Should You Always Call the Police After a Car Accident?

You should always call the police after an accident. Police reports are a critical part of evidence used in insurance claims and car accident lawsuits. Never admit fault to the officer, though. Use language like “Our cars collided,” rather than “I ran into their car,” unless you can honestly say “They ran into me.”

After contacting the police, you should immediately contact a car accident lawyer in Phoenix. Let’s explore in more detail how to contact the police after an accident and what to say.

Calling 911

What to do after a car accident in Phoenix depends on if the accident is serious or not. This is how you should handle both situations:

Serious Accidents

If anyone is injured, you should immediately dial 911. If you are physically okay, state law requires that you help anyone who is injured. Do not move anyone who is unconscious or may have neck or spine injuries–this can cause further harm. Once the police, ambulance, or firefighters arrive, they will take over. Stay out of their way, follow instructions, and let them do their job. 

Less Severe Accidents

If the accident was minor and everyone is unhurt, you should contact your police department’s non-emergency line. A police officer will be dispatched to the scene to file an accident report. What you say next is extremely important. 

How to Speak With the Police

Before the police arrive, never apologize to the other driver. This can be seen as an admission of fault or guilt. Do not discuss the accident. Begin filming on your phone and take some still photos from as many angles as possible. These can be used to help your case in court and to assess damage.

Photos and videos also help to document the scene after the accident before vehicles are removed. This can become very important to your case. Exchange information with the other driver and get their insurance information, driver’s license, and license plate number. 

Many people are nervous about speaking with the police. Don’t worry–the police understand that you’ve just been involved in an accident and won’t find it strange if you are nervous. Do your best to stay calm and always remain polite with the police officer. Remember, their report is going to determine a lot about how the case is handled going forward. 

Answer the officers’ questions and do not refuse to talk with them. While you do have the right to remain silent, the court may see this negatively if it goes to trial. 

Before Leaving the Scene

Ask the officer for a copy of the police report as well as information such as the officer’s name and which department they are with. Double-check that you have all of the information you may need from the other driver.

If your car is being towed away or impounded, ask the officer where it is being taken. If the accident is extremely severe, the police may impound vehicles to conduct further investigations. 

You may think the next item on your list is to contact your insurance company, but this is not the best idea. Your insurance company typically does not have your best interests at heart–their job is to pay out as little money as possible. Your next call should be to a qualified car accident lawyer like Gage Mathers. 

Getting What You Deserve

Gage Mathers has been working with car accident cases in the state of Arizona for more than fifty years. Our founder, David Gage, helped to write Arizona law on uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Don’t worry about lawyer fees for car accidents just yet–our initial consultations are always free. 

Our firm is dedicated to helping you obtain the best possible settlement and will fight for you every step of the way. We offer personalized service that is unmatched and will make sure that you feel comfortable throughout the entire process.

Ready to get expert advice on handling the aftermath of a car accident? We’re here to help–reach out for your free consultation today!

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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