by Zayed Al-Sayyed

Car accident attorneyFebruary 19, 20240 comments

What To Do After a Minor Car Accident in Arizona?

Millions of auto accidents happen each year, from small fender benders to total losses. Unfortunately, auto accidents are no longer a “what if” situation but rather a “when.” Whether you were recently in a fender bender or are simply taking a proactive approach, it’s important you understand what to do after a minor car accident in Arizona.

What Does Arizona Law Require?

Arizona law requires drivers to pull over immediately following an accident. Although this might seem self-explanatory, fleeing the scene is a major crime, even if the accident was minor. Drivers should pull over to a spot with the least amount of traffic, such as a parking lot.

Next, Arizona law requires that you exchange information with the other involved party. A.R.S 28-663 describes that drivers are required to remit their name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license and provide reasonable assistance if an individual is injured.

Failure to provide this information to the other involved party or an officer can result in a class 3 misdemeanor, which can come with up to 30 days in jail and $500 in fines. Being cooperative can prevent unnecessary criminal charges, even in minor fender benders.

Do I Need to Call the Police for Fender Benders?

Even if the accident is minor, it’s always best to call the police. This is because they can create an independent police report based on the facts of the situation, avoiding false claims. Additionally, if one party is injured, you must immediately call 911, which will dispatch police officers.

Steps to Take Following a Fender Bender

Keep these steps in mind during your next fender bender:

1. Safely pull your car over to the side of the road, away from traffic.
2. Make sure no one is hurt. If there are injuries, immediately call 911.
3. Even if there are no injuries, consider calling 911 for a police officer’s presence and a formal police report.
4. Exchange insurance information.
5. Take video and pictures of any damage.
6. Contact a personal injury lawyer.

Understanding Auto Insurance Laws in Arizona

Arizona is considered an at-fault state when it comes to working out the details of insurance. This means the party responsible for the accident is generally required to pay for damages. If insurance isn’t enough to cover damages, the at-fault party can be sued to recover additional damages.

A.R.S. Sections 28-4135 and 28-4009 require every motor vehicle operating on public roadways to have insurance with a minimum of $25,000 per person in the case of injury or death and $15,000 in the event of injury or destruction of property.

Additionally, Arizona laws also set timeframes for insurance claims. Insurance companies must acknowledge the receipt of a claim within 10 days, investigate the claim within 30 days, and pay an approved claim within 30 days.

Contact a Qualified Attorney

The severity of fender benders can quickly spiral if false claims are made or the other party is severely injured. This is why it’s best to contact a qualified attorney, like our team at TheZlawyer. We can help you navigate what to do after a minor car accident in Arizona.