What to Do After a Car Accident in Scottsdale
In Arizona, there were over 120,000 auto accidents in 2023—Scottsdale accounts for over 4,000 of them. Getting in a car accident can be scary and overwhelming, so it’s important to be prepared. Understanding what needs to be done can help you maintain composure and collect what you need for insurance or a lawsuit depending on the circumstances. In this post, we’ll cover what steps to take after getting in a car accident.
10 Steps to Take After a Crash
Here’s what you should do after a car accident in Arizona:
1: Ensure everyone is safe.
If the accident happened in the middle of a highway or busy road, make sure everyone involved is moved to the side of the road. If able, move the vehicles to the side as well. Not doing so could result in fines.
2: Check for injuries
Take stock of your body and any passengers. If anyone is overly sore, bleeding, or incoherent, call emergency services immediately. Even if you do not feel you have been injured, you should still seek medical attention to ensure there are no hidden injuries.
3: Contact local law enforcement—even if there are no injuries.
Police will come and take statements from all involved. Do not admit fault. Stay calm and only dictate facts. For example, say: “While in my lane, I felt something hit me from behind,” rather than “That crazy person speeding like Usain Bolt in a NASCAR race slammed into my brand new car!”
4: Exchange information.
You need to collect some important information after a car accident. Be prepared to collect as well as give out this information:
- The first and last names and contact information of any drivers and passengers.
- Insurance information for those involved in the accident.
- Vehicle details, like the make, model, and license plate number.
5: Take pictures.
Take pictures of the accident site, any visible injuries, the damages to the vehicles, and the damage to any property. Photos help support your insurance claim and provide helpful evidence if you pursue compensation for your injuries.
6: Document the scene.
If you have a moment, write down the details of the accident and give it a date and time. This can help you gather your thoughts, and remain factual when speaking with others about the accident.
7: Gather the information of any witnesses.
Get their contact information, and if able, have them write down their account of what happened with the date and time.
8: Contact your insurance provider.
Your insurance should be notified of the accident right away. This is to help you relay the facts when they are still fresh, and start the typically long insurance process.
9: Seek medical care if something hurts later.
If you notice any injuries after the fact that may be related to the accident, seek medical treatment right away. Remember to document everything so it can help support a personal injury case if needed.
10: Contact a lawyer.
If the car accident was serious, resulting in significant injuries or property damage, contact an attorney to understand your rights.
Who Is At Fault In an Arizona Car Accident?
In Arizona, the person who is at fault pays for the damages of the car accident. However, Arizona uses a comparative negligence rule to determine fault. So, the responsibility for the accident can be broken up between the involved parties. This means you might also be liable for some of the damage if it is determined you are also partially responsible for the accident.
This does not negate your ability to collect damages; it just means you might not be entitled to the entirety of the damages you are seeking. This is why consulting an attorney experienced with Arizona car accidents is important.
Why You Should Always File A Claim
Arizona does not have a time limit on when you can file an auto accident claim with your insurance. But that does not mean you should wait. Scottsdale, and Arizona on the whole, have limits on when you can file a personal injury claim. If you don’t file a claim immediately after an accident, your claim may not go your way. Waiting can degrade evidence, make witness testimony fuzzy, and even make a judge less likely to rule in your favor.
Got in a Car Accident? Call a Scottsdale Attorney
If you feel you are entitled to compensation after a car accident, consult with an attorney about a personal injury lawsuit. With over 25 years of experience, Van Norman Law Firm knows just how important these cases can be for you and your loved ones. We offer the best representation in personal injury cases. Contact us today if you have been in an auto accident in the Scottsdale area.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/27/25). Photo by Clark Van Der Beken on Unsplash.