement to come before interacting with a furious driver.
Document your surroundings once it is safe to depart your car and you are unhurt. Try to be as calm and agreeable as possible while gathering as much information as possible. This includes things like:
Making a statement to the police.
Obtaining a copy of the police report and the officers’ names, badge numbers, and contact information.
Obtaining the contact information of witnesses and requesting that responding police get the insurance and contact information of the other motorist. It’s possible that the aggressive driver who struck you was driving without insurance.
Photographing and/or videotaping the accident site. Smartphones are a critical tool for gathering data that might be used in future legal proceedings. You must remember to charge your smartphone as a commuter. You don’t want to lose out on essential photos because your battery is low.
If you or a loved one is seriously injured in a rush-hour collision caused by an aggressive motorist, you should call a Colorado personal injury lawyer right once. You may be entitled to compensation for lost earnings, medical costs, and pain and suffering, depending on the facts of your case.
When An Aggressive Driver Collides With You, Don’t Do These Things
After an automobile accident, most people’s initial thoughts are of care and concern for others. Call 911 right away if you’ve been in a car accident. Do not, however, engage in the following activities:
Stay away from the aggressive motorist. Their reckless behavior and aggressive Driving caused the crash, and they are most likely still angry. Request that witnesses approach the driver to check on them until help comes.
Don’t make things worse by shouting at the driver from your car. After an accident, emotions run high, and it’s critical to keep them in control to avoid things becoming worse.
Do not flee the area. Keep your doors shut and stay in your car. As swiftly as possible, rescue and law enforcement will come. If necessary, request that the 911 operator stays on the line with you until aid comes.
Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance company’s personnel. To resolve the matter swiftly, these agents will give you a cheap monetary sum.
Contact Warrior Car Accident Lawyers as soon as possible. We can better assist you in determining the appropriate course of action if we can analyze your case as soon as possible.
No one should suffer financially, physically, or emotionally due to an aggressive driver’s carelessness. The sooner accident victims contact an attorney, the higher their prospects of receiving the compensation they are entitled to for their injuries and losses.
What Is the Frequency of Aggressive Driving?
Every time we get behind the wheel, we run the risk of colliding with an aggressive driver. According to a recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research, 80% of drivers displayed rage and/or hostility at least once in the preceding year. According to the foundation’s research, 104 million drivers intentionally tailgate another vehicle, 95 million drivers yell at another driver, 91 million drivers use the horn to express annoyance or anger, 67 million drivers make angry gestures, 49 million drivers try to block another driver from changing lanes, and 24 million drivers intentionally cut off another vehicle.
According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2017, eight out of ten Americans are stressed. The two most stressful aspects in people’s life were discovered to be their children and their jobs. A total of 79 percent said they were stressed at some point or another throughout the day.
Another aspect that has been identified as a source of stress in people’s lives is the experience of not having enough time to accomplish the things they want to do. The extra stress of finding time causes people to rush through everything, including Driving, which may lead to negligent or irresponsible accidents.
Aggressive Driving Leads to Serious Accidents
The conduct of an aggressive motorist who abruptly switches lanes or decides to flout set speed limits endangers your life. When aggressive drivers operate erratically, it’s tough to prevent a collision. Even if you apply defensive Driving practices, a collision caused by an aggressive motorist might result in significant injuries. The following are examples of such injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury TBI
- Injury to the spinal cord
- Broken bones
- Injuries to the back and neck
- Ligaments torn
The severe injuries listed above may need a long hospital stay, many operations, and rehabilitation therapy. After a catastrophic vehicle accident, there is generally no quick recovery. The most crucial step in regaining your health is to give yourself time to recuperate.
Even if you have insurance, a lengthy hospital stay may be expensive. No one should have to pay for medical expenditures incurred due to an irresponsible driver’s conduct, but they may not have a choice if they do not have proper legal counsel.
Place your legal strategy in the hands of an experienced automobile accident injury attorney when you’re dealing with hospitalization, medicine, and rehabilitation after a rush-hour collision with an aggressive motorist. Warrior Car Accident Lawyers take pleasure in assisting our clients in their rehabilitation by removing the burden of legal matters such as insurance claims and statutes of limitations.
It’s Deadly to Drive Aggressively
For unwary commuters, a difficult day paired with a road rage incident may become deadly. Consider the statistics below:
Aggressive Driving is responsible for more than half of all fatal crashes.
For those aged 3 to 33, collisions are the biggest cause of mortality.
Aggressive Driving is a lethal component to the 5 million automobile accidents that occur each year.
At Warrior Car Accident Lawyers, we believe that no family should be financially harmed due to another driver’s carelessness. You may be eligible for wrongful death compensation depending on the facts of your case.
The loss of a family member’s salary might significantly influence your family’s future. If your loved one was murdered due to an aggressive driver’s negligence during rush hour, please contact us right once.
Call Our Reputable Car Accident Injury Attorneys Today!
Cases involving aggressive Driving are taken extremely seriously by the legal experts at Warrior Car Accident Lawyers. We take great pleasure in giving each of our customers our undivided attention. We keep our clients up to date on the progress of their claims and work to get them the maximum and most equitable compensation the law permits.
Throughout the day, everyone is subjected to some amount of stress. It is, however, unforgivable to lose control of that tension and express it angrily and violently while driving a car. During rush hour, no one should be inconvenienced by another driver’s carelessness.
Make an appointment for a free consultation. You’ll find our attitude to be kind and considerate of your predicament. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you and your family deserve. Call 719-300-1100 or contact us online to book a free consultation with one of our experienced automobile accident injury attorneys if you’ve suffered significant injuries or lost a loved one as a result of a negligent and reckless motorist.