April 6, 2026 | Car Accidents
Were you recently involved in a car accident in Arizona? You may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver, but you’ll need to support your claim with evidence. One important source of supporting documentation for your claim is the car accident report, as it can help establish liability for the crash from an objective standpoint.
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about car accident reports in Arizona.
Do I Have To Report a Car Accident in Arizona?
It depends on the facts of your case, but it’s almost always a good idea to do so regardless. Arizona law requires drivers to at least remain at the scene of the accident and render aid to any injured victims in most cases, so long as the crash resulted in “injury to or death of a person or damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a person.”
For most accidents, calling 911 and waiting for emergency medical personnel and law enforcement to arrive is the simplest way to make sure a report is filed and that your legal obligations are met.
If the accident is especially minor, you may not be required to involve the police. That said, it’s almost always a good idea to have a report on file anyway. Without one, it can be much harder to prove what happened if a dispute comes up later.
Who Files the Accident Report?
When law enforcement responds to the scene of a crash, the officer will complete the report. In cases where law enforcement did not arrive on the scene, you may be able to file a report directly on the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) website.
However, this option is only possible for crashes that meet certain criteria, including that there were no injuries sustained in the collision. Since having an official record of the accident is important for your legal claim, this is another reason why the best option is almost always to call 911 at the scene.
How Do I Get a Copy of My Accident Report?
You can request a copy of your accident report through the law enforcement agency that responded to the crash. In many cases, this will be the local police department or the county sheriff’s office. Reports are also available through the AZDPS.
There is usually a small fee involved, and it may take several days for the report to become available. If you’ve hired an attorney, they can typically obtain the report on your behalf as part of building your car accident case.
What Information Is Included in the Report?
A standard Arizona accident report will generally include the following:
- Names, contact details, and insurance information for all drivers involved
- A description of how the accident happened based on the officer’s assessment
- Any citations or traffic violations issued at the scene
- Witness statements, if any were collected
- Notes on injuries, road conditions, and vehicle damage
Keep in mind that the officer’s account in the report is based on their observations and the information available at the time. It’s not always 100% accurate, so collecting your own evidence at the scene is still an important step to take if you can.
Can an Accident Report Help My Legal Claim?
Absolutely. The accident report is often one of the first things an insurance company will look at when evaluating your claim. It provides an official record of what happened, which can support your version of events and help establish who was at fault.
Your accident report can also help protect you from any allegations of comparative fault that might arise as your case unfolds. Insurance companies often try to shift the blame in an effort to protect their profits.
Call KRLG Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Scottsdale Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been in a car accident in Arizona and have further questions about your report and what to do next, seeking legal advice may be a wise next step. Call KRLG Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Scottsdale car accident attorney today to learn about your best course of action moving forward.
For more information, please contact the personal injury attorneys at Kurtz Riley Injury Lawyers at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Scottsdale, Phoenix, Maricopa County, & Arizona’s surrounding areas.
Kurtz Riley Injury Lawyers
7702 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Suite 150, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(623) 303-5754
