Being in an auto accident can be a stressful experience, even if the only visible damage is to the cars involved. If the collision is more severe and you are seriously injured, you may have unexpected medical bills, need to take time off work, and suffer a host of other financial, physical, and psychological losses.
Having a checklist of key things to do in the minutes and hours following a wreck can help you to stay calm, be proactive, and protect yourself legally and financially. The attorneys at Phillips Law Group recommend some essential steps to take after a Tucson car accident, and we are ready to help you demand fair financial compensation after a collision that was someone else’s fault.
Exchange Contact and Insurance Information With Other Drivers
Immediately following a traffic collision, those involved should try to move their vehicles out of the flow of traffic and contact emergency medical services. The next step is to provide accurate contact and car insurance details to all other drivers in the wreck, as required in Tucson by state law. Failure to do this can make the civil recovery process more complicated and can also lead to criminal prosecution for violation of Arizona’s hit-and-run laws.
Get Contact Details From Witnesses
While still at the scene of the accident in Tucson, an important action to take is getting contact information from witnesses to the car crash. During settlement talks or a civil trial, these witnesses may provide testimony about what they saw. Additionally, getting the contact details for the owners of nearby surveillance or dashboard cameras can result in access to video evidence of the wreck for a civil claim.
Take Photos of the Crash Scene
For someone involved in an auto collision in Tucson, the final step before leaving the scene is to take photos or videos to document the incident. This should include their own injuries, all damage sustained by the vehicles involved in the wreck, and nearby traffic patterns and visual obstructions that may have contributed to the incident occurring.
Visit a Doctor As Soon as Possible
Medical records are necessary when establishing whether the injuries sustained in a car accident are the fault of the person who caused the collision. If someone intends to sue following a wreck, formal documentation of their injuries is essential. Therefore, a vital step to take after being involved in a car crash in Tucson is to seek professional medical attention without delay.
Seek Legal Advice on Your Course of Action Following a Wreck in Tucson
Following this checklist can strengthen your lawsuit or settlement demand against the person at fault for your auto accident. To give yourself the best possible chance of fair financial compensation, the last of the steps to take after a Tucson car accident is to seek support from capable legal counsel.
An experienced car accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group can be the ally you need to achieve a favorable case result. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.