Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of accidental injuries in our area. According to data from the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were 122,247 automobile accidents reported in the state in 2023 alone. Following a serious wreck, it is imperative that you know what to do to protect your rights and your interests. You need full and fair compensation.
Unfortunately, too many car accident victims make avoidable mistakes in the aftermath of a crash. There are three common mistakes that you absolutely need to avoid. Making any one of these errors could undermine your legal claims. Our Arizona car accident lawyers highlight the top three mistakes to avoid after a crash.
Mistake #1: Failing to Seek Medical Care or Waiting Too Long to See a Doctor
All car crash injuries should be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated by a qualified doctor. First and foremost, seeing a physician after a crash in Arizona is vital to protect your own health and well-being and to promote physical and mental recovery. Even if you feel fine, hidden injuries—like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft-tissue damage—may worsen over time. Beyond that, there are legal reasons why you need to see a doctor. Insurance companies are quick to argue that your injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the collision if you do not seek care immediately. If you lack timely medical records, it will be very challenging to bring a successful claim.
Mistake #2: Agreeing to Provide a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Adjuster
After a car accident, insurance adjusters may seem friendly. They are trained to come across as disarming—like independent, curious fact-finders. However, the reality is far different. Insurance adjusters are never on your side. Their primary goal is to protect the company’s interests—not to do what is right for you and your family. Agreeing to give a recorded statement before consulting an Arizona attorney is a serious mistake. These statements are always fully dissected. Insurance companies want to find any appearance inconsistencies or admissions that can diminish the value of your claim. You may inadvertently misremember details or unintentionally downplay your injuries, damaging your credibility later. Once recorded, your words become a permanent record that the insurance company can use against you. Avoid a statement.
Mistake #3: Not Hiring an Arizona Car Accident Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident alone can lead to costly errors. Failing to speak to a lawyer is a big mistake. Arizona laws and insurance policies can be complex. Insurance companies have a team of well-trained lawyers on their side. They start building their defense right away—and even if liability is clear, they will fight to pay out as little as possible to injured victims. Do not go it alone: Consult with a top-rated Arizona auto accident lawyer right away after a crash.
You Deserve Full and Fair Compensation for Your Injuries
In Arizona, car accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including for any non-economic losses. How much is your claim worth? The answer depends on a wide range of case-driven factors. With that being said, you cannot rely on any insurance company to fairly value your legal claim. Our Arizona car accident lawyers fight aggressively for the maximum compensation for our clients, including for:
- Property loss, including vehicle repairs;
- Emergency room treatment;
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Long-term health care needs;
- Loss of wages and loss of future earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Reduced quality of life.
Get Free Car Accident Injury Advice From a Top Attorney in Arizona Today
At Free Injury Legal Advice, our Arizona car accident attorneys are standing by, ready to get started on your case right away. Hurt in a crash? Do not make a mistake that could undermine your rights. Get a lawyer. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached consultation. A simple ten-minute phone call could get you $10,000 or more. Our firm is located in Gilbert, and we handle car accident injury claims in Maricopa County and throughout Arizona.