What should you do immediately after a car accident?
A car accident can happen in seconds, and it often leaves people overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. With more than 40 years of legal experience, Mary Ewing, a respected Colorado attorney, breaks down the key steps to take immediately after a crash to protect your health, rights, and case.
Whether you’ve just been involved in a minor fender bender or a serious collision, what you do in the moments and days following the accident can have a lasting impact on your recovery and any future claim.
Who is Mary Ewing?
Mary Ewing is an accomplished trial lawyer and the founder of Mary Ewing Law in Englewood, Colorado. A graduate of the University of Denver College of Law, she finished eighth in her class and has since built a practice focused on personal injury, family law, workers’ compensation, and professional negligence. Over the years, she’s argued and won cases before both the Colorado Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court.
Her approach combines experience, compassion, and a strong focus on helping injured people rebuild their lives.
What are the first steps to take after a car accident?
If you are seriously injured, your top priority should be waiting for emergency personnel to arrive and transport you for medical care. However, if you’re alert and able to move safely, there are key steps to follow:
Call the police to report the accident and have an officer document the scene.
Check on passengers and others involved to ensure everyone is safe.
Gather evidence by taking photos or videos of the vehicles, license plates, visible injuries, road conditions, and any skid marks.
Collect contact information from witnesses and the other driver.
Preserve any possible evidence, such as dashcam footage or cellphone data that may reveal whether the other driver was distracted.
Mary emphasizes that even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask injuries, and documentation at the scene will be vital later on.
Why should you always call the police after a crash?
Even in what seems like a minor crash, calling the police is critical. The responding officer will prepare an accident report detailing who was involved, witness statements, and insurance information. The report also includes an official diagram of the scene and estimated speeds—important evidence that can protect your claim later.
In cases where weather or emergencies prevent officers from responding, drivers can still file their own report with local authorities. According to Mary, this preserves a record of what happened and helps support future claims.
What if you’re taken to the hospital and can’t gather evidence?
If you’re transported from the scene and unable to document anything, the police will often gather some of the evidence. Mary recommends asking a friend or family member to visit the scene, take photos, or check on your vehicle once it’s been towed. Every detail helps when it comes to reconstructing what happened.
When should you seek medical attention after an accident?
Mary strongly advises getting medical care immediately, even if you don’t feel hurt. Many people underestimate their injuries because the body’s adrenaline response can dull pain. Visiting an emergency room, urgent care center, or family doctor helps ensure any issues—like head, neck, or back injuries—are identified early and properly documented.
Medical documentation not only protects your health but also strengthens your legal case if you need to file a claim later.
How can you get medical help without insurance?
Lack of insurance shouldn’t stop anyone from seeking treatment. Mary explains that most auto insurance policies include medical payments coverage (MedPay), which can help pay for initial medical expenses.
In Colorado, hospitals are also required to treat emergency patients regardless of their ability to pay, and some may offer reduced rates. The key is to get evaluated as soon as possible so injuries are properly recorded.
Why should you avoid speaking to insurance adjusters right away?
After an accident, many people rush to call their insurance company or respond to calls from the other driver’s insurer. Mary cautions against this.
Insurance adjusters may sound friendly, but their goal is to minimize the payout for claims. Anything said in those early conversations can be used against you later. Mary’s advice:
“If the other driver’s insurance company calls, politely postpone the conversation. Tell them you’ll get back to them once you’re ready—and contact a car accident lawyer first.”
A qualified personal injury attorney can handle communication on your behalf and protect your rights.
What’s the biggest mistake people make after a car accident?
According to Mary, the most common mistake drivers make is failing to preserve evidence or carelessly discussing the incident before consulting an attorney.
Most people have never experienced an auto collision before, so they don’t know what steps to take. Just as people hire accountants to handle taxes, they should hire an experienced lawyer to guide them through a car accident claim.
Mary emphasizes that legal representation ensures critical evidence isn’t lost and that your case is handled properly from the start.
How can taking the right steps protect your recovery and rights?
A car accident can change everything in an instant, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. From documenting the scene to protecting your rights with professional help, these steps can help you recover physically, financially, and legally.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Colorado, visit maryewinglaw.com to learn more about your options and get professional guidance.