What to Do After a Car Accident in Arizona?

Guide to critical steps to take immediately following an automobile accident

A car accident is a traumatic event. Following a crash, there may be a number of emotions running through your head and it can be difficult to focus on the things you need to do. That’s why we’ve distilled the actions you should take following a car accident in Arizona into 10 essential steps.

Consider printing out this article and putting it in the glove compartment or glovebox of your car so that you have the information at your fingertips in the unfortunate event that you’re involved in a wreck.

Step 2: Provide aid to anyone injured (including yourself)

Helping someone who’s hurt after a car accident is not only the right thing to do, it’s also the law in Arizona. Title 28, Section 661 of the Arizona Revised Statutes requires drivers who are involved in an injury-causing accident to render “reasonable assistance” and/or help coordinate medical transportation.

Step 4: Exchange information with the other driver

Arizona law requires that you exchange the following information with the other driver:

• Driver’s name
• Driver’s address

• Driver’s license

• Vehicle registration number

Obtaining this information will also be important if you intend to pursue compensation for your damages.

Be sure to ask the other driver to see the documents from which you can obtain the above information (e.g., driver’s license). Drivers who don’t have insurance will often lie about their name and address, so you’ll want to be able to verify the information yourself. There’s also a chance the driver will leave the scene before the police arrive, so don’t assume the police will be able to get this information.

Step 6: Seek medical attention

Your health should be your top priority. If you’re injured in a car accident, you’ll want to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

But there’s another reason for seeking medical attention. Going to the doctor adds legitimacy to any future damage claim you make. If you don’t visit a doctor soon after the accident, the other party will argue that:

• You weren’t really hurt in the accident, or
• Your failure to seek medical help right away exacerbated or prolonged your injuries, and your damages should be reduced according.

Step 8: Document everything

If you seek damages, you can expect some pushback from the other side. The best way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve is to keep detailed records.

This includes:

• Bills and receipts for medical treatment
• A journal documenting your pain and suffering
• A list of the hours of work you miss as a result of the accident
• Photographs of any property damage and physical injuries

Step 10: Talk with an attorney as soon as possible

If you’re involved in more than just a minor accident or are having issues receiving sufficient compensation for your injuries from an insurance company, consider hiring an experienced Arizona personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can deal with the insurance company and help maximize your recovery.

If you’re still on the fence about contacting an attorney, consider the following:

• Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency basis (usually 1/3 of the damages awarded). This means you don’t pay anything unless you recover damages.

• Most personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations where they can help you determine whether you have a case worth pursuing.