Arizona reports an average of 125,000 road crashes every year. In 2022, 1,294 Arizonians died in vehicular collisions, an 8% increase from the previous year, when these accidents claimed 1,198 lives.
With these statistics in mind, this short blog will help you understand the steps to take after a road accident in Arizona and why you should consult a car accident lawyer. Have a read below.
Steps to Take after a Car Accident
There’s no denying that car accidents can be traumatizing events for even the most resilient individuals. The sounds of the screeching tires, banging metal, and screaming occupants can haunt victims for years.
After a car crash, it’s crucial to take the right steps to safeguard your health and future. Here’s what you should do in the aftermath of a car crash:
Step 1: Dial 911
After everything settles down, make sure to check. Are you bleeding? Is everyone else in the car okay? Keep in mind that some car accident injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms immediately. Therefore, not having visible bruises doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear just yet.
That’s why you should waste no time calling 911. As you wait for assistance, it’s time to collect evidence.
Step 2: Collect Evidence
Start by taking pictures of any visible injuries on your person and the occupants of your vehicle. Capture evidence of the damaged vehicles and any surrounding property.
Next, politely approach the other motorists involved in the crash and ask for their contact and insurance details. Do not admit fault or accuse anyone else of causing the crash. Even though your emotions may be running high, it’s best to maintain a calm demeanor and let the police do their job.
When law enforcement arrives at the scene, furnish the attending officer with everything you can remember about the circumstances that led to the crash. Doing so will help them devise a comprehensive report that accurately describes the crash.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance
A good rule of thumb is to call your insurance and inform them of the crash within the first 72 hours. Your insurance company should pay for any damages covered by your policy.
The amount of coverage will depend on several factors, including the cause, the liable party, and the type of insurance coverage you have. The minimum insurance coverage for drivers is as follows:
- $25,000 for bodily injuries for a single person
- $50,000 for personal injuries for all parties
- $15,000 for property damage
“In case the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or their coverage is insufficient to cover your damages, uninsured driver coverage will be used,” says Personal Injury attorney Jeffrey Phillips of Phillips Law Group.
Step 4: Call Your Personal Injury Attorney
Research has shown that personal injury victims who seek legal counsel are more likely to win compensation than those who pursue their cases independently. A good personal injury lawyer will analyze your case and use multiple theories of liability against the responsible parties.
Take a case of a speeding vehicle that rams into yours, causing a severe whiplash injury. If it is determined that a brake failure may have also contributed to the crash, your attorney will file a claim against the driver and the brake part manufacturer.
While legal services are known to be pricey, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means they only get paid once you win the case, aligning their interests with yours.
Source: Phillips Law Group
