Who to Call After a Car Accident in Scottsdale

When you’re in a car accident in Scottsdale, the first calls you make should be to the police, medical professionals, your insurance company, and possibly a Scottsdale car accident lawyer.

Being involved in a car accident can be a harrowing experience. Memorizing your first steps beforehand can be the difference between a difficult situation being hard or unbearable. It can also be the difference between your rights being protected or ignored.

This article will explain who to call and how to make sure they’re doing everything they’re supposed to once they’ve been notified.

Call Emergency Services Immediately

The first step after any accident is to ensure everyone is safe. Once you and anyone else involved are clear of any immediate danger, dial 911 and report the accident.

Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to get checked out. Adrenaline is good at its job–energizing your body so you can power through pain and trauma. This means that you might not feel the symptoms of serious injuries until later. It’s important to ensure you get the care you need, and medical records from the scene or shortly after the accident can be important for insurance claims and legal cases.

Having a police report is also critical if you later file an insurance claim or anyone involved pursues legal action. Once the police arrive, they should document the accident and collect statements from any witnesses.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Once everyone is safe and emergency services have been notified, contact your insurance provider. Tell them the time and location of the accident, as well as the contact information of any involved parties.

When making this call, stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault or frame the accident as something you could have avoided. Describe the details objectively, and leave it at that.

When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you were hurt in the accident or believe the other driver was at fault, you may want to talk to a personal injury lawyer. What does a car accident lawyer do? They guide you through the claims process, ensure you receive fair compensation, and, like any good lawyer, help protect your rights. You may also want to call a lawyer if the insurance company suggests an unfairly low settlement or if there are arguments about who was responsible for the accident.

Being in an accident is overwhelming and challenging, especially if you’ve been hurt. In the aftermath, many people are in no position to advocate for their rights arguing with a stranger or a wealthy insurance company. Hiring a lawyer means you don’t have to take on the fight alone.

Other Actions to Take

Knowing who to call is only part of the equation. The following actions can further strengthen your case and protect your interests:

Gather evidence: If you’re well enough, take photos and videos of the scene of the accident. Be excessively thorough; you never know what you’ll need later.

Trade information: Exchange names, numbers, and insurance information with anyone else involved in the accident and, if you can, talk to any witnesses and get their information, as well.

Keep records: Save all documents related to your injuries and treatment. This includes any pain and suffering you experience, any calls or visits to medical professionals, and how much work you miss because of the accident.

Making the Right Call

Being involved in a car accident is horrible–no matter what. If you can remember these three steps, however, it might save you a small amount of pain and suffering: call 911, call your insurer, and call a lawyer. With these three calls made, you’re instantly in a much better position and are more likely to be protected both physically and legally.

To learn more about the possible outcomes of an accident, don’t miss our post on why your car accident claim is going to arbitration in Scottsdale.

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 23 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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