Car accidents happen without warning, and they leave everyone involved feeling shaken, even traumatized. So when a family member, friend, or even a stranger gets into a car accident around you, knowing the steps to take can make a real difference in protecting safety and legal rights—both yours and theirs.
What’s the First Thing To Check at the Scene?
Safety comes first after any car accident. Immediately check for any injuries and, if possible, move everyone to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and use warning triangles or flares if you have them.
Not all injuries are immediately obvious. Even minor accidents can cause hidden injuries, so make sure to call for professional medical attention before anyone leaves the scene.
Should I Call the Police Even for a Minor Crash?
Arizona law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $2,000. But even for minor accidents, you should still request a police report—officers document identifying information, damage, and witness accounts, and these reports can come in handy for future insurance or legal claims.
What Information Should I Gather From the Other Driver?
Arizona law mandates that drivers in an accident exchange names, addresses, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance details at the scene. You should also photograph all the documents to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Write down the make, model, and color of each vehicle involved. Take multiple photos of any property damage, injuries, skid marks, street signs, and the wider accident scene.
How Should I Document Witness Information?
Record statements and collect contact details from anyone who saw the accident, even passengers and pedestrians. Ask witnesses what they saw—an independent witness offers an objective perspective that can help sort out conflicting stories.
What Should I Do if Someone Is Injured or in Shock?
Shock is caused by sudden drops in blood flow, which can quickly become life-threatening. If you believe the victim is experiencing shock (e.g., they’re exhibiting symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, clammy skin, or confusion), remain calm and offer reassurance. Encourage the injured person to breathe slowly and remain still, especially if neck or back pain is present.
Encourage them to lie flat, cover to prevent loss of body heat, and avoid giving them food or drinks if you suspect they sustained a serious injury. Only move a seriously injured person if there’s imminent danger, such as fire.
How Can I Help With the Insurance Claim Process?
Encourage the accident victim to report the incident within the required time frame—generally 24–72 hours, depending on their policy. If you are close with the victim, collect and organize all documents, photos, and witness accounts for the claim. Keep comprehensive records of all medical treatments, work missed, and other expenses.
Make sure that your family member or friend avoids giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurers until they speak with their own provider or legal counsel.
Getting the Compensation You Deserve With the Valley Injury Team for an Arizona Car Accident
If someone close to you sustains an injury in a car accident, the Valley Injury Team brings decades of combined personal injury litigation experience. We recover millions each year for our clients, serving Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, and the greater Phoenix area from our office in Mesa.
For caring legal guidance and strong support through every step of the process, call our office or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
