Arizona law requires drivers to stop and remain at the scene of any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage (A.R.S. § 28-661). Leaving is a criminal offense. Beyond that legal baseline, the decisions you make in the hours after a crash have a direct effect on your health and on any injury claim you may need to pursue.
Call 911 and get a police report
Always call 911 after a collision involving injuries or significant property damage. A police report creates an official third-party record of the crash — what happened, who was involved, and what the responding officer observed. That report matters in every claim and lawsuit. Ask the officer for a copy or instructions on how to obtain one.
Document the scene before you leave
Photograph everything: all vehicles from multiple angles, damage to each, license plates, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and your visible injuries. Get the other driver's name, license number, and insurance information. Get witness names and phone numbers — people leave quickly, and independent witnesses can be the difference in a disputed claim. Under A.R.S. § 28-664, drivers are legally required to exchange information at the scene.
Don't admit fault or apologize
Stay calm and civil, but don't say "I'm sorry" even casually. Fault is a legal determination that depends on evidence — not something to settle at the scene. Any admission can be used against you later, and Arizona's pure comparative fault rule (A.R.S. § 12-2505) means that even a small concession of fault can reduce your recovery.
Get medical attention the same day
Adrenaline masks pain. Whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue injuries often don't show symptoms for 24 to 72 hours. Seeing a doctor the same day protects your health and creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident. A gap in treatment — even a brief one — is one of the first things an insurance adjuster uses to argue that your injuries weren't serious or weren't caused by the crash. Don't give them that argument.
Notify your insurance company, but be careful what you say
Report the accident to your own insurer promptly — most policies require timely notification. But provide basic facts only: where and when the accident happened, the vehicles involved. Don't give a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer before speaking with an attorney. The other driver's insurer may also call quickly. You're not required to give them a recorded statement, and doing so before you understand the full scope of your injuries is almost always a mistake.
Track every loss from day one
Keep records of every medical bill, prescription receipt, and out-of-pocket expense tied to the crash. Track every missed work day. Photograph your injuries as they develop. Keep a journal noting your pain levels, sleep disruption, and activities you can no longer do — this becomes your damages record when the claim is evaluated. For a detailed look at what your claim can recover, see our post on how much a car accident case is worth in Arizona.
Don't post about the crash on social media
Insurance companies and defense attorneys monitor claimants' social media. A photo of you at a family event, a post describing activities you said you can't do, or anything that could be taken out of context can and will be used to minimize your claim. Keep the accident off social media entirely.
Talk to an attorney before accepting anything
First offers from insurers are rarely fair. They're made before you understand the full cost of your injuries, and once you sign a release, you can't go back. Arizona gives you two years to file from the accident date (A.R.S. § 12-542), but evidence disappears fast — surveillance footage, tire marks, witness memory. Starting early produces better outcomes. See our post on the Arizona personal injury statute of limitations for deadline exceptions.
Our car accident attorneys handle claims throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding metro on a contingency fee basis. No fee unless we win. Call (480) 418-SHER (7437) or reach out online.