Phoenix Roads to Recovery: Essential Steps After a Crash According to Your Lawyer

When it comes to most stressful experiences one can have, car accidents can, depending on the severity, be right up there as some of the most jarring and stressful ones. In a bustling city like Phoenix, they are, unfortunately, very common.

When you take into account the congested multilane highways, busy intersections, and unpredictable urban traffic full of distracted drivers, it’s easy to understand why Phoenix is a city where accidents can happen in a matter of seconds. Regardless if you were in a fender bender or a more serious accident, what you do immediately after the accident can drastically influence both your health and your ability to file a case for potential compensation.

Most car accident attorneys would agree on certain critical steps that you should take straight after the accident, so we decided to compile them in this article. 

Immediate Actions to Take After a Car Accident

The first few minutes directly after the accident are the most chaotic, as shock and adrenaline surge, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. These first few minutes might also be the most important, especially when safety is concerned, so it’s paramount to focus on that above else. 

Check for injuries before worrying about the vehicle, insurance, or anything else. Ensure that everyone is safe, and if anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately, whether or not the injuries seem minor.

Move vehicles if possible as Arizona law requires drivers to move their vehicles out of the flow of traffic if it’s possible and safe to do so. This will help keep the roadways clear while minimising the chance of any additional crashes.

Turn on hazard lights so that your vehicle can be easily visible to others. This is especially important if you’re stuck on a roadway at night, or in lower visibility situations. 

Call emergency services even if nobody’s hurt, and report the incident as soon as possible. 

Try to remain as calm as possible in these stressful moments, and prioritize your, and everyone else's safety. 

Why Calling the Police Is Always Important 

Although some people might be hesitant to call the police, especially for a minor collision, within Phoenix, and the rest of Arizona, calling the authorities is one of the most important steps you can take. 

The police report might often be the most important document in a car accident claim/case.

This document will have all the proof of fault, including officers observations about weather conditions, skid marks, vehicle damage, or witness and driver statements. These details are often paramount in claims, and insurers rely on these to determine and assign liability, and without an accident report, your claim will be much harder to prove. 

Above all, Arizona law requires accidents with injuries, deaths, or damages above a prescribed amount to be reported, and not doing so might end up with more legal trouble. 

Regardless of possible pleas from other drivers to “just exchange the info” or similar, insist on reporting the accident to protect your rights. In case of any potential disputes along the way, you will have an official report which can make or break a claim. 

Collecting Evidence at the Scene of the Crash 

The first few minutes after the crash might be your only chance to preserve evidence and record important details that can later support your case, so use them wisely and do the following while waiting for police to arrive: 

Take photos and videos of vehicle positions, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, injuries, and anything and everything that might be important to your claim.

Exchange information with the other involved driver(s) including contact details, driving licence number, and insurance company and  policy number. 

Talk to witnesses and ask for their contact information because independent witness statements can carry great weight in negotiations. 

Note environmental factors like glaring sun, or drizzling rain that might have impacted the driving in the area. 

Your car accident lawyer in Phoenix, and across the state, will be very pleased if you collect all the aforementioned evidence, as this will immensely help the case building process. Without this evidence, you would be left with just a police report, and the insurer’s interpretations. 

Conclusion 

Whether or not a car accident is serious, it’s always an unpleasant and stressful experience. Staying calm immediately after the accident is paramount in ensuring your own, and everyone else’s safety. From notifying emergency services and clearing the roadway, to collecting evidence and notifying your insurer, these actions have a role in protecting your safety and potentially, finances.  

After ensuring everyone’s safety, gather and record as much evidence as you can. Witness statements, photos of potholes, or weather conditions can all influence the success of your potential insurance claim, so contact a Phoenix car accident lawyer as soon as possible, to receive concrete advice and information on how to move forward with your pursuit for compensation.

Remember to drive carefully, and in case of an accident, stay calm and follow these steps!