Did you know that Arizona law requires you to call the police after a car accident? Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-667, you must call the police if a crash causes an injury, death, or more than $2,000 in property damage. If you know what to do after a car accident in Arizona, then you’re better prepared to protect your claim.
Read our Arizona car accident guide now to learn more.
Step 1: Stay Safe and Call the Police
The first few minutes after a crash matter most. Both emotions and adrenaline are running high. Slow down and follow these steps.
First, you should move to safety. If your car is drivable and the crash is minor, move it out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. However, if the car is too damaged to move, stay buckled and wait for help.
Then, check if you and your passengers are injured. Is the other party okay? If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away.
ARS § 28-667 sets an expectation for when you should call the police after a car accident. Arizona requires a police report if there is bodily injury, a fatality, or property damage over $2,000. You’re also required to call the police if a citation is issued.
Most importantly, do not admit fault. Arizona uses comparative negligence. This means that responsibility could be split between drivers. Stay quiet about what happened until you speak to an attorney.
Step 2: Get Medical Care, No Matter What
After an accident, many survivors skip the doctor. But that could risk both your health and your claim. Whiplash, concussions, soft tissue damage, and internal bleeding don’t always show symptoms right away. Using that timeline gap, insurers argue that the crash didn’t cause your injuries.
These are the steps you should take when seeking medical care.
- Visit the doctor the same day as the accident. Even an urgent care visit creates a medical record.
- Tell the doctor everything, like pain, dizziness, headaches, and anxiety.
- Follow the treatment plan. Skipping appointments gives insurers a reason to pay less.
- Keep every record, including bills, notes, prescriptions, and imaging.
You may need ongoing medical treatment. Or, you may need to take time off work. Our Arizona car accident attorneys could help you pursue full compensation.
Step 3: Document the Scene Like an Investigator
Your phone is your most powerful tool after a crash. Use it to document the scene, including license plates and property damage. You should also record the road, traffic signs, skid marks, debris, and the weather. Photograph your injuries too.
Then, if possible, get contact info from all parties involved. This includes names, contact information, and insurance information. Collect witness information too.
Once you’re safe, you should record what you remember. This documentation will be helpful once you meet with an attorney. Evidence separates a strong claim from a weak one. The more proof you have, the harder it is for adjusters to lowball you.
Step 4: Know Arizona’s Deadlines and Insurance Rules
After an accident, you should familiarize yourself with Arizona’s deadlines and insurance rules. This includes the state’s statute of limitations and comparative fault rules. Insurance companies expect you not to know these laws. That’s how they take advantage of you.
- Under ARS § 12-542, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- If a government vehicle, employee, or road defect caused the crash, you must file a Notice of Claim within 180 days. ARS § 12-821.01 sets this deadline, which is much shorter than the standard window.
- Arizona uses pure comparative negligence. You can receive compensation even if you were partly at fault. Your percentage of fault reduces your reward.
Did your crash happen in or around Phoenix? Our Arizona law office knows the local courts and insurance practices. Book a free consultation today. Hiring a personal injury attorney is the best thing you could do for your case.
| What to Do | Specific Actions You Can Take |
|---|---|
| 1. Stay Safe & Call the Police | 1. If drivable, move vehicle out of traffic and turn on hazards; if not, stay buckled and wait for help. 2. Check yourself, passengers, and the other party for injuries. Call 911 too. 3. Do not admit fault |
| 2. Get Medical Care, No Matter What | 1. See a doctor the same day. 2. Report everything: pain, dizziness, headaches, anxiety. 3. Follow the treatment plan. 4. Keep every record, including bills, notes, prescriptions, and imaging. |
| 3. Document the Scene Like an Investigator | 1. Photograph plates, property damage, the road, signs, skid marks, debris, weather, and your injuries. 2. Get names, contact, and insurance info from all parties. 3. Once safe, write down what you remember. |
| 4. Know Arizona’s Deadlines & Insurance Rules | 1. Learn the statute of limitations and comparative fault rules before dealing with insurers. 2. Insurers count on you not knowing these laws. |
Common Questions About What to Do After a Car Accident in Arizona
What is the first thing to do after a car accident in Arizona?
Get to safety and check for injuries. Call law enforcement if anyone is hurt. You’re required to call the police if the crash caused injury, death, property damage over $2,000, or a citation. Document the scene.
Do I have to report a car accident in Arizona?
Yes. You need to report the accident if it caused bodily injury, death, more than $2,000 in property damage, or the issuance of a citation. A police report can protect your insurance claim, even for what you believe is a “minor” crash.
What should I not do after a car accident in Arizona?
The most important thing is not to admit fault or apologize. Speak with an attorney first. Don’t sign anything from the insurance company without your attorney.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Arizona?
You generally have two years from the date of the crash. But if your accident involved a government entity, you must file a claim within 180 days.
What if I can’t afford medical care after the crash?
You’re not alone, because this is a truth for many Americans nationwide. Many providers will treat you on a lien. This means that they’re paid out of your settlement.
Don’t skip treatment without consulting with a Phoenix car accident attorney. The medical record matters in your claim as much as the bill.
Do I need a lawyer after a minor car accident in Arizona?
No, you don’t always need a lawyer. But if you’re injured, or if fault is disputed, then you should meet with an attorney. Most law firms in Phoenix, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay if we win a settlement or verdict in your favor.
Trust Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Today
After a life-changing car or truck accident, you need a legal team you can trust. For more than 20 years, we’ve fought for injury victims and recovered over $2 billion for clients nationwide. The first steps you take after an Arizona crash shape every part of your case. Schedule a free case review today.
Reviewed by Alexander Shunnarah, Attorney and Chief Executive Officer at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys on 2026-04-30.
