Learn about your legal duties after an Arizona car crash, such as exchanging info, rendering aid, and reporting the accident to the police.
No one expects to be in a car accident, but when it happens, it’s important to know your rights and duties. In Arizona, drivers have a legal obligation to take certain actions after a collision. Knowing what to do can help you protect your rights and avoid serious legal consequences.
Keep reading for more information on how to handle a car accident in Arizona. You can also learn more in Chapter 3, Article 4 of the Arizona Motor Vehicle Code
1. Arizona Driver Exchange of Information Law
Arizona law requires drivers involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage to exchange information with one another. This information includes the driver’s name and address, the vehicle registration number, and on request, their driver’s license. A failure to comply with this law is a class 1 misdemeanor.
Likewise, if you are involved in an accident that causes injury or death, you must stop at the scene and remain there until you have exchanged information. If you fail to do so, you can be convicted of a felony criminal offense.
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident on public or private property resulting in injury to or death of a person or damage to a vehicle shall:
- Give the driver’s name and address and the registration number of the vehicle the driver is driving.
- On request, exhibit the person’s driver license to the person struck or the driver or occupants of or person attending a vehicle collided with.
A person who fails to comply is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident on public or private property resulting in injury to or death of a person shall:
- Immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the accident scene as possible but shall immediately return to the accident scene.
- Remain at the scene of the accident until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of section 28-663.
A driver who is involved in an accident resulting in death or serious physical injury and who fails to stop or to comply with the requirements of section 28-663 is guilty of a class 3 felony, except that if a driver caused the accident the driver is guilty of a class 2 felony.
A driver who is involved in an accident resulting in an injury other than death or serious physical injury and who fails to stop or to comply with the requirements of section 28-663 is guilty of a class 5 felony.
2. Arizona Car Accident Injury Law: Duty to Render Aid
In Arizona, if you are involved in a car accident that results in injury or death, you are legally required to render “reasonable assistance” to the injured party. This includes making arrangements for transportation to a medical facility if treatment appears to be necessary or the injured person asks.
Failing to comply with this law is a class 6 felony.
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident on public or private property resulting in injury to or death of a person or damage to a vehicle shall render reasonable assistance to a person injured in the accident, including making arrangements for the carrying of the person to a physician, surgeon or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or if the carrying is requested by the injured person.
A person who fails to comply is guilty of a class 6 felony.
3. Arizona Law on Reporting a Car Accident to Police
According to Arizona law, if you get into an accident and someone is injured or killed, you must notify the appropriate authorities immediately. You can contact a local police department, the county sheriff’s office, or the nearest office of the highway patrol.
When reporting the accident, you must use the quickest available method of communication.
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of a person shall give notice of the accident immediately by the quickest means of communication, whether oral or written, to either:
- The local police department if the accident occurs within a municipality.
- The office of the county sheriff.
- The nearest office of the highway patrol.
What if I Fail to Report an Accident in Arizona?
You can receive a citation for a civil traffic violation if you fail to report an injury accident in Arizona. However, if you fail to stop, exchange information, or render aid, you may face criminal charges.
A violation of or failure or refusal to do or perform an act or thing required by chapter 3 of this title is a civil traffic violation unless the statute defining the violation provides for a different classification.
4. Arizona Car Accidents With No Injuries: Your Legal Duty
If you are involved in a car accident in Arizona that results in damage to a vehicle, it is your legal duty to stop and exchange information with the other driver. You cannot leave the scene of the accident until you do so, without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. Neglecting this duty in any way is a class 1 misdemeanor.
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident on public or private property resulting only in damage to a vehicle shall:
- Immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the accident scene as possible but shall immediately return to the accident scene.
- Remain at the scene of the accident until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of section 28-663.
- Make the stop without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
A person failing to stop or comply with this section is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident on public or private property resulting in injury to or death of a person or damage to a vehicle shall:
- Give the driver’s name and address and the registration number of the vehicle the driver is driving.
- On request, exhibit the person’s driver license to the person struck or the driver or occupants of or person attending a vehicle collided with.
A person who fails to comply is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.
5. What if I Hit a Parked Car in Arizona?
When you hit a parked car in Arizona, you first need to stop. You then need to locate and notify the vehicle’s owner or leave a note with your name and address in a conspicuous place on the vehicle. Failing to stop and notify the owner is a class 1 misdemeanor.
The driver of a vehicle that collides with a vehicle that is unattended on public or private property shall immediately:
- Stop.
- Either:
- Locate and notify the operator or owner of the vehicle of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle striking the unattended vehicle.
- In a conspicuous place in the vehicle struck, leave a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle doing the striking.
A person who violates this section is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.
Don’t forget your legal obligations if you are in a car accident in Arizona, as neglecting your duties can result in severe penalties. By familiarizing yourself with the law ahead of time, you can protect your rights and avoid any potential legal problems.