Car accidents happen in an instant but can impact your life for months or even years afterward. Whether you’ve experienced a minor fender-bender on Phoenix’s busy streets or a serious collision on one of Arizona’s highways, knowing exactly what to do in the aftermath is crucial for your safety, legal protection, and financial recovery. This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential steps to take after a car accident in Arizona.
Immediate Steps: The First 30 Minutes
1. Ensure Safety First
- Check yourself and passengers for injuries
- Move to a safe location if possible, particularly on high-speed roads like I-10 or I-17
- Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers
- Set up emergency reflectors or flares if available and safe to do so
- In Arizona’s extreme heat (especially May-September), be aware of heat-related risks if stranded
2. Call 911 and Report the Accident
The Arizona Department of Public Safety requires that you report accidents involving:
- Injuries or fatalities
- Property damage exceeding $2,000
- Suspected impaired driving
- Commercial vehicles
- Government vehicles
- Uninsured drivers
Even for minor accidents, a police report provides valuable documentation. In Phoenix, Tucson, and other major cities, police may not respond to non-injury accidents, but you can:
- Visit a police station to file a report
- File a report online through local police department websites
- Submit a report to the Arizona Department of Transportation
3. Exchange Information
Gather and provide the following information from all involved parties:
- Full names and contact information
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions
- Insurance company names and policy numbers
- Location of the accident (cross streets, mile markers, or landmarks)
According to a recent Arizona Republic report, many accident victims make the mistake of not collecting complete information, which can complicate insurance claims later. One Phoenix driver learned this lesson the hard way when incomplete information about the other driver’s insurance led to weeks of delays in processing her claim after a collision on Camelback Road.
4. Document the Scene Thoroughly
- Take multiple photos from different angles showing:
- All vehicles involved and their positions
- Visible damage to all vehicles
- License plates of all vehicles
- The overall accident scene
- Road conditions and relevant traffic signs/signals
- Visible injuries (if any)
- Skid marks or debris
- Make notes about:
- Weather conditions
- Time of day
- Traffic conditions
- Visibility issues
- What you remember about how the accident occurred
The Phoenix Car Accident Attorneys at GLG emphasize that thorough documentation often becomes crucial evidence, particularly when liability is disputed. In one recent case reported by AZ Family, dashcam footage proved decisive in establishing fault in a complex intersection collision at 7th Street and McDowell Road, illustrating how documentation can make or break a case.
5. Identify Witnesses
- Ask witnesses what they saw
- Collect their names and contact information
- Note where they were positioned during the accident
- Ask if they would be willing to speak with your insurance company or attorney
- Check if witnesses took photos or videos
Critical Follow-Up Steps: The First 24 Hours
1. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s essential to get a medical evaluation:
- Many serious injuries (especially head, neck, and internal injuries) may not show immediate symptoms
- Medical records establish a link between the accident and your injuries
- Delayed treatment can complicate both recovery and insurance claims
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, prompt medical evaluation is crucial following traffic accidents, especially for head injuries which may not present obvious symptoms initially.
2. Notify Your Insurance Company
- Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible
- Provide basic facts about what happened
- Be honest but stick to the facts—avoid speculation or admitting fault
- Don’t provide a recorded statement without understanding its implications
- Ask about your policy’s Medical Payments coverage or Personal Injury Protection benefits
3. Start an Accident File
- Create a dedicated file (physical or digital) to organize:
- The police report or incident number
- Photos and videos from the scene
- Insurance claim numbers and adjuster contact information
- Contact information for all parties and witnesses
- Medical records and bills
- Work absence documentation
- Notes about conversations related to the accident
The GLG Car Accident Recovery Guide recommends maintaining a comprehensive accident file throughout the claims process, as staying organized significantly impacts the outcome of insurance claims and potential legal action.
Important Steps: The First Week
1. Follow Up on Medical Treatment
- Attend all recommended medical appointments
- Follow treatment plans exactly as prescribed
- Keep a journal documenting:
- Pain levels and symptoms
- Limitations on daily activities
- Emotional impacts
- Medications and side effects
- Questions for healthcare providers
2. Obtain the Police Report
In Arizona, police reports typically become available within 5-10 business days after the accident. You can request a copy:
- Online through the relevant police department’s website
- In person at the police department
- Through your insurance company (they will typically request it)
The report will contain crucial information, including:
- Officer’s assessment of the accident
- Statements from involved parties and witnesses
- Citations issued
- Diagram of the accident scene
- Contributing factors identified by the officer
3. Understand Insurance Coverage
Arizona operates under a “fault” insurance system, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance is primarily responsible for covering damages. Key coverage types include:
- Liability coverage: The at-fault driver’s insurance that pays for your damages
- Collision coverage: Your own insurance that pays for your vehicle damage regardless of fault
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Protects you if the at-fault driver has insufficient or no insurance
- Medical payments coverage: Covers medical expenses regardless of fault
According to ABC15 Arizona, a significant percentage of Phoenix-area drivers are underinsured, highlighting the importance of understanding your own policy’s provisions for uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
4. Monitor Communication with Insurance Companies
- Keep detailed records of all communications
- Be wary of early settlement offers
- Understand that insurance adjusters represent the insurance company’s interests
- Consider whether you need legal representation based on:
- Severity of injuries
- Disputed liability
- Insurance company response
- Complexity of your case
Crucial Decisions: Within the First Month
1. Evaluate Long-Term Impact
For accidents resulting in significant injuries, consider the long-term implications:
- Will your injuries require ongoing treatment?
- Are there permanent limitations or disabilities?
- How will your injuries affect your ability to work?
- What future medical expenses might you incur?
2. Consider Legal Representation
The decision to hire an attorney depends on several factors:
- Severity of injuries: More serious injuries typically warrant legal representation
- Liability disputes: When fault is contested, attorneys can help establish liability
- Insurance company tactics: If you encounter delay, denial, or lowball offers
- Complex scenarios: Cases involving multiple vehicles, commercial vehicles, or government entities
The GLG Personal Injury Center notes that studies consistently show that accident victims with attorney representation receive significantly higher settlements on average than those who handle claims themselves, even after accounting for attorney fees.
3. Be Aware of Deadlines
Arizona has specific time limits for taking legal action:
- Statute of limitations: Generally two years from the accident date for personal injury claims
- Government claims: If a government vehicle or entity is involved, notice must be filed within 180 days
- Insurance deadlines: Your policy may specify time limits for reporting claims and submitting documentation
4. Vehicle Repair or Replacement
If your vehicle was damaged:
- Get multiple repair estimates
- Understand your right to choose your own repair facility
- Research diminished value claims (compensation for your vehicle’s lost resale value)
- If your vehicle is declared a total loss, research fair market value in your area
Special Considerations for Arizona Drivers
Dealing with Arizona’s Weather Conditions
Arizona’s unique climate presents special considerations:
- Extreme heat: Document if heat contributed to the accident (like tire blowouts)
- Monsoon season (June-September): Note if heavy rain, dust storms, or flash flooding were factors
- Sun glare: Common in east-west corridors during morning and evening hours
- Tourist traffic: Document if out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with local roads were involved
Hit-and-Run Accidents
If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run driver in Arizona:
- Try to note the vehicle description and license plate (even partially)
- Look for nearby businesses that might have surveillance footage
- Check if your uninsured motorist coverage applies
- File a police report immediately as this is a criminal offense in Arizona
According to a recent report in the Arizona Daily Star, Phoenix and Tucson have seen concerning increases in hit-and-run accidents, with the Arizona Department of Public Safety implementing specialized investigation teams focused on identifying and prosecuting these drivers.
Out-of-State Issues
For accidents involving non-Arizona drivers or occurring while you’re visiting Arizona:
- Insurance coverage still applies across state lines
- The laws of the state where the accident occurred govern the case
- You may need to return to Arizona for legal proceedings
Long-Term Follow-Up
Monitoring Your Recovery
- Continue attending all medical appointments
- Document any changes in your condition
- Maintain records of all medical expenses
- Follow all treatment recommendations
Settlement Considerations
Before accepting any settlement offer:
- Ensure you’ve reached maximum medical improvement or understand future needs
- Calculate all accident-related expenses
- Consider future medical costs and impacts
- Understand that settlements typically preclude additional claims
Conclusion
The steps you take after a car accident in Arizona can significantly impact your physical recovery, legal protection, and financial compensation. By staying organized, understanding your rights, and making informed decisions about medical treatment, insurance claims, and legal representation, you can navigate this challenging time more effectively.
Remember that each accident presents unique circumstances, and this guide provides general information rather than specific legal advice. When in doubt, consult with qualified professionals who understand Arizona’s specific laws and procedures.
References
- Arizona Department of Transportation. (2025). Crash Report Information.
- Arizona Department of Public Safety. (2025). Vehicle Accident Procedures.
- Arizona Department of Health Services. (2024). Emergency Medical Services.
- Arizona Republic. (April 2025). Incomplete information complicates Phoenix driver’s accident claim.
- AZ Family. (March 2025). Dashcam footage proves decisive in Phoenix intersection collision.
- ABC15 Arizona. (February 2025). Investigation reveals high percentage of underinsured drivers in Phoenix.
- Arizona Daily Star. (January 2025). Hit-and-run accidents increase in major Arizona cities.
