Car accidents can happen in a matter of seconds, but the aftermath often feels like time stands still. If you have been involved in an auto accident in Phoenix, knowing what to do in those first few moments can make a significant difference in your safety, your health, and your future legal options.
If you’ve been in a car accident, medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages can accumulate fast. What you do immediately after the crash can impact any subsequent legal claims or insurance matters. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to do after a car accident in Phoenix.
Step 1 – Ensure Safety and Call 911
After a car accident, your safety and the safety of others are the most important considerations. If you are not badly hurt, try to move your vehicle to a safe place away from traffic. This helps prevent more accidents. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers know to be cautious.
If someone is hurt or the cars won’t budge, call 911 as soon as you can. Under Arizona law, you have to stop and help if you are able. Even if the accident doesn’t seem severe, getting emergency services involved is still necessary; it brings help to the scene quickly and makes sure there’s an official report, which can come in handy later for insurance or legal reasons.
Step 2 – Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Adrenaline can mask severe symptoms after a crash. Even if you feel okay, it is a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma may not show symptoms right away.
Prompt treatment not only supports your recovery but also links your injuries directly to the accident. This connection is critical if you file a personal injury claim later. Be sure to keep copies of all medical records and bills for your records.
Step 3 – Document the Accident Scene
Before vehicles are moved or debris is cleared, take photos or videos of the accident location to document the scene. Capture wide shots and close-ups of:
- All vehicle positions and visible damage
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- Road signs, traffic signals, or weather conditions
- Injuries you or others sustained
Exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. If there are any witnesses around, obtain their names and contact information as well. They may be able to help later when determining who caused the crash.
Don’t say the accident was your fault or apologize, even if you feel bad. What you say at the scene could be used against you later.
Step 4 – File a Police Report
In Arizona, you most notify law enforcement after a crash that results in injury, death, or significant vehicle damage. Law enforcement is legally required to file a police report in these circumstances or if they issue a citation. When officers arrive, provide a factual account of what happened, but refrain from speculation.
Insurance companies and lawyers typically review the police report when determining the facts of the incident. Once it’s available, get a copy and check that everything is correct. If you notice an error, you can contact the police department and request that they correct it or provide additional information.
Step 5 – Notify Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible, even if you believe the other driver was at fault. Most policies require prompt notification to preserve your right to file an insurance claim.
Provide the basic facts, but avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a quick settlement before speaking with a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, and early offers may not fully reflect your financial and physical losses.
Other Important Considerations
Pay attention to how the other driver was acting. If you think they were texting, speeding, or drunk, tell the police. That kind of behavior could help show who was at fault later.
Save all the evidence. Hold on to anything connected to the crash, such as medical records, car repair estimates, witness names and numbers, and any messages from the insurance company.
Know your rights. In Arizona, even if the crash was partly your fault, you can still receive compensation to help with your injuries, car damage, and time you missed from work. The amount might be less depending on how much blame you share.
Time Limits in Arizona
Under Arizona law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury. Missing this deadline may permanently block your ability to recover compensation through the courts.
When to Involve a Personal Injury Attorney
You may not need a lawyer after every car accident, but most of the time, it’s a good idea to hire one. If you were hurt and had to receive medical help, your car was severely damaged, the other driver didn’t have sufficient insurance, there’s a disagreement about who caused the crash, or the insurance company is slow or unhelpful, talking to a lawyer can help.
A personal injury lawyer can look into what happened, talk to the insurance company for you, and figure out whether a lawsuit makes sense. In some cases, someone else may be fully responsible, such as if a defective car part or an unsafe road condition caused the crash. A lawyer can help figure out who is at fault and explain the laws that apply to your situation.
Get Help from Triumph Law Group
Every case is different, and even seemingly minor crashes can turn complicated fast. The team at Triumph Law Group understands how to handle complex claims, tight timelines, and challenging insurance companies.
Our attorneys, based in Phoenix, have helped countless clients pursue recovery after auto accidents caused by driver negligence or reckless conduct. We also know how to evaluate strict liability claims that do not depend on proving fault, like those involving faulty parts.
If you have been injured, call 602-595-5559 to schedule a free consultation. We are here to answer your questions and assist you in moving forward.
Related Post
Understanding FMCSA Regulations in Arizona Truck Crashes
T