Steps to take after a car accident
Get to safety and check for injuries
Move out of traffic if you can, and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
Call the police
Ask for an official report, even for a seemingly minor crash. It's valuable evidence later.
Document everything
Photograph the vehicles, damage, the scene, and road conditions. Exchange names, contact, insurance, and license-plate details with the other driver.
Get witness information
Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened can make a real difference.
Seek medical care promptly
See a doctor even if you feel fine — some injuries surface days later, and gaps in treatment can be used to minimize your claim.
Be careful what you say
Don't admit fault. You're generally not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer — check with an attorney first.
Keep your records
Save medical bills, proof of missed work, and out-of-pocket costs. They all factor into what your claim is worth.
Talk to a lawyer before you settle
Early offers are often low. A quick, free call with Randy can tell you whether an offer is fair before you sign anything.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file an injury claim in Arizona?
For most personal injury cases, Arizona gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit (A.R.S. § 12-542). There are important exceptions: claims against a city, county, or state entity require a formal notice of claim within 180 days and a lawsuit within one year, and some situations (like injuries discovered later, or minors) follow different timelines.
Because missing a deadline can end a case before it starts, it's worth confirming your specific deadline with Randy as early as possible.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule (A.R.S. § 12-2505). You can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found 20% responsible for a $100,000 result, you'd recover $80,000. You can recover even if you're up to 99% at fault.
Do I have to talk to the other driver's insurance company?
Generally, no — you're not required to give a recorded statement to the other party's insurer, and it's often wise not to before speaking with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to protect the company's bottom line. Randy spent years on that side of the table, so he knows exactly how those conversations are steered.
What if the other driver was uninsured or fled?
You may still have options. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can apply, and there may be other responsible parties. Bring your policy to your consultation and Randy can walk through what's available.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on the specifics — the nature of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, long-term impact, and more. Anyone who promises a number before reviewing your case isn't being straight with you. Randy will give you an honest, grounded assessment.
What does it cost to hire Randy for an injury case?
Injury cases are handled on contingency — there's no upfront cost and no hourly billing. Randy's fee comes only from what he recovers for you, so if there's no recovery, you owe no attorney's fee.
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
Usually not before someone reviews it. First offers are frequently lower than what a claim is worth, and once you accept, you typically can't reopen it. A free consultation costs you nothing and can tell you whether an offer is fair.
How long will my case take?
It varies widely — some claims settle in months, others take longer if they involve serious injuries or head toward trial. Randy will give you a realistic timeline for your situation and keep you updated along the way.
Still have questions? Ask Randy.
A free, no-obligation consultation is the fastest way to get answers about your specific situation.