If You'Ve been in an  auto accident in surprise, Arizona, contact us today

THINGS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED

IN an Automobile accident in Surprise, Arizona

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately afterward protects your health, legal rights, and ability to recover compensation. Arizona is a fault-based (at-fault) state, meaning the driver responsible for the crash (or their insurance) is liable for damages. Below is a practical, step-by-step overview based on Arizona law and best practices.

1. Immediate Safety and Legal Obligations at the Scene

• Stop immediately and stay at the scene. Leaving without exchanging information or reporting (when required) is a hit-and-run, which can result in severe penalties, including jail time (Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-661 et seq.).
• Move vehicles out of traffic if safe and possible; turn on hazard lights.
• Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical help.
• Exchange information with all other drivers involved:
• Full name, address, phone number, and driver's license number.
• Vehicle make/model/year, license plate, and VIN.
• Insurance company name, policy number, and contact info.
• If the vehicle is owned by someone else (e.g., rental or company car), get the owner's info.
• Get contact details from any witnesses.
• Take photos/videos of damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and injuries.
• Do not admit fault or discuss blame — even saying "I'm sorry" can be used against you later.

2. Report the Accident

• Call police to the scene if there are injuries, significant damage, or disputes. Police will create an official report, which is crucial evidence.
• Arizona law requires a written report (usually by police) for accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $2,000 (ARS § 28-667).
• If no police respond and the crash meets reporting thresholds, you must file an Arizona Traffic Accident Report form with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) within 10 days.

3. Seek Medical Attention — Do NOT Delay

Even if you feel "fine" due to adrenaline, many serious injuries have delayed symptoms that appear hours, days, or weeks later:

• Whiplash/soft tissue injuries (neck/back pain, stiffness).
• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (headaches, dizziness, confusion).
• Internal bleeding, organ damage, or fractures.
• Emotional/psychological issues (anxiety, PTSD).

Why prompt treatment is critical:

• Untreated injuries can worsen and become chronic or permanent.
• Insurance companies often argue that a delay in treatment means your injuries weren't caused by the accident or aren't serious — this can drastically reduce or deny your claim.
• Medical records from the day of (or soon after) the crash create an unbreakable link between the accident and your injuries.

Go to the ER, urgent care, or your doctor immediately. Follow all treatment plans, attend follow-ups, and keep detailed records of everything.

4. Contact an Arizona Personal Injury Attorney BEFORE Speaking in Detail to Insurance Companies

• Attorney first is strongly recommended if there are injuries or significant damage. Experienced Arizona car accident lawyers offer free consultations and work on contingency (no fee unless you win).
• An attorney will:
• Advise what to say (or not say) to avoid hurting your claim.
• Handle all communication and negotiations.
• Gather evidence (police reports, medical records, witness statements).
• Ensure you aren't lowballed by adjusters whose job is to pay as little as possible.
• You must notify your own insurance company promptly (most policies require this), but limit it to basic facts. Avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver's insurer without legal guidance.

5. Key Arizona Laws That Apply to Injured Victims

Law - Details- Why It Matters

Pure Comparative Negligence (ARS § 12-2505)

You can recover damages even if you were partly at fault — but your award is reduced by your percentage of blame (e.g., 20% at fault = 20% less compensation). You can recover as long as you are not 100% at fault.

Arizona is one of the most claimant-friendly states on shared fault.

Statute of Limitations (ARS § 12-542)

In most circumstances you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit (3 years for property damage only).

Miss the deadline and you lose your right to sue forever.

Note: The timeframe for your case may be much shorter, possibly as short as six months.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

$25,000 bodily injury per person/$50,000 per accident/$15,000 property damage. Many drivers carry only minimums, which may not cover serious injuries.

If the at-fault driver is underinsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help.

No Fault vs. Fault State

Arizona is and at fault State.  This means that the responsible driver's insurance pays (not your own PIP like in no-fault states).

You typically file against the other driver's liability coverage.

Additional Tips

• Document everything: Keep a file with medical bills, repair estimates, lost wage proof, and a pain/symptom journal.
• Do not post about the accident on social media — insurers monitor this.
• Be cautious of early settlement offers — they are usually far below what your case is worth once all injuries are known.

If you've been injured, the most important next step is protecting your health and your legal rights. Consult an experienced Arizona car accident attorney as soon as possible — many victims recover significantly more with professional representation than handling claims alone. This overview is for general information and is not legal advice; laws can change, so speak with a licensed attorney for your specific situation.