Understanding What You Should Do After Being Injured In An Auto Accident

Many serious injury cases result from motor vehicle accidents of all kinds, including car crashes, 18-wheeler or semitruck accidents, motorcycle wrecks, tractor-trailer accidents, head-on collisions, SUV rollovers and other auto accidents on the road.

At VanMeveren Law Group, we represent individuals and their families who have suffered catastrophic injuries, such as brain or spinal injuries, as a result of the negligence of another party in a car crash. Based in Fort Collins, we serve clients throughout Northern Colorado.

 

Our auto accident attorneys treat every client with care and consideration, always making sure that he or she is satisfied with our course of action. We keep our fees reasonable and negotiable on a case-by-case basis, and we never charge you unless we win your case.

Take These Steps To Protect Your Right To Compensation

• Obtain the name, address and telephone number of the drivers involved in the accident.
• Obtain each driver’s car insurance company’s name and telephone number, and the policy number, if available.
• Report the accident immediately to the police and your insurance company, regardless of who is at fault.
• Cooperate with the police in preparing an accident report.
• Photograph the vehicles involved in the accident.
• See a physician without delay if you are experiencing pain. Unfortunately, most times the pain will not subside without some treatment.
• Get legal advice from a reliable lawyer before filling out insurance documents or giving recorded statements to any insurance company (even your own company), or meeting with any insurance company representative.
• Photograph your injuries. This will support the magnitude of your injury as bruises and cuts may heal, but tissue beneath the skin may not completely heal.
• Gather all insurance policies in your household for evaluation by an attorney. You may be entitled to insurance coverage for a separate insurance policy.
• Get a lawyer’s advice before signing any check or document from an insurance company.

For a Fort Collins, Colorado, auto accident lawyer with a proven ability to get you the compensation you deserve, contact our firm. We serve Southern Wyoming and the Northern Colorado communities of Fort Collins, Denver, Loveland and many more. We frequently assist students and staff of Colorado State University, University of Northern Colorado, University of Colorado and University of Wyoming.

In a car crash, how can I prove the other driver was at fault?

Our Fort Collins firm is skilled in accident investigation, and we know how to build your case. But taking pictures and jotting down notes about the events can be very helpful later on. That is why we encourage you, if possible, to document what you believe occurred during or immediately before the crash.

Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company? What if they call me?

Never give a statement to the other side’s insurance adjuster. Insurance companies’ claims adjusters are trained by insurance company lawyers to ask questions in a way that your answers can hurt your case. Politely say that you are not prepared to discuss the accident at this time. Your attorney will determine the best way to proceed.

Should I go to the emergency room?

Not all injuries following a car accident are immediately identified. For this reason, you should always call 911 and be transferred to a hospital by ambulance, if you feel any pain or discomfort. If you are certain that your injuries are minor, you may simply want to get checked out by your family physician. Most physicians offer X-ray and other diagnostic procedures and will be able to treat mild to moderate neck pain, back pain, headaches, etc.

Can I choose my own doctor?

After an auto accident, you may seek treatment from a licensed doctor or chiropractor of your choice. Your auto insurance should pay for your medical bills regardless of what doctor you see. If you do not have a relationship established with a doctor, your lawyer may have a referral for you.

Can I see a specialist immediately?

Yes. You do not need a referral to see an orthopedist, neurologist or any other specialist. These doctors are well-trained to diagnose and treat headaches, back, neck, and all other pain and problems you may be experiencing.

What kind of treatment is available?

• Medication – Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxers and pain medication are typically prescribed.
• Conservative care – Includes chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, hot and cold therapy, electric muscle stimulation, etc.
• Physical therapy – Exercise, stretching and strengthening.
• Injections – Includes cortisone injections and pain blocks.
• Surgical care – If conservative measures fail, the decision to proceed with a surgery is one you and your doctor will need to explore.

Questions About Towing And Property Damage In Colorado

Does my insurance cover towing?

Towing is an add-on to most insurance policies. Unless you purchase this extra coverage, you will be responsible for the towing charge, but can ultimately recover this money from the at-fault person. The towing from the impound yard to the auto body repair facility may be provided by your insurance company or the body shop.

Will the towing company bill my insurance directly?

No. In most cases you will be required to pay the towing bill and then be reimbursed if you have towing coverage.

Can I choose the tow company and where my vehicle will be towed?

Yes, but with a few exceptions. The tow company you choose must be on the scene of the accident within 20 minutes of the call. The tow company will almost always tow your vehicle back to their own lot unless you have a prior relationship with them. They will usually not release your vehicle until the towing bill has been paid. A few auto clubs have preferred tow companies and locations where vehicles are towed to.

Where will my car be towed to?

If your car cannot be driven after the accident, it will be towed by the towing company that responds to the police call for car removal. Towing companies are usually called on a rotating basis for car removal so your car will be towed to the impound yard of the responding tow truck. You will be given information at the scene stating where your vehicle was taken. If you are taken by ambulance to the hospital, a police officer will usually follow up and bring the information to the hospital. If you are unsure where your vehicle was towed to, call the police department for that information.