A police report is not a legal requirement to file a personal injury claim in Arizona — but whether you have one will affect the strength of your case. Here's the practical reality.
When Arizona law requires reporting
Under A.R.S. § 28-667, drivers must notify law enforcement if a crash results in injury, death, or property damage that appears to exceed $2,000. If an officer doesn't come to the scene, the driver must file a written report with the Motor Vehicle Division within 24 hours. This is a driver's legal duty — separate from your right to pursue compensation. Not filing when required can create complications, but failing to file doesn't eliminate your injury claim.
Why a police report still matters
A police report creates an official contemporaneous record: the officer's observations of the scene, the vehicles' positions, damage, statements from both drivers, and often a preliminary fault assessment. Insurance adjusters use it as a starting point. Without one, you're relying entirely on your own account versus the other party's account — which the insurer will use to argue the incident wasn't as serious as you claim, or that liability is unclear.
If no report was filed, other evidence can partially substitute: photos and video of the scene and vehicles, witness statements, medical records that document the timing and nature of your injuries, and traffic camera footage if available. An attorney can help you build a documented case even without a police report.
What to do if you didn't file a report
If the crash was recent, contact the local police department — some allow late reports for accidents where you've since realized the damage was significant. If too much time has passed, gather everything else you have: photos, medical records, correspondence with the other driver or their insurer, and any witness contact information. Don't give a recorded statement to the other party's insurer before you've assembled your evidence and spoken with an attorney.
The filing deadline
Arizona gives most personal injury victims two years from the accident date (A.R.S. § 12-542). See our post on the Arizona personal injury statute of limitations for exceptions.
Our car accident attorneys handle claims throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale on a contingency fee basis. No fee unless we win. Call (480) 418-SHER (7437) or reach out online.