Being in a car accident in Arizona is frightening. You might have injuries, property damage, and stress about how to pay for everything. During this chaos, it’s easy to make mistakes that can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Here, we outline the biggest mistakes to avoid after a car accident.
Not Reporting the Accident to Law Enforcement
Calling the police is a critical step, even for seemingly minor accidents. A police report documents the scene, collects witness statements, and determines fault (which can be crucial for your claim). The report also provides a neutral third-party account of the accident.
Failing to Gather Evidence
Take pictures and videos of the accident scene. This includes your vehicle damage, any visible injuries, and road conditions. This evidence strengthens your case and helps your attorney accurately value your claim.
Not Seeking Medical Care
Adrenaline can mask injuries after an accident. Ensure a doctor evaluates you as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. This creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident and is vital for compensation for medical bills.
Talking Only to Insurance Companies
Insurance companies aim to settle claims quickly and cheaply. They may downplay your injuries or offer a lowball settlement. Don’t speak to them about the accident details without an Esquire Law attorney present.
Not Consulting an Arizona Car Accident Attorney
An experienced Esquire Law car accident attorney is imperative. We can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and negotiate for maximum compensation. Let the attorneys handle communication with insurance companies, investigate the accident, and build a strong case.
Additional Tips for Arizona Car Accident Victims
- Exchange Information with All Parties Involved: Get names and contact information. This includes insurance information from all drivers and passengers in the accident.
- Move Your Car to Safety (if Possible): If your car is drivable, move it to a safe location. Ideally, off the road to avoid further accidents.
- Don’t Admit Fault or Discuss the Accident in Detail: Refrain from apologizing to the driver of the other vehicle. Also, do not say anything that could be construed as accepting blame. Stick to the facts about what occurred in the accident.
- Keep Records of Everything: Save all medical bills, repair estimates, receipts, and documentation related to the accident. · Meet Deadlines: Arizona has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Do not wait too long to contact a qualified attorney.
Speak to an Arizona Car Accident Attorney
Consulting with one of our Esquire Law car accident lawyers is always the best move after an accident. They can provide you with legal advice on how to handle speaking with insurance companies. Sometimes, you can feel compelled to give away too many details about the accident to the insurance company. Oftentimes, this can actually negatively impact your insurance claim.
Giving too much information to insurance adjusters may accidentally lead to admitting fault to some degree. This can lower the amount of compensation they offer even more. At Esquire Law, we pride ourselves on having an attorney-client relationship built on trust. We will handle all the difficult conversations and make sure you receive enough compensation for all your damages.