Car crashes can leave victims feeling scared or experiencing shock. While the severity of these incidents can result in varying reactions and types of injuries, drivers must still avoid the common errors in judgment that can harm their rights and affect their ability to seek compensation for their damages.
Not notifying the police
Under Arizona law, leaving the scene of an accident that involves an injury, death or over $1,000 in property damage must be reported to the local police. Ignoring this responsibility may lead to fines, license suspension and a potential Grade 2 or Grade 3 felony charge.
Delaying medical care
One of the most common mistakes people make after a crash is neglecting their injuries or post-crash symptoms. This action can not only worsen their health but also affect the validity of their claim’s statements.
Seeking prompt medical care for their injuries not only helps them recover better but also generates medical reports that can strengthen their car accident claims process.
Taking the blame
While it may feel normal to apologize to the other party right after a crash, doing this without consulting with a lawyer can make the other driver assume that they are to blame for the incident.
Since Arizona follows the “pure comparative negligence” tort rule, this brief statement can imply a higher percentage of fault, which also affects the apologetic party’s insurance claim compensation amount.
Avoiding these mistakes can lead to better outcomes
When drivers understand which common mistakes they need to look out for, they can safeguard their health and make better choices about their circumstances. This approach not only protects their rights but also helps them avoid legal repercussions.
