Every step you take after a car accident can influence the outcome of your claim and your future. Let an experienced legal team help you make the right moves from the start.
A car accident can leave you stunned, overwhelmed, and unsure of your next steps, especially in a bustling city like Phoenix, where traffic congestion, high-speed roadways, and distracted drivers make crashes a daily reality.
Whether your accident occurred on I-10, at a busy intersection like 7th Avenue and Indian School Road, or near the Downtown Arts District, what you do in the moments and days following a collision can greatly affect your ability to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a crash, offering a practical Phoenix car crash checklist, information on how to report a Phoenix car accident, and tips for proper accident scene documentation. By following these steps and working with an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer, you can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Ensure immediate safety; call the authorities.
The very first priority after a collision is safety, for yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. If you’re involved in a crash on major roadways like Loop 101 or near dense areas like Camelback Road or Roosevelt Row, pull over to a safe spot if your vehicle is drivable.
Once safely off the road:
- Turn on your hazard lights
- Check for injuries to yourself and others
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if vehicles are severely damaged
Even minor crashes can cause soft tissue injuries or internal trauma that isn’t immediately visible. Emergency medical responders can provide critical care and begin the documentation process that supports your injury claim later on.
Call Law Enforcement and Report the Accident
In Arizona, the police are legally required to report a Phoenix car accident if it involves injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even in minor collisions, calling the Phoenix Police Department ensures that a formal accident report is created, something that plays a central role in determining liability.
The responding officer will assess the scene, take statements from both parties, and file a report, which can be obtained later through the city’s online portal. This police report becomes a key piece of evidence when your Phoenix car accident lawyer negotiates with insurance companies or prepares your case for litigation.
Follow a Phoenix Car Crash Checklist
To protect your legal rights and begin building a strong claim, it’s important to gather information at the scene whenever possible. Use this Phoenix car crash checklist to cover all the essentials:
Exchange with the other driver:
- Full name, address, and phone number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration
- Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate
Document the scene:
- Take wide and close-up photos of vehicle damage
- Capture skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and signage
- Photograph injuries, if visible
- Get contact information from any eyewitnesses
Accurate accident scene documentation is often the deciding factor in proving fault. If there are nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or intersection cameras (like those at Thomas Road or 24th Street), your attorney may also request video footage to supplement your evidence.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Whether or not you go to the ER from the scene, it’s critical to seek medical care within 24 hours of the crash. Visit a hospital such as Banner–University Medical Center Phoenix or HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center for a thorough evaluation.
Not only is prompt treatment essential for your health, but it also strengthens your legal case. Delayed care may give insurers the opportunity to claim your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
Keep all medical records, prescriptions, and bills; your Phoenix car accident lawyer will use these to calculate economic damages and demonstrate the severity of your injuries.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Most insurance policies require timely notification of any accidents. Even if the crash wasn’t your fault, you should notify your provider as soon as possible. However, avoid giving recorded statements or detailed accounts without first speaking to an attorney.
Insurance adjusters often look for statements they can use to minimize or deny your claim. Let them know the basics, that an accident occurred, where, and when, but decline to discuss injuries or fault until you’ve received legal advice.
Track Your Expenses and Document Your Recovery
In addition to medical bills, start keeping a record of all accident-related costs and losses. This documentation will be crucial when calculating your total compensation.
Track items like:
- Missed work and lost income
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Mileage to and from doctor appointments
- Home modifications or assistive equipment
Also, consider keeping a daily journal to note how your injuries impact your quality of life. Pain levels, emotional distress, and limitations on daily activities help support a claim for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.
Avoid Social Media and Be Careful Who You Talk To
After an accident, anything you say, even outside of formal channels, can be used against you. Avoid posting updates, photos, or opinions about the crash on social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often scour public profiles for evidence to dispute injury claims.
Even casual statements like “I’m feeling better” can be misrepresented to argue your injuries aren’t serious. Until your claim is resolved, it’s best to keep the details of your accident and recovery private.
Who’s Liable? Understanding Fault in Phoenix Car Accidents
Establishing fault is one of the most important steps after a car accident. Arizona is a comparative negligence state, which means that multiple parties can share responsibility for a crash, including you. If you’re found partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your level of responsibility.
For example, if you’re deemed 20% at fault for a rear-end collision on McDowell Road because you braked suddenly, but the other driver was texting and didn’t react in time, you could still recover 80% of your total damages.
Liability can fall on more than just the drivers involved. Sometimes, third parties share responsibility. If your accident occurred due to poor road maintenance, such as a pothole on Grand Avenue or a missing traffic sign near Indian School Road, the City of Phoenix or another government agency could be liable. Likewise, if a defective vehicle part contributed to the crash, the manufacturer might be held accountable.
Parties that may be liable in a Phoenix car accident include:
- The other driver or drivers involved
- A vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier
- A government entity responsible for road design or maintenance
- A rideshare company or commercial vehicle operator
Determining who’s at fault isn’t always straightforward. That’s why it’s critical to work with a Phoenix car accident lawyer who understands how to investigate crashes, review evidence, and hold the appropriate parties accountable.
With skilled legal support, you can ensure that liability is properly assigned and your right to compensation is fully protected.
Contact a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible
One of the most important steps you can take is reaching out to a Phoenix car accident lawyer immediately after the crash. The earlier you involve legal counsel, the better your chances of preserving key evidence, meeting important deadlines, and avoiding mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
A qualified attorney will:
- Conduct an independent investigation
- Identify all liable parties
- Collect police reports, witness statements, and video footage
- Coordinate with your doctors to document your injuries
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- File a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered
Arizona follows a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but certain types of cases, such as those involving government vehicles or public roads, may require action within just 180 days. Don’t wait and risk losing your right to compensation.
How Our Law Firm’s Structure, Experience, and Reach Benefit You
Our firm operates as an Arizona Alternative Business Structure law firm, an innovative legal model that allows for expanded ownership and streamlined operations. This structure enables us to integrate technology, business strategy, and legal insight in a way that benefits every client.
With over 40 years of combined experience in personal injury and mass tort litigation, we’ve handled thousands of complex cases and recovered substantial compensation for victims just like you. And because we’ve developed co-counsel partnerships nationwide, we’re equipped to take on even the most challenging multi-jurisdictional claims, offering both local and national reach with personalized care.
Whether your accident happened on I-17, near Sky Harbor Airport, or just blocks from your home, we’re here to help you take control of the situation, recover what you’ve lost, and move forward with confidence.
Take Action Today With Legal Support You Can Trust
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident in Phoenix is difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. From securing evidence at the scene to negotiating with insurers and building a compelling case for compensation, having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference.
Call National Injury Help at 1 (800) 214-1010 today for a free consultation with a trusted Phoenix car accident lawyer. Let us guide you through every step of the process and fight for the compensation you deserve, locally and beyond. There’s no fee unless we win.
