The moments and hours after an accident in Phoenix are critical to your health and to your legal claim. Here is what you should do:
- Call 911 immediately. Even if the accident seems minor, call 911 and request police and medical response. A Phoenix police report creates an official record of the accident that is essential to your claim. Do not agree with the other party to skip calling the police.
- Get medical attention the same day. Phoenix has multiple major trauma centers, including Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, Valleywise Health Medical Center, and HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline often masks injury symptoms. Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries may not become apparent until hours or days later. Documented medical treatment from day one protects your claim.
- Document everything at the scene. Take photos of all vehicles, the road conditions, any visible injuries, traffic signs or signals, and skid marks. Get the other driver's name, license plate, insurance information, and contact details. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.
- Do not admit fault or make statements to the other driver's insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize what they pay out. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you have spoken with an attorney.
- Contact Rafi Law Group before you sign anything. Insurance companies often send settlement offers quickly, before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you sign a release, you give up your right to pursue additional compensation. Our Phoenix personal injury attorneys offer consultations 24/7 and can review any offer before you agree to it.
- Be aware of Arizona's statute of limitations. In most Phoenix personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If the accident involved a government vehicle or a government-owned property, the deadline may be as short as 180 days. Do not wait to get legal advice.
For 24/7 services, call (888) 408-6870 or contact Rafi Law Group online.