A car accident can turn your day upside down in an instant. Whether it happens on I-70 in Grand Junction, Highway 550 near Montrose, Main Street in Delta, or downtown Glenwood Springs, the steps you take immediately after a crash can make a big difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your financial recovery.
At Veritas Injury Lawyers, we help people in Western Colorado every day who are facing the aftermath of a collision. Below are the essential steps to follow if you’ve been in an accident in your community.
1. Prioritize Safety First
- Move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so.
- Turn on hazard lights and set up flares or cones if available.
- Call 911 right away to report injuries or unsafe road conditions.
In Grand Junction and Delta, first responders often arrive quickly, but it’s still critical to make the scene as safe as possible.
2. Call Law Enforcement
Even for minor accidents, it’s important to get an official crash report.
- In Grand Junction, the Grand Junction Police Department or Mesa County Sheriff's Office may respond depenctin on the accident's jurisdiction
- In Montrose, the Montrose Police Department or Colorado State Patrol may respond.
- In Glenwood Springs, the Glenwood Springs Police Department or Garfield County Sheriff may arrive on scene.
This report provides key documentation for your insurance claim or potential legal case.
3. Seek Medical Care Immediately
Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away—like concussions, whiplash, or internal trauma. Always get checked out:
- Grand Junction: St. Mary’s Medical Center and Community Hospital.
- Montrose: Montrose Regional Health.
- Delta: Delta Health.
- Glenwood Springs: Valley View Hospital.
Prompt medical care creates a record of your injuries and ensures you’re on the path to recovery.
4. Gather Information at the Scene
If you’re able, collect:
- Driver’s license, insurance, and contact info from all drivers.
- Names and numbers of witnesses.
- Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
In smaller communities like Delta or Montrose, witnesses may be neighbors or people you know—getting their cooperation early is crucial.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly. Be factual but cautious—stick to the basics and avoid speculating about fault. Insurance companies may use your words against you later.
6. Speak With a Local Car Accident Lawyer
Before signing settlement papers or giving detailed recorded statements, talk with an experienced attorney. A car accident lawyer in Grand Junction, Montrose, Delta, or Glenwood Springs can:
- Investigate liability and insurance coverage.
- Ensure you’re compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Handle negotiations so you can focus on recovery.
At Veritas Injury Lawyers, we know the roads, the courts, and the insurers in Western Colorado—and we fight to make sure truth wins.
Why Local Matters
Hiring a lawyer familiar with Western Slope communities makes a difference. A car accident lawyer in Grand Junction understands local traffic patterns and court procedures. A Montrose car accident lawyer knows how to work with regional insurers and providers. The same holds true for Delta and Glenwood Springs—local knowledge means stronger advocacy.
Final Thoughts
No one expects to be in a crash, but knowing what to do after an accident in Grand Junction, Montrose, Delta, or Glenwood Springs can help protect your future.
If you or a loved one has been injured, call Veritas Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We are committed to standing by your side, telling your story, and making sure truth wins.
