After a crash at a busy Littleton intersection, start with safety: check for injuries, call 911 if anyone is hurt, and get out of traffic if you can do it safely. Then report the crash to police, trade information with the other driver, take photos, and get checked for injuries within a few days, even if you feel fine. The steps below walk you through it.
Intersections along Wadsworth Boulevard, Bowles Avenue, Kipling Parkway, and Coal Mine Avenue carry a lot of traffic. When a crash happens in the middle of several lanes, turn signals, and impatient drivers, it is easy to feel rattled and forget what to do. Keep this checklist handy.
What should I do right after an intersection crash?
1. Check for injuries and call 911 if needed
Check yourself and your passengers first. If anyone is hurt, confused, or cannot move, call 911 and do not move them unless they are in danger. Turn on your hazard lights.
2. Get to a safer spot if you can
If the cars can move and no one is badly hurt, pull out of the travel lanes into a nearby parking lot or side street. If your car cannot move, stay buckled in with hazards on until help arrives. Busy intersections are risky places to stand around.
3. Report the crash to police
Colorado law requires drivers to report crashes that cause injury or any property damage to the nearest police authority (see C.R.S. 42-4-1606). Depending on where you are, that may be Littleton Police, the Jefferson County Sheriff, the Arapahoe County Sheriff, or the Colorado State Patrol. Dispatch can tell you which agency will respond. Ask for the report number before you leave.
4. Swap information
Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, license plate, and the make and model of their car. Take a photo of their license and insurance card if they agree. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.
5. Take photos
Intersection crashes often come down to who had the light or the right of way. Photos can help. Capture:
- Both cars, including damage and where they came to rest
- The traffic signals, signs, and turn lanes
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Any visible injuries
- Nearby business cameras that may have recorded the crash
6. Keep your words simple
Be polite, but do not argue about fault or apologize at the scene. Stick to the facts with the officer. Fault in Colorado can be shared between drivers, and it is generally decided later by insurers, and sometimes the courts.
Why are intersection crashes so hard on the body?
Intersections bring cars together from different directions. That means crashes there can come in many forms:
- Side impacts (T-bones) when someone runs a red light or turns left in front of you
- Rear-end crashes when traffic stops suddenly at a light
- Angled hits during turns or lane changes
Side impacts can be tough because there is less space between you and the other car. Your head and neck may move side to side, which can strain your neck, shoulders, and upper back. Learn more on our side-impact collision page.
What injuries should I watch for in the days after?
Many crash injuries do not hurt much at first. Adrenaline can hide pain, and soreness often builds over a few days. Watch for:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
- Shoulder, upper back, or low back pain
- Tingling or numbness in your arms or hands
- Trouble sleeping or focusing
Our post on the first 72 hours after a collision explains what to expect during those early days.
Warning signs: when to go to the ER
Some symptoms need emergency care right away. Go to the ER or call 911 if you have:
- A severe or worsening headache
- Confusion, slurred speech, or trouble staying awake
- Numbness or weakness in your arms, legs, or face
- Chest pain or belly pain
- Trouble breathing
If you were checked at the ER or urgent care, follow their instructions. A follow-up exam in the next few days can then look more closely at soft tissue injuries like whiplash.
What should I do in the first week?
Once you are home, a few steps can protect both your health and your claim:
- Get checked. A post-accident exam looks for injuries that are easy to miss and creates a dated record.
- Call your insurer. Report the crash and get a claim number. Ask what coverage you have for medical care. Our guide to how MedPay works in Colorado explains one common type.
- Keep a simple log. Write down your symptoms, missed work, and appointments.
- Save everything. Keep the police report number, photos, receipts, and letters from insurers.
- Be careful with adjusters. You do not have to give a recorded statement right away. Read our tips on talking to the insurance adjuster first.
If fault is disputed, or you are not sure how to handle the claim, our free Attorney Match can connect you with a local attorney. There is no fee to you and no obligation. For legal questions about deadlines or fault, ask your insurer or an attorney.
Why getting checked early matters
Insurance adjusters often look at how soon you got care after a crash. A long gap can make it harder to show your injuries came from the collision. An early exam also gives you a clear starting point, so your provider can track how you are healing.
Good records matter too. Our documentation services keep your exam findings, treatment, and progress organized for your insurer or attorney.
How we help
Littleton Auto Accident Experts is the car crash injury program of Raise Chiropractic, located at 8204 S Kipling Pkwy in Littleton. We offer a free whiplash screening and same-week exams. Your care can include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, and rehab, all under one roof with Dr. Neal Surani, Dr. Aubree Petty, and Dr. Paige Rainford, PT, DPT.
We verify your coverage and bill your claim, and many patients pay little or nothing out of pocket depending on coverage. We see drivers from all over the area, including Ken Caryl, Columbine, Dakota Ridge, Morrison, and Chatfield. See our Littleton area page for more.
If your crash happened on the highway instead, Raise Chiropractic has a helpful guide to C-470 crashes between Wadsworth and Santa Fe. You can also find more checklists on our resources page.
The bottom line
After a crash at a busy Littleton intersection, get safe, call for help if anyone is hurt, report the crash, and document the scene. Then get checked within a few days, even if you feel okay. Many injuries show up later, and an early exam protects both your health and your claim. Book a free whiplash screening or call (720) 432-5140.
Questions
Do I have to call the police after a minor crash in Littleton?
Generally, yes. Colorado law requires drivers to report crashes that cause injury or any property damage to the nearest police authority. Dispatch will tell you which agency handles your location and whether an officer will come to the scene.
Who is at fault in a left-turn crash at an intersection?
It depends on the facts, like who had a green arrow, a yellow light, or the right of way. Fault in Colorado can be shared between drivers. Photos, witness names, and the police report can all help. Ask your insurer or an attorney about your specific situation.
Should I get checked if I feel fine after an intersection crash?
Yes, it is a good idea. Adrenaline can hide pain, and many crash injuries take a day or more to show up. A free whiplash screening can catch problems early and creates a record of your visit.