What to Do After a Car Accident in Arizona (2026 Guide)

A car accident can turn an ordinary day upside down in seconds. Even a relatively minor crash can leave people rattled, sore, and unsure of what comes next. In Arizona, what someone does in the minutes and days after a collision can affect both physical recovery and any future insurance claim. Stress, adrenaline, and confusion often take over, which is why having a clear plan matters. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Arizona helps drivers stay grounded when everything else feels chaotic.

Immediate actions to take at the accident scene

The moments right after a crash feel overwhelming. Traffic continues to move, adrenaline kicks in, and it can be hard to think clearly. Taking a few calm, deliberate steps can make the situation safer and easier to manage.

Step 1: Check for injuries and call 911

The first priority after any accident involves people, not vehicles. Drivers should also check themselves and anyone else involved for injuries. If someone feels pain, dizziness, or confusion, they should call 911 immediately.

Even when injuries seem minor, emergency responders can assess the situation and create a record of what happened. That record often becomes important later, especially if symptoms worsen or new pain appears.

Step 2: Move to safety and prevent secondary accidents

If vehicles can move and conditions allow, drivers should get out of traffic. Pulling onto a shoulder, side street, or parking lot helps lower the chance of secondary accidents. These accidents happen more frequently than many think.

Drivers also should take steps to prevent secondary accidents. Turning on hazard lights and staying alert signals to other drivers that they need to slow down or change lanes. Placing flares on the road can also warn of an upcoming hazard. These tools help protect everyone while waiting for help to arrive.

Step 3: Exchange information and gather witness contacts

Once the scene is safe, drivers should exchange basic information. This includes names, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers. If anyone nearby saw the crash, asking for their contact information can help later.

Drivers should also take photos of the accident scene. Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and injuries capture the important details. People often forget these specifics once the shock wears off.

Documenting the scene: Your key to a successful insurance claim

Insurance claims often come down to details. The more clearly a driver documents the scene, the stronger the claim tends to be. Writing down what happened while memories stay fresh helps preserve accuracy. Notes on the time of day, location, weather, and traffic can back up a driver's claim for economic damages and other non-economic damages linked to the crash.

Arizona police report requirements

Arizona law requires drivers to report certain accidents. If someone is injured, dies, or if there is major property damage, drivers must file a police accident report (ARS §28-667).

A police report offers an independent account of the collision. Insurance companies often rely on these reports when deciding fault and coverage, so requesting a copy can prove useful during the claims process.

Seeking medical attention for delayed symptom injuries

Not every injury shows up right away. Whiplash symptoms, soft tissue injuries, and even concussions can take hours or days to appear. Some people feel fine at first, only to wake up sore or disoriented later.

Seeing a doctor protects both health and legal rights. Medical records link injuries to the crash. They also stop insurance companies from claiming unrelated issues caused the harm.

Arizona car accident laws you must understand

Arizona is an at-fault insurance state. This means the driver who caused the crash usually carries responsibility for damages.

However, the state also applies a comparative negligence standard. If a driver shares fault, they may receive less compensation. Even small percentages can affect a claim, which makes clear documentation especially important.

Drivers should also understand the statute of limitations. Arizona law sets strict deadlines for filing injury claims. Missing that window can end a case before it begins.

Common insurance adjuster tactics and how to avoid them

Insurance adjusters often reach out quickly after a crash. They may sound friendly or reassuring, but their role focuses on limiting payouts.

Some adjusters request recorded statements from the involved parties. They may also offer a quick settlement before drivers and passengers are aware of the full extent of any injuries. Other adjusters may question medical treatment or suggest shared fault. Understanding negligence and how fault works helps drivers avoid these traps and prevents them from saying anything that could negatively affect their case.

When to contact an Arizona personal injury attorney

Legal help often becomes useful once injuries start interfering with daily life. Insurance companies may push back or ask questions that feel uncomfortable. An attorney can handle those conversations and protect a driver’s interests.

Many cases use a contingency fee agreement, which means clients do not pay upfront. Arizona car accident lawyers can explain a driver's options. Kermani LLP attorneys will also explain next steps based on the specific facts of the crash.