After you\u2019ve been in a car accident in Arizona<\/a>, you should take specific steps to both protect your rights and increase your odds of recovering compensation later. One of the most important steps included in this process is filing a car accident report. The police officers dispatched to the scene can help you with filing a report, but you have to contact them immediately after the collision.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Depending on the severity of the accident, emergency services will likely show up at the scene along with law enforcement. The officers will then look into who was at fault<\/a> in the accident, how the collision occurred, and who it affected. The accident report filed based on this information might provide valuable evidence for your claim later on.<\/p>\n First, call 911 and ask them to send emergency personnel if there were people injured. This will enable any hurt passengers or drivers involved to seek medical assistance. Having law enforcement on scene will help reduce tensions and reduce conflict between the drivers affected by the collision. It will also ensure that an official, proper police report<\/a> is made that shows accurate information about the accident.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ll need to give the police your name and contact info along with your driver\u2019s license. Collect contact information from all of the other drivers involved and, if possible, from witnesses. Take photos at the scene and document the license plate numbers of the vehicles involved.<\/p>\n Getting in a car accident can be expensive and stressful. Fortunately, you can recover damages to help you cover the expenses that come along with this inconvenience. Compensation can cover lost wages, medical costs, pain and suffering<\/a>, emotional distress, and permanent disability or disfigurement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Make sure that you hold onto any information that can help prove the damages you\u2019ve suffered. This includes the police report from the accident, medical bills, and a statement from your employer about the work you\u2019ve missed. If you\u2019ve gone to visit a therapist due to accident-related suffering (such as PTSD<\/a>) from the incident, you should also hold onto information about that.<\/p>\n If you were injured in a car accident, you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault in order to recover compensation for damages. To prove your injury, hold onto all receipts and bills regarding your medical treatment. If you had any prescriptions, keep the records related to filling them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can also keep a \u201cpain journal\u201d that details the severity of your injury and the healing process. If you had to miss work due to the injury, include information about that, as well. Don\u2019t sign a release of liability form with the insurance company, as this will make it impossible to recover damages later for delayed pain<\/a> such as whiplash<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Below are some of the most commonly asked questions related to reporting a car accident:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The police report will have essential information regarding the accident, the identities of the people involved, and (if applicable) witness statements<\/a>. It will also include auto insurance information for the drivers, the date and time of the collision, whether any citations were issued, a description of the crash, and more. Without a report, the insurance company may claim that the accident wasn\u2019t very serious.<\/p>\n You should report a crash right after it happens and remain on scene until the police arrive so that they can file a report. According to Arizona law, the police must respond and make their report within 24 hours of the investigation.<\/p>\n Arizona has a 2-year Statute of Limitations<\/a> for personal injury cases, meaning you must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident. If you don\u2019t file your claim within this period, you will miss out on recovering compensation for your injuries. It\u2019s important to speak with a personal injury attorney right away as this increases your chances of a successful case.<\/p>\n Most car accident claims don\u2019t end up going to trial and are usually resolved with insurance adjusters and settlement negotiations<\/a>. In some cases, where the two parties can\u2019t agree on what \u201cfair compensation\u201d should be for the injuries, it\u2019s necessary to take the claim to court.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But regardless of whether you take your case to court, working with an attorney is essential. If you hire legal help, the opposing attorney or insurance adjustor will know you\u2019re willing to take your case to court if necessary, which will help your case.<\/p>\n Even if the injury seems slight or non-existent, it\u2019s crucial that you get medical attention immediately after you\u2019ve been in a car accident. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions will not be apparent right away. Not only will you potentially prevent worsening your condition but seeing a doctor right way will help your injury case due to the resulting documentation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat to Keep in Mind for Reporting an Accident to Police<\/h4>\n
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Steps for Reporting a Motor Vehicle Accident\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
What does Compensation Cover?<\/h4>\n
How to Prove an Injury<\/h4>\n
Frequently Asked Questions on Reporting an Accident<\/h4>\n
Q: Why does the police report matter?<\/h4>\n
Q: How much time do I have to file a report after an accident?<\/h4>\n
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident?<\/h4>\n
Q: Do I have to go to court if I pursue a car accident lawsuit?<\/h4>\n
What to Do if You’ve Been Injured<\/h4>\n