Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer

Each year, about six million car accidents occur in the United States. Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in a situation where you’ve been involved in an accident—let alone injured in one. Still, it’s always wise to prepare for the unexpected. By knowing what to do (and what not to do) after a car accident, you can act quickly and sensibly.

1. Get to Safety

Your safety and well being should be the first priority when you’re in an accident. If the accident occurs on a busy road, pull your car off the road to safety (especially if traffic is still passing by) and make sure you and other passengers in your car are okay. Call 9-1-1 for medical attention if anybody is injured; even if you don’t notice any obvious, injuries, it’s not a bad idea to be checked out by a doctor immediately after an accident—as symptoms of some common injuries (like whiplash) may not show up until a day or two afterwards.

2. Call Police

No matter how minor the accident may be, you’ll want to have formal documentation in the form of a written police report. Contact your local police department to report the accident, and wait on-scene until officers arrive. Keep in mind that if the accident is a minor one, you may have to wait for a bit while officers handle high-priority calls.

If your accident has occurred on a city street, you’ll most likely file a report with the local police or sheriff’s department. For highway accidents, however, you should expect to file with state highway patrol. Regardless, you should be given a case or report number after you make your statement so that you can obtain a copy of the police report once it is filed.

3. Never Admit Fault

While waiting for the police to show up, there’s a good chance your adrenaline will be pumping—even if the accident you were in was not a major one. This is simply your body’s natural response to a dangerous situation. Because of your increased adrenaline, you may actually find yourself feeling energized, hyperactive, and/or talkative. It’s important to remember, though, that you should never admit fault to another involved party after an accident. In fact, it’s generally best to avoid speaking with other people involved in your accident, aside from the purposes covered below.

4. Trade Information

You will need to exchange information with every other party involved in your car accident. This should include your insurance information, first and foremost. If the police arrive in a timely manner, you can have an officer handle this for you—especially if you’re injured or not comfortable speaking with others involved. If you’ll be waiting for police, however, it’s a good idea to exchange information sooner rather than later. That’s because on the off chance that the other driver flees the scene, you’ll want to have that information already gathered.

In addition to exchanging insurance information, it’s a good idea to write down the make and model of all other cars involved, as well as license plate numbers and general descriptions of other drivers.

5. Document as Much as Possible

There’s no such thing as having too much information when it comes to your car accident. If you have a cell phone with a built-in camera, take as many pictures of the accident scene as possible (as long as you’re not injured and are able to safely do so). Try to get photos from different angles, and be sure to document your surroundings and the road conditions. For example, if your car skidded on a patch of black ice, try to get a photo of the culprit. If there are traffic signs (such as street intersection signs) nearby, get pictures of those as well.

Did anybody witness your accident? If so, you might want to flag them down and ask them to give a statement to police, especially if they have information that may help your case. If they don’t want to wait for police to arrive, you might consider asking for their information so that police can follow up with them later on.

Down the road, you’ll also want to keep detailed documentation of any medical expenses you incur as a result of your accident, as well as estimates for repairing your vehicle and other other costs related to the accident itself. These can prove useful in negotiating a settlement with the insurance company.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

As soon as you’re able to do so, give your car insurance agent a call to begin your claim process. The sooner you do this, the better. It’s even possible that your insurance agent will be able to come out to the scene of your accident help with taking photos or gathering other documentation as needed. At the very least, your agent will be able to get in touch with the auto insurance companies from other drivers involved to begin working on a settlement.

Another reason it’s so important to report your accident to your insurance company quickly is that many auto insurance policies with medical benefits will only pay out if you report the accident immediately and provide ample documentation.

7. Consult an Attorney

No matter how “cut-and-dry” your car accident case may seem, it’s never a bad idea to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Phoenix who also specializes in auto accidents. After all, even if you don’t have any obvious injuries immediately after the accident, you could develop symptoms in the days after your collision.

Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always have your best interests at heart, either. Even if you receive a settlement offer from the insurance company for injuries and/or property damage as a result of the accident, then, it’s a good idea to have an attorney review your proposed settlement. In most cases, these settlements are on the low end. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Phoenix will be able to work diligently at reaching a fair settlement for your accident case.

The Bottom Line

Being involved in an auto accident is taxing enough, but going back and forth with the insurance company after-afterwards can be even more stressful in some ways. Make sure you’re well represented by working with a personal injury and car accident attorney from the day of your accident until the day your case is settled. From there, you can enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that your best interests are at the forefront—and that you’ll have a fighting chance at a fair settlement.

Sort by Category

Related Posts

How to Document Your Motorcycle Accident for Your Claim

How to Document Your Motorcycle Accident for Your Claim

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries and significant financial burdens. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s essential to understand how to document your motorcycle accident properly. This article will guide you through the...

How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer for Your Case

How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer for Your Case

Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, often resulting in physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. If you find yourself in such a situation, it's crucial to seek legal representation to protect your rights and navigate the complex legal...

How to Calculate Car Accident Settlements in Arizona

How to Calculate Car Accident Settlements in Arizona

According to a well-known insurance firm, Arizona is one of the most risky states for car accidents. There are many worse cities for traffic, but rush hour in the wild, wild west is still rush hour, and tailgating, construction, and speed demons all contribute to...

6 Things To Know About Arizona Hit-and-Run Laws

6 Things To Know About Arizona Hit-and-Run Laws

When a car accident happens, it evokes a flight or fight response in those involved. When the flight wins, the driver flees the crash scene. If this happens, the fleeing motorist breaches the provisions of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Under sections 28-661 and...

What to do when involved in a Pedestrian Accident in Arizona

What to do when involved in a Pedestrian Accident in Arizona

Not every motor vehicle collision involves just motor vehicles. You may be a pedestrian, bicyclist, or scooter rider that gets hit by a motor vehicle and suffers injury. If you find yourself in such a position, you may still be entitled to compensation for your...

What To Do If Involved In A Multi-Vehicle Collision in Arizona?

What To Do If Involved In A Multi-Vehicle Collision in Arizona?

Car accidents frequently occur on Arizona roads. In 2020 alone, there were 98,778 motor vehicle crashes in Arizona. When these collisions occur, they can leave survivors with severe injuries. In worse scenarios, the car accident victims may die. Fortunately, Arizona...

What if I am Injured in an Out-Of-State Car Accident?

What if I am Injured in an Out-Of-State Car Accident?

There is no denying that car accidents are unexpected and unanticipated events. Whether you're commuting to home or travelling out-of-state on vacations, they may happen anywhere. As per a recent survey of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),...

Arizona Auto Accident Guide

Arizona Auto Accident Guide

Wondering what to do if you're in a crash? Our Phoenix personal injury law firm is here to help. With 28+ years of collective experience, we specialize in car and motorcycle accidents. If you think you need an auto accident lawyer, this guide explains what to do after...

A Correlation Between Ridesharing Services and Car Accidents

A Correlation Between Ridesharing Services and Car Accidents

Gone are the days when your only option to get a ride anywhere you need to go was a taxi beyond asking your family and friends. Today, there are many other options from which you can choose. A number of ridesharing companies have emerged to allow just about anyone to...

What do I do after I damage my car in a crash?

What do I do after I damage my car in a crash?

Property damage to your vehicle after an accident can be difficult to deal with.  Insurance companies can make the process tricky, whether your car is repairable or is deemed a total loss. At Lebovitz Law Group, we’re here to guide you through your options and steps...

How to Document Your Motorcycle Accident for Your Claim

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries and significant financial burdens. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s essential to understand how to document your motorcycle accident properly. This article will guide you through the...

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Accident: Dos and Don’ts

Getting involved in a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. After such an incident, one of the most crucial aspects is dealing with insurance companies. Insurance claims play a vital...

How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer for Your Case

Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, often resulting in physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. If you find yourself in such a situation, it's crucial to seek legal representation to protect your rights and navigate the complex legal...

How to Calculate a Motorcycle Accident Injury in Arizona – What is my case worth?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Arizona, you may be wondering how to calculate the settlement amount for your case. Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries that can impact your quality of life and your ability to work. In this article,...

How to calculate my Slip or Trip and Fall Accident Injury Case in Arizona – what is my case worth?

If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident in Arizona, you may be wondering how to calculate the settlement amount for your case. Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries that can impact your quality of life and your ability to work. In this...

How to Calculate a Trucking Accident Injury in Arizona, what is my case worth?

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson, or any major city), you may be wondering how to calculate the settlement amount for your case. Personal injury claims can be complicated, and the value of your claim depends on many factors. In...

What to do if Injured by a Dog Bite or Attack

Under Arizona Law, the victim of a dog bite or dog attack may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. There are several ways under which an Arizona dog owner may be liable to a victim injured by their dog.STRICT LIABILITYArizona has two statutes that hold a...

How to Calculate Car Accident Settlements in Arizona

According to a well-known insurance firm, Arizona is one of the most risky states for car accidents. There are many worse cities for traffic, but rush hour in the wild, wild west is still rush hour, and tailgating, construction, and speed demons all contribute to...

What is my Dog Bite Injury Case Worth? How to Calculate a Dog Bite Injury Case in Arizona

In Arizona, the value of an injury case resulting from a dog bite can vary significantly depending on the specifics of the incident and the resulting injuries. Some factors that may affect the value of a dog bite settlement in Arizona include: The severity of the...

The National Trial Lawyers Announces Brandon E. Lebovitz as One of Its Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Arizona

The National Trial Lawyers is pleased to announce that Brandon E. Lebovitz of Lebovitz Law Group in Phoenix has been selected for inclusion into its Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Arizona, an honor given to only a select group of lawyers for their...

6 Things To Know About Arizona Hit-and-Run Laws

When a car accident happens, it evokes a flight or fight response in those involved. When the flight wins, the driver flees the crash scene. If this happens, the fleeing motorist breaches the provisions of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Under sections 28-661 and...

Should I Use My Health Insurance To Pay My Medical Bills when I was injured in an accident?

This is a great question and one where the answer can depend on various factors, some of which change frequentlyFirst and foremost, most medical providers that treat patients injured in auto collisions (or other injury causing incidents caused by the negligence of...

What to do when involved in a Pedestrian Accident in Arizona

Not every motor vehicle collision involves just motor vehicles. You may be a pedestrian, bicyclist, or scooter rider that gets hit by a motor vehicle and suffers injury. If you find yourself in such a position, you may still be entitled to compensation for your...

What To Do If Involved In A Multi-Vehicle Collision in Arizona?

Car accidents frequently occur on Arizona roads. In 2020 alone, there were 98,778 motor vehicle crashes in Arizona. When these collisions occur, they can leave survivors with severe injuries. In worse scenarios, the car accident victims may die. Fortunately, Arizona...

What to do if Injured on an ATV/UTV?

What comes to mind when you hear " ATV"? Perhaps, you think of some towering hills, adventures, excitement, and fun. You may also think of the people trailblazing via muddy terrains and hollering with joy. But you hardly think of a mishap like an " ATV accident."...

Your Step-By-Step Guide to Handling an Accident: What to Do Before, During, and After

No one intends to get into a car accident, and while we do everything possible to avoid accidents on the road, we cannot control what other motorists do or don’t do. Whether other drivers are driving intoxicated, talking or texting on their phone, distracted by a...

How Long Does an Arizona Personal Injury Claim Take to Settle?

If you have been injured in an accident, you should understand your rights and options. The most frequent questions we hear from our clients is: (1) What does pursuing an injury claim entail, and; (2) How long it will take for their claim to settle. Because there are...

Do I Have A Valid Medical Malpractice Case?

When you seek medical care, you generally assume that you can trust your doctors to treat you properly. Unfortunately, doctors make mistakes just like people in any other profession can. The issue, of course, is that a mistake made by a doctor can be life-altering for...

Will my Car Insurance Premiums Go Up After an Accident That Wasn’t my Fault?

Arizona Personal Injury AttorneysIf you have been involved in a car accident, you likely have many questions. One of the most common questions asked after a car accident is whether an accident will cause your car insurance premiums to go up? You may well anticipate a...

Arizona Dog Bites & Attacks: Can I bring a claim against the dog’s owner?

Being attacked or bitten by a dog can be a terrifying ordeal; not only can this type of incident leave you with physical scars and long-term injuries, but you may be left with psychological scarring as well. If you've recently been injured by a dog bite, you may be...

What if I am Injured in an Out-Of-State Car Accident?

There is no denying that car accidents are unexpected and unanticipated events. Whether you're commuting to home or travelling out-of-state on vacations, they may happen anywhere. As per a recent survey of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),...

Settlement Factors in a Phoenix, AZ Motorcycle Accident Case

Nobody likes to think that they'll ever be involved in a motorcycle accident, but these things happen. And in the state of Arizona with our wide open roads, warm weather, and miles upon miles of beautiful scenery, they happen a lot. In fact, we deal with motorcycle...

Arizona Trucking Accidents: What Are My Rights?

Truck accidents in Arizona are all too common. In fact, during 2018, trucks were involved in more than 2,000 total accidents. There was at least one fatality per 58 of these accidents, and injuries were reported in 536 cases. If you have been injured in an Arizona...

How will Coronavirus/COVID-19 Affect My Personal Injury Case?

If you've been in a collision and have a pending personal injury case, you're probably wondering how the ongoing Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation may affect your case. As a result of the virus, many organizations and courts may be shifting their hours or available...

Arizona Auto Accident Guide

Wondering what to do if you're in a crash? Our Phoenix personal injury law firm is here to help. With 28+ years of collective experience, we specialize in car and motorcycle accidents. If you think you need an auto accident lawyer, this guide explains what to do after...
Lebovitz Law Group