Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming and disorienting. In the immediate aftermath, you may be dealing with injuries, damaged vehicles, insurance companies, and a maze of decisions that could significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. The moments and days following an accident are critical for protecting both your health and legal rights.
Watch: Attorney Brian Allen Explains Car Accident Claims
In this video: Our attorney Brian Allen walks through the five most common questions people have after being involved in a car accident, including immediate steps to take, types of claims you can pursue, and what to do when injuries aren’t immediately apparent.
Your First Priority: Safety and Documentation
Your immediate focus should be on safety and getting proper medical attention for anyone who needs it. Call 911 right away. This ensures that injured parties receive prompt medical care and will dispatch police to the scene who will investigate and document what happened, including making an initial determination about fault.
The police will typically provide you with an information exchange form containing the other driver’s contact and insurance information. If you’re physically able and not seriously injured, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any relevant road conditions. These photos can become valuable evidence when determining fault and calculating damages.
Understanding Your Potential Claims
When another driver causes an accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. Property damage claims cover vehicle repairs and any personal property damaged in the crash. In cases of significant damage, you might recover diminished value, compensation for your vehicle’s reduced worth even after repairs.
Personal injury claims can include medical expenses, lost wages from time off work, and future medical costs related to your injuries. The value depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your daily life and earning capacity.
Citations Don’t End Your Case
Receiving a traffic citation at the accident scene doesn’t disqualify you from pursuing a claim. Arizona follows a comparative fault system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but as long as you are not entirely at fault, you may still have a valid claim.
Hit-and-Run Accidents and Your Options
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you still have options for recovery. Most Arizona drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage, which covers both uninsured drivers and hit-and-run situations. However, these claims require corroborating evidence to prove a hit-and-run occurred.
Photograph vehicle damage, look for debris or skid marks at the scene, and get contact information from witnesses. This evidence will be essential when filing your uninsured motorist claim.
The Hidden Nature of Accident Injuries
One of the most important things to understand about car accidents is that injuries often don’t appear immediately. The adrenaline rush following an accident can mask pain and other symptoms that may not become apparent until hours or even days later. This delayed onset is completely normal and doesn’t undermine the validity of your claim.
If you begin experiencing pain, discomfort, or other symptoms after leaving the accident scene, seek medical attention promptly. Whether you visit your primary care physician, an urgent care center, or the emergency room, getting timely medical documentation is crucial for both your health and any potential legal claim.
Why Professional Legal Guidance Matters
Car accident claims can quickly become complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize your claim or deny coverage altogether. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, ensure you’re pursuing all available compensation, and protect you from common pitfalls that could reduce your recovery.
The legal team at Allen Carpenter has handled countless car accident cases and understands the tactics insurance companies use to limit payouts. We can help you understand your rights, gather necessary evidence, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to get the legal guidance you need. Call Allen Carpenter today at (480) 808-5075 for a free consultation regarding your case. Or email at [email protected] or [email protected].
Allen Carpenter PLC is a premier Arizona-based law firm that handles personal injury, wrongful death, insurance disputes, and bad faith claims in Arizona and all across the country. Attorneys Brian Allen and Fletcher Carpenter have litigated hundreds of personal injury cases and recovered tens of millions of dollars for their clients.
Last Updated: September 22, 2025