What To Do After A Car Accident In Phoenix

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Phoenix, there are certain steps you need to take right away in order to follow the law, protect your health, and protect your legal rights. Here are some of the key steps you should take in the aftermath.

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1. Stop at the scene of the accident

Arizona Revised Statute § 28-663 explains that drivers of a vehicle who are involved in an accident on public roads must fulfill certain obligations if the accident caused injury, death, or damage. This includes:

1. Stopping at the crash scene
2. Exchanging contact details and license information
3. Rendering reasonable assistance to victims

Stopping at the crash scene is critical to avoid potential criminal penalties.

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2. Contact the police

The Arizona Department of Public Safety explains when you should contact law enforcement after an accident.

1. If someone is hurt, you should call 911
2. If you wish to request an on-scene investigation and it is not an emergency situation, call the Department of Public Safety non‐emergency number at (602) 223‐2000 and select option 2 to request contact from a state trooper.
3. You may also submit a report online if no injuries were sustained, the crash occurred on a state highway, there were no more than two vehicles involved in the crash, and the total estimated damage was under $2,000.

Contacting the police can help you to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted, which could be important evidence in a car accident claim.

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3. Get medical help

You should seek treatment after a car accident if you were injured or if there is a possibility of harm. Sometimes, symptoms don’t appear immediately or worsen over time, so be sure you get help so your condition can be treated and documented.There are a number of hospitals in and around Phoenix where you can get medical assistance after a crash including:

1. Banner University Medical Center
2. St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
3. Mayo Clinic Arizona
4. HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center

If someone else was to blame for your accident, they may be responsible for covering your treatment costs. Your doctor should also document the cause and severity of your injuries so you can prove how badly the crash harmed you.

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4. Report the crash to your insurer

According to the Arizona Department of Insurance & Financial Institutions, Arizona law requires certain minimum insurance coverage for all drivers including:

1. $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability insurance
2. $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
3. $15,000 in property damage liability coverage

You may also have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. Depending on the cause of your accident, you may need to turn to your own insurer for compensation or may be compensated by the other driver’s insurer.

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5. Get legal help from a Phoenix car accident lawyer

A Phoenix car accident lawyer at Canopy Legal can help you to understand and enforce your rights after an auto accident. Our firm will:

1. Help you identify defendants
2. Work with you to determine if you can make a car accident claim
3. Help you estimate what your case is worth
4. Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company
5. Pursue your claim in court

Our firm understands how to stand up to the big insurance companies who offer coverage for Phoenix drivers, and these insurers know we won’t back down when we pursue justice for you.The sooner we get started building your case, the better we can help you to build a strong claim. Give us a call right away in the aftermath of your car accident in the Phoenix area.