Being in an accident can be a terrifying experience, followed by a tribulating process of legal work and medical bills. It is understably hard to know what to do next after such an experience, which is why you should continue reading.
There are several steps you can follow to ensure that you are safe and that the other driver is held accountable for their actions.
Hiring the best Arizona car accident lawyers can prove to be beneficial to your case and help you get compensated for lost wages and other expenses. After an accident you must deal with documentation, insurance, police and witnesses. This article will review the proper steps of dealing with these.
Primary Causes of Accidents
When life hits you with an unexpected car accident it’s important you identify the cause. The strength of your case can really depend on knowing who is in the wrong, which you can determine by seeing if the other driver’s actions fall under one of these categories.
First, was the driver in the other vehicle distracted?
If they were distracted by anything, most commonly their phone or passengers then they can be held accountable. Accountability also applies to reckless driving and negligence to follow traffic laws, and if the other person was driving over the speed limit.
Was the other driver impaired?
If so and the person driving the other vehicle was under the influence of drugs, alcohol or a lack of sleep they can certainly be held liable. The last primary cause is weather conditions, in the state of Arizona weather can be harsh and unpredictable making low visibility and slick roads.
Was the other driver driving recklessly?
Speeding and weaving in and out of traffic are types of reckless driving. If the other driver was being unsafe and not considering others around them, they are liable for any accidents they cause.
Were they driving an improper vehicle?
You have to properly maintain your car. It’s illegal to drive unsafe vehicles on the road. If your accident was caused because someone else’s vehicle malfunctioned they are still at fault.
The Proper Way Someone Should Handle an Accident
It can be unclear what to do after a traumatic accident, so here are some tips.
Prioritize yourself and others safety, and make sure everyone gets to a safe area following the incident. After establishing this, you should exchange contact, insurance, and license information with any witnesses or people involved in the scene. Then document the accident with photos and videos, making sure to capture any damages, road conditions and relevant factors.
Be sure to avoid indicating fault during the incident as what you say can be used against you. Proceed to contact the police, seek any necessary medical attention, and make a report to your insurance company. Lastly consult an experienced car accident attorney to build you a case.
Hiring the Best Arizona Car Accident Lawyers
When consulting with and hiring an attorney for your case, there are several things you should consider.
- Reputation: A strong law firm has attorneys with positive reviews from their clients, and overall be well respected among their community.
- Experience: They should have a long list of successful cases from head-on collisions to pedestrian accidents.
- Determination: Your lawyer should be passionate about seeking justice for their clients, and be personally involved in helping you with your case, to ensure you are compensated for all of your suffering.
In Conclusion
You can help protect yourself by following good crash scene etiquette and consulting Arizona car accident lawyers. By doing so you can ensure everyone’s safety, the other driver is held accountable and that you are compensated. Get help so you can get back to your life.