How Do I Get a Police Report from a Car Accident in Arizona?

There are hundreds of thousands of car accidents in Arizona every year. Many of them result in property damage, serious injury, or even death. When you are injured in a car wreck or someone you know is killed, obtaining a copy of your Arizona accident report may help to safeguard your rights and protect your options for seeking compensation.

Arizona Statute § 28-667 requires police reports detailing car accidents to include:

1. The time, day, month, and year of the accident
2. Information about the location of the accident
3. The name, age, sex, address, telephone number, vehicle ownership, registration, and proof of insurance of all involved parties
4. The name, sex, address, and telephone number of all witnesses
5. A vivid description of the facts of the accident
6. A diagram of the scene
7. The attending officer’s name, agency, and badge number

An Arizona crash report provides an official account of the accident, detailing things like vehicle position, weather conditions, witness statements, potential causes, and more. It can be invaluable for taking legal action to seek compensation for your injuries. It is one of the documents your attorney will need to help build the strongest case on your behalf.

The car accident lawyers at Burg Simpson have decades of experience helping people obtain copies of their car accident police reports in Phoenix and throughout the state. Often necessary for our investigative process, we can obtain a copy of your Arizona crash report at no cost to you, allowing us to assess its contents, extract the necessary information, and assist you in understanding your rights and options.

Contact Us for a FREE Case Review

If you have been injured in a car crash in Phoenix or a surrounding area of Arizona, Burg Simpson is here to listen to your story and help you decide how to move forward. Call us at 602-777-7000 to schedule your complimentary and confidential consultation and learn more about how we can help.

Ways to Get a Car Accident Police Report in Arizona

There are a few different ways to obtain an Arizona accident report:

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)

The DPS provides access to accident reports for incidents investigated by their officers. To request a report, you can visit the DPS website or contact them directly. Most of the car accident reports provided by the DPS cost $9, however costs can go up depending on the type of report requested.

Local Police or Sheriff’s Departments

If your car accident occurred within a city’s or county’s jurisdiction, the local police or sheriff’s department may handle the report. Most Arizona police departments—including those in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson—have their own records division. So too do many sheriff’s offices, including Maricopa County. Prices and processing time can vary by department but have an average range of $5 to $10.

Third-Party Online Services

There are a number of third-party online services that allow you to access Arizona accident reports. These tend to cost more than government agency reports but may be more convenient for people trying to access a report from out of state. However, not all of these sites are reputable and, because a large amount of private information needs to be shared to obtain a police report, should only be considered after other options have been exhausted.

How Do I Get My Police Report From an Accident in Arizona for FREE?

The burden of obtaining an Arizona accident report should not fall to the victim. The dedicated team at Burg Simpson can access your accident report for you. Our experience and familiarity with Arizona law allow us to gather and assess these reports quickly, helping us to identify the liable parties, understand the basics of your crash, and begin to build a case for the compensation you are due.

When you need to get a police report from a car accident in Arizona, call our Phoenix office to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you obtain your report for free.

How Long Are Arizona Accident Reports Available?

The amount of time you have to get an Arizona crash report depends on the agency where it is held. The DPS and most local police and sheriff’s departments retain reports for several years, though it is not safe to assume they will be available forever. Obtaining your report as soon as possible after an accident is always ideal.

Of course, obtaining a car accident report can only happen if one is filed. In Arizona, you are not required to file a police report following a car accident unless it results in:

• Injury
• Death
• Property damage over $2,000
• Issuance of a citation

When a police report is not filed at the time of the crash, an accident report can be filed in the days following, though these will not be as comprehensive as those made on the scene. However, they may still contain useful information and can be obtained in the same manner as all other accident reports once they have been processed.

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action for Car Crash Injuries in Arizona?

While you may have several years to obtain a copy of your Arizona crash report, you likely have only two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Obtaining your accident report quickly allows for a swifter investigation and helps to ensure any potential legal action falls within this timeframe. Again, when you choose Burg Simpson for your car accident representation, we will obtain a copy of your Arizona accident report for free, enabling us to get to work right away on seeking the compensation you deserve.

Is an Accident Report Enough to Build a Personal Injury Case in Arizona?

Your Arizona crash report can provide useful information when it comes to building a case for compensation. It is not, however, the only information that can be used. When possible, at the scene of a car crash, you should:

• Take Pictures. Document the accident from multiple angles, including as much of the surroundings as possible.
• Gather Contact Info. Get the names and contact information of all witnesses.
• Exchange Information. Get vehicle information (including VIN), insurance information, and contact information for all involved drivers.

If emergency personnel (EMTs, police, etc.) are dispatched to the scene, be sure to cooperate fully, but do not suggest you are to blame for the accident. Numerous pieces of evidence need to be considered when determining liability for a crash. Without all of the evidence, fault may be incorrectly assigned.

Do I Need a Lawyer Following a Car Crash in Arizona?

When you are seriously injured in a car accident, it is always a good idea to discuss your case with an attorney. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can:

• Obtain a copy of your Arizona accident report
• Identify the liable parties
• Build a case for compensation
• Attempt to settle with insurance
• Take your claim to court if a settlement cannot be reached

In addition, your car accident lawyer will help to protect you against the sometimes predatory tactics that insurance companies may engage in to try and force you to accept less than your injuries demand. Once you have accepted an insurance offer, you cannot seek additional compensation. Before you accept a settlement offer, discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys for free to make sure you are not waiving your right to seek the fair and full compensation you deserve.

Burg Simpson Will Fight for You

When it comes to personal injury law in Arizona, Burg Simpson stands apart from the crowd. With over four decades of dedicated service, we have the resources and background to tackle even the most complex cases with compassion for our clients and tireless advocacy for their rights. Through our legal efforts, we have recovered more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for victims of serious and life-altering injuries. We welcome the opportunity to review your claim and help you determine what it may be worth.

The team at Burg Simpson brings extensive knowledge of Arizona law and an unwavering dedication to each case we take. Understanding that your situation is unique, we will tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, guiding you through the legal process and keeping you informed at every stage. We will protect your rights and ensure that your voice is heard as we do everything possible to secure the full compensation your injuries demand.

Let Us Help You Get Your Arizona Crash Report for FREE

Do you need to obtain a copy of the police report from a car accident in Arizona? Contact Burg Simpson online or call our Phoenix office today to schedule a FREE case evaluation to learn how we can help. Our lawyers proudly represent individuals and families impacted by car accidents in Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, and throughout Arizona.