Car accidents happen in seconds but can impact your life for months or even years afterward. In Phoenix, where busy freeways like I-10 and I-17 intersect with congested surface streets and extreme weather conditions create additional hazards, knowing exactly what to do following a collision is essential. This comprehensive guide walks you through the critical steps to take after an accident in the Valley of the Sun, helping you protect your health, legal rights, and financial interests.

Immediate Steps After a Phoenix Accident

1. Ensure Safety First

Move to a safe location if possible, particularly on Phoenix’s high-speed freeways
Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers
During summer months, be mindful of extreme heat – temperatures on Phoenix roadways can exceed 160°F
Set up emergency triangles or flares if available, especially if the accident occurs at night

2. Check for Injuries

Assess yourself and passengers for injuries
Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured, even if injuries seem minor
Remain still if you suspect neck or back injuries – Phoenix Fire Department paramedics are trained to handle these situations safely

3. Call the Police

The Phoenix Police Department recommends calling the police for any accident resulting in:

Injuries
Death
Property damage exceeding $1,000
Disabled vehicles requiring towing
Suspected impaired driving
Hit-and-run incidents

For minor accidents without injuries, Phoenix Police now encourages drivers to file a report online through their Incident Reporting System.

4. Exchange Information

Collect the following information from all drivers involved:

Full name and contact information
Driver’s license number
License plate number
Insurance company name and policy number
Vehicle make, model, and year
Location of accident

Document the Scene

1. Take Photos and Videos

Capture all vehicles involved from multiple angles
Document visible injuries
Photograph road conditions, traffic signals, and signs
Record weather conditions (particularly relevant during monsoon season)
Take pictures of skid marks or debris

2. Identify Witnesses

Collect names and contact information of witnesses
Ask if they’re willing to provide a statement
Note if any nearby businesses might have security cameras that captured the accident

Recent Phoenix Accident Examples

Understanding how others have handled accident situations can provide valuable insights:

April 2025 – I-10 Multi-Vehicle Crash
According to the Arizona Republic, a six-vehicle collision on I-10 near the 7th Street exit created significant delays during morning rush hour. The Arizona Department of Public Safety reported that proper documentation by several drivers, including dashcam footage, helped establish fault in this complex chain-reaction crash. Importantly, drivers who moved their vehicles to the shoulder when possible helped prevent secondary accidents in the congested traffic.

March 2025 – Monsoon Season Preparation
ABC15 Arizona reported on the importance of proper post-accident procedures during Phoenix’s monsoon season. Their article highlighted a case where drivers involved in a minor collision during a dust storm correctly remained in their vehicles with hazard lights on until emergency responders arrived, potentially preventing more serious injuries when visibility was severely compromised.

February 2025 – Pedestrian Incident
AZ Family covered a pedestrian accident near Central Avenue and Thomas Road where bystanders provided critical assistance until emergency services arrived. The news story emphasized how witnesses who properly documented the scene with smartphone photos and videos provided crucial evidence that helped both the investigation and the victim’s subsequent insurance claim.

Seeking Medical Attention

1. Get Evaluated, Even for “Minor” Accidents

The Phoenix Car Accident Lawyers at GLG emphasize that many serious injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. Phoenix’s trauma centers, including Banner University Medical Center and Valleywise Health Medical Center, are equipped to handle accident-related injuries of all severity levels.

2. Common Delayed Symptoms

Watch for these symptoms in the days following your accident:

Headaches
Neck or shoulder pain
Back pain
Numbness or tingling
Abdominal pain
Changes in physical function
Psychological symptoms like anxiety or PTSD

3. Document All Medical Treatment

Keep all medical records and bills
Follow treatment recommendations exactly
Track all medications
Record how injuries affect daily activities

Reporting the Accident

1. Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident. Arizona law requires you to report accidents to your insurer, even if you weren’t at fault.

2. File an Arizona Crash Report

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) requires a report for any accident involving:

Injuries or death
Property damage exceeding $1,000
Certain commercial vehicles

You can obtain the Arizona Crash Report form from:

The responding police officer
Local police departments
Arizona Department of Transportation website
Arizona Department of Public Safety offices

3. Obtain the Police Report

For accidents where police responded, request a copy of the police report, which typically becomes available 5-7 business days after the incident. You can request Phoenix Police reports:

Online through the Phoenix Police Records Request System
In person at Phoenix Police Headquarters (620 W. Washington Street)
By mail with the proper form and fee

Understanding Arizona-Specific Insurance Considerations

1. Fault Determination

Arizona is a “fault” or “tort” state, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages. This differs from “no-fault” states where each driver’s insurance covers their own damages regardless of fault.

2. Minimum Insurance Requirements

Arizona law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of:

$25,000 bodily injury coverage per person
$50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident
$15,000 property damage coverage per accident

3. Comparative Negligence

Arizona follows a “pure comparative negligence” system, which means:

You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault
Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
If you were 30% responsible, you can recover 70% of your damages

When to Consult an Attorney

According to GLG’s Phoenix Personal Injury Center, you should consider consulting an attorney if your accident involves:

Significant injuries requiring medical treatment
Long-term or permanent disabilities
Substantial medical expenses
Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
Disputes over fault or liability
Insurance company tactics like denial of valid claims or lowball offers
Complex scenarios involving multiple parties or commercial vehicles

Dealing with Insurance Companies

1. Be Cautious with Statements

Stick to the facts when describing the accident
Avoid speculating about fault
Never admit guilt
Don’t minimize your injuries
Decline to provide recorded statements without legal representation

2. Review Settlement Offers Carefully

GLG’s Accident Recovery Guide advises against accepting quick settlement offers, as they rarely account for:

Future medical expenses
Long-term pain and suffering
Ongoing rehabilitation needs
Future lost wages
Diminished quality of life

3. Document All Communication

Keep detailed records of all interactions with insurance companies, including:

Names and positions of representatives
Dates and times of conversations
Summaries of what was discussed
Copies of all correspondence
Claim numbers and contact information

Phoenix-Specific Considerations

1. Heat-Related Concerns

Phoenix’s extreme temperatures create unique post-accident considerations:

During summer months (May-September), avoid waiting in disabled vehicles without air conditioning
Keep water in your vehicle for emergency situations
Be aware of increased risk of vehicle fires in extreme heat
Document heat-related factors that may have contributed to the accident

2. Tourism Factors

As a major tourist destination, Phoenix sees many out-of-state drivers who may be unfamiliar with local roads. If your accident involves:

Rental vehicles
Out-of-state drivers
Commercial tour vehicles
Additional documentation and considerations may apply.

3. Snow Bird Complications

During winter months, Phoenix’s population swells with seasonal residents (“snowbirds”), which can create insurance complications if:

The other driver has out-of-state insurance
They claim primary residence elsewhere
Multiple state laws might apply to the claim

Using Technology to Your Advantage

Modern technology provides valuable tools for post-accident documentation:

1. Smartphone Apps

Several free apps specifically designed for accident documentation can guide you through the process, including:

Collecting necessary information
Taking appropriate photos
Recording witness statements
Mapping accident locations using GPS

2. Dashcams

Dashcam footage has become increasingly important in Phoenix accident investigations. If you have a dashcam:

Secure the footage immediately
Make multiple backup copies
Provide the unedited video to your insurance company and attorney

3. Traffic Cameras

Phoenix has an extensive network of traffic cameras on major roadways. Following an accident:

Note any visible traffic or security cameras
Request footage through official channels quickly (often deleted after 30 days)
Your attorney can help obtain this evidence through proper legal channels

Long-term Follow-up

1. Continue Medical Treatment

Attend all follow-up appointments
Complete prescribed physical therapy or rehabilitation
Document any new or worsening symptoms
Keep records of all medical expenses and treatments

2. Monitor Your Recovery

Track how injuries affect daily activities, work, and quality of life
Note any psychological impacts like anxiety or PTSD
Document modifications needed at home or work
Keep a journal of pain levels and limitations

3. Stay Organized

Create a dedicated file for all accident-related documents:

Medical records and bills
Repair estimates and receipts
Pay stubs showing lost wages
Correspondence with insurance companies
Photos and notes from the accident
Contact information for all involved parties

Phoenix Resources for Accident Victims

Several local resources can provide assistance following an accident:

Arizona Department of Transportation – For official crash reporting requirements and forms
Phoenix Police Department – For accident reports and investigation information
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Victim Services – For victims of accidents involving criminal behavior
Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions – For help with insurance issues

Conclusion

The moments following a car accident in Phoenix can be chaotic and stressful, but taking the right steps can significantly impact your physical recovery, legal protection, and financial compensation. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the complex aftermath of a collision on Phoenix roadways.

Remember that every accident is unique, and specific circumstances may require additional steps or considerations. When in doubt, consult with qualified medical and legal professionals who understand Arizona’s specific laws and the particular challenges of Phoenix’s urban environment.

References

Arizona Department of Transportation. (2025). Arizona Crash Report Requirements.
Phoenix Police Department. (2024). Accident Reporting Procedures.
Arizona Department of Public Safety. (2025). Post-Accident Safety Guidelines.
Arizona Republic. (April 2025). Six-vehicle collision creates major delays on I-10.
ABC15 Arizona. (March 2025). Monsoon safety for Phoenix drivers involved in accidents.
AZ Family. (February 2025). Pedestrian accident highlights importance of witness documentation.