What to Do After a Car Accident in Phoenix

Knowing what to do after a car accident is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring your safety. After ensuring everyone is okay and contacting the authorities, it’s essential to document the scene and gather information from all parties involved. Seeking legal advice after a car accident can significantly influence the outcome of your case. 

An experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the claims process, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Don’t hesitate to reach out for legal guidance, as they can provide valuable insights tailored to your unique situation.

Render Aid Immediately

If the accident is serious, dial 911 or direct bystanders to do so. If you are unhurt, help anyone who is injured. This is required by state law. Never move anyone who is unconscious or looks like they may have neck or spine injuries.

If the accident is less severe, you can call your local police department’s non-emergency line. Even if an accident appears minor, you may wonder if you should always call the police after a car accident. The answer is ‘yes’–but only call 911 if someone is hurt.

Once you’re sure that everyone is okay, begin filming the scene. Take photos and videos. Video with audio may catch important statements, such as a driver admitting fault. Film from all angles. Police or fire trucks may move the vehicles aside once they arrive, and any photos from before this happens can be critical in your case. 

If you speak with the other driver, never apologize. Apologies can be used as evidence that you are at fault. “I’m a little shaken up–let’s wait for the police,” is a good answer. Exchange license and insurance information and nothing more. 

Once police, the fire department, or ambulances arrive, follow their instructions. Inform them if you feel hurt. Stand aside and wait until the scene is secured. The police will then approach you to get your side of the story. The conversation you have with them is extremely important. 

Remain Calm and Polite

Emotions are likely to be high after an accident, but do your best to stay calm. No matter how angry you are at the situation, do not yell at the police officer. They are there to do their jobs and being hostile is the worst possible reaction. Their report determines how your case is handled by the insurance companies and the law.

You should provide the police at the scene with your personal information, but refrain from discussing fault. Statements like, “I need a few hours to calm down,” are acceptable. If the officer is persistent, it is okay to say, “I need to speak with an attorney.” 

However, it’s important to remain polite and show a willingness to provide information in the future. Do not stonewall the officer. Complete refusal to speak to police after an accident can be looked down upon, especially if a car accident case goes to court. 

Final Steps Before Returning Home

Your vehicle may not be drivable after an accident. If your car is towed or needs to be impounded for investigation, ask the officer where it is going. Additionally, make sure to ask the officer for their name, badge number, and a copy of the police report. Take a photo in case you misplace it. 

Do not contact your insurance company immediately after leaving the scene. Typically, their only goal is to pay you as little as possible. Your next call needs to be to a reputable car accident attorney such as Gage Mathers. 

Our firm has been operating in the state of Arizona for more than five decades. To date, we have successfully recovered more than $275 million in settlements for our clients. No matter how much work is required, our attorneys are ready to help you. We will fight for your case and ensure that you get every penny you deserve!

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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