What to Do After an Accident in Aurora, Colorado: Critical Do’s and Don’ts
Being involved in an accident is overwhelming. In the minutes and days that follow, the choices you make can have a major impact on your health, your finances, and your ability to recover fair compensation. If you were injured in a car crash, slip and fall, or other accident in Aurora, Colorado, understanding what to do, and what not to do, can protect your rights.
Below is a practical guide to the most important do’s and don’ts after an accident, based on real-world personal injury experience and common insurance tactics.
Don’t Admit Fault at the Scene
One of the biggest mistakes people make after an accident is saying something like “I’m sorry” or “This was my fault.” Even if you are trying to be polite, fault is a legal conclusion, not a fact. It is ultimately determined by lawyers, insurance companies, or a jury.
Instead, you should:
- Be truthful with police officers or property managers
- Provide basic factual information only
- Avoid giving opinions about who caused the accident
Admitting fault too early can seriously damage your personal injury claim.
Do Take Photos as Soon as Possible
Photos can become some of the strongest evidence in your case. Use your phone to document:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- The other driver
- License plates
- Traffic signs, signals, and lane markings
- Skid marks, debris, or road damage
- The broader accident scene
These images can prevent false claims later, especially if someone denies being present or disputes how the accident happened.
Do Preserve Evidence in Slip, Fall, and Premises Cases
Not all injury claims involve car accidents. Injuries may occur due to unsafe property conditions, such as icy sidewalks, poor drainage, or broken walkways.
For example:
- A downspout causes water to freeze on a sidewalk
- Ice melts or conditions are fixed the next day
Take photos immediately. Conditions change quickly, and once they do, evidence may be gone forever. Make sure to take photos of the area where you fell, but also the broader surrounding area. It’s important to be able to fully recreate the scene of the accident after the occurrence.
Be Careful on Social Media
After an accident, anything you post online can be used against you. Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely monitor social media.
Avoid:
- Posting about the accident
- Discussing injuries or recovery
- Sharing photos or check-ins that could be misinterpreted
Even innocent posts can be taken out of context and used to minimize your injuries.
Do Write Everything Down While It’s Fresh
As soon as you can, prepare a written summary of the accident. Include:
- Weather conditions
- What you saw and heard
- Names and contact info for drivers, witnesses, and officers
- How your body felt immediately after impact
- Any pain, discomfort, or limitations
- Statements others made to you (as close to verbatim as possible)
This written record can be extremely valuable to your personal injury lawyer later.
Do Get Medical Treatment Immediately
Seeking medical care is one of the most important steps after an accident.
- Go to the ER if necessary
- Follow up promptly with your primary care physician
- Attend all recommended appointments
Insurance companies often argue:
- Treatment = proof of injury
- No treatment = proof you weren’t hurt
Some injuries, like soft-tissue damage or seatbelt injuries, may not show symptoms right away.
Do Keep All Accident-Related Documents
Create a file with:
- Police reports
- Medical records and bills
- Prescriptions
- Receipts for expenses (rental cars, mileage, etc.)
- Documentation of lost wages
These records help establish the full value of your claim.
Don’t Deal with the Insurance Company Alone
Insurance adjusters are trained professionals. Their job is to:
- Emphasize your fault
- Minimize the severity of your injuries
- Pay as little as possible to resolve your claim
Even honest claims are often viewed with skepticism. This is not personal, it is how the system works.
Do Contact an Aurora Personal Injury Lawyer Early
At Burr Injury Law, our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- No upfront attorney fees
- Fees are paid only if money is recovered
Your attorney handles:
- Claim evaluation
- Negotiation with insurers
- Evidence presentation
- Litigation if necessary
This allows you to focus on healing while your lawyer protects your interests.
Be Patient with the Process
Personal injury claims take time. Insurance negotiations and court cases move slowly, even when everyone wants resolution.
If your case feels delayed, know that this is common. We also want to resolve your case, but for a fair amount – not a quick and cheap settlement. Keep in mind that courts and insurance companies work on long timelines. Patience often leads to better outcomes.
Talk to an Aurora, Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. An experienced Aurora personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights, protect your claim, and pursue fair compensation. Contact us at Burr Injury Law, info@BurrInjuryLaw.com or 720-637-8464.