by Zayed Al-Sayyed

Car accident attorneyNovember 29, 20240 comments

How Do I Report a Car Accident in Arizona?

Were you involved in a car accident? Did you witness an accident? Both of these situations can leave you wondering, “How do I report a car accident in Arizona?” In this article, we’ll cover how to report a car accident in Arizona, the steps you should follow, and the details you need to know about filing police reports.

How Do I Report a Car Accident in Arizona?

The fastest way to report a car accident in Arizona is to dial 911. This will connect you with emergency personnel who can contact police officers and send first responders to the scene. Even if you aren’t involved in the accident, it’s best to contact the authorities. When an accident does occur, adrenaline runs high, and you want to be sure law enforcement is en route.

Arizona Accident Reporting Procedure

The Arizona Department of Transportation outlines the steps you should take following an accident. First, you need to move safely out of the way. If you are in the middle of the road and your vehicle is drivable, move to the shoulder. If your vehicle is totaled and you can safely exit the vehicle, move to a safe location off the roadway.

Next, offer assistance to other parties. Whether you are involved in the accident or first on the scene as a witness, you want to be sure everyone is alert and safe. If the accident is severe, you may need to wait until emergency responders arrive on the scene.

Once law enforcement arrives on the scene, you may need to answer questions and issue a statement about the accident. Even if you are a witness, your testimony and statement can be crucial in an investigation.

Filing a Police Report

Although you aren’t always required to file a police report, you are required to stay on the scene until law enforcement clears you. If the accident is a minor fender bender, the officer might not file a report. However, for more severe accidents, a police report will almost always be created.

Instances when a police report is required include bodily injury or a fatality of an involved party, property damage that exceeds $1,000, or the issuance of a citation related to the accident. Fleeing the scene of an accident can result in felony charges and license suspension.

When the police report isn’t generated at the scene, you can contact your local police station, highway patrol, or county sheriff. Some jurisdictions also have online reporting resources. Having a police report filed eliminates the risk of the other party claiming you are at fault.

Contacting a Pheonix Accident Attorney

Whether you are directly involved in a car accident or were a witness, it’s important to have an attorney working alongside you. A Phoenix accident attorney can help you determine the best course of action following a car accident, including recovering damages. For more information about your specific situation, reach out to our team at the Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed today to learn more.