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Behind the badge: What happens after a crash?

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Contributed by: Sheriff Ted Mink on 7/15/2008

We've all had that sinking feeling when approaching a traffic jam and flashing lights: This is gonna take forever. Here's a look at what goes on following a traffic crash. Why does it sometimes seem to take forever? And what should you do if you're involved in a crash?

Our Priority: Preservation of Life
Deputies arriving first on the scene of a traffic crash will check on victims, assess injuries, secure the scene to prevent secondary accidents, and summon fire and medical personnel, if needed. When necessary, deputies will render emergency medical aid to the victim(s). Whenever possible, deputies will quickly move vehicles from the roadway. They will also remove debris from the road and ensure the road is safe for drivers after the situation is under control.

Securing the Scene
If someone was killed in the crash, deputies will close the road so that a death investigation may be conducted. In non-fatal crashes, they may close a road to make room for an incoming ambulance or helicopter, or for hazardous material removal. After most crashes, traffic is able to move again fairly quickly. However, these motorists driving through or close to a crash scene can present a whole new danger in and of themselves. Therefore deputies will take steps to ensure the safety of the crash victims and officers, although it may mean inconveniencing other drivers.

If You Are Involved in a Crash
If you are involved in a crash and you're not seriously hurt, check to see if the occupants of the other vehicle(s) are injured and need help. If there are injuries, call 911. If you are trained and able to provide medical help, do so. If you are not rendering aid, it's important to stand off the roadway or sit in your car. People can be hurt or killed by oncoming vehicles while they are standing in the roadway after a minor traffic crash. Remember that when a deputy is directing you out of the roadway, it is because he or she is looking out for your safety.

You may call the Sheriff's Office at 303-277-0211 to report a non-injury accident. A Jefferson County Sheriff's deputy may respond to provide traffic control or perform other tasks. The Colorado State Patrol will conduct the accident investigation. Locate your license, registration and insurance information and present them to the responding officer. You are required by state law to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in an accident. If an officer responds, he or she will verify the documents and provide you with a form containing the other driver's information.

If the collision is minor (less than $1,000 damage, no injuries, no alcohol or drug usage is suspected, and all parties have insurance), you may elect to file a report after advising the Colorado State Patrol by telephone at 303-239-4501 (or *CSP from your cell phone). You may report the accident online at https://crash.state.co.us or in person at any Colorado State Patrol office. You will be required to exchange information with the other driver on your own. Both drivers are required to file a report. Failure to file an accident report can result in criminal charges. It can also delay your insurance company's claim processing and could hamper your case should there be future litigation.

Accidents Involving Wildlife
If you hit a large animal with your vehicle, please call the Sheriff's Office at 303-277-0211. If the animal remains in the road and poses a danger to other motorists, call 911. Providing the animal's location will enable a deputy to quickly and humanely handle the situation, and render the roadway safe again.

If You Approach a Crash Scene
If you approach an accident and deputies have blocked the road, please be patient. They may be helping the victims, working to get a vehicle towed away, or removing car parts from the roadway to make it safe for you to pass. Stay focused on the road in front of you, and watch for motorists or emergency responders who may be walking or standing near the crash scene.

Ted Mink is sheriff of Jefferson County. He leads the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the largest full-service sheriff's office in Colorado.

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