After an accident in Phoenix, AZ, many people are unsure about how much time they have to file a police report. In some cases, such as accidents involving multiple vehicles, serious injuries, or significant property damage, motorists must report the accident immediately to the local authorities so that emergency medical attention can be provided. However, minor accidents, like fender benders or accidents involving stationary objects, may not need to be immediately reported. In some cases, when you report minor accidents, you will be told to file a report online. This can leave individuals wondering if they need to report the accident at all and how much time they have to do so. In general, it’s advisable to report accidents sooner rather than later to avoid not fulfilling legal obligations and complications with insurance claims.
At Arizona Law Group, our Phoenix car accident attorneys near you understand firsthand how important it is to report a car accident, especially if you’re pursuing a claim for compensation due to injuries or significant property damage. Filing a police report can play a vital role in documenting the details of the accident, which can strengthen your case when seeking compensation, either from an insurance company or the liable party. That’s why we’re committed to providing clear guidance and answering the question “How long do you have to file a police report after an incident?” Our main goal in providing this information is to help you make informed decisions that protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your claim.
If this is an emergency, you should dial 911 immediately so that any persons involved can receive medical attention.
Can You File A Police Report Days After An Accident in Phoenix, Arizona?
It’s always recommended to contact the police immediately after an accident in Phoenix, as they will typically arrive at the scene to assess the situation, provide medical assistance, direct traffic, and create an official report. Providing accurate details about the accident to the responding officer right away ensures a comprehensive account, which can be crucial for any future insurance claim or legal action. However, if you’re unable to report the accident immediately, or the local law enforcement has told you that you can report the accident online, you can still file a police report days after an accident in Phoenix, AZ.
However, if the accident only involves property damage and the estimated damages are less than $1,000, drivers are not legally required to report the incident to law enforcement. In such cases, the parties involved can exchange information at the scene and, if the property damage exceeds $500, file a report with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) within 10 days.
Filing a report a couple of days later can still be beneficial, as it may help document key details and identify the parties involved. Without a police report, you might lack the evidence you need if you need to pursue compensation, arguing that the absence of a report indicates the accident wasn’t severe enough to cause injuries or property damage.
How Long After An Accident Can You File A Police Report?
‘How long do you have to file a police report after an accident?’ is a critical question because there is a legal deadline. It is in your best interest to contact the police as soon as the accident happens. If you choose to wait, Arizona has a 2-year statute of limitations to file a claim related to a car accident, starting from the date of the accident. Additionally, law enforcement in Arizona is required to file a report within 24 hours if certain conditions are met, such as:
- Significant injuries or death
- Property damage exceeding $1,000
- If citations were issued
This makes it essential to consult with an experienced Phoenix car accident attorney near you as soon as possible.
How Long Do You Have To Report A Car Accident To Your Insurance In Phoenix, AZ?
Each insurance company has its own requirements for reporting an accident, which can vary in terms of time limits and resulting consequences. In Arizona, the statute of limitations for a car accident is two years, but your insurance company might require that you report even sooner. Because the time you have to report a car accident to your insurance can vary, the best course of action is to report to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Promptly filing a claim helps make sure that your insurer has all the necessary information to begin the claims process and assess any potential coverage. Delaying filing a report or notifying your insurance company could give the insurance company reasonable grounds to deny your claim, especially if you fail to meet their reporting deadlines.
If you wait too long to notify your insurer, they may challenge the validity of your claim, suggesting that the delay indicates the accident wasn’t as severe as you claim, your injuries weren’t from the accident, or that important evidence has been lost over time. Reporting the accident right away minimizes the risk of disputes from the insurance company and strengthens your case, as timely documentation of damages and injuries is crucial for a fair settlement. For this reason, it’s always wise to review your policy’s terms and follow your insurer’s guidelines to avoid unnecessary complications.
What Happens If You Don’t File A Police Report After An Accident?
If you don’t file a police report after an accident, you may be subject to fines, criminal charges, or other legal repercussions. If you leave the accident scene without reporting it, you risk being charged with a hit and run. Failing to file a police report after a car accident involving injury or significant property damage could lead to criminal charges, including a class 3 misdemeanor, as well as associated fines and collateral consequences.
While you may not face legal consequences for not filing a police report in minor accidents, legal penalties can be pursued if the accident is not reported but involves:
- Significant injuries
- Property damage exceeding $1,000
- If you leave the scene without reporting it (a hit-and-run)
Under Arizona Revised Statute 28-666, if you’re involved in an accident in Phoenix resulting in injury or death, you are legally required to notify the authorities immediately.
Even if no legal action is taken, not having a police report can severely impact your ability to prove your case if there’s a dispute over the details of the accident when seeking compensation either from the liable party or through their insurance policy. Adhering to the points above helps avoid legal consequences and ensures that proper documentation is in place for insurance purposes.
Along with the potential legal consequences, there are several collateral consequences that may arise if you don’t file a police report after an accident.
- Without an official police accident report, you may struggle to establish fault or who is liable to provide compensation for injuries or property damage. This makes it harder to pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Insurance providers might also question the legitimacy of your claim or use the lack of a report as a reason to deny coverage.
- If important details or evidence about the accident are lost over time, it can weaken your position in negotiations or legal proceedings.
For these reasons, plus the legal consequences, filing a police report not only safeguards your legal responsibilities but also supports your ability to secure a fair settlement or judgment if necessary.
What Do I Do If A Police Report Was Not Filed For An Accident I Was In?
If you were involved in a car accident in Phoenix, Arizona, and no police report was filed, don’t panic. While there is going to be some extra work involved, there are still steps you can take to protect your rights and interests, including:
- Gather Your Own Evidence – If possible, take photos of the accident scene, the damage to all vehicles, and any visible injuries. Collect the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. Keep copies of any documents related to the accident, such as:
- Medical bills
- Repair estimates
- Any other evidence that may support your claim.
- Consult with a Phoenix Car Accident Attorney Near You – If you’ve experienced significant damages or injuries or are struggling to get cooperation from the other driver’s insurance company, after not having a police report filed, consider consulting with an experienced car accident attorney near you. A Phoenix car accident lawyer from Arizona Law Group can help you understand your legal options, help you file a Phoenix police car accident report, guide you through the claims process, and advocate for fair compensation.
- File a Report with ADOT – If the estimated damages from the accident exceed $500, you can file a report with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) within 10 days of the accident. This creates an official record that can be used in your insurance claim or any legal proceedings.
- Notify Your Insurance Company – Even if the liable party hasn’t filed a police report, it’s important to report the accident to your own insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the information and evidence you have gathered about the accident. Early notification helps prevent your insurance company from questioning the legitimacy of your claim.
- Be Cautious When Communicating with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company – If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you about your claim, be careful about what you say. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or minimizing the extent of your injuries. If you have legal representation, it’s often best to refer them to your attorney to avoid any potential pitfalls.
Need More Information On How Long You Have To File A Police Report In Phoenix, AZ?
At Arizona Law Group, we are always here to answer your questions about filing a police report in Phoenix after a car accident. While we strongly recommend contacting the police immediately after an accident, especially in more serious accidents, we understand that some seemingly minor accidents may not involve an immediate report. In these situations, a Phoenix car accident attorney from our team can assist you with filing a police report in Phoenix, AZ, and guide you through all the legal aspects of filing a claim and pursuing compensation. Our team is dedicated to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and property damage, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way. Contact Arizona Law Group today.