Your Guide What To Do After A Phoenix Car Accident
As Phoenix car accident lawyers, we see that many people are involved in car accidents throughout the Valley and do not know what to do after they are in an auto accident. This is a brief guide for you if you have been involved in a car accident and are confused as to what to do to protect your rights or if your family member has been in an auto accident, is in the hospital, and you want to help but you do not know what to do.
Most people who have been seriously hurt because of the negligence of another individual really are not able to do much after a car accident because of their injuries. Maybe the most important thing to know is do NOT to talk to anyone. I (Alexis) would advise you to report your claim to your insurance and the adverse insurance, but even then I would recommend that you let someone else report the claim because the adjuster will start to ask you questions and you may be confused due to your discomfort. Never give a recorded statement to any adjuster unless you first speak to a lawyer.
Take pictures of anything you can think of that will pertain to the auto accident. Examples of this are pictures of the car, pictures of the car that hit you, pictures of property in the vehicle that was destroyed, pictures of your injuries or of your family member that is injured and pictures of the hospital. You want to take pictures of anything that could later be destroyed or contested. Another example would be debris in the roadway or skid marks where the Phoenix crash took place.
Sometimes it can be uncomfortable to take pictures of a loved one when in the hospital however these pictures will be invaluable to proving an injury or proving the extent of damages in a car accident claim. Many times you are not able to take pictures at the scene of the accident but someone can go back to the scene to take pictures of the roadway. If a family member is in the hospital, a loved one could go to the tow yard or wherever to take pictures of the vehicle.
Follow your doctor’s advice. Many people who are injured in an accident ignore their doctor and do not seek follow up care. It is important that you follow your doctor’s orders and continue with medical care when you are hurt.
Documentation is the key to a car accident claim. If you can take a picture, take the picture, if you are given doctor’s advice, follow the advice or seek a second opinion. if you are unable to work make sure the doctor gives you a note saying to remain out of work. A note from your employer is going to be needed as well.
Lastly, do not speak to the insurance company, especially do not give a recorded statement, and do not sign a medical authorization from the insurance company or any other documents regarding the insurance company obtaining your medical records. This is a brief guide and is just meant to give you some pointers. If you have questions for Phoenix Personal Injury lawyers, feel free to give us a call.
