If you have experienced a personal injury incident in Arizona, you might be contemplating the necessary steps to take. Regardless of whether it was a car accident, a slip and fall accident, or a dog bite, you need to know your rights and options.
In this post, we will cover the essential steps to take after an accident, such as collecting evidence, seeking legal assistance, understanding the laws and regulations, filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and more. With the support of experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyers, you can confidently tread the path ahead.
Ensure Your Safety
The first thing you should do after an accident is to ensure your safety and the safety of others. If possible, move to a safe location away from the scene of the accident. Call 911 if you or anyone else needs medical attention. Do not leave the scene until the authorities arrive unless you need urgent medical care.
Seek Medical Attention
One of the most important steps to take after an Arizona personal injury accident is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. It will help you document your injuries and treatment, which are crucial for your personal injury claim. A medical evaluation will also show the extent of your damage and the impact of the accident on your health and well-being.
Whether you were injured in an auto, slip and fall, or any other type of accident caused by a negligent entity, you should visit a healthcare professional right away. If you delay or skip medical care, you may jeopardize your chances of getting fair compensation for your medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Contact Law Enforcement
Contact law enforcement as soon as possible if you were involved in an accident and suffered injuries. Filing a police report is crucial for your personal injury case, as it provides evidence of what happened and who was at fault.
Cooperating with law enforcement officers can also help them determine if the other party committed a felony or violated any traffic laws. A police report can strengthen your claim and increase your chances of getting fair compensation from the liable party or the jury.
Gather Information
To protect your legal rights, you should gather as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. The lists include identifying the parties involved, collecting witness information, documenting the scene with photos and videos, and preserving any evidence that may support your claim.
Notify Insurance Companies
Following a personal injury incident in Arizona, it’s essential to reach out to both your own insurance provider and the insurance company of the other driver involved. Familiarize yourself with your coverage and policy particulars, and refrain from acknowledging fault during your conversations with them. This proactive step ensures that the insurance companies are duly apprised of the accident, which is crucial as they may have distinct regulations and time limits governing accident reporting.
Knowing your coverage and policy details helps you understand what benefits you can get and how much coverage you have. Facts you need include knowing the limits of liability coverage, medical expense coverage, and any other coverage options you may have chosen.
When talking to insurance companies, you should not admit fault. Admitting fault could hurt your claim and affect the compensation you can get. You should present the facts of the accident and let professional investigations and assessments determine fault.
Consult with an Arizona Personal Injury Attorney
Another crucial step when you’ve been in an accident is to consult with an Arizona personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A qualified attorney can help you understand your rights, assess your accident claim, and guide you through the legal process.
An initial consultation with an Arizona personal injury lawyer is usually free and confidential. You can ask any questions you have about your case and get honest advice from a professional who has experience handling cases like yours. You can also learn more about the benefits of seeking legal counsel, such as:
- Getting help with collecting evidence from the accident scene, such as photos, witness statements, police reports, and medical records.
- Having someone who can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and protect your interests.
- Having someone who can represent you in court if your case goes to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Finding a qualified personal injury attorney in Arizona is not difficult. You can search online, ask for referrals from friends or family, or contact the State Bar of Arizona for a list of licensed attorneys in your area. You should look for an attorney who specializes in personal injury law, has a good reputation, and has a track record of success.
Preserve Documents and Records of the Accident
If you have been involved in an accident and suffered injuries in AZ, you need to preserve documents and records related to your case. This includes keeping track of medical bills and expenses, organizing accident-related documents, and preserving evidence for potential legal action.
Arizona law requires drivers who caused an accident to remain at the scene and comply with 28-663 and 28-661. Failure to stop may result in license revocation, classification as a class 2, 3, or 5 felony, or even wrongful death charges. If another person caused your accident and injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
Understand Arizona’s Statute of Limitations
An individual who has suffered injuries in a collision caused by another person’s negligence may have the right to pursue legal action for personal injury. However, you need to act quickly. Arizona has a strict time limit for injury victims to pursue legal action. This is called the statute of limitations.
Depending on the type of offense, the deadline may vary from one to six years. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your chance to recover compensation from the party that caused the accident. To prevent this from happening, make sure to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies for Settlement
When you have been involved in an accident and sustained severe harm, you might be eligible to receive financial reimbursement from the liable individual or entity. However, negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging and stressful. They may try to pressure you into accepting a lowball offer or revoke your claim altogether.
That’s why you need the help of a skilled personal injury attorney from our firm. They will handle all the negotiations on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Some offer a free consultation to every client and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay them unless they win your case. They may also handle all types of personal injury cases, including class 2 felony, class 3 felony, and class 5 felony cases.
Consider Legal Action
If you have suffered physical injuries in a wreck caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. A personal injury lawsuit can help you recover the monetary value of your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
However, filing a lawsuit is not a simple process. There are many factors to consider, such as the statute of limitations, comparative negligence, and the evidence needed to prove your case. That’s why you should get in contact with an experienced attorney as soon as you can to discuss your legal options.
Conclusion
After an accident in Arizona, acting wisely can impact your compensation. Follow our guide for evidence collection, legal assistance, and navigating laws and regulations.
Don’t hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Alcock & Associates for a free consultation. Their experienced Arizona personal injury lawyer will assist you in pursuing and recovering compensation for injuries sustained from the accident. Your path to a fair settlement begins with informed steps and expert guidance.
About the Author:
Andrea Williams is the Community Manager at The Law Offices of Alcock & Associates P.C., a premier law group in Arizona that provides legal services to clients involved in Personal Injury, DUI, Immigration and Criminal cases. She enjoys cooking, reading books and playing minigolf with her friends and family on her spare time.
