Let’s be honest — no one ever wakes up thinking, "Today I’m going to be assaulted." It’s not something you prepare for. So when it happens, it hits hard. Your body hurts, your mind spins, and everything feels foggy. Whether it was a stranger, someone you know, or an ugly situation that got out of hand, being physically assaulted is traumatic.

In that chaos, knowing what to do next isn't easy. But if you're reading this, maybe you're trying to figure it out now — what happens after the ambulance leaves or the cops take a statement? Where do you go from here?

That’s where real legal guidance helps. So here are the actual steps you should take, based on what a seasoned physical assault attorney would tell their own friend or family member.

1. First, Get Somewhere Safe

This part might seem obvious, but sometimes it's not. After an assault, people freeze up. They try to downplay what happened or worry about looking dramatic.

Let that go. If you’re not safe — leave. Run, walk, crawl if you have to, but get away from the threat. Find a gas station, knock on a neighbor’s door, flag someone down — just get somewhere the danger isn’t.

Nothing else matters until you're safe.

2. Call the Police — Even If You’re Shaken Up or Unsure

People hesitate here. They think maybe it’ll blow over. Maybe they don’t want to “ruin” the other person’s life. Maybe they’re embarrassed. But reporting the assault creates an official record — and that’s critical.

Even if you don’t press charges, having the police document the incident matters. It can back up your story later, protect you from retaliation, and help your physical assault attorney build your case if you take legal action down the road.

It’s not being dramatic. It’s being smart.

3. Seek Medical Attention — Immediately, If Possible

Even if you think your injuries are minor, get checked out. Here’s why:

• You might have internal injuries you can't see or feel yet.

• Medical records provide proof of what happened.

• Your future legal claim — if you file one — depends on documentation.

Tell the doctor exactly what happened. Don't sugarcoat it. Be honest and detailed. If you later speak with a lawyer who handles personal injury law in Denver, that medical report is gold.

4. Preserve Any Evidence (Seriously — Don’t Throw Stuff Away)

Here’s where people often miss a step. You don’t have to be a detective, but there are a few basic things you can do:

• Clothes: Keep the clothes you were wearing. Don’t wash them.

• Photos: Take pictures of your injuries — the day it happened and over the next week. Bruises change. Cuts heal. Photos don’t.

• Messages: Save texts, emails, or voicemails from the person who assaulted you. Or from witnesses. Don’t delete anything.

• Witness info: If anyone saw the incident, get their name and number if you can.

You might not use all of it. But better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

5. Write Down Everything You Remember — While It’s Fresh

Details fade fast. What seemed crystal clear on day one gets blurry by day five.

Write it all down:

• What was said?

• Where were you?

• Who was around?

• What led up to it?

Even if it feels jumbled or messy, get it out. This will help you later — and help your physical assault attorney get a full picture of what happened.

6. Avoid Posting About It on Social Media

We get it. You want to vent. Or warn others. Or just say something.

But posting on social media — even just a vague story — can hurt your legal case. Your words can be taken out of context. Screenshots can be used against you.

Talk to friends, talk to a therapist, talk to your lawyer — but keep it offline for now. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later.

7. Talk to a Physical Assault Attorney — Even If You’re Not Sure You’ll Sue

This step is huge.

Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t want to sue anybody.” That’s fair. But talking to an attorney doesn’t mean you’re committing to anything. It means you’re getting informed.

A skilled physical assault attorney can help you:

• Understand your rights

• Explore your options

• Deal with insurance or potential civil claims

• Get protection (if needed)

• Document your case properly from the start

If you're dealing with personal injury law in Denver, you’ll want someone local who knows the system. Laws vary by state, even by county. And Colorado has specific timelines and limits on damages. A local attorney will make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

8. Take Care of Yourself — Mentally and Emotionally

This isn’t legal advice. It’s human advice.

Assault doesn’t just leave bruises. It rattles you. It might leave you jumpy, anxious, angry, or numb. Don’t just “push through it.” That’s not healing — that’s burying.

Talk to someone. A counselor. A support group. A friend who listens. And give yourself some grace — your brain is doing its best to process something awful.

Your attorney can even connect you to victim resources if you need help finding someone to talk to.

Final Thought: You Didn’t Deserve This — And You Don’t Have to Handle It Alone

What happened to you wasn’t your fault. That’s not just a legal truth — it’s a human one.

Yes, the system can be frustrating. And yes, it takes strength to take action. But the steps you take now can protect your future, and maybe even help others in similar situations.

If you’re considering legal help, don’t wait. The sooner you connect with a physical assault attorney, the stronger your case — and the more control you take back. Especially if you're navigating personal injury law in Denver, having someone who knows the legal landscape can make all the difference.