{"id":372051,"date":"2017-06-22T21:46:40","date_gmt":"2017-06-23T02:46:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/colorado-law\/your-denver-car-accident-the-basics.html"},"modified":"2018-12-07T15:00:16","modified_gmt":"2018-12-07T20:00:16","slug":"your-denver-car-accident-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/colorado-law\/your-denver-car-accident-the-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"What to Do After a Car Accident in Denver"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What to Do After a Car Accident in Denver<\/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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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

The beautiful sunsets can be a bit distracting. Icy and snowy roads can similarly cause problems. There’s much to love about Denver, but driving here isn’t always the easiest. As a result, even good drivers have mishaps. You’re in luck, however, because a collision in the Mile-High City does not always have to be a catastrophe. FindLaw provides this guide for what to do after a car accident in Denver. But going forward, use caution on our slick roads and gorgeous afternoons.<\/p>\r\n

First Steps<\/h2>\r\n

1. Exchange Information<\/i><\/p>\r\n

After a collision, both drivers should stop their cars. If no one is injured and both cars can be safely driven, the drivers should immediately move their cars to portion of the side of the road where they would not be blocking traffic. If you or someone else is injured, you are not required to immediately move the vehicle. This may be unsafe; instead, call 9-1-1. Drivers should then exchange names, addresses, and vehicle registration numbers. You must also show your driver license if another driver asks to see it. If an injured person cannot receive your information because of an injury, you must provide it to the police. The State’s Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles also instructs you to exchange insurance information.<\/p>\r\n

2. Offer Reasonable Assistance<\/i><\/p>\r\n

The law requires you to offer "reasonable assistance." You must either make arrangements for, or offer, a ride to anyone involved in the accident if it appears that he or she needs medical attention. The same goes if the person simply asks for assistance, even if they do not appear to be injured. If you’re unsure of where to go, Denver Health Medical Center<\/a> (Denver General) has a reputable trauma center. It’s near Cherry Creek in the La Alma\/Lincoln Park neighborhood. The address is 777 Bannock St. (303) 436-6000.<\/p>\r\n

3. Report the Accident to the Nearest Law Enforcement<\/i><\/p>\r\n

After a car accident in Denver that results in either injury to a person or any amount of property damage, you must report it to the police, including the location of the accident. After doing so, follow the officer’s directions, which may involve remaining at the scene. If no one is hurt, call your local Denver Police station. See the police department’s web page for a map and district station phone numbers. If you are unsure of which district to call, use the non-emergency help number at (720) 913-2000. You can also report an accident online. If for some reason you are "physically incapable" of reporting the accident, one of your passengers may do so. Remember though you only have to file an accident report if a police officer did not already show up to the scene and take the information.<\/p>\r\n

4. Take Notes<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Attorneys recommend that you write down the details that you observe before and after your crash because they might turn out to be significant facts. Write down the answers to these questions:<\/p>\r\n