Reporting an Arizona Car Accident to the Police
Most people know that there are a lot of benefits to calling the police after a car accident. Law enforcement officers can, for instance, make sure that all the cars are safely moved out of the roadway, can help injured parties obtain emergency medical help, and can start an investigation into the cause of the crash. Many, however, are unaware that Arizona law actually requires drivers to notify the police after certain kinds of accidents. To learn more about your legal obligations following a crash, please call our experienced Phoenix car accident lawyers today.
Notifying the Police is Mandatory After Some Accidents
There are a few steps that Arizona drivers must take after being involved in an accident in which someone was injured, including obtaining medical assistance for any injured parties and exchanging their information with the other drivers. What many people don’t know, however, is that any time an accident results in an injury, whether to the occupant of a vehicle, a pedestrian, or cyclist, then reporting that accident is mandatory under Arizona law. Motorists can report the accident to any of the following:
- The local police department;
- The county sheriff’s office; or
- The nearest office of the highway patrol.
Once law enforcement officers have responded to the scene of an accident, they will get the parties the medical help they need and can start investigating the cause of the crash. In fact, under Arizona law, police officers who respond to car accidents that result in a bodily injury or death must complete a written report about the crash.
The Importance of Police Reports to Your Claim
Besides being able to provide emergency assistance, one of the biggest benefits of notifying the police of an accident, is that they will eventually create a car accident report. The information in these reports can prove critical in demonstrating the cause of a crash at a later date, as they make note of important details, like:
- The time, date, and location of the crash;
- The points of impact on the vehicles;
- The length and location of any skid marks;
- The location and severity of vehicle damage;
- Any statements made by eyewitnesses or the parties involved; and
- Whether any of the parties committed a traffic violation prior to the crash.
All of this information can be used to help determine who caused a crash. A person who admits to the officer that he or she ran a red light, for instance, will have a hard time denying responsibility for the same crash at a later date if the officer recorded the statement.
Contact Our Dedicated Tucson Car Accident Lawyers
If you were injured in a car accident in Arizona, we may be able to help you obtain compensation for your losses. To set up a confidential, free case review with one of our dedicated car accident lawyers, call the Karnas Law Firm, PLLC at (520) 389-5225 today. You can also reach a member of our legal team by completing a brief online contact form.