Steps after a car accident in Arizona
1. Ensure Safety First
-
Check yourself and passengers after the car accident for injuries.
-
Move to a safe location if possible, but do not leave the scene.
-
If your vehicle is drivable, move it to the side of the road to avoid further accidents.
2. Call 911 and Report the Accident
-
Arizona law requires reporting accidents that cause injury, death, or significant property damage.
-
Even for minor collisions, it’s best to request law enforcement. An official police report strengthens any insurance or legal claim.
3. Exchange Information
Gather the following details:
-
Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers.
-
Driver’s license numbers.
-
Insurance company names and policy numbers.
-
Vehicle make, model, and license plate numbers.
-
Contact information for any witnesses.
4. Document the Scene
-
Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signs in order to best document the car accident .
-
Write down the time, date, location, and weather.
-
Preserve any dashcam or smartphone video footage of the car accident.
5. Seek Medical Attention
-
Even if you feel fine, injuries like concussions, whiplash, and internal injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
-
Visit a doctor promptly — your medical records are vital for linking injuries to the accident.
-
Report the car accident as soon as possible.
-
Stick to the facts; avoid speculation about fault.
-
Do not sign documents or give recorded statements without understanding your rights.
6. Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney
-
Arizona is a fault state, meaning the at-fault driver (or their insurer) is responsible for damages.
-
An attorney can help you:
-
Deal with insurance adjusters.
-
Calculate fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering and use their experience as advocates to maximize any settlement stemming from your car accident .
-
File a lawsuit if necessary.
-
Arizona Car Accident FAQ — Your Questions Answered
If you’ve been in a car accident in Arizona, you probably have questions about your rights, insurance, and what steps to take. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about Arizona car accident law — with clear answers to help you navigate the process.
1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Arizona?
-
Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
-
Move to a safe location if possible.
-
Exchange information with the other driver(s).
-
Take photos of the accident scene and damages.
-
File a police report if there are injuries or significant damage.
2. Do I need to call the police after a minor accident?
Yes. Arizona law requires drivers to report accidents that involve injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Even in minor accidents, having a police report protects your legal rights. Police reports are often helpful to establish fault for the car accident, having a report will help prevent disputes over who is at fault.
3. How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Arizona?
Under A.R.S. § 12-542, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims. For property damage, you also have two years. Missing the deadline may prevent you from recovering damages.
4. What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still recover compensation through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if your policy includes it.
5. How long does it take to settle a car accident case in Arizona?
The timeline varies. Some cases settle in a few months through insurance, while others involving severe injuries or disputes over fault can take a year or more — especially if a lawsuit is filed
If you were involved in a car accident in Arizona and would like an attorney to navigate the process, our network of trusted attorneys will ensure you receive the maximum compensation available. Don't delay, there is a 2 year time limit per the statue of limitations. So, please let our Arizona licensed attorneys handle your case, we love to Netflix and handle the bill, we will erase the bumps in your car and replace them with a bump in your bank account!