Being involved in a serious car accident can be a stressful and scary experience. In addition to the emotional trauma that it may have caused, you will likely also have to pay to fix the damage to your car and also possibly medical bills.
It is important to understand the best course of action after a car accident in Arizona, both in order to keep everyone as safe as possible, but also to ensure that you have the best possible chance of recouping expenses after the incident.
What to do in the immediate aftermath of an Arizona accident
Immediately after the accident, it is important to remain at the scene. Don’t leave — especially if you were at fault. You have the duty to ensure the safety of others at the scene and provide any help that you can. When everyone’s safety has been established, you should make sure that information is exchanged between parties. You should exchange names, addresses and contact details as well as license plate numbers and insurance information.
Reporting the accident
As a private citizen, you do not have the responsibility to report the incident to the Arizona Motor Vehicles Division. You do have the responsibility to report the incident to the police, however, if an injury has occurred or if there is damage that is likely to be in excess of $1,000. In these cases, you must stay at the scene until officials arrive.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Arizona, it is important that you ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. You should determine what your legal rights are.
Source: DMV, “What To Do After a Car Accident in Arizona,” accessed April 10, 2018