After a car accident, you likely have far more questions than answers. You may be wondering:
- Whether you should seek medical care
- How to obtain a copy of the police report
- What to tell the insurance company
- Where your vehicle was towed
- How Arizona law affects your ability to recover compensation
Trying to sort through all of this while recovering from injuries can be challenging.
Our Phoenix car accident lawyers created this Local Resource Center to serve as a central source of reliable information for people injured in crashes throughout the Valley. Here, you'll find practical guidance about:
- What to do after an accident
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Arizona laws that may affect your claim
- Local hospitals and trauma centers
- How to obtain accident reports
- Other resources that can help you make informed decisions during the claims process
This page also connects you with more in-depth guides on specific accident types and legal topics throughout our website. Whether your crash involved a distracted driver, a rear-end collision, a dust storm, or another cause, our goal is to provide clear, accurate information to help you protect your health, legal rights, and financial future.
If you have questions about your specific accident, the attorneys at Law Bear Injury Lawyers are available 24/7 to discuss your situation during a free case review. When you partner with Law Bear, you pay no fee unless we win.
Phoenix Accident Recovery Checklist
In the hours and days following a collision, it can be difficult to remember everything you should do. Use this checklist as a general guide while keeping in mind that every accident is different.
At the Scene of the Accident (if Possible)
- □ Move to a safe location and call 911.
- □ Report any injuries and cooperate with responding officers.
- □ Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- □ Photograph the vehicles, roadway, traffic signals, skid marks, and visible injuries.
- □ Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- □ Request the responding officer's name and report number.
- □ Seek emergency medical treatment if you believe anyone has been injured.
During the First Few Days
- □ Follow all medical recommendations and attend follow-up appointments.
- □ Notify your insurance company that the accident occurred.
- □ Save medical bills, repair estimates, receipts, and other accident-related expenses.
- □ Keep photographs, videos, and correspondence related to the collision.
- □ Avoid discussing the accident on social media.
- □ Contact an experienced Phoenix car accident attorney if you have questions about your rights.
Completing these steps can help protect both your health and your potential injury claim. Some evidence—such as surveillance footage or traffic camera recordings—may only be available for a limited time, so taking action quickly is especially important.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Phoenix Car Accident?
The actions you take immediately after a collision can affect both your physical recovery and your ability to pursue compensation later. While every accident is unique, several important priorities apply in nearly every situation.
First, check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 as soon as possible if anyone appears injured or if the accident has created a hazardous situation. Even if injuries seem minor, it is generally best to allow law enforcement to document the crash and summon medical assistance when appropriate.
If your vehicle can be moved safely, follow the instructions of responding officers and relocate it out of active traffic when directed. Avoid standing near moving traffic while waiting for emergency responders.
If you are physically able to do so, document the accident scene by taking photographs of vehicle damage, roadway conditions, traffic signs, weather conditions, debris, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses before they leave if possible.
Medical evaluation should also be a priority. Some injuries—including concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage—may not produce immediate symptoms. Prompt medical treatment not only protects your health but also creates documentation that may become important if you later pursue an injury claim.
For a more detailed discussion of the claims process and additional recommendations, visit our guide explaining What to Do After a Car Accident in Phoenix.
What NOT to Do After a Phoenix Car Accident
Knowing what to avoid can be just as important as knowing what actions to take. Certain mistakes can complicate your recovery, create unnecessary disputes with insurance companies, or make it more difficult to prove your claim later.
Do Not Leave the Scene
Arizona accident law requires drivers to stop after most traffic accidents. Leaving the scene before exchanging information or speaking with law enforcement may create additional legal problems and could negatively affect your claim.
Do Not Admit Fault
Even a simple apology may later be interpreted as your acceptance of responsibility for the collision. Limit your comments to factual information and allow investigators to determine how the accident occurred.
Do Not Delay Medical Treatment
Waiting several days—or even several weeks—to seek medical care may allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries were unrelated to the accident or were not as serious as claimed.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement Without Understanding Your Rights
Insurance adjusters often contact injured drivers shortly after an accident for a recorded statement. Before providing detailed information about the collision or your injuries, speak with an attorney to help protect your interests.
Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer Without Reviewing It Carefully
Early settlement offers may not account for ongoing medical treatment, future lost income, or other damages that become apparent as your recovery progresses. Ask an experienced car accident attorney to review and explain the offer before you sign.
Do Not Post About the Accident on Social Media
Photographs, comments, and updates posted online may later be reviewed by insurance companies or defense attorneys. Even seemingly harmless posts can be taken out of context to harm your claim.
Do Not Throw Away Important Evidence
Keep damaged personal property, medical records, repair estimates, receipts, photographs, and correspondence related to the accident whenever possible. These materials may become valuable evidence later.
Arizona Car Accident Laws Every Driver Should Know
You do not need to become an expert in Arizona personal injury law after a collision, but understanding a few basic legal principles can help you make more informed decisions as your claim moves forward.
Arizona Is an At-Fault State
Arizona follows a traditional fault-based system for motor vehicle accidents. In many cases, the driver who caused the collision—and that driver's insurance company—is financially responsible for the damages resulting from the crash.
Take a look at Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-4009, which explains Arizona's motor vehicle financial responsibility requirements, if you want to learn more about coverage details.
Arizona Uses Pure Comparative Negligence
In cases where more than one person may be responsible for an accident, Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means an injured person may still recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for causing the accident. However, any recovery is generally reduced by the person's assigned percentage of fault.
Arizona Has Deadlines for Filing Injury Lawsuits
Arizona law generally limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident. Missing the applicable deadline could prevent you from pursuing compensation entirely.
The general two-year statute of limitations appears in Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542, although exceptions may apply depending on the facts of the case. Consult with a knowledgeable auto accident attorney quickly to understand your filing deadline.
Understanding these laws is important, but applying them to a particular accident often requires a careful review of the facts. Every case is different, especially when liability is disputed or multiple vehicles are involved.
How to Obtain a Phoenix Car Accident Report
A copy of the police report can become one of the most important documents in your insurance claim or personal injury case. Although the report does not determine legal liability, it often contains valuable information about the accident, including the parties involved, witness contact information, roadway conditions, diagrams, and the responding officer's observations.
Knowing which police department may be in custody of your report depends on which agency investigated the collision.
Phoenix Police Department Reports
If the Phoenix Police Department responded to your accident, you can generally request a copy of the report through the Phoenix Police Department Records Request site. Before requesting the report, gather as much information as possible, including:
- The report number (if available)
- The date and approximate time of the crash
- The location of the accident
- The names of the drivers involved
Arizona Department of Public Safety Reports
Accidents occurring on state highways and freeways, including portions of Interstate 10, Interstate 17, Loop 101, Loop 202, and other state-maintained roadways, may be investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). If DPS handled your collision, you can request the report directly through the agency's records process.
Why Your Accident Report Matters
While the police report is only one piece of evidence, it often provides an important starting point for an investigation. Our attorneys compare the report with photographs, vehicle damage, witness statements, surveillance footage, traffic camera recordings, and other evidence to develop a complete understanding of how the collision occurred.
If you have any trouble receiving a copy of your accident report, our attorneys can help obtain it as part of our investigation.
Phoenix Hospitals and Trauma Centers
Receiving prompt medical care is one of the most important steps you can take after a serious accident. Some injuries—including traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, spinal injuries, and soft tissue damage—may not be immediately apparent after a collision.
In addition to protecting your health, timely medical treatment creates legal documentation that may be crucial to link your injuries to the crash if you later pursue an injury claim.
Some of the major hospitals and trauma centers serving Phoenix accident victims include:
| Hospital | General Information |
| Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix | Level I Trauma Center providing emergency and specialized trauma care. |
| Valleywise Health Medical Center | Level I Trauma Center serving Phoenix and Maricopa County. |
| St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center (Dignity Health) | Regional trauma center with emergency services and neurological care. |
| HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center | Emergency services for accident victims in north Phoenix. |
| Mayo Clinic Hospital (Phoenix) | Comprehensive medical care and specialty services. |
Continue Following Your Treatment Plan
Many accident victims begin to feel better after the first few days and consider canceling follow-up appointments. However, some injuries require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging, or physical therapy.
Following your physician's recommendations helps protect your health while creating a consistent medical record documenting your recovery. Insurance companies frequently review treatment history when evaluating injury claims, so maintaining regular medical care can become an important part of the claims process.
Towing, Storage, and Vehicle Repairs After a Phoenix Car Accident
One of the first practical concerns after a collision is determining where your vehicle has been taken and what happens next. Depending on the circumstances, your vehicle may be:
- Towed from the scene by a private towing company.
- Removed at the request of law enforcement.
- Taken to an insurance-approved inspection facility.
- Transported directly to a repair shop of your choosing.
If your vehicle has been towed, it is important to locate it promptly. Storage facilities generally charge daily storage fees, which can increase the longer a vehicle remains unclaimed.
Retrieving Personal Belongings
If your vehicle is being stored at a tow yard, you can usually retrieve personal belongings before repairs begin. Important items may include:
- Prescription medications.
- Child safety seats.
- Mobile phones and electronic devices.
- Work equipment.
- Important documents.
If possible, photograph the vehicle before any repairs are performed. Those photographs may help document the extent of the damage.
Choosing a Repair Shop
Arizona drivers often have the right to select the repair facility that performs work on their vehicle. Although insurance companies may recommend preferred repair shops, you are not necessarily required to use those facilities.
If your vehicle is declared a total loss, the insurance company will generally evaluate its fair market value before issuing payment under the applicable policy terms.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Crash
Most people only file a few insurance claims during their lifetime. Insurance companies, however, handle claims every day. Understanding the claims process can help you avoid common mistakes and protect your rights.
After reporting the collision, you may receive calls from one or more insurance adjusters requesting information about the accident, your injuries, and your medical treatment. Before providing a recorded statement, talk to a reputable car collision lawyer.
When you speak with an adjuster, it is generally best to:
- Answer questions truthfully.
- Avoid guessing if you are unsure about specific details.
- Keep copies of all correspondence.
- Save repair estimates, receipts, and medical bills.
Ask your lawyer to review any settlement offers carefully before accepting them. If liability is disputed or your injuries are significant, speaking with an attorney before resolving your claim can help you better understand your legal options.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Phoenix
Car accidents occur in many different ways, and each type of collision presents unique legal and factual issues. Understanding how these crashes happen can help accident victims better understand the investigation process and the evidence that may be important to their case.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes are among the most common accidents in Phoenix. Although the rear driver is often responsible, every collision should be evaluated based on the specific facts and available evidence.
Learn more about rear-end accidents in Phoenix.
Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn collisions frequently occur at busy Phoenix intersections when drivers misjudge oncoming traffic, fail to yield the right-of-way, or when another driver's actions contribute to the crash.
Learn more about left-turn accidents in Phoenix.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Drivers who look away from the road to text, adjust navigation systems, or engage in other distractions place everyone around them at risk.
Learn more about distracted driving accidents in Phoenix.
Wrong-Way Collisions
Wrong-way crashes often occur at highway speeds and can result in catastrophic injuries. These investigations frequently involve roadway evidence, vehicle data, and toxicology reports.
Learn more about wrong-way accidents in Phoenix.
Dust Storm (Haboob) Accidents
Arizona's monsoon season creates unique hazards that can lead to multi-vehicle chain-reaction collisions. Even when visibility is severely reduced, drivers still have a duty to operate their vehicles reasonably under existing conditions.
Learn more about dust storm car accidents in Phoenix.
Helpful Phoenix Auto Accident Resources
The organizations below provide services and information that many accident victims find helpful during the days and weeks following a collision. Whether you need a copy of your police report, information about road conditions, or access to state agencies, these resources can help you find reliable information from official sources.
| Resource | How It May Help |
| Phoenix Police Department | Obtain accident reports, records requests, and other public safety information. |
| Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) | Request crash reports for accidents investigated by DPS on state highways and freeways. |
| Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) | Road conditions, traffic alerts, freeway cameras, construction updates, and the "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" dust storm safety campaign. |
| Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) | Driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other motor vehicle services. |
| National Weather Service – Phoenix | Weather forecasts, dust storm alerts, extreme heat warnings, and monsoon safety information. |
| Maricopa County Superior Court | Court information and public records related to civil cases filed in Maricopa County. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Car Accidents
Do I need to hire an attorney after every car accident?
Not every collision requires legal representation. However, if you suffered significant injuries, liability is disputed, multiple vehicles were involved, or the insurance company is questioning your claim, speaking with an attorney can help you better understand your legal options.
How long will it take to resolve my claim?
Every case is different. Straightforward claims involving minor injuries may resolve relatively quickly, while cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple insurance companies often take longer. Your medical recovery often plays a key role in determining the appropriate time to evaluate settlement.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
Depending on your insurance coverage and the circumstances of the accident, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for certain losses. An attorney can review the available insurance policies and explain what options may exist.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially responsible for the accident?
Possibly. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning an injured person may still recover compensation even if they were partially at fault. Any recovery is generally reduced according to that person's percentage of responsibility.
How much does it cost to hire Law Bear Injury Lawyers?
We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you. During your free case review, we will explain how our fee agreement works and answer any questions you may have.
Continue Exploring Our Phoenix Car Accident Resources
Every collision is different, and you may have questions that go beyond the information provided in this Local Resource Center. To help you better understand your rights and the legal process, we've created additional guides covering specific accident types and common questions Phoenix drivers face after a crash.
You may also find these resources helpful:
- What to Do After a Car Accident in Phoenix
- Common Causes of Car Accidents in Phoenix
- Phoenix Rear-End Accident Lawyers
- Phoenix Left-Turn Accident Lawyers
- Phoenix Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
- Phoenix Wrong-Way Accident Lawyers
- Phoenix Dust Storm (Haboob) Car Accident Lawyers
As we continue expanding our Resource Center, we'll add additional educational guides to help Phoenix drivers better understand Arizona traffic laws, insurance claims, accident investigations, and the personal injury process.
Contact the Phoenix Car Accident Lawyers at Law Bear Injury Lawyers to Learn More Today
We hope this Phoenix Auto Accident Local Resource Center has answered many of your questions and pointed you toward helpful local resources after a collision. While educational information is valuable, every accident presents unique facts that deserve individual attention.
If you were injured because of another driver's negligence, the attorneys at Law Bear Injury Lawyers are ready to help. We investigate crashes, preserve critical evidence, deal directly with insurance companies, and fight to recover the compensation our clients deserve.
Contact Law Bear Injury Lawyers today for a free case review by calling (309) 365-6510. Our team is available 24/7, and you pay no fee unless we win.
Injured in a Wreck? The Bear Has Your Back.