The time period immediately following an auto accident can be chaotic and frightening. It’s common to feel a sense of shock, even if the accident didn’t involve any serious injuries or property damage. But, even if you are feeling out of sorts following the collision, it is important to take the proper measures. According to the Insurance Information Institute, doing the following at the scene of an accident can help make the auto insurance claims process easier as well as save lives:

• Stop your car and find out if anyone is injured.
• Call the police or highway patrol. Tell them how many people were hurt and the types of injuries. The police will notify the nearest medical unit.
• Cover injured people with a blanket to keep them warm.
• Try to protect the accident scene. Take reasonable steps to protect your car from further damage, such as setting up flares, getting the car off the road and calling a tow truck.
• Ask the investigating officer where you can obtain a copy of the police report. You will probably need it when you submit your claim to your insurance company.
• If necessary, have the car towed to a repair shop. But remember, your insurance company probably will want to have an adjuster inspect it and appraise the damage before you order repair work done.
• Make notes. Keep a pad and pencil in your glove compartment. Write down:
  • The names and addresses of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident
  • License plate numbers
  • The make and model of each car
  • Driver’s license numbers
  • Insurance identifications
  • The names and addresses of witnesses
  • The names and badge numbers of police officers or other emergency personnel
• If you run into an unattended vehicle or object, try to find the owner. If you can’t, leave a note containing your name, address and phone number. Record the details of the accident.

In addition to these steps, it’s crucial to contact an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. An auto accident attorney can advise you on the best way to proceed and help uphold your legal rights. For a free initial auto accident law consultation, contact the Arizona personal injury lawyers at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience.

Accidents involving the Phoenix Light Rail can result in serious injuries, including broken limbs, disfigurement and paralysis.

Since it started operating in December 2009, the Phoenix Light Rail has been a boon to our city, providing additional transportation options between Mesa, ASU and downtown Phoenix. However, as much as the light rail has benefited the city, it also presents additional hazards to drivers, train passengers and pedestrians. According the Arizona Republic, the Phoenix Light Rail was involved in an accident every six days on average during its first three months of operation. Although the frequency of light rail accidents has significantly decreased as safety improvements have been made and Phoenix drivers have gotten used to it, light rail accidents in Phoenix are still a serious and frightening possibility.

Accidents involving the Phoenix Light Rail can include, but are not limited to:

• Auto accidents, including vehicles that were struck by the light rail at an intersection
• Pedestrians who were struck by an oncoming light rail
• Light rail commuters who were injured on the light rail because it was maintained properly

Light rail/train accidents can result in life-threatening injuries such as broken limbs, disfigurement and paralysis and even death. Moreover, these serious injuries can lead to thousands of dollars in medical bills and lost wages.

If you’ve been in accident involving the Phoenix Light Rail in which you were not at fault, be advised that you have a limited amount of time to make a claim to recover for any damages resulting from the accident. According to Arizona law, you only have 180 days from the date of the accident to provide official notice to the Phoenix city government. If you fail to file your claim on time or file your claim improperly, you could forfeit your right to recoup expenses stemming from the accident.

If you’re a victim of a Phoenix Light Rail accident, don’t delay in contacting a Phoenix auto accident lawyer such as one of the lawyers at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC. A personal injury lawyer can advise you on the best next steps and make sure your claim is filed and investigated properly to ensure that you get your due compensation under the law. For a free legal consultation, please contact us today.