New Important Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident
Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident is incredibly stressful. In the moments right after a car accident, you may feel scared and confused.
No one plans to be involved in a car accident. Because of this, most people are unaware about what they should do after a car accident.
More than six million traffic collisions occur in the United States annually.
In this post, we will examine some of the most important steps to take immediately after a car accident.
Having a plan of action is crucial in the moments after a car accident.
Taking these steps will help to keep you safe and protect you from legal liability.
If you have been injured in a collision, contact an accomplished car accident lawyer as soon as possible. You may have the right to seek financial compensation for the costs involved with your injury.
Stay at the Scene
After a car accident, it is important to remain at the scene. Many people feel the impulse to leave the scene of the crash, especially if they fear that they are responsible.
Even if you are scared, you should never flee. It is illegal to leave the scene after a car accident in Arizona before providing your contact information to the other driver.
Hit-and-run offenses carry significant penalties in the state of Arizona. If you fear that you are liable for the collision, call a car accident lawyer.
Provide Aid
Make sure to check yourself for injuries. If you are not hurt, do your best to ensure the safety of any other involved parties.
If any of the other drivers are injured, call emergency services and request medical assistance. This is not only the right thing to do; it’s also a requirement under Arizona state law.
Contact The Police
Following a minor accident, you should contact the police. If property damage or injuries have occurred, an officer will fill out an accident report.
The police report will be an important document if you decide to file a car accident claim. When you’re speaking to the responding officer, always be truthful. However, do not say anything to suggest that you are liable for the collision. If the other driver was being reckless or engaging in an illegal maneuver, make sure to let the officer know.
Exchange Information
Under Arizona state law, drivers are required to exchange information after a car accident. When you’re pursuing compensation for a car accident claim, it is vital to have the other driver’s contact information.
Exchange these pieces of information with the other driver:
- Name
- Address
- Driver’s license information
- Vehicle registration number
- Insurance information
If a driver is uninsured, they may lie about their contact information. Ask to see the driver’s relevant documents to confirm their name, address, and other information.
Collect Witness Statements
If anyone witnessed the collision, it is important to speak with them after a car accident. As time passes, it will become incredibly difficult to track down anyone who saw the car accident.
Potential witnesses may include:
- Pedestrians
- People in other vehicles
- Emergency responders
Those who were working nearby
Witness statements can be very powerful forms of evidence in car accident claims. If you were injured because of the other person’s negligent driving, witness testimony is invaluable.
A skilled car accident lawyer can use witness statements to build a powerful legal case for you.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
Even if you did not cause the accident, you will need to notify your insurance company. It is important to remember that insurance providers do not have your best interests in mind.
Insurance companies are incentivized to pay victims as little as possible. Speaking with a skilled car accident lawyer will help to ensure that your interests are protected.
Anything that you say to an insurance provider can be used to undermine your claim or decrease your payments, so be cautious in your communications.
Contact The Premier Car Accident Lawyers at ELG ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
The moments following a car accident are nerve-wracking and stressful. Do your best to stay calm and take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
Contact the accident attorneys at ELG ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS to speak with an accomplished personal injury lawyer. You may have the right to seek financial compensation from the at-fault driver.
You should not bear the financial burdens after a car accident alone. Complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. At the ELG ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS, every client matters.
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