What to Do After a Car Accident in Scottsdale | Legal & Chiropractic Advice
1. Check for Safety and Call 911
Move to a safe location if possible.
Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help if needed.
Arizona law requires drivers to stay at the scene of an accident involving injury or damage.
2. Document the Accident Scene
Take photos of vehicles, damage, road conditions, and injuries.
Get contact and insurance info from all parties involved.
Gather witness names and phone numbers.
3. File a Police Report
In Arizona, you must report an accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage.
Having a police report protects you legally and supports insurance/personal injury claims.
4. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel “okay,” many injuries (like whiplash, back pain, or concussions) don’t show up right away.
Getting evaluated creates important medical records for both your health and your claim.
5. Consult a Car Accident Attorney
An Arizona car accident attorney can guide you on insurance, liability, and compensation.
They’ll help protect your rights so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
6. See a Chiropractor for Injury Recovery
Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat hidden musculoskeletal injuries.
At The Healing Joint, we specialize in treating auto accident injuries such as whiplash, headaches, herniated discs, neck back or joint pain with chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, cupping, myofascial release, Class IV laser therapy.
Early treatment often prevents long-term chronic pain.
7. Follow Through with Treatment & Documentation
Keep all medical and chiropractic appointments.
Save receipts, prescriptions, and imaging results (important for insurance and legal claims).
💡 Arizona-Specific Notes
Arizona is a fault state: the driver who caused the accident is generally responsible for damages.
Statute of limitations: you usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Arizona.
Insurance adjusters may push you to settle quickly — speak with an attorney first.
How to File an Injury or Auto Insurance Claim in Arizona
1. Notify Your Insurance Company Quickly
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, even if you weren’t at fault.
- Provide basic facts (time, location, vehicles involved).
- Don’t admit fault or give detailed statements before speaking with an attorney.
2. Gather and Submit Documentation
- Police report number.
- Photos/videos from the scene.
- Medical and chiropractic records (diagnoses, treatments, costs).
- Receipts for medications, hospital visits, and therapy.
3. File a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
- Arizona is a fault-based state, which means the at-fault driver’s insurance usually pays.
- Their insurer may ask for your statement — consult with an attorney before giving one.
4. Medical & Injury Claims
- Your medical bills (ER visits, chiropractic, physical therapy, etc.) can be part of your injury claim.
- Chiropractic care is often covered in personal injury protection (PIP) or through settlement negotiations.
- Keep a symptom journal (pain levels, missed workdays, daily limitations) — it strengthens your claim.
5. Work with a Car Accident Attorney
- They handle negotiations with insurance adjusters.
- Ensure you’re compensated fairly for medical costs, lost wages, and pain & suffering.
- They can also guide you if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
6. Settlement or Legal Action
- Most claims are settled out of court, but if negotiations fail, your attorney may file a lawsuit.
- In Arizona, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident.
⚖️ Arizona-Specific Claim Notes
- Comparative Negligence Rule: Even if you’re partially at fault, you may still recover damages — but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Property Damage Claims: Separate from injury claims, you can also file for vehicle repairs/replacement.
- Medical Liens: Some providers (including chiropractors) may treat you under a lien, meaning they get paid from the eventual settlement.
Call us today at 480.214.4970
https://www.thehealingjoint.com/schedule-online-appointment/
“If you’ve been in a car accident in Scottsdale or Phoenix, knowing how to file an injury claim is just as important as getting proper care. At The Healing Joint, we work closely with personal injury attorneys to make sure your treatment records support your case. Contact us today to start your recovery.”
