What to Do After a Car Accident in Arizona: Complete 2025 Guide
You’re shaking. Your heart is racing. You just heard the crunch of metal, and now you’re sitting in your car wondering: What do I do now?
If you’ve just been in a car accident in Arizona, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed, confused, and maybe even scared. That’s completely normal. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender in a Phoenix parking lot or a serious collision on the I-10, the moments after an accident are critical – and what you do in the next few hours can make or break your insurance claim.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to do after a car accident in Arizona, step by step. We’ll cover everything from the immediate actions you need to take at the scene to dealing with insurance companies, protecting your legal rights, and knowing when you should talk to a personal injury attorney.
And here’s the honest truth: Not every car accident requires a lawyer. But every car accident DOES require you to take specific actions to protect yourself legally and financially. Let’s make sure you do this right.
📞 Available 24/7: If you need immediate help after an accident, call us now at (602) 283-4122. Free consultation, no obligation.
Table of Contents
- What to Do Immediately at the Accident Scene
- Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911
- Step 2: Move to Safety (If Possible)
- Step 3: Exchange Information with the Other Driver
- Step 4: Document the Accident Scene
- Step 5: Call the Police (Arizona Requirements)
- Step 6: Report to Your Insurance Company
- Step 7: Seek Medical Attention
- Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Claim
- Arizona-Specific Laws You Need to Know
- When You Should Talk to a Lawyer
- What Happens After You File a Claim
- FAQ: Common Questions About Arizona Car Accidents
What to Do Immediately at the Accident Scene
The first few minutes after a car accident are crucial. Your adrenaline is pumping, you might be in shock, and it’s easy to forget important steps. That’s why we’ve created this simple checklist you can follow right from your phone.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were over 127,000 motor vehicle crashes in Arizona in 2024 alone, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities and tens of thousands of injuries. Many of these accidents resulted in denied insurance claims or reduced settlements simply because the drivers didn’t know what to do in the moments after the collision.
Don’t let that be you. Here’s exactly what to do, in order.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your first priority is safety – yours and everyone else’s.
Immediately check yourself for injuries. Are you bleeding? Do you feel pain anywhere? Can you move? Even if you feel fine, remember that adrenaline can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, or whiplash.
Next, check on your passengers, then carefully check on the other driver and their passengers. If anyone is injured – even if they say they’re “fine” – call 911 immediately.
Here’s something critical that most people don’t know: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many serious car accident injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Whiplash symptoms can take 24-48 hours to appear. Internal injuries can be invisible for days. That’s why calling 911 is important even for “minor” accidents.
⚠️ Arizona Law: Under Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) §28-661, you are legally required to stop your vehicle at the scene of any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage. Leaving the scene is a crime (hit and run) and can result in serious criminal charges.
When to DEFINITELY Call 911:
- Anyone is injured (even minor cuts or complaints of pain)
- Anyone is unconscious or not breathing
- Vehicles are blocking traffic and can’t be moved
- There are hazardous materials spilled (fuel, chemicals)
- The accident involves a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist
- You suspect the other driver is impaired (drunk or drugged)
- The other driver is aggressive or threatening
Step 2: Move to Safety (If Possible)
If your vehicle is driveable and it’s safe to do so, move your car out of the flow of traffic. Pull over to the shoulder, a parking lot, or a side street. Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
Why? According to ADOT, secondary accidents (crashes that happen because of an initial accident) account for roughly 18% of all traffic fatalities in Arizona. Vehicles stopped in traffic lanes are sitting ducks for distracted drivers, especially on busy Phoenix highways like the I-10, Loop 101, or SR-51.
However – and this is important – if anyone is injured, do NOT move them unless there’s immediate danger (like fire or an oncoming vehicle). Moving an injured person can worsen spinal injuries or internal bleeding. Wait for paramedics.
If you can’t move your vehicle (it’s not driveable), stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives, especially if you’re on a busy highway. It’s safer to stay in your vehicle than to stand on the side of the road.
Step 3: Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Once everyone is safe and help is on the way, it’s time to exchange information with the other driver. This is one of the most important steps, and it’s where many people make critical mistakes.
Here’s EXACTLY what information you need to collect:
From the Other Driver:
- Driver’s full name
- Driver’s phone number
- Driver’s address
- Driver’s license number and state
- Vehicle license plate number
- Insurance company name
- Insurance policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) if visible
If there are witnesses, get their contact information too:
- Witness name and phone number
- What they saw (brief statement)
- Where they were located when the accident occurred
If the driver is not the vehicle’s owner (for example, they’re driving a company car or borrowed vehicle), get the owner’s information as well.
What NOT to Say at the Accident Scene:
This is critical: Do NOT admit fault or apologize. Arizona is a comparative negligence state, which means fault can be split between drivers. Even saying “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you” can be used against you by insurance companies to assign you partial fault and reduce your settlement.
Other things to avoid:
- Don’t say “I’m fine” or “I’m not hurt” (injuries may not be apparent yet)
- Don’t discuss who was at fault
- Don’t sign anything from the other driver
- Don’t accept cash settlements on the spot
- Don’t let the other driver talk you out of calling police
Be polite and cooperative, but stick to the facts: exchange information, document the scene, and wait for police.
Step 4: Document the Accident Scene
Your smartphone is your most powerful tool after an accident. Use it to document everything.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, thorough documentation is the #1 factor in successful insurance claims. The more evidence you have, the harder it is for insurance companies to deny or lowball your claim.
Photos to Take:
- All vehicles involved (from multiple angles)
- Damage to your vehicle (close-ups and wide shots)
- Damage to the other vehicle(s)
- License plates of all vehicles
- Street signs and traffic signals
- Skid marks, debris, or vehicle fluid on the road
- Weather conditions (if relevant)
- Any visible injuries (cuts, bruises)
- The final resting position of all vehicles
- Intersection or road layout (show traffic lanes, stop signs, etc.)
Notes to Take:
Write down or record voice memos about:
- Exact location of the accident (address or cross-streets)
- Date and time
- Weather and road conditions
- Traffic conditions (heavy, light, stopped)
- How the accident happened (your version)
- What the other driver said (especially any admissions of fault)
- Names and badge numbers of responding police officers
The more detail, the better. Memory fades quickly, especially when you’re stressed.
📥 Free Download: Get our Car Accident Documentation Checklist (PDF) – keep it in your glove box so you’re prepared if an accident happens. [Download Now]
Step 5: Call the Police (Arizona Requirements)
Many people wonder: Do I need to call the police after a minor accident?
In Arizona, the answer depends on the severity of the accident.
Arizona Law on Police Reports:
Under ARS §28-667, you are legally required to file an accident report if:
- The accident resulted in injury or death
- The accident caused apparent damage of $1,000 or more to any one person’s property
If the accident meets either of these criteria and you don’t have a police report, you must file a written report with the Arizona Department of Transportation within 10 days.
Our recommendation? Call the police for ANY accident, even if it seems minor. Here’s why:
- Police reports are powerful evidence: An official police report carries more weight with insurance companies than your word against the other driver.
- Damage is often more than it appears: What looks like a $500 dent could be $3,000 in frame damage once a mechanic looks under the hood.
- The other driver might change their story: Without a police report, the other driver could later claim you caused the accident or that it never happened.
- Some insurance policies require it: Many insurance policies require a police report for claims over a certain amount.
- It protects you from fraud: Scammers sometimes stage accidents. A police report creates an official record.
What Will the Police Do?
When police arrive at the scene, they will:
- Interview all drivers and witnesses
- Inspect the vehicles and accident scene
- Check for traffic violations or signs of impairment
- Create an official accident report
- Assign citations if appropriate (speeding, running a red light, etc.)
You’ll receive a case number at the scene. Write this down. You’ll need it to request a copy of the police report, which typically takes 7-10 business days to be available.
In Phoenix and most Arizona cities, you can request police reports online through the department’s website or in person at the police station.
Step 6: Report to Your Insurance Company
You’re legally required to report the accident to your insurance company, even if you weren’t at fault. Most insurance policies require notification within 24-72 hours, though you should check your specific policy.
Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Have the following information ready:
- Your policy number
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Other driver information (name, insurance, license plate)
- Police report case number
- Photos of the damage
- Names of any witnesses
- Description of what happened
What to Tell Your Insurance Company:
Stick to the facts. Describe what happened objectively:
- “I was stopped at a red light when the other vehicle struck my rear bumper”
- “I was traveling eastbound on Camelback Road when the other vehicle ran a stop sign and hit my driver’s side door”
What NOT to say:
- Don’t speculate about fault (“I think I might have…”)
- Don’t exaggerate or minimize injuries
- Don’t give a recorded statement without talking to a lawyer first (especially if you have serious injuries)
- Don’t accept an immediate settlement offer (more on this below)
Common Insurance Company Tactics (And How to Avoid Them):
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. Here are common tactics they use and how to protect yourself:
1. The Quick Settlement Offer
They’ll offer you a check immediately, often before you’ve seen a doctor. This is to close your claim before the full extent of your injuries (and their value) is known. Don’t accept it.
2. The Recorded Statement
They’ll ask you to give a recorded statement “for their files.” Anything you say can be used to deny or reduce your claim. Politely decline or consult a lawyer first.
3. The Delay Game
They’ll drag out the process, hoping you’ll get frustrated and accept less. Document everything and keep detailed records of all communications.
4. The Blame Shift
They’ll try to assign you partial fault, even in clear-cut cases. Arizona’s comparative negligence law means if you’re 30% at fault, your settlement is reduced by 30%.
According to consumer advocacy groups, insurance companies deny roughly 16% of all car accident claims, and initial settlement offers average just 60% of a claim’s true value.
💡 Pro Tip: Before you accept ANY settlement offer, talk to a personal injury attorney. Most offer free consultations and can tell you if the offer is fair. Remember, once you sign, you can’t go back for more.
Step 7: Seek Medical Attention (Even If You Feel Fine)
This is one of the biggest mistakes car accident victims make: They don’t see a doctor because they “feel fine.”
Here’s the problem: Many serious car accident injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Adrenaline and shock mask pain. By the time symptoms appear days or weeks later, you’ve already told the insurance company you weren’t hurt.
Common “Delayed Symptom” Injuries:
- Whiplash: Symptoms (neck pain, stiffness, headaches) often do not appear for 24-72 hours
- Concussions: Headaches, dizziness, memory problems may not be apparent immediately
- Internal Bleeding: Abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting can be delayed
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and muscle damage worsen over time
- Herniated Discs: Back and neck pain from spinal injuries can take days to manifest
Why This Matters for Your Claim:
Insurance companies will argue that if you didn’t seek medical treatment immediately, you weren’t really hurt. They’ll claim your injuries came from something else (a pre-existing condition, a later incident, etc.).
To protect your claim:
• See a doctor within 24-48 hours of the accident, even if you feel fine
• Tell the doctor about EVERY symptom, even minor ones
• Follow all treatment recommendations (physical therapy, follow-up appointments, etc.)
• Keep all medical records and bills
• Don’t skip appointments (insurers use this to claim you weren’t really hurt)
Where to Seek Treatment:
• Emergency Room (for obvious injuries, severe pain, loss of consciousness)
• Urgent Care (for moderate injuries, if ER is unnecessary)
• Primary Care Doctor (within 24-48 hours for evaluation)
• Chiropractor or Physical Therapist (for ongoing treatment)
According to medical research published in the Journal of Trauma, approximately 45% of car accident victims develop chronic pain, and early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Claim
We’ve handled hundreds of car accident cases in Arizona, and we see the same mistakes over and over. Avoid these, and you’ll be in a much stronger position:
- Leaving the Scene: This is a crime and can result in criminal charges, even if you’re not at fault for the accident.
- Not Calling Police: Without an official report, it becomes “he said, she said” and insurance companies will exploit that.
- Apologizing or Admitting Fault: Even a polite “I’m sorry” can be twisted into an admission of liability.
- Not Seeing a Doctor: Delayed1 treatment = ammunition for the insurance company to deny your injuries.
- Giving Recorded Statements to the Other Driver’s Insurance: Anything you say will be used against you. Decline politely.
- Posting on Social Media: A photo of you “living your best life” will be used to claim you’re not really injured. Stay off social media until your case is resolved.
- Accepting the First Settlement Offer: Initial offers are almost always lowball. They count on you not knowing better.
- Not Documenting Everything: No photos = no evidence. Lack of documentation makes it easy for insurers to deny claims.
- Waiting Too Long to File: Arizona has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Miss that deadline, and your case is dead.
- Trying to Negotiate Without Understanding Your Rights: Insurance adjusters do this for a living. You don’t. Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight.
Arizona-Specific Laws You Need to Know
Arizona has unique laws that affect car accident claims. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Arizona is an “At-Fault” State
Unlike some states with “no-fault” insurance systems, Arizona is an “at-fault” state. This means the driver who caused the accident is legally responsible for damages.
What this means for you:
• You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance
• You can sue the at-fault driver personally if insurance doesn’t cover damages
• You’ll need to prove the other driver was negligent (ran a red light, was speeding, was distracted, etc.)
2. Comparative Negligence Rule
Arizona follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule (ARS §12-2505). This means even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages – but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example:
• Total damages: $100,000
• You were 20% at fault, other driver was 80% at fault
• Your recovery: $80,000 (reduced by your 20%)
This is why insurance companies fight hard to assign you partial blame. Every percentage point they can pin on you reduces what they have to pay.
3. Minimum Insurance Requirements
Arizona law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance (ARS §28-4135):
• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident (total)
• $15,000 property damage per accident
These are minimums, and they’re dangerously low. A serious injury can easily exceed $25,000 in medical bills alone.
If the at-fault driver only has minimum coverage and your damages exceed those limits, you may need to pursue:
• Your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage
• A personal injury lawsuit against the driver
• Other liable parties (employer, vehicle owner, etc.)
4. Statute of Limitations
You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona (ARS §12-542). Miss this deadline, and your case is dismissed, no matter how strong it is.
Important exception: If you were injured by a government vehicle (city bus, state vehicle, etc.), you must file a Notice of Claim within just 180 days. This is a much shorter deadline, so don’t delay.
While the statute of limitations gives you 2 years, waiting too long is a mistake:
• Witnesses forget details or disappear
• Evidence gets lost or destroyed
• Medical records become harder to obtain
• Insurance companies assume you’re not serious
File your claim as soon as possible after the accident.
When You Should Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
Here’s the honest truth: Not every car accident requires a lawyer.
If you had a minor fender-bender with no injuries, the other driver was clearly at fault, and their insurance company offers you a fair settlement that covers your property damage, you probably don’t need us.
But in many cases – especially those involving injuries – hiring a personal injury lawyer can dramatically increase your settlement.
Studies show that car accident victims with attorneys receive settlements 3.5 times higher on average than those without attorneys, even after legal fees are deducted.
You Should Consult a Lawyer If:
- You were seriously injured (broken bones, head trauma, spinal injury, surgery required)
- Someone was killed in the accident
- You have significant medical bills (over $10,000)
- You’ll need ongoing medical treatment
- Your injuries will cause permanent disability or disfigurement
- You’ve lost significant income due to the accident
- Fault is disputed (the other driver claims you caused the accident)
- The insurance company denies your claim
- The insurance company offers a lowball settlement
- Multiple parties were involved
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- The accident involved a commercial vehicle or government vehicle
- You’re being pressured to settle quickly
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Helps:
A good car accident lawyer will:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Calculate the true value of your claim (including future medical costs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering)
- Negotiate aggressively for maximum settlement
- Take your case to trial if the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation
- Work on contingency (no upfront costs, we only get paid if you win)
What “Contingency Fee” Means:
Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. The lawyer only gets paid if you win your case, typically 33% of the settlement. If you lose, you pay nothing.
So if a lawyer gets you a $90,000 settlement instead of the $30,000 the insurance company initially offered, you still walk away with $60,000 (after the 33% fee) – double what you would have gotten on your own.
📞 Free Consultation: Talk to a Phoenix car accident lawyer for free. We’ll review your case, tell you honestly if you need a lawyer, and explain your options. No pressure, no obligation. Call (602) XXX-XXXX or [Click Here to Schedule]
What Happens After You File a Claim
Once you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, here’s what typically happens:
Week 1-2: Claim Investigation: The insurance company assigns an adjuster to investigate your claim. They’ll review the police report, interview witnesses, and assess vehicle damage.
Week 2-4: Initial Settlement Offer: The adjuster will likely make an initial settlement offer. This is almost always low. Don’t accept it without negotiating or consulting a lawyer.
Week 4-12: Negotiation Phase: You (or your lawyer) negotiate with the insurance company. They may request medical records, repair estimates, and documentation of lost wages.
Week 12+: Settlement or Lawsuit: If negotiations succeed, you sign a settlement agreement and receive payment. If they fail, you may need to file a lawsuit.
How Long Does It Take to Settle?
Settlement timelines vary widely:
- Minor accidents with no injuries: 1-3 months
- Moderate injuries with clear liability: 3-6 months
- Serious injuries or disputed fault: 6-18 months
- Lawsuits that go to trial: 18-36+ months
Factors that speed up settlements:
- Clear liability (other driver obviously at fault)
- Good documentation (photos, police report, medical records)
- You’ve reached maximum medical improvement (you’re done treating)
- You have a lawyer negotiating for you
Factors that slow down settlements:
- Disputed fault
- Serious or permanent injuries
- Multiple liable parties
- Uncooperative insurance companies
FAQ: Common Questions About Arizona Car Accidents
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Arizona requires all drivers to have insurance, but roughly 12% of Arizona drivers are uninsured. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you can file a claim with your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If you don’t have UM coverage, you may need to sue the driver personally, though collecting can be difficult if they have no assets.
Can I sue for pain and suffering?
Yes. Arizona allows you to recover “non-economic damages” including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium (relationship with spouse). These damages can be substantial and often exceed economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) in serious injury cases.
What if the accident was partially my fault?
Arizona’s comparative negligence rule means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your settlement will just be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 25% at fault and your damages were $100,000, you’d recover $75,000.
Do I have to go to court?
Most car accident cases settle without going to trial. Roughly 95% of personal injury cases settle during negotiations. However, having a lawyer who’s willing and able to go to trial gives you leverage in negotiations.
How much is my case worth?
Case value depends on many factors: injury severity, medical costs, lost income, permanency of injuries, impact on your life, strength of evidence, and more. Minor soft tissue injuries might settle for $5,000-$25,000, while catastrophic injuries (traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage) can result in million-dollar+ settlements. Get a free case evaluation to understand your specific case value.
What if I was hit by an Uber or Lyft driver?
Rideshare accidents are complicated because multiple insurance policies may apply: the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, and your own insurance. Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage when a driver has a passenger or is en route to pick up a passenger. These cases almost always require a lawyer due to their complexity.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Rights After an Arizona Car Accident
Car accidents are overwhelming. You’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, insurance companies, and maybe even financial stress from medical bills or lost work time.
But here’s what you need to remember: You have rights. The at-fault driver’s insurance company owes you fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Don’t let them bully you into accepting less than you deserve.
The steps we’ve outlined in this guide – documenting the scene, seeking medical care, protecting your statements, and consulting a lawyer when necessary – will put you in the strongest position possible.
And if you need help navigating this process, we’re here. JK Phoenix Personal Injury Attorney has handled hundreds of Arizona car accident cases. We know the insurance company tactics, we know Arizona law, and we know how to maximize your settlement.
We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. And we’re available 24/7 because accidents don’t just happen during business hours.
If you’re not sure whether you need a lawyer, just call us. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your case – no hard sell, no pressure. If you don’t need us, we’ll tell you. If you do, we’ll fight for every dollar you deserve.
📞 Call Now for Your Free Consultation: (602) 283-4122
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About the Author:
This guide was written by the attorneys at JK Phoenix Personal Injury Attorney, a boutique personal injury law firm serving car accident victims throughout Phoenix and Arizona. Our team has recovered over $50 million for Arizona accident victims and has a track record of winning cases other firms turn down.
We offer free consultations, work on contingency, and are available 24/7. If you’ve been in a car accident, call us at (602) 283-4122.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every car accident case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. For advice about your specific situation, please consult with a qualified Arizona personal injury attorney.