Do I Need To Call The Police For Every Car Accident In Arizona?

Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving you shaken, confused, and unsure of your next steps. One of the first questions many drivers ask themselves after a crash is whether they need to call the police. 

You may think it is unnecessary for a minor fender-bender or a collision with no visible damage. However, Arizona law is clear in certain situations — and failing to involve law enforcement when required could have serious legal and financial consequences. 

At Big Auto Accident Attorneys, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the aftermath of an accident. In this article, we’ll break down when you are legally required to contact the police after a car accident in Arizona and how a police report can play a vital role in supporting a personal injury claim. 

What Are the Legal Requirements for Reporting a Car Accident in Arizona?

Under Arizona Statutes § 28-663, § 28-666, and § 28-667, you are legally required to report a car accident under the following circumstances:

• Injuries or fatalities: If anyone is injured or killed as a result of the accident, you must immediately notify the police. Emergency medical services should also be contacted. 
• Property damage exceeding $2,000: If the accident causes property damage that appears to exceed $2,000, you are required to report it. This threshold includes damage to vehicles, structures, and any other affected property. 
• Hit-and-run: If one of the parties leaves the scene without exchanging information, it is considered a hit-and-run. This must be reported to the police right away, and it’s a criminal offense in Arizona. 
• Unattended vehicle or property damage: If you hit a parked car or damage property and the owner isn’t present, you are required to either locate the owner or leave your contact information and report the incident to the police. 
• Suspected DUI or illegal activity: If you suspect the other driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if you feel threatened in any way, call 911. Officers can assess the situation and make arrests if necessary. 

Do I Have to Call the Police for Minor Accidents in Arizona?

Legally, if no one is injured and the property damage is minimal, you’re not required to call the police. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t. 

Reasons why you may want to report minor accidents anyway include:

• Insurance claims: Most insurance companies require a police report for accident-related claims, especially if fault liability is disputed. 
• Evidence preservation: A police report provides an objective third-party account that can be valuable if legal issues arise later. 
• Injury symptoms may develop later: Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Having a police report can help document the initial conditions. 
• Fraud protection: Reporting the accident can protect you from fraudulent claims or exaggerated damage reports. 

What Are the Potential Consequences of Failing to Report an Arizona Car Accident?

Failure to report a car accident when legally required can have serious consequences in Arizona, including:

• Criminal charges: If someone is injured or killed and you fail to report it, you could face felony charges — even if you weren’t at fault.
• License suspension: The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) may suspend your driver’s license for failure to comply with accident reporting laws. 
• Fines and penalties: Drivers can face hefty fines, court costs, and potential civil liability.
• Insurance complications: Without a police report, your insurance company may deny your claim or delay the payout. This may especially be the case when the other driver disputes your version of events. 
• Civil liability: If someone involved in the accident decides to file a personal injury lawsuit, your failure to report the crash could be used against you in court as evidence of negligence or wrongdoing. 

What to Do If You Are Unsure Whether You Need to Call the Police

If you are on the fence about whether to involve law enforcement, here are a few guidelines to help you decide:

• When in doubt, call 911: The safest move is almost always to make the call. You are better off calling the police and letting the dispatcher or responding officer determine whether a report is necessary. 
• The other driver is pressuring you not to call: If the other driver is nervous or trying to get you not to call the police, that is a red flag. Don’t be intimidated; call 911. 
• The damage is unclear: If you’re unsure of the extent of the damage, it’s wise to report the incident. What looks like a harmless bumper scrape could hide more expensive damage. 

Steps to Take If Police Do Not Respond

In minor accidents where police presence isn’t available, consider the following:

• Exchange information: Collect names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information from all involved parties
• Document the scene: Take photographs of vehicle positions, damages, surrounding areas, and any other relevant road conditions or signs
• Gather witness statements: If there are witnesses present at the scene, obtain their contact information and statements regarding the incident
• File a report with the Arizona Department of Public Safety: For accidents occurring on state highways without injuries and with damages under $2,000, you can submit a Citizen’s Report of Collision online

When to Contact an Arizona Car Accident Lawyer

While not every car accident requires legal action, there are situations where contacting a personal injury attorney is not only helpful — it’s essential. 

You should speak with a lawyer if:

• You suffered injuries, even if they seemed minor at first
• The other driver denies fault or blames you for the crash
• The insurance company offers a low settlement or delays your claim
• Multiple parties are involved, creating a complex liability situation
• You have missed work or incurred significant medical expenses because of the accident 

An experienced Arizona personal injury lawyer can protect your rights, ensure fair treatment by insurance companies, and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve. 

Need Help After an Arizona Car Accident? Contact Us for a Free Consultation

While not every fender-bender in Arizona legally requires police involvement, knowing when to call law enforcement can protect your rights, preserve vital evidence, and ultimately strengthen your personal injury claim. 

The aftermath of a car accident is often chaotic and confusing — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you are unsure about what steps to take after a collision, consulting our experienced car accident lawyers can make all the difference. 

Our legal team at Big Auto Accident Attorneys helps accident victims make informed decisions from day one. This allows you to focus on healing while we focus on getting maximum compensation for you. Call us at (866) 958-2485 or complete the contact form to schedule your free case review.