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A car accident can turn an ordinary day into a stressful and confusing experience. Whether the collision is minor or results in serious injuries, the decisions you make in the minutes and hours afterward can affect your health, your finances, and your ability to recover compensation.
At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC, we have helped Arizona accident victims navigate the legal process after serious motor vehicle collisions. We understand that most people have never been through this situation before. Knowing what to do after a crash can make a significant difference in protecting both your well-being and your legal rights.
If you have been involved in a collision, these are the steps we recommend taking immediately after a car accident in Phoenix.
The moments immediately following a collision are often chaotic. Adrenaline may mask pain, traffic may create additional hazards, and important evidence can disappear quickly.
Your priorities should always be:
Even if the crash appears minor, it is important to approach the situation carefully and avoid making assumptions about injuries or fault.
If your vehicle can be safely moved, pull it out of active traffic to reduce the risk of another collision. Turn on your hazard lights and remain alert while waiting for police or emergency medical personnel.
If moving your vehicle would be unsafe or impossible because of severe damage, remain where you are and follow the instructions of first responders.
Your safety should always come before protecting property.
Arizona law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Even when reporting is not legally required, contacting law enforcement is generally the best course of action.
A responding officer will document important information, including:
The resulting police report often becomes valuable evidence during the insurance claims process.
The Arizona Department of Transportation also provides information about crash reporting and roadway safety for Arizona drivers. See the Arizona Department of Transportation's crash resources: https://azdot.gov.
Remain calm and exchange the necessary information with everyone involved.
Collect:
Avoid discussing who caused the accident or apologizing. Even simple statements made at the scene may later be misunderstood or taken out of context.
Evidence begins disappearing almost immediately after a collision.
Use your phone to document the accident before vehicles are moved whenever it is safe to do so.
Photograph:
Take both close-up and wide-angle photographs to provide context.
Independent witnesses can become important if liability is disputed.
Ask witnesses for:
If they are willing, ask them to briefly explain what they observed.
As soon as possible, write down everything you remember.
Include details such as:
Memories fade quickly, making early documentation valuable.
One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is assuming they are not injured simply because they feel fine immediately afterward.
Adrenaline can temporarily hide symptoms of serious injuries.
Common injuries include:
Prompt medical evaluation protects your health while creating medical documentation that may become important evidence if an insurance claim is filed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that symptoms of traumatic brain injuries and concussions may not appear immediately after a traumatic event. Learn more from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury/index.html.
Report the accident to your own insurance company promptly.
Provide accurate factual information, including:
Avoid guessing about speed, fault, or injuries if you are unsure.
If another driver's insurance company contacts you, be cautious about providing recorded statements before understanding your rights.
The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions provides consumer information regarding automobile insurance claims and coverage: https://difi.az.gov.
Several common mistakes can complicate an otherwise valid claim.
These include:
Insurance companies begin evaluating claims almost immediately. Protecting your evidence from the beginning helps ensure your claim is based on accurate information.
Not every accident requires legal representation. However, many situations benefit from experienced legal guidance.
Consider speaking with a Phoenix car accident lawyer if:
An attorney can investigate the collision, preserve evidence, communicate with insurance companies, calculate your damages, and advocate for the compensation you may be entitled to recover.
The actions you take immediately after a car accident often have lasting consequences. Receiving prompt medical care, documenting the scene, preserving evidence, and understanding your legal rights can make the recovery process much smoother.
At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a collision can be. Our attorneys have helped accident victims throughout Mesa, Phoenix, and surrounding Arizona communities pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you have questions after a collision, our legal team is available to discuss your situation, explain your options, and help you determine the best path forward.
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