5 Common Mistakes Drivers Make After an Accident

Accidents rattle even the calmest drivers. In the foothills around Evergreen, a fender bender on Highway 74 or a slide-off on icy North Turkey Creek can go from stressful to costly if we make the wrong moves. At Bear Creek Towing LLC, we see the same avoidable errors over and over, and we want our Evergreen neighbors (and folks in Conifer, Golden, Morrison, Kittredge, and Idledale) to have a clear, practical plan. Here are the five big mistakes to avoid after an accident, and what to do instead.

Mistake 1: Leaving the Scene or Failing to Call 911

Why It’s a Problem

Leaving the scene is illegal and can turn a bad day into criminal charges. Even minor crashes in Evergreen or Golden need proper documentation. Without a police report, insurance carriers may dispute what happened, which can delay repairs and medical coverage.

We also see people skip calling 911 because the vehicles look drivable. Adrenaline hides injuries, and hidden damage isn’t obvious roadside. In Morrison or along I‑70 near the Golden exits, traffic moves fast: not notifying authorities can create a secondary crash risk.

What To Do Instead

• Stop, stay calm, and put on hazards.
• If it’s safe, move vehicles out of traffic. Exit on the passenger side.
• Call 911 if there’s any chance of injury or significant damage. Otherwise, contact local non-emergency police.
• Follow instructions and cooperate so there’s an official report.
• If your vehicle won’t move or you’re off the pavement in snow or mud, call Bear Creek Towing LLC for safe recovery. Don’t spin your wheels: it can cause real damage.

Mistake 2: Admitting Fault, Apologizing, or Speculating

Why It’s a Problem

We’re wired to be polite. A quick “I’m sorry” on County Road 73 in Evergreen or on Bear Creek Canyon Road through Kittredge can be taken as admitting fault. The same goes for guessing about what happened or downplaying injuries. Insurers can use those statements to reduce or deny claims, even if the facts later show shared liability or a different cause.

What To Do Instead

• Stick to basics when speaking to the other driver: name, phone, insurance, vehicle info.
• Don’t discuss who caused the crash or how it happened. Let the investigation and insurers sort it out.
• Ask witnesses for contact details without debating the incident.
• When your insurer calls, provide accurate facts, not opinions. If you’re unsure, say so.
• Need the vehicles separated to clear the lane? Call a professional. In the tight curves between Idledale and Morrison, we often provide quick winch service and flatbed loading to keep everyone safe.

Mistake 3: Skipping or Delaying Medical Care

Why It’s a Problem

That stiff neck you shrug off at the scene can turn into days of pain. Adrenaline masks symptoms. Waiting to see a doctor gives insurance carriers room to argue your injury came from something else. We hear it after countless Evergreen and Conifer calls: “I felt fine until the next morning.”

What To Do Instead

• Get checked as soon as you can, even if you think you’re fine. Documenting symptoms early protects your health and your claim.
• Tell the provider exactly what happened and where you feel pain, even if it’s mild.
• Follow treatment instructions and keep records of visits, medications, and restrictions.
• If your vehicle isn’t safe to drive, we can help. Bear Creek Towing LLC provides light-duty towing and accident recovery, and we work with motor clubs and insurers to simplify next steps while you focus on care.

Mistake 4: Not Documenting the Crash Thoroughly

Why It’s a Problem

Relying only on the police report leaves gaps. Road conditions, debris, skid marks, and vehicle positions can matter a lot, especially on winding canyon stretches through Kittredge and Idledale where visibility changes by the minute. Without photos and details, it’s your word against someone else’s.

What To Do Instead

• Take wide and close photos: vehicle damage, license plates, the whole scene, interior airbags, and any injuries.
• Capture context: traffic signs, lane markings, ice or gravel patches, the shoulder, and any obstructions.
• Note the time, weather, and direction of travel. In Evergreen, shaded curves ice up earlier than sunny straights.
• Get witness names and numbers. Ask nearby businesses if cameras face the road.
• Request the incident number and later obtain the police report.
• If recovery is needed, ask for damage-minimizing methods like flatbed towing or controlled winching. Our crews use four-wheel-drive wreckers and proper rigging to prevent secondary damage on steep shoulders and dirt pullouts.

Mistake 5: Mishandling Insurance and Social Media

Common Pitfalls

• Giving a recorded statement before you’ve reviewed your policy or seen the police report.
• Signing releases or quick settlement offers without understanding the long-term costs of repairs or medical care.
• Posting about the crash on Instagram, Facebook, or community groups in Evergreen or Golden. Photos and comments can be pulled into claim files.

What To Do Instead

• Report the claim promptly and keep it factual. If you don’t know an answer, say you’ll follow up.
• Save every document: estimates, tow bills, medical notes, rental receipts.
• Keep your social media quiet about the crash, injuries, and repairs.
• Ask your insurer about towing and storage coverage before moving the vehicle long distances.
• If you’re unsure how to proceed, consider getting legal guidance.
• For logistics, let us handle the heavy lifting. Bear Creek Towing LLC coordinates accident recovery, safe transport to your preferred shop, and secure storage when needed. That keeps the paper trail clean and reduces hassle.

Conclusion

Crashes happen, especially with changing weather and wildlife crossings around Evergreen. If we avoid the big five mistakes after an accident, leaving the scene, admitting fault, delaying care, skipping documentation, and mishandling insurance, we protect our safety, time, and wallets.

A quick reference for the foothills:

• Get out of the traffic path if possible, hazards on, and exit on the passenger side.
• Don’t spin your wheels in snow, mud, or a ditch.
• Call 911 when in doubt: gather facts and photos: keep comments short and factual.

When you need a hand in Evergreen, or anywhere in Conifer, Golden, Morrison, Kittredge, or Idledale, we’re ready. Our WreckMaster-trained team runs clean four-wheel-drive wreckers and flatbeds, offers winch service, flatbed towing, accident recovery, tire changes, jump starts, lockouts, and emergency fuel delivery. We’re licensed, insured, and experienced with insurance companies and motor clubs.

If you’re stuck now or want our number saved for later, reach out to Bear Creek Towing LLC. We’ll treat your vehicle and cargo with care, recover it safely, and help you get back on the road with less stress. Call or contact us online and keep us on speed dial for the next snowy morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 5 mistakes drivers make after an accident?

The most common mistakes drivers make after an accident are leaving the scene, admitting fault or apologizing, delaying medical care, failing to document the crash thoroughly, and mishandling insurance and social media. Avoid these by calling 911 when in doubt, keeping statements factual, photographing everything, seeking prompt care, and reporting your claim carefully.

Should I call 911 after a minor crash, or just exchange information?

When in doubt, call 911—adrenaline can hide injuries and hidden vehicle damage. A police report helps insurers verify what happened and reduces disputes. If no injuries and damage is minor, you can contact non-emergency police, but always move vehicles out of traffic if safe, use hazards, and keep everyone off the roadway.

Why shouldn’t I admit fault or apologize after an accident?

Saying “I’m sorry” or speculating about what caused the crash can be interpreted as admitting fault. Insurers may use those statements to reduce or deny claims. Share only basic information (names, insurance, vehicle details), gather witness contacts, and let the investigation determine liability. Provide facts to your insurer—avoid opinions or guesses.

What’s the best way to document a crash for insurance and repairs?

Take wide and close photos of damage, license plates, the full scene, airbags, injuries, road conditions, signage, lane markings, and any debris. Note time, weather, and travel direction. Get witness names and the incident number to request the report later. Thorough documentation supports accurate estimates, medical claims, and faster resolutions.

Is it legal to move my car after an accident in Colorado, and when should I call a tow truck?

If there are no serious injuries and the vehicle is drivable, Colorado drivers are generally encouraged to move out of traffic to a safe location. Call a tow truck when the vehicle won’t start, leaks fluids, has wheel or suspension damage, or is stuck in snow, mud, or a ditch to prevent further damage and hazards.