On highways all over the world, vehicle accidents are a common occurrence. A wide variety of factors including driver errors, poor road conditions, adverse weather, vehicle malfunction, and more may cause single car accident. In Arizona alone, thousands of crashes happen every year. Hundreds die from fatal collisions while most victims suffer from severe injuries.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
You may find yourself a bit shocked or confused, but you should try to remain calm, and do the following:
1. Check for injuries: Examine yourself and your passengers for injuries. Is anyone bleeding, suffering from dizziness, or immobility? If yes, then call for medical assistance immediately.
2. Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to a secure area, like the shoulder of the road. This will help prevent further accidents such as the possibility of a second collision.
3. Call the police: Even if it’s a minor mishap, call the police to report it. The police will take pictures of the scene and write a report on the incident, which might be required for insurance reasons.
4. Exchange information: Share names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers with the other drivers involved in the collision.
5. Take pictures: By taking photographs and videos of the accident scene, you are preserving crucial pieces of evidence. Thus, remember to include any damage to the vehicles and the surrounding area as these will provide clues on how the accident happened.
6. Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. They will guide you through the process of filing a claim.
7. Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to request medical care after an accident. Some injuries may not show up right away, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Having yourself checked immediately will strengthen the validity of your claim.
8. Contact a lawyer: If you were injured in a car accident, you may want to contact a personal injury lawyer. They can help you understand your legal options and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Should You Report A Minor Car Accident?
Even if you were involved in what seemed to be a minor car accident, reporting it to the authorities is still the wise thing to do. It is important to document the incident, just in case there are complications or issues that may arise later on.
Moreover, there are laws in some states that mandate you call the police after any accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damages. In Arizona, the law requires you to report any car accident that involves injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Therefore, if you are involved in a minor car accident that results in any vehicle damage that exceeds $1,000, you are required to report it to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
Additionally, it’s a good idea to report any car accident to your insurance company, even if the damage is minor. Your insurance provider will need to keep track of the incident and could be able to help with repairs or other accident-related costs.
To report a car accident in Arizona, you may do so online through the ADOT website, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office. It’s important to report the accident as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the incident.
Keep in mind that there may be penalties or other legal repercussions if you do not report a car accident, as the law requires it. Even if the accident seems minor, it is better to disclose it to make sure you are in compliance with the law. Also, doing so will help you avoid accident-related complications or issues in the future. Remember, safety should always be your first priority after an accident. If you’re unsure what to do, seek help from a trusted source, such as the police or a medical professional.
