If you need an AZ Highway Patrol accident report, you might be unsure where to look. You might not even understand why your report matters. Do you need your accident report – and what does it reveal?
These questions are understandable. But we’re here to dispel the confusion. Below, we explain why your report is important, and how we can help you find your report.
What Is an Accident Report?
An accident report is a legal document. It sets out a police record of what happened in a road accident. Police officers complete a report when they attend a crash in AZ.
If the AZ Highway Patrol attends your accident, these officers will complete your report. The report will not go to your local police station. That’s why it’s crucial to get help finding your report – they can be tricky to locate!
What Does an Arizona Accident Report Reveal?
An Arizona crash report follows a certain template. Every car accident report contains similar information such as:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Driver(s) contact information
- Details of vehicles involved e.g. license plate number(s)
- Witness details
- Property damage
- Personal injuries
- Crimes at the scene e.g. DUIs, hit and runs
5 Key Facts About Arizona Car Accident Reports
If you’re involved in an accident, you need a copy of your report. Why? Because it plays a key role in helping you make any insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. To help you understand why AZ accident reports matter so much, here are five facts about them.
1. Highway Patrol Accident Reports May Be Required
You may be legally required to produce an accident report in some circumstances.
You don’t need to report every collision in Arizona. However, you must report a crash if:
- There is property damage worth over $1,000
- Anyone sustains an injury (even cuts and bruises)
- There are fatalities
If you’re in doubt, notify the authorities. Otherwise, you could face hit and run charges. Even for what appear to be minor collisions.
There are penalties for failing to report a crash. Penalties include license suspension, fines, and even jail time in serious cases. Don’t take any risks. Contact the authorities and get an officer-issued report.
2. Accident Reports in Arizona Are Public Record
In AZ, accident reports are public record. Anyone can view an accident report if they are a party of interest. Parties of interest include:
- Driver(s) of the vehicle(s) involved
- Passenger(s)
- Lawyers representing the drivers or passengers
- Insurance companies
You may be able to view the report before asking for a copy. However, in most cases, it’s worth getting a digital or physical copy, too.
3. AZ Highway Patrol Accident Reports Are Evidence
Were you injured in the crash? Or are you facing significant property damage? Your report is evidence in your case.
- Police officers describe what they believe happened to cause a crash. This could be compelling evidence in your favor.
- A report normally contains a diagram or drawing of what happened. Again, this could support your case.
- The officer will note any injuries you have, which is helpful for a personal injury claim.
- Your insurance company can use the report to determine liability and settle the case.
Personal injury lawyers and insurers know how valuable accident reports can be. They can make the difference between settling a case or losing out on compensation.
4. Your Arizona Accident Report Must Be Accurate
If your Arizona accident report has any mistakes, it could damage your claim. Check that everything is accurate, including:
- Date and time of the accident
- License plate number
- Driver’s license information
- Contact details
- Location of the accident
Report any errors to the police department right away. Or, let your personal injury attorney handle this for you.
5. You May Need an AZ Accident Report for the ADOT
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) handles road accident reports across the state. Within 10 days of any crash involving injury or property damage, send ADOT a copy of your report.
If you don’t send ADOT a copy on time, you could face penalties. All you need to do is send the report – you shouldn’t comment on fault or liability. Just stick to the facts!
How Do I Find My Arizona Highway Accident Report?
There are a few ways to get your AZ accident report. It all depends on which law enforcement agency attended the scene.
- You may be able to obtain police reports from a local police station.
- To get AZ Highway Patrol accident reports, you need to contact the AZ Highway Patrol Division (HPD).
You will probably need to prove your identity to view the report. To speed up the process, have your personal information, and details of the crash, handy.
It may take a few days to get a copy of your report. It all depends on how busy the department is, and if your report is more complex e.g. there is a fatality.
What’s the easiest way to find your Arizona highway accident report? Completing our simple form.
We will pinpoint exactly where your crash report is so you can obtain a copy as quickly as possible. You don’t need to stress about contacting the right office, or waiting in line at the police department. You can find your report from the comfort of your home or workplace.
Find Any Arizona Accident Report Online
Arizona auto accident reports can be hard to find. But not if you know where to look!
The team at Auto Accident Report knows where to find any AZ auto crash report. We can quickly and easily locate your report and explain your next steps. What’s more, if you need a personal injury lawyer, we’ll match you with one.
It only takes a few details to complete the process. Our service is free, too, and there’s no obligation involved.
Our form is available 24/7 because we know crash claims don’t sleep. So, do you need an accident report in Arizona? Don’t delay. Enter your state below, click “submit”, and let us do the hard work for you!