The Arizona Department of Transportation has tried many solutions, such as installing wrong way signs and thermal camera detection systems, to stop a wrong way driver in Phoenix. However, accidents involving vehicles going the wrong way still occur, and they can result in serious or fatal injuries. If you find yourself a victim of a wrong way crash, there are steps you should take.
What To Do Before and After an Accident Involving a Wrong Way Driver in Phoenix
If you notice a vehicle driving the wrong way and it is coming towards you, you should blink your lights, lay on your horn, and put on your hazard lights to see if you can get the driver’s attention to stop.
If it is doable, pull to the side and out of the way. If this isn’t possible, move over to the right-hand side of the road as much as you can.
If you are unable to prevent a crash from happening, follow these tips.
Move Out of Harm’s Way
If possible, move your car out of the way of other traffic. This reduces the risk of more accidents occurring and allows you to safely deal with the crash.
Assess Damage
The first thing to do is make sure you are not seriously hurt, the car is not on fire, and there is not any other emergency. Assess any injuries and the extent of the vehicle damage.
If you are physically able to and you are not in the middle of traffic, you may want to exit the vehicle and take a look at the damage. However, if you are in doubt, stay in the car.
Call for Medical Help
If you are seriously hurt, call 9-1-1 right away. If you notice symptoms from an accident with a wrong way driver in Phoenix but you do not think they are serious, you may want to wait until after you can leave the scene to access treatment.
Contact the Authorities
Even if it is not an accident that warrants calling 9-1-1, you should call the police. Having an official report helps with your insurance claim and in the event you will take legal action.
The police will interview you and the other driver involved and gather any necessary information. If there are witnesses, the officer will also take their testimonies. The scene investigator takes pictures from various angles and of each vehicle. He or she will also note weather conditions or other surrounding details of the scene.
Contact Your Insurance Company
When the immediate emergency has calmed down, contact your insurance company to file a claim. Explain what happened and that there is a formal police report. You may be able to do this over the phone or online.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
One of the steps you should take shortly after you leave the scene is to contact a lawyer who has experience with personal injury cases. During the consultation, a lawyer can help you determine if someone else is at fault and if there are adequate reasons to seek compensation for damages.
Many times, insurance companies fight to not pay necessary expenses from a crash, and an attorney knows what to do so you have a better chance of getting what you deserve. If the crash was minor and there is mild vehicle damage and no injuries, it is possible you do not have a strong case. However, more serious accidents often warrant a legal response.
When you hire a Phoenix personal injury lawyer, the team conducts its own investigation of the case. One of the initial areas of focus is finding fault, which may be straightforward.
For example, two out of three accidents involving a wrong way driver in Phoenix are due to intoxicated drivers. Plus, in most cases the vehicle going the wrong way down a street, against the flow of traffic, is at fault.
However, there may be instances in which finding fault is more challenging. Even if evidence suggests you are partly at fault, you may still be able to recover damages due to the Arizona comparative negligence law.
Obtain Necessary Medical and Rehabilitation Treatment
Even if you did not need emergency medical care, you should make an appointment with your doctor or chiropractor, or go to urgent care in the hours or days following the accident. You should not ignore even minor symptoms, as these can indicate more serious damage. Untreated injuries also lead to chronic pain.
If you receive a treatment plan, make sure you follow it and attend all scheduled appointments. This helps support your insurance claim or PI case and gives you a better chance of receiving damage compensation. You may also want to document how related injuries affect your daily life, such as if you are unable to do all your normal job functions or you have difficulty playing with your kids.
Keep Track of Related Expenses
Following the accident, there may be numerous expenses related to injury treatment and vehicle repair, such as:
- Car rental
- Public transportation expenses to get to your treatment sessions
- Medical care
- Rehab treatment and equipment
- Missed hours or days of work due to injuries and treatment
- Childcare expenses related to attending appointments
Keeping track of all out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash helps your lawyer determine damages. It also helps you get reimbursed by the other party’s insurance company if you filed a claim.
Let Us Help After an Accident Involving a Wrong Way Driver in Phoenix
Getting into a collision with a wrong way driver in Phoenix can have major consequences. If you are unsure whether you should involve a lawyer, reach out to our firm. During a complimentary consultation, we will review all aspects of your case and offer advice as to how you should proceed. If we think we can help, we will do everything to make a strong case for you. Our Phoenix car accident lawyers will seek fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, vehicle damages, and emotional suffering, and we will fight for you every step of the way. Contact us at Sargon Law Group today.
Sources:
https://azdot.gov/about/transportation-safety/wrong-way-drivers
https://azleg.gov/ars/12/02505.htm
https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/in-case-of-a-car-accident