{"id":372050,"date":"2017-08-03T18:14:51","date_gmt":"2017-08-03T23:14:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/colorado-law\/your-colorado-springs-car-accident-the-basics.html"},"modified":"2018-12-07T01:00:00","modified_gmt":"2018-12-07T06:00:00","slug":"your-colorado-springs-car-accident-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/colorado-law\/your-colorado-springs-car-accident-the-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Do After a Car Accident in Colorado Springs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What To Do After a Car Accident in Colorado Springs<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Fender benders can happen to anyone, especially during the bumper-to-bumper commute to downtown Colorado Springs from the ‘burbs. Imagine you’re trudging along I-25, already late to work, when the tourist behind you runs right into your rear bumper after gazing at Pike’s Peak for too long. Luckily it wasn’t an RV, which could have crushed your little car, but the accident caused some damage and gave you a sore back. You’re shaken up, but not seriously injured. Now you need to know what to do after a car accident in Colorado Springs.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides practical advice for what to do when you are involved in a car accident<\/a> in The Springs. See FindLaw’s Car Accidents<\/a> section for additional articles and resources.<\/p>\r\n

Stop and Assess Your Surroundings<\/h2>\r\n

The first thing you need to do is stop your car and put it into park, if possible. Colorado law requires that for any car accident involving property damage, injury, or death, you must stop your car as close as possible to the scene of the accident. If you are the responsible party — in other words, if you were the tourist gazing at the mountains before plowing into the car in front of you — failure to stop after an accident could be interpreted as a hit-and-run (a felony in Colorado<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n

One exception is if you are in a deserted or unsafe area of Colorado Springs, where you suspect you may be robbed or attacked after being bumped. If that is the case, drive to the nearest police station. In any event, consider lighting flares or otherwise marking your presence if the cars are blocking the flow of traffic and cannot safely be moved.<\/p>\r\n

Then, check to see if there are any injured parties at the scene needing reasonable assistance (meaning it doesn’t require medical expertise). This may include calling an ambulance or moving the injured person to the side of the road. Dial 911 for emergencies or check Colorado Springs’ list of non-emergency response numbers<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

You should consider taking notes about the incident<\/a>, including injuries, road conditions, or any other factors that may have led up to the collision. Never admit wrongdoing to the other party, but be honest in your reporting. Find eyewitnesses and get their contact information, if available.<\/p>\r\n

Exchange Information<\/h2>\r\n

One of the most important things you’ll need to do after a car accident in Colorado Springs (or really anywhere) is to exchange information with the other party (or parties) involved. Regardless of fault, or perceived fault, all parties must exchange the following information:<\/p>\r\n