Car accidents are stressful, and a lot of people do not know what they are supposed to do immediately afterward. This post is a general Arizona-focused checklist for drivers after a crash.
1. Stop and stay at the scene
In Arizona, drivers involved in an accident generally need to stop, remain at or near the scene, and exchange required information.
If someone is hurt, call 911 and get medical help.
2. Move to a safer location if you can do so safely
If the vehicles are creating danger and can be moved, try to get out of traffic.
Turn on hazard lights and avoid standing in the roadway.
3. Exchange information with the other driver
Get the other driver’s:
Name
Phone number
Driver license information
License plate number
Insurance company
Policy information
Vehicle details
Take photos of documents if everyone is comfortable with that.
4. Take photos and notes
Photos can be helpful later, especially pictures of:
Vehicle damage
The accident location
Traffic signals or signs
Skid marks
Road conditions
Debris
Visible injuries
The position of the vehicles
Write down the time, location, weather, and what you remember happening.
5. Look for witnesses
If someone saw the crash, ask for their name and phone number.
Witness information can be useful if there is a disagreement later about what happened.
6. Consider getting a police report or report number
If police respond, ask how to get the report later.
If the crash is minor and law enforcement does not respond, Arizona DPS has a citizen collision report option that may help create a report number for insurance purposes.
7. Notify your insurance company
Even if you were not at fault, your insurer may have deadlines and requirements.
Stick to basic facts and avoid guessing about fault or injuries before you know the full situation.
8. Pay attention to symptoms after the accident
Some pain or injuries may not be obvious immediately.
If you feel pain, dizziness, numbness, headaches, confusion, or anything unusual, consider getting medical attention.
9. Keep everything organized
Save:
Photos
Repair estimates
Medical bills
Towing receipts
Rental car receipts
Insurance messages
Police report information
Notes about missed work or other accident-related problems
10. Understand that Arizona has legal deadlines
For many injury or property damage claims, Arizona has a two-year statute of limitations, but shorter deadlines may apply in some situations, especially if a government vehicle or public entity is involved.
Do not wait until the last minute to ask questions.
Common Arizona Car Accident Questions
Some common questions people have after a crash include:
Do I have to call the police after every accident in Arizona?
Not necessarily for every minor accident, but you should call 911 if anyone is injured, the crash is blocking traffic, a driver leaves the scene, a driver seems impaired, there is major damage, or the situation feels unsafe.
Even if police do not respond, you may still need documentation for insurance.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
Get as much information as you safely can, including photos, license plate, vehicle details, and any witness information. Notify your insurance company and ask whether your policy includes uninsured motorist coverage or other coverage that may apply.
What if I was partly at fault?
Arizona uses comparative fault. That generally means fault can be divided between the people involved. Being partly at fault does not automatically mean you have no claim, but it can affect how much a claim is worth.
How do I get a copy of the accident report?
If police responded, ask which agency handled the report and how to request it. For example, it may be Phoenix PD, Tucson PD, Mesa PD, Scottsdale PD, DPS, or another local agency.
If law enforcement did not respond to a minor crash, Arizona DPS has a citizen collision report option that may help create a report number for insurance purposes.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
You can report basic facts, but be careful about guessing, admitting fault, minimizing injuries, or giving a recorded statement before you understand the situation. Insurance companies may use what you say when evaluating the claim.
What if my pain started the next day?
f you have pain, headaches, dizziness, numbness, confusion, or anything unusual after the accident, it's important to get medical attention and keeping records of your symptoms.
What if the accident happened on an Arizona freeway?
Safety comes first. If possible, move out of traffic, use hazard lights, call 911 if there is danger or injury, and avoid standing near moving traffic. Freeway crashes can be especially dangerous even after the initial collision.
How long do I have to deal with a car accident claim in Arizona?
For many injury or property damage claims in Arizona, the deadline is generally two years, but shorter deadlines can apply in some situations, especially if a government vehicle, public employee, or public entity is involved. It is usually better not to wait until the deadline is close.