Do you know what to do if you’re in a car accident?
In 2020 alone, 1,057 people died in Arizona as a result of a car collision. It’s one of the hardest things you could go through, and even if you’re not injured you won’t be thinking straight. That’s why it’s important to know what to do in an accident before you have one.
That’s where we can help! Keep reading for these steps to take if you’re in a car accident in Arizona.
Table of Contents
1. Stop Your Vehicle
When it comes to what to do if you are in a car accident the first thing is to stop at the scene. It’s breaking the law to leave the scene of an accident. You must stop, exchange information with the other driver/s, no matter the severity of the crash.
The information you must exchange under Arizona law is name, address, driver’s license, and registration number. This information is vital if you want to claim compensation for any injuries or damages.
If you’re caught in a hit-and-run Arizona car accident, the penalties can be severe. It ranges from between 30 days to 12 years of jail time, depending on the accident and circumstances.
2. Get Help For Injuries Including Your Own
The next step in what to do after a car accident is to help anyone who’s injured. Under title 28, Section 661 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, this is a legal requirement.
Any driver involved in an accident that causes injury must give reasonable help. They must also coordinate and inform all relevant medical emergency responders and transportation.
Make sure you keep all the documentation relating to your injuries. This adds legitimacy to your claim. If you don’t get treatment right away, the other party’s insurer may claim you’re misrepresenting your injuries.
3. Call the Police
Even if it’s a minor prang, you must call the police to attend the scene. The police will make a report in the event of damage and injury, which is important if you plan to make a claim.
You’ll also want to take your own photos of damages, injuries to yourself and the scene. Don’t move anything. Take your video and photo evidence as the scene rests and then leave it intact for the police.
This will help further prove your case in a court of law if you need to further down the line. You should also get witness statements from:
- Pedestrians
- Drivers & passengers in other vehicles
- People in adjacent buildings
- Emergency responders
Don’t make any admissions of guilt for the accident or apologize to anyone. This includes the other driver or any passengers/witnesses. But be honest with regards to the facts. For example, if it’s nighttime and the other driver has their headlights off.
4. Tell Your Insurer
Even if you weren’t at fault in an accident, you should contact your insurer right away. Tell them the facts of the accident, and provide the other driver’s details when asked for them.
5. Hire a Quality Car Accident Lawyer
For the best chance of getting compensation, get the best car accident lawyer in Arizona like Sweet Lawyers. You can find out more here at sweetlaw.com.
They can help handle the insurance companies, and get the best settlement possible. If you need to go to court, then they’ll be by your side every step of the way.
Know What to Do in a Car Accident in Arizona
So, there you have it! Now you know these steps to take, you’ll know what to do in a car accident in Arizona. Make sure you know your legal requirements and if able, gather as much evidence as you can. Don’t admit fault to any party and contact a great Arizona lawyer if you want to claim for damages.
If you found this article useful, check out our other blog posts today!
Do you know what to do if you’re in a car accident?
In 2020 alone, 1,057 people died in Arizona as a result of a car collision. It’s one of the hardest things you could go through, and even if you’re not injured you won’t be thinking straight. That’s why it’s important to know what to do in an accident before you have one.
That’s where we can help! Keep reading for these steps to take if you’re in a car accident in Arizona.
1. Stop Your Vehicle
When it comes to what to do if you are in a car accident the first thing is to stop at the scene. It’s breaking the law to leave the scene of an accident. You must stop, exchange information with the other driver/s, no matter the severity of the crash.
The information you must exchange under Arizona law is name, address, driver’s license, and registration number. This information is vital if you want to claim compensation for any injuries or damages.
If you’re caught in a hit-and-run Arizona car accident, the penalties can be severe. It ranges from between 30 days to 12 years of jail time, depending on the accident and circumstances.
2. Get Help For Injuries Including Your Own
The next step in what to do after a car accident is to help anyone who’s injured. Under title 28, Section 661 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, this is a legal requirement.
Any driver involved in an accident that causes injury must give reasonable help. They must also coordinate and inform all relevant medical emergency responders and transportation.
Make sure you keep all the documentation relating to your injuries. This adds legitimacy to your claim. If you don’t get treatment right away, the other party’s insurer may claim you’re misrepresenting your injuries.
3. Call the Police
Even if it’s a minor prang, you must call the police to attend the scene. The police will make a report in the event of damage and injury, which is important if you plan to make a claim.
You’ll also want to take your own photos of damages, injuries to yourself and the scene. Don’t move anything. Take your video and photo evidence as the scene rests and then leave it intact for the police.
This will help further prove your case in a court of law if you need to further down the line. You should also get witness statements from:
- Pedestrians
- Drivers & passengers in other vehicles
- People in adjacent buildings
- Emergency responders
Don’t make any admissions of guilt for the accident or apologize to anyone. This includes the other driver or any passengers/witnesses. But be honest with regards to the facts. For example, if it’s nighttime and the other driver has their headlights off.
4. Tell Your Insurer
Even if you weren’t at fault in an accident, you should contact your insurer right away. Tell them the facts of the accident, and provide the other driver’s details when asked for them.
5. Hire a Quality Car Accident Lawyer
For the best chance of getting compensation, get the best car accident lawyer in Arizona like Sweet Lawyers. You can find out more here at sweetlaw.com.
They can help handle the insurance companies, and get the best settlement possible. If you need to go to court, then they’ll be by your side every step of the way.
Know What to Do in a Car Accident in Arizona
So, there you have it! Now you know these steps to take, you’ll know what to do in a car accident in Arizona. Make sure you know your legal requirements and if able, gather as much evidence as you can. Don’t admit fault to any party and contact a great Arizona lawyer if you want to claim for damages.
If you found this article useful, check out our other blog posts today!
