Car accidents are chaotic by nature, but there are certain responsibilities that all motorists must remember in the aftermath if they want to avoid criminal charges. For example, you must remain at the scene, and you must report the crash if it resulted in an accident injury or death. Below, an attorney from Riggs, Ellsworth & Porter, PLC, serving the Show Low, AZ, area, shares a few more obligations that all parties involved should keep in mind following a wreck.

3 Obligations to Fulfill Following a Collision

1. Provide All Necessary Information

If you are involved in a wreck, you must share certain personal information with police and the other motorists, even if the crash was someone else’s fault. This includes your name, address, and vehicle registration number. Anyone who refuses to disclose this at the scene could face charges for a Class 3 misdemeanor.

2. Present Your Driver’s License

You must show your driver’s license to the other motorists involved upon request. Fortunately, that means they must show you theirs, as well. Take a quick snapshot of both sides and give these photos to your personal injury attorney. If anyone refuses, remind them that failing to do so is also considered a Class 3 misdemeanor in the state of Arizona.

3. Assist the Injured

Motorists are obligated to assist any injured parties at the scene of a crash. They may not necessarily know CPR, but they should still call 911 for the accident victim. Failure to do so is considered a Class 6 felony. If you have a medical kit in your car, you should also do whatever you are comfortable with to assist others. For example, you may be able to bandage wounds or provide ice packs to those who need them.

If you were hurt in a collision that was not your fault and one of the motorists involved failed to abide by the above responsibilities, turn to Riggs, Ellsworth & Porter, PLC. A personal injury attorney on their team will investigate the circumstances of the crash and help you determine the most strategic way to proceed with a claim. Visit the firm online to explore all their areas of expertise, or call (928) 537-3228 to schedule an initial consultation with an attorney today.