What Should I Do Immediately After an Automobile Accident?

Over six million car accidents occur in the United States on an annual basis. A third of these result in personal injuries to victims. Tragically, 20 percent of automotive crashes lead to fatalities. Given these figures, it’s best to know what to do immediately after an automobile accident.

Here are some steps to follow if you find yourself in this situation:

Call the Police

It is important to notify the police if you are involved in a car accident. Even if you do not suspect you are injured, you may be and simply may not have realized it. Additionally, police can make an accident report that you later need to file an insurance claim.

When the police arrive at the scene, inform them what happened and provide accurate details. If you are uncertain about specific information, provide only what you know. Law enforcement can investigate the accident to try to determine its cause. After the accident, ask for a copy of the police report. It may contain important information, such as if the other driver was cited.

Exchange Information

If law enforcement did not get the other driver’s contact information, ensure that you do. Ask for the following information from the other driver:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Telephone number
  • Driver’s license number
  • Insurance carrier and policy number
  • Make and model of vehicle
  • License plate number

Additionally, get contact information for any witnesses who saw the accident.

Take Pictures

If possible, take pictures of the accident scene. Include shots of any road signs, each vehicle, any debris on the roadway, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. Take shots from different angles. Also, take pictures of any injuries you sustained.

Seek Medical Attention

Some injuries do not become apparent until days or weeks after an accident. If law enforcement asks if you need an ambulance, consider requesting one if you think you may have been injured. Even minor accidents can result in serious injuries.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

It is important to contact an Arizona personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a car accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help ensure that valuable evidence is not destroyed and that you file an insurance claim to seek compensation for your damages. The experienced attorneys at Udall Shumway can provide you with legal advice before you make a statement to an insurance company. More importantly, they can negotiate with the insurance company while you concentrate on your injuries.

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you or someone you know wishes to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney regarding Immediately After an Automobile Accident, or other personal injury matters, call Mesa AZ Personal Injury Attorney Clark R. Richter at 480-461-5321 or contact him at crr@udallshumway.com for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.