Law

The dos and don’ts after a car accident in Tucson

Close-up Of Two Green And Red Wooden Cars On Desk In Courtroom

It is okay to feel stressed and shocked after a car accident in Tucson. Such car accidents, collisions, and crashes are reported on Arizona roads every year. Like many others, you may not know the state laws, your rights and responsibilities. In this post, we are sharing the dos and don’ts after a car accident for your help. 

  1. Check for injuries. See if people around, other drivers, and passengers need medical attention.
  2. Call 911 right away. Even when injuries or damages don’t seem to be serious, do call 911, and don’t let anyone talk you out of it. 
  3. Call the police. You need to wait until an investigating officer comes to the scene. If you can, try moving your vehicle to a safer place. 
  4. Call a Tucson auto accident attorney. If you know a lawyer, ask around, or check online. You need basic advice from the attorney as what you should at the scene. In case you cannot talk to a lawyer, schedule an appointment at the earliest. 
  5. Take photos. You need as much evidence from the accident as you can find. Take video footage, photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, and other vehicles involved. 
  6. Ask for information. If you are in your senses, gather details and insurance information of other drivers. Check if there are any witnesses to the accident and get their contact info too. 
  7. Do not talk to anyone about the accident. Make sure that you are not talking with your friends, family, or posting anything on social media. 
  8. Get a report of the accident from the police. This is important for your claim, or personal injury lawsuit, to get compensation for your damages (where applicable). 
  9. Inform your insurance company right away. The statute of limitations allows two years to file personal injury lawsuits after a car accident, but that doesn’t apply to insurance claims. 
  10. Don’t admit fault. Even if you believe that you had a role in causing the accident, do not apologize or admit anything to anyone. If the police ask, you can cooperate, but you cannot be coaxed into giving a statement. 
  11. Meet your accident attorney. What is your claim worth? If you had part share of fault, how much settlement you can expect realistically? Do they have experience of trial? How they plan to handle your case? These are some questions an attorney can answer. 

Make sure that you don’t deal with the insurance claims adjuster directly. Let your accident attorney handle that.