by Zayed Al-Sayyed

Car accident attorneyNovember 29, 20240 comments

Do You Have to Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident in Arizona?

Do you have to call the police after a minor car accident in Arizona? What is considered a minor car accident? These are questions you might have after being involved in a car accident. Not every accident will warrant a police presence, especially if there are no injuries and minor damage. In this article, we’ll cover when you should report an accident to the police in Arizona.

Do You Have to Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident in Arizona?

No, you do not have to call the police after a minor car accident in Arizona. However, if there are injuries or significant property damage, the police need to be alerted immediately. The faster law enforcement arrives on the scene, the quicker involved parties can be assessed for injuries, and the scene can be controlled.

In addition, if you suspect an involved party was operating a vehicle under the influence, it’s important to alert the police. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense, even if the accident did not result in injuries or significant property damage.

What Can the Police Help with After an Accident?

After a car accident, law enforcement controls the scene. First, officers will secure the scene to ensure everyone’s safety. This might include blocking off lanes or controlling oncoming traffic. Scene control is important for tow trucks and medical vehicles to arrive timely and safely.

Next, law enforcement will gather information for a crash report. This includes taking pictures and videos of the scene, writing down eyewitness accounts, and reconstructing the crash. If you need to file a claim with insurance, having the details compiled by law enforcement will be beneficial.

The Benefits of Calling the Police After a Minor Accident

In addition, insurance companies often check for police reports before paying out funds. If there is no police report on file, you have a higher risk of denied claims. Officers who come to the scene of an accident are generally required to create a police report. If the police are never called, you might be missing out on a crucial piece of evidence.

Although you can create a police report after an accident, you risk losing out on key pieces of information and evidence that were left at the scene. This can hurt your chance of a successful claim or lawsuit.

Summary

Even though a minor fender bender doesn’t require you to call the police, it can be beneficial. To discuss your situation with an accident attorney, contact one of our team members at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed today to schedule your free consultation.