What to Do After an Accident in Arizona

If you’re in a car accident in Arizona, there are certain things you can do to help your chances of securing compensation later. Try to remain calm and complete as many of the following steps as you can. Remember: help is available in the form of an experienced Arizona car accident lawyer.

 

Check for Injuries

Check yourself and your passengers for injuries right away. Tend to any that require immediate attention. Try to signal for help if you need it.

Move to a Safe Area

Your vehicle may be in a dangerous spot after a wreck. Move to a location far from traffic as soon as it’s safe and possible.

Don’t operate your vehicle unless you’re certain you can do so safely. It may be better to move on foot.

Call the Police

While drivers are not required to report accidents to police in Arizona, you always should. Per Arizona law, police must create a report if they respond to an accident that involves any of the following:

• Bodily injury
• Death
• Property damage worth more than $2,000
• A citation

Call the police and wait for the dispatcher to send an officer to the accident scene to investigate. The police report may be an objective piece of evidence you can reference later when filing a claim.

Get Medical Attention

If you need emergency care, get medical attention right away. If you don’t, wait until the police give you permission to leave the accident scene to see a doctor.

What’s most important is seeking treatment on the day of the wreck. Don’t assume that you’re not hurt simply because you feel fine. Sometimes, car accident injuries don’t cause noticeable symptoms immediately.

You need a medical professional to check your condition and determine if you need treatment. Be sure to tell them that you were in a car accident. From the start, save all bills and records from relevant medical appointments after the collision.

Exchange Information

Arizona law requires you to provide your name, address, and registration number to other drivers involved in the accident. You must show them your driver’s license if they ask you for it.

Don’t confront the other drivers in anger after a crash. You don’t want to escalate the situation, even if you have good reason to believe their negligence endangered your life. Instead, calmly check to see if the other drivers need medical attention. Exchange contact and insurance information with them after doing so.

If the other driver flees the scene, try to remember as many identifying details about them and their vehicle as you can.

Take Photos and Video of the Accident Scene

Photograph and video the crash scene from multiple angles. Get images of the damage to both the interior and exterior sections of all vehicles. Use landmarks like street signs to give a sense of scale and the position of all cars. In addition, take pictures of debris on the street and any visual signs of your injuries.

Do Not Admit Fault

Never say anything suggesting your own behavior played even a minor role in the crash. Admitting fault in any capacity could reduce the compensation you’re eligible to receive.

Follow Through with Medical Treatment

Follow the advice of your doctors after a crash. Taking steps to improve your condition can improve your chances of negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company.

Document Everything

Document your medical care and any other harm you’ve suffered because of the accident. For example, keep track of your lost wages if you can’t work because of your injuries. If you’re coping with pain, keep a pain journal to document your struggles.

By properly recording your losses, you could pursue compensation for your:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Stay Off Social Media

The insurance adjuster assigned to your case will likely check social media for any posts they can use to justify offering you less compensation than you’re seeking. For example, a picture of you playing sports or a post about a recent trip to the gym could suggest your injuries aren’t that serious.

Don’t give the insurance company extra ammunition during negotiations. Stay off social media while your car accident case is pending.

Call a Car Accident Lawyer

You don’t have to work with the insurance company directly after an Arizona car crash. Instead, you can hire an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your claim. Their understanding of the process and negotiating tactics could help you demand the compensation you deserve.

Arizona law establishes a deadline for filing an auto accident claim. You only have two years from the date of the crash to take legal action. Failure to file a claim by the deadline will result in loss of eligibility for compensation. Don’t waste any time. Get a car accident attorney on your case as soon as possible.

Contact an Arizona Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t worry if you haven’t taken all these steps perfectly after a wreck. You can still strengthen your case by enlisting the help of experienced legal professionals.

An Arizona car accident lawyer with Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC can review your case, explain your legal options, gather evidence of the other driver’s fault, file a claim on your behalf, and much more. Find out what we can do for you when you contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Visit Our Arizona Car Accident Law Offices