Were you involved in a car accident in Peoria, AZ? Although car crashes in the area are part of daily routine, the parties involved often have no idea how to proceed. For example, one of the many questions Warnock MacKinlay Law car accident lawyers receives refers to the information exchange.
Most drivers have no idea what data they should provide and request after being involved in a car accident. We will provide the necessary information in the following lines.
Minimum Information to Exchange after a Car Crash in Peoria, AZ
Indeed, under Arizona laws, drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents have the duty to exchange certain information. Arizona Revised Statutes Section 28-663 lists the minimum requirements. They are as follows:
- Driver name and address
- Vehicle registration number
- Driving license information
Drivers failing to comply could be charged with a class 3 misdemeanor. They would risk spending up to 30 days and prison and pay up to $500 in fines. Drivers have no reason to refuse to provide the minimum data required by the law.
Moreover, refusing to provide this information would be a mistake. It would draw unwanted attention from everyone involved and potential witnesses. It could also be interpreted as a sign of guilt. If you did not do anything wrong, why would you not want the other party to know your data?
At Warnock MacKinlay Law, we advise all clients to provide and, especially, obtain all the above information and more. But why is exchanging information so important, leaving the need to comply with the law aside?
The Role of the Information Exchange Explained by a Peoria Car Accident Lawyer
As you may already know, Arizona is an at-fault state. This means that, when accidents occur, the party at fault is responsible for their consequences. It could be the at-fault driver or their insurance company.
Possible consequences involve medical bills, car repair or replacement, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. But neither the at-fault driver nor their insurance company will compensate these losses automatically.
The accident victims have to claim them. To do so, they will need to know against whom to file the claim. The comparative negligence principle in force in Arizona makes it difficult to determine who the victim and the tortfeasor are. Thus, the law aims to guarantee the access of all parties to the necessary information.
For the average person, the above information may not seem too helpful. However, it is all an experienced car accident attorney needs to obtain even more information. From it, they can find out:
- Who owns the car
- Who insured it
- What type of insurance coverage the party at fault has, and more
This will help them decide whether to file an insurance claim or sue the driver at fault or their insurer. It will also help them make sure they send the paperwork to the right address.
Besides the information above, a Peoria auto accident attorney will advise clients to obtain the following data:
- Accident time, date, and location
- Contact data of any witnesses
- Details regarding the vehicles’ make and model, position, speed, technical condition, etc.
In Arizona accident claims, the burden of proof falls on the claimant. These details could help the Peoria auto accident lawyer prove how the accident occurred and who was at fault for it. They will help them put together a solid case that no insurer or court will be able to dismiss.
If you still have questions about the information to be exchanged, you should consult a car accident lawyer. They will answer your questions and help you make the best decisions for your case.
Many law offices in Peoria provide free initial consultations, so you have nothing to lose. You will gain valuable information and advice, and maybe even a priceless ally for obtaining the compensation you deserve.
In the end, you will have two options:
- Walk away from the consultation and try to apply the advice you received by yourself. Obviously, this would mean finding your way through legal procedures and filling in tons of paperwork.
- Hire the auto accident lawyer you have consulted to represent you. They would take over all formalities, keep you informed, and get you the compensation your deserve.
Request a Free Consultation with an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney in Peoria Now!
At Warnock MacKinlay Law, we too provide free initial consultations. You can take advantage of our offer and find out how much your case is worth and how to approach it. If you decide that you want help with it, our Peoria car accident attorneys will be happy to help!
