No Fee Unless You Win
After a car accident in Phoenix or anywhere else, contact the police immediately, render aid to anyone who is hurt, exchange information with the other driver, and never admit fault. Wait for the police to arrive and follow their instructions.
Accidents can be scary, but it’s important to understand how to handle the situation if an accident happens. Always contact a reputable Phoenix car accident lawyer so they can help guide you through the next steps. Here are some other things you should be sure to do after an accident:
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.
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.
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!
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 l...
Posted by Joseph D'Aguanno
Lawyer fees for a car accident aren’t charged on an hourly basis. Personal injury attorneys charge what is known as a ‘contingency fee.’ This means there is no fee unless you win your case,...
read morePosted by Joseph D'Aguanno
In 2022, Arizona saw almost 5,000 red-light running crashes. Arizona is number one in the nation for red light runners. Innocent people are dying as a result or red light crashes. In 2022, Ari...
read moreIf you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at (602) 258-0646
2525 E Arizona Biltmore Cir #A114, Phoenix, AZ 85016
get directions