If you are in a car accident in Arizona, you should immediately begin documenting your case.
A Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer can help you establish fault and receive compensation for your damages.
1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that can help you contact a car accident lawyer to pursue your claim. What you do during and after a car accident will play a critical role in your case, so here is what you should do!
Contact The Authorities
It’s almost natural that the first thing someone does after a car accident is to check for injuries, which you should also do. Establishing if you or other passengers are hurt is important in determining your next step.
If anyone is injured, contact authorities and request emergency medical assistance. If you cannot contact authorities due to your injuries or can’t find your phone, ask someone else to do it.
If anyone is seriously injured, you can help them until paramedics arrive, but only do so through the instructions given to you by the emergency services. Keep calm and follow their instructions as best you can. Get medical care even if you have mild injuries, as it will help you with your case and treatment.
Also Read: The Role Of Early Diagnosis In Improving Health Outcomes
Get to Safety
Depending on how badly damaged your vehicle is and the extent of your injuries, you should move your vehicle to a safe location to avoid other collisions and further accidents. Turn your hazard lights on to ensure other drivers can easily see and avoid you.
Exchange Information
You should exchange information with the parties involved in the car accident but don’t apologize or admit fault. It can be interpreted as your admitting liability.
You can’t be certain how the accident occurred, and it’s best not to make assumptions or accuse the other driver. Stay calm and note the other driver’s contact information, insurance information, license number, and license plate number.
Get the contact information of pedestrian eyewitnesses as well.
Document the Accident Scene and Analyze Surroundings
Until police officers and paramedics arrive at the scene, you should take some photos from different angles of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved, and road conditions.
These photos will be useful in your case later. You should also document your surroundings and check if any CCTV cameras near you caught the incident. If there are, write down where and what commercial or residential buildings had them. Your lawyer can retrieve the recordings later.
Accept Medical Attention
When police officers arrive at the scene, give the necessary statements, but most importantly, when the ambulance arrives, accept medical attention. It’s crucial to have your injuries assessed and treated.
Both police and medical records will be essential in your personal injury claim and in receiving compensation for your losses. Accept medical attention even if you feel fine because otherwise, the insurance company might claim that your injuries weren’t serious or caused by the accident. Some injuries don’t manifest right away.
Inform Your Insurance Company
You should inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. This might be mandatory in most cases.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you should still contact a car accident lawyer to help you with your claim. They can help you gather evidence, negotiate a settlement, or represent you in court if necessary.
Also Read: 5 Ways To Stay Fit After A Car Accident