After being injured in a car accident on an Arizona roadway, you may feel disoriented and uncertain about what steps to take next. Every year, thousands of Phoenix drivers face this critical moment when a routine drive transforms into a potentially life-altering event. The steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days following a collision can substantially impact your physical recovery, financial compensation, and legal protection.
In these challenging times, consulting with a Phoenix car accident lawyer may help you secure the legal protection you deserve.
What Should I Do If I’m injured in a car accident?
If you’re injured in a car accident in Arizona, immediately call 911 or have someone call for you to get medical assistance. Even injuries that seem minor require professional evaluation, as some serious conditions may not show symptoms right away. Document all medical care you receive, as these records will be necessary for insurance claims and any potential legal actions.
Step 1: Ensure Safety at the Accident Scene
Your first priority after a collision is ensuring everyone’s safety. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent additional accidents, especially on busy Phoenix highways like I-10 or Loop 101. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the situation.
Check yourself for injuries before attempting to help others. If you’re able, check on all other parties involved in the accident, including passengers in all vehicles. However, avoid moving anyone who appears to have neck or back injuries unless there’s an immediate danger like fire.
Remember that Arizona law requires you to remain at the accident scene. Leaving before exchanging information or before police arrive could result in hit-and-run charges, which carry severe penalties including potential felony charges if injuries are involved.
Step 2: Call 911 and Report the Accident
In Arizona, you’re legally required to report an accident to law enforcement if it results in injuries or property damage exceeding $2,000. Given today’s vehicle repair costs, most accidents will exceed this threshold.
When calling 911, provide clear information about your location, including nearby intersections or mile markers, and inform the dispatcher if there are any injuries requiring medical attention. Stay on the line and follow any instructions provided.
Phoenix police prioritize accident responses based on severity, so be aware that in cases of minor accidents without injuries, officers might take longer to arrive or direct you to file a report online or at a station. If police do respond, they’ll create an official accident report, which will be valuable documentation for insurance claims.
Step 3: Exchange Information with Other Drivers
While waiting for police or after they’ve completed their investigation, exchange information with all other drivers involved in the accident. This should include:
- Full names, phone numbers, and addresses
- Insurance company names and policy numbers
- Driver’s license information
- Vehicle details including make, model, year, and license plate number
Taking photos of license plates, driver’s licenses, and insurance cards can help ensure accuracy. Many insurance companies have mobile apps that make this process easier, allowing you to document the required information directly in your claim file.
During this exchange, be courteous but cautious about your statements. Avoid admitting fault or making accusatory comments that could be used against you later. Stick to exchanging the required information without discussing who caused the accident.
Step 4: Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly
Comprehensive documentation of the accident scene can greatly strengthen your position when dealing with insurance companies. Use your smartphone to take multiple photos from different angles showing:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- The overall accident scene, including the positions of vehicles
- Road conditions that might have contributed to the accident
- Traffic signals, signs, or road markings
- Weather and visibility conditions
If there were witnesses to the accident, politely ask for their contact information and if they’d be willing to provide a brief statement about what they saw. Witness testimony can be invaluable, especially in cases where fault is disputed.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s important to seek medical evaluation after an accident. The shock and adrenaline from a collision can mask pain symptoms, and some injuries like concussions, whiplash, and internal bleeding may not become apparent for hours or even days.
Common delayed-onset injuries from car accidents include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal disc injuries
- Internal bleeding
Arizona offers numerous emergency care options, including hospital emergency rooms, urgent care facilities, and specialized trauma centers throughout the state. Many healthcare providers are experienced in treating accident-related injuries and can provide appropriate documentation for your case.
After initial treatment, follow your doctor’s recommendations precisely. Attend all follow-up appointments, complete prescribed therapies, and keep detailed records of all medical care received. Consistent medical care strengthens your case when dealing with insurance companies and legal matters.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally within 24-72 hours. Most insurers have specific time limits for reporting accidents, and delays could jeopardize your coverage.
Before calling, gather all the information you’ve collected, including the police report number, photos, and contact information for other involved parties. Most insurance companies have 24-hour claims hotlines or mobile apps for reporting accidents.
During this conversation, stick to the facts of what happened without speculation or admitting fault. Be honest but concise in your description of the accident and your injuries.
Arizona operates under a “fault” insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for the resulting damages. Depending on your policy, you might be covered under various types of coverage including liability insurance, collision coverage, or uninsured motorist protection.
Step 7: Obtain the Police Report
The official police report serves as a key piece of evidence for your insurance claim or potential legal action. In Phoenix, you can typically request a copy of your accident report online through the Phoenix Police Department website, in person at the police department records section, or through your insurance company.
Reports are usually available 5-7 business days after the accident. When you receive the report, review it carefully for accuracy. Check that all details about the accident, including your statement, are correctly recorded. If you find errors, contact the police department about the process for submitting corrections.
Step 8: Understand Arizona’s Car Accident Laws
Several Arizona laws may impact your car accident claim:
- Arizona has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for injuries.
- The state follows a “pure comparative negligence” system, which means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Arizona requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage.
These legal frameworks will shape how your case proceeds through the system. Understanding these fundamental principles can help you make informed decisions about your claim and set realistic expectations for potential outcomes. If your situation is complex, consulting with a local attorney who specializes in Arizona traffic law may provide valuable insights.
Step 9: Address Vehicle Damage and Repairs
Get multiple repair estimates from reputable Phoenix auto shops. While your insurance company may recommend specific repair facilities, you generally have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired.
If your vehicle is deemed a total loss, your insurer should offer you the actual cash value of your vehicle. Research comparable vehicles in the Phoenix market to ensure the offer is fair, and don’t hesitate to negotiate if it seems low.
Ask about rental car coverage during repairs, which may be included in your policy or available as an add-on. If the accident wasn’t your fault, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your rental costs.
Step 10: Consider Consulting an Attorney
Consider consulting with an attorney about your accident, regardless of severity, as they can help ensure you’re receiving fair treatment from insurance companies and identify all potential compensation you might be entitled to.
- Serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment
- Disputed fault for the accident
- Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Crashes involving commercial vehicles or government entities
- Insurance companies offering inadequate settlements
Phoenix car accident attorney can provide valuable guidance on navigating the claims process, establishing liability, and negotiating with insurance companies. Most attorneys in this field understand the physical, emotional, and financial strain that accident victims experience and can help reduce your stress during recovery. Additionally, they can identify compensation opportunities you might not be aware of based on the specific circumstances of your case.
Most offer free initial consultations and typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive compensation.
Step 11: Document All Expenses and Impacts
Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses and impacts on your life, including:
- Medical bills and expenses, including medications and medical equipment
- Lost wages and documentation of missed work time
- Property damage and repair costs
- Additional expenses like transportation to medical appointments
Also document how the accident has affected your daily life, including physical pain, emotional distress, and inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed. This documentation supports claims for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Under Arizona law, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages. Thorough documentation strengthens your position when seeking fair compensation.
Speak to a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a car accident or suffered loss due to another’s negligence in Arizona, or you are dealing with an insurance company that is lowballing your claim or outright denying you the compensation you deserve, Hutzler Law can help. Our Phoenix car accident attorneys know what tactics and strategies insurance companies use to protect their interests and minimize payouts to accident victims.
We offer free consultations for car accident matters, so you get answers to your questions without committing to a law firm right away.
Call our office today at (602) 730-4530 or fill out our short contact form.
Jason Hutzler
Jason Hutzler is the founding attorney of Hutzler Law, a Phoenix injury and car accident law firm dedicated to fighting for the rights of injury victims. He represents individuals throughout Arizona, using his experience as a former insurance adjuster to anticipate insurance company tactics and maximize compensation for his clients.