From 2004 to 2018, 66 car accidents occurred each year on US Highway 160 between Bayfield and Durango, according to Durango Herald. Animal-caused collisions are frequent in Colorado, but most fatal road accidents result from driving under the influence, drowsy driving, distracted driving, and not buckling up. Nonetheless, even good drivers can experience mishaps because of icy and snowy roads during the winter season. Likewise, the warm sunshine in summer can be a little distracting for drivers. While most drivers know what to do after a road accident in Durango, keeping yourself and other road users safe should be a top priority.
Stop and Call 911
When involved in a crash on any roadways in the region, safely pull over and park your car immediately. Check for injuries caused by the impact and call 911. Even if no one is injured or the injuries look minor, it is a legal requirement for all drivers to contact law enforcement authorities without delay. Calling the authorities is a critical step, as it automatically creates a report of the accident. Remember, an official police accident report is crucial in determining who was at fault during a settlement case. Inform the dispatcher about the location, potential risks, and severity of the injuries to ensure you receive immediate help.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
It is natural to feel confused immediately after a crash, and as a result, you may say or do something that the other party may use against you. That is why you should contact an accident attorney as soon as possible. Legal experts will guide you on how to communicate with the other driver to ensure you do not admit fault.
Besides, enlisting the services of a personal injury lawyer increases your chances of receiving a fair amount of settlement. Professional car lawyers will offer advice on collecting and preserving evidence that will help them file an injury claim lawsuit. They will also negotiate with the liable party for compensation that covers your injuries, hospital bills, and property damage.
Practice Road Safety Measures
Take reasonable steps to ensure safety after the crash to avoid another accident. Stay in the car and keep injured people safe and warm by covering them with a blanket. If possible, you and the other driver should move the vehicles to the side of the road to reduce traffic congestion. In the case, the vehicle damages are extreme, turn on hazard lights, use flares, or traffic triangles to signal other drivers to slow down.
Legal experts recommend collecting evidence using your smartphone. Take pictures of the damaged vehicles, accident scene, and bodily injuries. Also, exchange contact details with the other driver, passengers, and eyewitnesses. Most importantly, don’t forget to notify your insurance company of the incident before leaving the accident scene. That way, your insurer will be able to negotiate a fair settlement if the other party files an injury lawsuit against you.
