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You should always call the police after an accident. Police car crash reports are a critical part of evidence used in insurance claims and car accident lawsuits. Never admit fault to the police 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 when you call the police.
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 car accident situations:
If anyone is injured in the car crash, you should immediately dial 911. If you are physically okay, state law requires that you help anyone who is injured in the vehicle accident. 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 the police do their job.
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 to the police is extremely important.
Before the police arrive, never apologize to the other driver. This can be seen as an admission of fault or guilt for the accident. 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 accident 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 car accident 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 police report is going to determine a lot about how the case is handled going forward.
Answer the police 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.
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 car driver.
If your car is being towed away or impounded, ask the officer where it is being taken. If the car 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 for your insurance claim. Your next call should be to a qualified car accident lawyer like Gage Mathers.
Officers might not immediately turn up at the scene of auto accidents as police prioritize responses based on how severe they are. If the police don’t show up after you call them, you can take the following steps to protect yourself and build a strong case:
Gather the names, contact information, and insurance details of all car drivers and passengers involved in the crash. Check their driver’s licenses to make sure they’re providing accurate info.
Note key details of the incident, such as the date, time, location, weather conditions, landmarks, etc. Take photos of the accident scene, focusing on car positions, visible damages, and the like.
Check for any features or circumstances that can help prove that someone caused the accident by speeding, failing to yield, or driving while distracted. Ask around to see if bystanders witnessed the event and check if nearby establishments had security cameras that may have captured the accident.
You can always file a police report on your own. While an account made by an officer at the scene might be more impactful, your own report will still be useful when it comes to filing claims or getting compensation.
Remember to also call your attorney and report the accident to your insurance company for proper support and assistance, as well as to record accountability.
Under Arizona law, you must call the police and report a car accident within twenty-four hours if it involves significant injuries or death, heavy property damage (more than $1,000), or issued citations. Otherwise, you’re technically not legally required to call the police.
You can, instead, just agree with the other driver to settle damages and insurance claims on your own, or file a report to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) within ten days (for accidents with property damages exceeding $500).
However, in some cases, officers might consider the accident a hit-and-run if it isn’t reported, putting you at risk of fines or legal repercussions. So, calling the police will always be the best course of action, no matter the severity of the accident.
You should call an officer to help establish fault at the scene; this is particularly important if you think that the other driver involved violated traffic laws. By showing that you were innocent, the police officer’s report can help you with your insurance claim and boost your accident case if you decide to take it to court and obtain compensation for damages.
When you call the police, you are also getting an unbiased perspective that can objectively account for what happened in the car accident. This way, you’ll have an official report that provides evidence, can dispute claims, and will protect you legally–saving you from complications down the line!
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 legal consultations are always free.
Our legal 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 legal consultation today!
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