It is an unfortunate fact of life: at some point or another, you may be involved in a serious car accident. If you or a loved one is injured in a collision, you are encouraged to contact a Phoenix car accident lawyer. According to a recent report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were an estimated 6,734,000 police-reported auto accidents in the U.S. in 2018, resulting in 36,560 fatalities and 2,710,00 persons injured.
A car crash can take just a few seconds to unfold. That said, in the moments and days that follow an accident, you may be wondering what you should do next. While each accident situation can vary, here are a few things to remember:
Call the police.
Even in accidents in which there appear to be no serious injuries, the police should be notified as quickly as possible. Resist any offer by the other driver merely to “exchange identification information.” You’ll need a police report for insurance purposes. What may at first appear to be an amicable situation can later turn ugly. The police are specially trained to make an initial investigation. Use them.
When the police arrive, be clear and specific in your statements.
The officer arriving at the scene must rely upon the witnesses to set the scene. Be courteous, clear, and as specific as possible about how the accident unfolded. If you don’t know the answer to one of the officer’s questions, say so—don’t guess. You may also find it helpful to speak with a Phoenix car accident lawyer prior to giving any statements to the police.
Take photos.
Nowadays, most of us carry a smart phone with us. They have excellent cameras. If you have one, use it. Document the damage to all vehicles. Take photos of signposts and other identifying landmarks. If you have injuries, take photos of them as well. Recognize that you are not allowed to interfere with the police in their investigation, but you can make a record of the event as best you can.
Get medical attention for any injuries.
Recognize that in many cases, injuries sustained in car accidents may not be immediately apparent. If you have suffered a cut or broken bone, that is usually obvious. However, bear in mind that a host of medical issues may not manifest themselves until much later. Unless you are certain that you have not sustained injuries, you should seek medical attention at a nearby emergency room, urgent care center or your family physician. This is particularly important if you struck your head or if you have any lapse of memory regarding the circumstances of the accident. In many situations involving injuries, time is of the essence.
Report the accident to your auto insurance company.
Your auto policy requires you to advise the insurance company as soon as possible about any accident involving an insured vehicle. Determine if you have special medical coverage, sometimes referred to as “medpay,” which can pay for immediate medical bills without regard to who was at fault. In speaking with insurance company representatives, be cooperative, accurate and truthful, but recognize that the insurer may be searching for information to support a later claim denial. Don’t give a statement to the insurer unless you are represented by a competent Phoenix car accident lawyer.
Keep a journal and “open a file.”
Carefully maintain a written or electronic record of all relevant information concerning your car accident. Keep information related to the other driver’s name, the identity of any passengers, the names and claim numbers of your auto insurance policy. Keep receipts of cars that you may be required to rent.
Consider hiring a skilled Phoenix car accident lawyer to represent your interests.
Accident victims often comment about how difficult it is in the days following an accident to keep a proper perspective, to think clearly and to make sure that valuable evidence and information is preserved. That is why many individuals involved in car accidents choose to work with a skilled team of accident attorneys like those at Hirsch & Lyon. With more than 60 years of combined experience representing auto victims, we are equipped to help you through trying times. Any Phoenix car accident attorney at our firm can take care of all the necessary and intricate details in handling your claim.
Injured in an Auto Wreck? Contact Hirsch & Lyon today!
Hirsch & Lyon is focused entirely on providing top-tier legal advocacy for the victims of motor vehicle accidents. Our car accident attorneys have over 65 years of combined experience, with a long track record of success in obtaining favorable results for clients, whether through settlement negotiations or at trial.
At Hirsch & Lyon, we understand that client engagement is crucial to success. Our staff is available 24/7 to respond to any questions or concerns you may have. For your convenience, we are also available to make hospital and home appointments. As we are confident in our ability to serve our clients, our injury lawyers provide legal services at a discounted rate (our contingency fee is 25%, and up to 30% if the case proceeds to trial, plus costs). When you win through Hirsch & Lyon, you keep more of it for yourself!
Call 602-535-1900 or contact us online to set up a free consultation with a top Phoenix car accident lawyer today. Our legal team will assess your claims and help you navigate the challenging landscape of litigation.