What to Do After a Car Accident in Arizona

Q: Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Arizona?

Yes. Arizona law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,000. Always call 911 at the scene.

Q: Is Arizona a fault or no-fault state for car accidents?

Arizona is an at-fault state. The driver who caused the crash is responsible for covering damages, and victims can file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance.

Q: What if the other driver doesn't have insurance in Arizona?

You may file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Arizona also allows you to pursue the at-fault driver personally through a civil lawsuit.

Q: Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?

Generally no. First offers are often below what your claim is actually worth. Consulting an attorney before accepting any settlement is strongly recommended.

Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Arizona follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault — your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.

A car accident can upend your life in seconds. Whether it happens on the I-10 near downtown Phoenix or on a quiet residential street in Tucson, knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath can mean the difference between protecting your rights and losing them. This guide walks you through every critical step — from the accident scene to the claims process — so you can make informed decisions when it matters most.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Right After a Car Accident in Arizona

The moments following a crash are chaotic and stressful. Keep the following steps in mind — they protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover fair compensation.

Stop and Secure the Scene Never leave the scene of an accident. Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, turn on hazard lights, and set up flares or cones if available. Leaving the scene of an injury accident is a criminal offense in Arizona.
Call 911 Immediately Arizona law requires you to report any accident involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $2,000. A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence you will have when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a legal claim. Always get a copy of the report number before you leave.
Seek Medical Attention Without Delay Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Many serious injuries — including whiplash and soft tissue injuries — do not present symptoms immediately. Delaying treatment can hurt both your health and your claim. If you develop a headache after the accident, do not dismiss it; it can signal a concussion or more serious brain injury.
Document Everything at the Scene Use your phone to photograph all vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Capture license plates, the positions of the cars, and the broader environment. This visual evidence can be invaluable later.
Exchange Information Collect the other driver's full name, contact number, driver's license number, license plate, vehicle make and model, and insurance company name and policy number. Get contact information from any witnesses as well.
Notify Your Insurance Company Report the accident to your insurer promptly, even if you were not at fault. Review your policy carefully — Arizona is an at-fault state, meaning the party responsible for the crash is liable for damages.
Consult a Car Accident Attorney Before giving recorded statements to any insurance company, speak with an experienced attorney. Research shows that claimants represented by attorneys typically receive significantly higher settlements. Learn whether you can sue after a car accident to understand your options fully.

Understanding Arizona's At-Fault Car Accident Laws

Arizona operates under a tort-based (at-fault) system, which means the driver who caused the accident — or their insurance company — is financially responsible for covering the victims' damages. This is different from "no-fault" states where each driver's own insurer pays regardless of who caused the crash.

Additionally, Arizona follows the doctrine of pure comparative fault. Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-2505, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident — your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your total damages.

⏰ Statute of Limitations: You generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit and three years for property damage claims in Arizona. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation entirely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After an Arizona Car Accident

Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do. These mistakes can seriously damage your case:

Admitting fault at the scene — even saying "I'm sorry" can be used against you. Let the investigation determine liability.
Skipping medical care — gaps in treatment give insurers ammunition to argue your injuries are minor or unrelated to the crash.
Accepting a quick settlement — first offers from insurance companies are almost always low. You may have the right to sue for significantly more.
Posting on social media — anything you post after an accident can be discovered and used against you in negotiations or litigation.
Giving a recorded statement without legal counsel — insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that minimize your claim.

What If a Drunk or Impaired Driver Caused Your Accident?

Accidents involving drunk or drugged drivers are unfortunately common across Arizona. According to Arizona DUI law, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher — and the consequences are severe. For context on how widespread this problem is, drunk driving accident statistics reveal alarming national trends that apply to Arizona as well.

If a drunk driver injured you, you may be entitled to punitive damages on top of compensatory damages — meaning the court can award additional money specifically to punish the wrongdoer. You can also review the Arizona DUI penalties that the at-fault driver may face criminally, which can support your civil claim.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Arizona car accident victims can typically seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. These include:

Medical expenses — emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical costs
Lost wages — income lost while recovering, plus loss of future earning capacity
Property damage — repair or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged belongings
Pain and suffering — physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
Loss of consortium — impact on your relationship with your spouse or family
Punitive damages — in cases involving gross negligence, such as drunk driving

Car Accident Legal Help Across Arizona Cities

Regardless of where your accident occurred in Arizona, experienced legal help is available. Accident victims in cities across the state can connect with qualified attorneys through FindTheLawyers:

Victims in Phoenix can find attorneys familiar with Maricopa County courts and high-volume freeway crashes on the I-10, I-17, and Loop 101.
Those injured in Tucson can access lawyers who understand Pima County-specific procedural rules and intersection accident patterns.
If your accident happened in Scottsdale, local attorneys can help navigate claims involving resort-area congestion and high-value vehicles.
Residents and visitors in Glendale have access to legal professionals experienced with accidents near stadium venues and busy commercial corridors.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Arizona? +

Arizona law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,000. Always call 911 at the scene to ensure a police report is filed — this document is critical for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Arizona? +

Arizona's statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, and three years for property damage claims. Missing these deadlines almost always results in losing your right to recover compensation.

Is Arizona a fault or no-fault state for car accidents? +

Arizona is an at-fault state. The driver responsible for causing the crash is legally liable for damages. Victims file claims against the at-fault driver's liability insurance, or pursue a personal injury lawsuit if the insurer refuses a fair settlement.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance in Arizona? +

You can file a claim through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have it. Arizona also allows you to pursue a civil lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. An attorney can help you evaluate the most effective route based on your specific situation.

Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer? +

Generally, no. First settlement offers are routinely lower than the true value of a claim. Before signing anything, consult with a car accident attorney who can assess the full extent of your damages — including future medical costs and lost earning capacity.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault? +

Yes. Arizona follows a pure comparative fault rule, allowing you to recover damages even if you were partially responsible. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault — so if you were 30% at fault, you may still recover 70% of your total damages.