5 Steps to Take After Auto Accident Injuries
Being involved in an auto accident is a frightening experience, especially when an accident involves injuries. And unfortunately, injuries after an accident are common, with more than 36,000 injuries occurring as a result of auto accidents in Arizona in 2018.
You may feel overwhelmed, emotional, and stressed after an auto accident. But it’s important to protect your rights and know what to do after sustaining auto accident injuries, from following protocol on the scene to filing a claim.
If you’ve already been injured in an auto accident in Arizona, contact the Phoenix auto accident attorneys at ELG ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS, PLLC. Our team of auto accident lawyers is here to help.
Stay on the Scene
Never leave the scene of an accident, and contact police immediately. Securing a police report is essential in settling your case, so remaining on the scene, if possible, is critical. Not only is it helpful to your suit, but it’s also against the law in Arizona to leave the scene of an auto accident.
Furthermore, it’s important to be mindful of what you say. Don’t admit fault or dismiss the other drivers’ roles in the accident. Stick to the facts and refrain from providing more detail than what is necessary. Ensure that you refrain from making any disclosures to other drivers, passengers, witnesses, or insurance representatives.
Collect the Right Information
Cover your bases and collect the right information after an auto accident. Start by taking photographs of property damage, injuries, and any other relevant details at the scene. This will include taking pictures from different angles and ranges to capture the scene and extent of the auto accident. For example, you should include photos of the traffic lights and intersection, street signs, and surroundings. Enlist a passenger or friend to take photos of your injuries.
After you’ve taken photographs, exchange information. Obtain all contact information, including the names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information from all of the drivers involved in the auto accident. If other passengers were involved, gather their information as well. Though it’s important to avoid disclosing too much information or disclosures, remaining calm and cooperative is vital.
Once you’ve secured this information, contact your insurance company immediately. Let your company know that you were involved in an auto accident and sustained injuries. Inform your representative of the factual account of the accident, sticking only to the relevant, clear details.
Seek and Document Medical Treatment
Seek immediate medical treatment for your auto accident injuries and document your injuries. You should always seek medical attention, even if your injuries don’t seem severe. It’s common for to appear in the days that follow your accident, so seek treatment for all injuries. Delaying treatment also weakens your personal injury case because the delay makes it harder to prove that your symptoms were caused by the accident.
When you seek treatment, maintain detailed records and receipts of all medical appointments, treatments received, medications, bills, and provider information.
Determine Expenses
First, it’s important to determine medical expenses. The high cost of treatment resulting from an auto accident is almost always covered as part of an injury case, along with compensation for the estimated cost of future medical care.
Past and future wages and salary are also a consideration when it comes to calculating expenses after an auto accident, and you may be entitled to compensation for affected wages. If you’re unable to work as a result of your injuries, you could be covered.
Finally, auto accidents affect your property, whether it’s the loss or damage of your vehicle, possessions, clothing or other items. You may be entitled to vehicle repair or replacement reimbursement for market value in your personal injury suit.
Contact an Auto Accident Attorney
Contact your auto accident attorney as soon as possible so that they can begin work on your case and provide helpful legal advice. Your lawyer can work as your liaison with insurance companies, allowing you to recover from your motorcycle accident stress-free.
Auto Accident Attorney in Phoenix, Arizona
It’s important to protect yourself after an auto accident. Ensure you stay calm, follow these steps, and contact your attorney. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, contact our Phoenix auto accident attorneys at ELG ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS, PLLC. Call us at (623) 562-3838 for a no-obligation free consultation and legal representation today.
