by Zayed Al-Sayyed

Bicycle Accident Law, Car accident attorneyNovember 30, 20240 comments

What To Do After an Accident in Arizona?

Accidents are an unfortunate part of life. If you’ve been involved in an accident, you might be wondering what happens next. With more than 120,000 motor vehicle accidents in Arizona in 2022 alone, it’s important to be aware of the steps to take following an accident.

Contact the Authorities

The first step is to call the authorities. Even if no one appears to be physically injured, it’s best to call the police right away. Having a police officer on the scene can alleviate tension between the involved parties, facilitate a smooth insurance claim, and help verify what actually happened. Resist the urge to just “exchange information.”

When the police arrive, be upfront and honest about the situation, even if you are at-fault. Be as specific and clear as possible to help the officer understand what happened. If you don’t know the answer to the question of an officer, don’t guess. Instead, say that you don’t know.

If you are involved in a major accident and are at fault, it can be helpful to have a Phoenix car accident lawyer by your side before giving any statements.

Document Relevant Details

Once the police are called, document any relevant details about the accident. This includes pictures of the damage to both vehicles. Don’t rely on the police or the other party to take photos. Have your own evidence.

Make sure you also take video of the scene of the accident, the vehicles involved, and your surroundings. You never know what you might be able to pick up on video that could help your case later on.

In addition, take pictures of other signs, landmarks, and injuries. Remember, you cannot interfere with the police’s investigation or intrude on another party receiving medical attention. Nevertheless, document the accident to the best of your abilities.

Reach Out to Your Insurance Company

When an accident does occur, insurance companies will most likely be involved. Arizona requires drivers to have a minimum coverage of $25,000 for one person sustaining an injury, $50,000 for two or more individuals, and $15,000 for property damage.

First, determine if you have any special coverage that can help pay for medical bills, like medpay. Medpay pays for immediate medical bills regardless of who is at fault. Before any benefits are paid out, your insurance companies will ask you questions about the accident.

Be truthful but be aware that insurance companies are generally looking for a reason to deny your claim. Like police statements, don’t give a formal statement to your insurance company without a Phoenix accident lawyer present.

Contact an Attorney

It can be difficult to keep track of all correspondence and documentation related to your accident. This is why many people enlist the help of a qualified accident attorney. Not only can your accident attorney help you communicate with the police and your insurance agent, but they can represent you in serious accidents that might require court proceedings.

Contacting an attorney is crucial if you are the injured party in an accident. Even if you are found partly at fault for the accident, you can recover damages. Contact our team at the Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed today to schedule your free consultation.