What to Do After an Accident

Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyers for Car Crashes

Many people who have been involved in a car crash experience a great deal of pain and uncertainty. They may be confused about what actions to take. The experienced personal injury attorneys at the Phoenix law offices of Solomon & Relihan can guide them through the legal process, helping them make the right decisions after a car accident.

What to Do if You Have Been Involved in a Car Accident

Call the police. When you are involved in a car crash, your first step should be to call the police. Many people think that handling things privately is a good idea at first, but this can be a big mistake if your injuries or the damage to your car turn out to be more severe than they seemed initially. The police make an official record of the accident. You may need to rely on this record in court if your injuries turn out to be serious.

Decide where your car should be taken. If your car has been seriously damaged, it may need to be towed from the scene. Don't feel forced to use a specific towing company — you have control over where your car goes. If you have a specific place in mind, make sure the car goes there. You may save hundreds of dollars in towing and storage fees.

It's best not to move vehicles until you are instructed to do so by the police. If you absolutely need to move your car, taking pictures beforehand can be a good idea. For this reason, it is wise to keep a camera in your car. You can also use your cell phone camera.

Take the names of any witnesses. If your car crash leads to legal action, the testimony of an eye-witness can be critical to your success. Get names and contact information before the witnesses leave the scene. Never leave the scene of an accident yourself.

Don't admit responsibility. Sometimes people think they caused an accident when other drivers, defective vehicles, or dangerous road conditions were really to blame. Never admit fault, even if you think you were to blame — you could be wrong.

Seek medical attention. It is important to get medical attention as soon as possible after an auto accident. If you don't know where to find a reliable or affordable doctor, the lawyers at Solomon & Relihan can help you understand your options — sometimes doctors will agree to wait for payment pending resolution of your claim.

Dealing with the Other Driver's Insurance Company

It is smart to talk with an attorney before you try to negotiate with a negligent driver's insurance company. Insurance companies are not there to help you — their goal is to save as much money as possible by minimizing or denying your claim.

For this reason, don't sign anything from another driver's insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney. If you work with an insurance adjuster alone, you may be giving up rights without getting anything in return.

Contact Solomon & Relihan

When you have been injured in a car accident, having the lawyers at Solomon & Relihan on your side can help you get full and fair compensation for your injuries. For a free initial consultation about your car accident, contact us. For your convenience, home and hospital visits are available upon request.