There are many things to take care of immediately following an accident. Getting in touch with the right people after a crash is important, as many factors are involved. Contacting the insurance company expedites the claim process, and you receive guidance on how to proceed immediately after the collision. So if someone rear-ends you, whose insurance do you call first?
Who Should You Call First After Getting Rear-Ended?
If you are in a rear-end accident, you should first call your insurance company, even if you believe the other party is at fault. If possible, you should also give your insurance company the contact information for the other driver’s insurance provider.
Some states are no-fault states, meaning that even if you are not liable for the accident, you file a claim with your insurance company. Arizona, however, is an at-fault state, which means the insurance provider of the party found to be liable for the crash files the claim. Your insurance company is also responsible for working in your best interest, so it is always a good idea to alert your provider, even if you are not responsible for the crash.
What Steps Should You Take After a Rear-End Accident?
Before you call your insurance company, there are certain steps you should take. First, determine the extent of the vehicle’s damage and if anyone in the car has injuries. If there are serious injuries, call 911. If it is safe and physically possible, Arizona law requires both vehicles must be moved out of traffic and off to the side.
Next, you should call the police so that they can conduct an official investigation, which will help determine who is at fault for the accident. Although the driver who ran into the front vehicle is usually liable, some exceptions exist.
If possible, exchange information with the other driver, including their insurance provider’s contact information. Even if the police are on the way, taking notes about the accident and pictures of the scene is a good idea.
Once the police have finished investigating the scene, you can vacate the area or call a tow truck to take your vehicle to a local repair shop or location designated by your insurance company.
Even if you do not notice any symptoms, seeking medical care for potential injuries is also a good idea. Some injuries, such as whiplash, common after a rear-end collision, can take a few hours before causing symptoms. The sooner you receive treatment for your injuries, the less severe they will be. There will also be a lower chance of recurring injuries.
Who Else Should You Call After a Rear-End Accident?
Now you know that you should call your own insurance company if someone rear-ends you. However, you may also wonder if there is anyone else you should call. Although determining fault in a rear-end collision is sometimes straightforward, it may be challenging. At Sargon Law Group, our car accident attorneys in Phoenix can help with your case. Contact us today so that we can begin reviewing your accident.