In the moments and days after a car accident in Phoenix or any part of the USA, your mind can be flooded with questions and thoughts. You might be concerned about whether you and your passengers are safe, what damage your vehicle has sustained, and who is at fault for the crash. If it is safe, move your vehicle away from traffic to prevent obstruction. It is also essential to take photos of the scene and obtain witness information.
Exchange Information
It may seem like a no-brainer, but don’t forget to exchange information with the other driver. You must note their full name, as well as their insurance details. Sometimes, a driver’s name on their policy differs from their legal name. According to auto accident lawyers in Phoenix, you should also get the driver’s license, insurance company, and vehicle registration numbers. It’s essential to write down all of this information while it is still fresh in your mind. This will help to prevent any transcription errors later. In addition, you should get any witnesses’ names and contact information. This could prove useful when your lawyer needs to contact them for more information.
Contact the Police
If possible, and it is safe to do so, you should take photos of the scene, including any damage to your vehicle. Also, writing down your observations as you are at the accident scene may be helpful.
Before you leave your car, turn on your hazard lights and set out flares or other emergency items to help direct approaching traffic around the scene. If your vehicle is drivable, move it to a safe spot away from traffic (but not blocking the roadway).
The police will usually file an official report on the crash scene. However, if the police decide not to come out because of low property damage, you should record all the accident details yourself.
Get Medical Attention
Immediately following an accident, you must check yourself and any passengers for injuries. It can be difficult to know if you’re injured right away because of adrenaline, and even if you don’t feel any obvious pain at first, it’s important to go see a doctor and let them examine you for symptoms that could worsen.
In addition, going to a doctor will help you document any injuries for an insurance claim. It’s essential to take pictures of the scene and damage to both vehicles, including skid marks. This will also help the police complete their report. Move both cars out of traffic.
Take Photos
Take pictures with your smartphone or camera of the accident scene. This can be valuable evidence in an insurance claim or lawsuit if you sustain injuries. Identify the other drivers and get their names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and car insurance information. If possible, also get the names of witnesses. If you can, take pictures from a wide distance of the entire scene and close-ups of any vehicle damage. This will help provide a complete picture of how the accident occurred and its location. Also, take pictures of the weather conditions at the time of the accident. These can be important if the other driver blames the weather for the crash.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Regardless of whether the other driver contacts their insurance company, you should call your own to document your claim properly. When calling, be ready to provide information like the name and contact number of your insurance professional, the names and contact numbers of any witnesses, details about the accident (including how you think it happened), and any damage to both cars.
If the police respond and write an initial report, taking a picture of that is also good. It will help speed up the process when you file your insurance claim in Phoenix or any part of the country. Avoid making statements about the accident or placing blame.
Contact an Attorney
Getting a police report creates an official record that can help prevent the other driver from changing their story at a later date. It can also serve as valuable evidence for an injury claim or lawsuit.
If it is safe, taking photos of the scene is a good idea. This will provide important details you might forget after the accident, such as license plates, skid marks, and other identifying markers.
Determine if talking with the other driver is safe and do so only if necessary. Avoid admitting guilt or placing blame, as this could complicate your case if you file an insurance claim.
