What to Do After a Car Accident in Arizona: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide

Blaine McHone • March 11, 2025

If you’ve been in a crash, here’s what to do next—before the insurance company calls.

A car accident can leave you stunned, injured, and unsure of your next steps. In Arizona, taking the right actions immediately after a crash can protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights. At McHone Law, we help injury victims across Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe, and Gilbert navigate the chaos that follows a collision. This guide breaks down exactly what to do—from the scene of the crash to your first consultation.

1. Get to Safety and Call 911

Your first priority is safety. Move to a secure area if you can. Then, call 911—even if the accident seems minor. Police will create an official crash report, which becomes key evidence in any personal injury claim.

2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Some injuries (like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding) may not be obvious at first. A medical record from right after the accident will also help prove that your injuries were caused by the crash.

3. Document the Scene

Take photos of:

All vehicles involved (from multiple angles)
Your injuries
Skid marks, debris, or road conditions
Street signs, traffic lights, and intersections

Also, gather:

Names and contact info for all drivers and passengers
Insurance information
Contact info for any witnesses

4. Don’t Admit Fault—Even If You Think You Were Partially Responsible

Arizona is a comparative negligence state, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Avoid making statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see them.” Stick to the facts when speaking with police or other drivers.

5. Avoid the Insurance Trap

Soon after your accident, you may get a call from the other driver’s insurance company. Their goal? Minimize your payout.
Do not:

Give a recorded statement
Sign any documents
Accept a settlement offer without legal advice

Instead, direct them to your attorney. McHone Law handles all communication with insurers so you don’t have to.

6. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer—Before You File a Claim

Even minor accidents can turn into complicated claims. A personal injury lawyer can:

Gather and preserve evidence
Prove fault and liability
Negotiate for the full value of your case
Take your case to court if needed

At McHone Law, we’ve helped victims recover millions in compensation. We take on tough cases, including those that other lawyers drop—and we never settle for less than you deserve.

Need Legal Help After an Accident?

If you were injured in a car accident anywhere in Arizona, don’t leave your future to chance—or to the insurance companies.

📞 Call McHone Law at (480) 737-7391 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.

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Mesa Car Accident Hotspots: Where Crashes Happen Most (and Why)

By Blaine McHone • May 22, 2025

These intersections and roadways see the highest crash rates—and here’s what’s causing them. Mesa is one of Arizona’s fastest-growing cities—and with that growth comes increased traffic, busy intersections, and more accidents . At McHone Law, we’ve helped many clients injured in crashes at the same high-risk locations again and again . Whether you’re a daily commuter or just passing through, knowing where accidents happen—and why—can help you stay safer on the road. Below, we break down the most dangerous intersections and streets in Mesa , common causes of collisions in those areas, and what to do if you’ve been involved in a crash. Top 5 Crash-Prone Intersections in Mesa 1. Dobson Road & Main Street This busy intersection near the light rail sees a high volume of traffic, pedestrians, and turning vehicles . Frequent crashes here involve left-turn accidents and rear-end collisions . 2. Southern Avenue & Alma School Road Surrounded by shopping centers and fast food restaurants, this area sees a lot of stop-and-go traffic and poor lane visibility , leading to T-bone and sideswipe crashes . 3. US-60 (Superstition Freeway) & Country Club Drive Freeway exits and entrances near this corridor create dangerous merging situations , often resulting in high-speed rear-end accidents and multi-car pileups . 4. University Drive & Gilbert Road With schools and neighborhoods nearby, this is a high-volume area for distracted driving accidents , especially during morning and afternoon rush hours . 5. Mesa Drive & Broadway Road This intersection sees regular fender-benders and more serious accidents due to aggressive turns and red-light running , especially during weekends. Why These Intersections Are So Dangerous High traffic volume: Mesa’s population growth has outpaced roadway improvements, creating congestion. Distracted drivers: Texting, eating, and phone use behind the wheel contribute to most local crashes. Poor visibility: Overgrown landscaping and confusing signage make certain intersections harder to navigate. Speeding and red-light running: These are two of the most common contributing factors in Mesa intersection crashes. What to Do If You’re in an Accident at One of These Intersections Call 911 immediately and make sure a police report is filed. Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any injuries. Get medical care , even if you think you’re okay. Don’t talk to the insurance company before you talk to a lawyer. Call McHone Law. We’ve handled many cases from these exact intersections—and we know how to fight back. Injured in a Crash in Mesa? We’ve Been There—Literally. We’re familiar with Mesa’s busiest intersections and the tactics insurance companies use to reduce your claim . Whether your accident happened on Dobson, Main, US-60, or anywhere in East Mesa , we’re here to fight for full compensation. 📞 Call McHone Law at (480) 737-7391 or contact us for a free consultation. No win, no fee.

Why Insurance Companies Undervalue Car Accident Claims—And How We Fight Back

By Blaine McHone • April 9, 2025

If the first settlement offer seems low, it’s because it is. Here’s why—and what to do about it. After a car accident, most people assume the insurance company will take care of them . But that’s not how it works. At McHone Law, we’ve seen time and time again how insurers—especially after accidents in Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe, and Gilbert —offer injury victims far less than they’re entitled to. In some cases, people settle for a fraction of what their case is worth. In this post, we’ll break down why insurance companies undervalue your claim —and how our firm fights to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve . 1. Insurance Companies Are Not On Your Side It’s important to understand: insurance companies are for-profit businesses . The less they pay on claims, the more they keep in their pockets. Even if an adjuster sounds friendly or helpful, their goal is simple: minimize the payout. That means they will: Push quick, lowball settlements Discourage you from hiring an attorney Downplay your injuries Try to blame you for the accident 2. They Rely on You Not Knowing Your Rights If you’ve never been in an accident before, you may not know what your claim is worth—or what you’re legally entitled to recover. Adjusters know this and count on you settling before you understand the full value of your case. You may be entitled to compensation for: Emergency and ongoing medical care Physical therapy and rehabilitation Lost wages and reduced earning potential Pain, suffering, and emotional distress Property damage Insurers may leave most of these out of their initial offer . 3. They Move Fast—Before You Know the Full Extent of Your Injuries You might get an offer just days after the crash. It might even seem fair—until weeks later, when you realize your injuries aren’t going away. By then, it could be too late to reopen your claim . That's why we never recommend accepting the first offer without legal review. 4. How McHone Law Fights Back When insurance companies try to cut corners, we put pressure where it counts . Our process includes: Independent investigation of your accident Gathering detailed medical records and expert opinions Calculating the true financial and physical toll of your injuries Handling all insurer communication so you don’t say the wrong thing Negotiating aggressively—and going to trial when necessary We’ve recovered millions in compensation for Arizona clients, many of whom came to us after being dropped or ignored by other firms . Let Us Handle the Insurance Company—You Focus on Healing At McHone Law , we take on the insurance companies, build strong cases, and make sure you don’t get pushed into a bad deal. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Arizona , don’t wait for the insurance company to play fair. We’re ready to fight for you. 📞 Call (480) 737-7391 or contact us online for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.