Arizona Car Accident Report Basics

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed May 05, 2024

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If you get into a car accident in Arizona, you may wonder whether you must file a report. Arizona law doesn't require private citizens to report car accidents. However, law enforcement officers must report any accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage of over $1,000. They must also file a police report for any crash that involves a citation, such as a speeding ticket. 

This doesn't mean that you're entirely off the hook. You should remain at the accident scene until law enforcement officers arrive. You should also exchange insurance information with the other driver. This way, you can still file an insurance claim if they flee the scene before the police officer arrives.

Here, we'll discuss Arizona's car accident reporting laws and explain how to report your crash to the insurance company. Contact an Arizona personal injury attorney if you still have questions about your state's reporting laws or your car accident claim.

Arizona Car Accident Report Overview

If you'd like to learn more about Arizona crash reports, please see the chart below.

State Statutes

Arizona Statutes § 28-667

When To Report:

Law enforcement officers must file a written accident report if any of the following occur as a result of the accident:

  • Death
  • Injury
  • Property damage exceeding $2,000
  • Issuance of any citation

How To File a Car Crash Report in Arizona:

If you are in an accident meeting the above conditions, a law enforcement officer must file a written accident report within 24 hours of the accident. You must remain at the accident scene and provide the local police with as much information as possible. 

The officer's accident report must contain, at the very least:

  • The time, day, month, and year of the auto accident
  • Contact information for the drivers and witnesses
  • Information adequate to identify the location of the accident
  • Identifying information for all involved parties and witnesses, including name, age, sex, address, phone number, license plate numbers, and proof of insurance
  • Auto insurance policy information for all drivers
  • Witness statements
  • A narrative description of the facts of the accident, a simple diagram of the scene of the accident, and the investigating officer's name, agency, and badge number
  • Notations of any serious bodily injury or fatalities
  • Description of the road and weather conditions

Note: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult an Arizona car accident lawyer or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.

Staying at the Scene of an Accident

Under Arizona law, you must stay at the scene of an accident until police arrive. If you leave before officers arrive, you may be guilty of a Grade 2 or 3 felony, and Arizona will suspend your driver's license.

You should take advantage of the time it takes for the police to arrive. Talk to the other driver and see if they'll exchange car insurance information. Take pictures of the accident scene, including photos of any damage to the motor vehicles involved in the crash. This way, you'll have proof of the crash should the at-fault driver flee the scene.

Contacting the Authorities After an Accident

The Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT) recommends that you contact the local law enforcement agency immediately after an accident. You can do this by calling 911 or contacting the Arizona Highway Patrol. 

This way, if it's a reportable accident, the relevant authorities will be notified and file the report.

Learn More About Arizona Car Accident Reports by Speaking to a Lawyer

If you have questions about how to file a car crash report in Arizona or Arizona car accident reporting law, contact a car accident attorney in Arizona. They'll answer all of your questions and guide you through the process of filing a report. 

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