What to Do After a Car Accident in Tempe, AZ
What to Do After a Car Accident in Tempe, AZ
Being involved in a car accident in Tempe, Arizona can be traumatic. Whether it's a minor fender-bender or a high-speed collision on the Loop 202, knowing what to do next is crucial for your safety, legal protection, and potential compensation.
This guide offers a step-by-step crash response plan and includes a car crash checklist Tempe residents can rely on — plus guidance on when to contact a Tempe car accident lawyer.
Immediate Actions at the Scene
1. Ensure Safety
Move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible. Turn on hazard lights and check for injuries.
If the other driver flees the scene, stay put and call 911 — this could be a hit and run case.
2. Call the Police
Even in minor accidents, you should request a police report — especially if:
Someone is injured
There’s a DUI suspicion (Tempe DUI Accident Lawyer)
One party lacks insurance (Tempe Uninsured Driver Lawyer)
3. Exchange Information
Get the following from each driver:
Full name and contact info
Driver’s license and license plate number
Insurance company and policy number
Also collect contact information from any witnesses. This is especially important in cases like a T-bone accident or rollover.
4. Document the Scene
Take photos of:
Damage to all vehicles
Road conditions, traffic lights, signs
Injuries, if visible and appropriate
License plates
This evidence helps in serious injury cases such as spinal cord injuries or TBI.
After Leaving the Scene
5. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, get checked. Some injuries (e.g., whiplash, concussion, paralysis) may not be obvious right away.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident promptly. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.
If a rideshare driver was involved, additional insurance complexities may apply.
7. Keep a Case File
Maintain documentation of:
Police report
Medical bills
Vehicle repair estimates
Communication with insurance companies
Personal notes on how your injuries affect your daily life
Legal Landscape in Arizona
Comparative Negligence
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system. Even if you’re partially at fault, you may still be eligible for compensation — but it’s reduced based on your share of fault.
This is especially relevant in multi-vehicle collisions.
Statute of Limitations
In most car accident cases, you have 2 years to file a personal injury claim. Act fast if you were injured in areas like:
For claims involving government vehicles, shorter time limits may apply.
Tempe Car Crash Checklist
✅ Ensure safety and call 911
✅ Exchange driver and insurance info
✅ Document the scene thoroughly
✅ Seek medical attention promptly
✅ Notify your insurer
✅ Call a Tempe car accident lawyer
Common Types of Accidents in Tempe
You may encounter any of the following on Tempe roads:
Pedestrian collisions, especially near ASU Campus
Why You Need a Tempe Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies may try to lowball your payout or deny your claim entirely. A Tempe car accident attorney can help by:
Investigating the accident
Dealing with the insurance company
Calculating full damages
Filing a lawsuit if necessary
Most lawyers work on a contingency basis — you don’t pay unless they win your case.
Final Thoughts
Getting in a car accident is stressful. But knowing what to do after a car accident in Tempe gives you the power to take control of the situation.
For a free consultation and expert legal help, contact the Tempe accident legal team today.
