What to Do After a Car Accident in Gilbert, AZ

A car accident can turn an ordinary drive through Gilbert into a confusing situation in seconds.

Maybe you were rear-ended while stopped at a light. Maybe another driver changed lanes into you. Or perhaps you walked away from the crash feeling fine, only to notice neck or back pain several hours later.

Whatever happened, what you do immediately after a car accident can affect your safety, your insurance claim, and your ability to recover compensation if you were injured.

If you were just involved in a car accident in Gilbert, Arizona, here are the steps you should take.

Quick Answer: What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Gilbert?

If you have just been in an accident:

1. Stop and check yourself and others for injuries.
2. Call 911 if anyone is injured or needs emergency assistance.
3. Move out of traffic when the crash is minor and the vehicles can safely be moved.
4. Exchange driver, vehicle, and insurance information.
5. Take photographs and videos.
6. Get contact information from witnesses.
7. Avoid arguing about or admitting fault.
8. Seek appropriate medical care if you are injured or develop symptoms.
9. Notify your insurance company.
10. Keep records related to the accident and consider speaking with a personal injury attorney if you were injured.

Here is why each step matters.

Stop and Check for Injuries

Your first concern should be safety—not insurance, vehicle damage, or determining who caused the accident.

Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.

If another vehicle was involved, determine whether anyone there needs emergency assistance as well, provided you can do so safely.

Some injuries are obvious immediately. Others may not be.

The stress and adrenaline surrounding an accident can make it difficult to understand how badly you have been hurt. Symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, stiffness, dizziness, or back pain may also become noticeable later.

If someone appears seriously injured, avoid unnecessarily moving them unless remaining where they are creates an immediate danger. Call 911 and follow the dispatcher's instructions.

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Call the Police When Someone Is Injured

If the accident resulted in an injury or death, Arizona law requires the driver to immediately report the accident to the appropriate law-enforcement agency.

For a crash occurring within Gilbert, that generally means contacting local police.

If it is an emergency, call 911.

For non-emergency police assistance in Gilbert, the Gilbert Police Department lists its non-emergency number as 480-503-6500.

Calling police can also create an important independent record of what happened.

An officer may document information such as:

• The drivers and vehicles involved
• Insurance information
• Where the collision occurred
• Statements from drivers
• Witness information
• Visible damage
• Reported injuries
• Road and traffic conditions
• Citations, when appropriate

Don't assume that a seemingly minor collision doesn't matter.

Vehicle damage and physical symptoms are not always obvious while you are standing on the side of the road.

If It Is a Minor Crash, Get Out of Traffic When You Safely Can

One common misconception is that you should always leave your vehicle exactly where the collision occurred until police arrive.

That is not necessarily true in Arizona.

If there are no serious injuries or fatalities and the vehicles are safely operable, Arizona guidance calls for moving them from the main traveled portion of the roadway when it can be done safely.

For example, you may be able to move to a nearby parking lot, shoulder, emergency lane, or another safe location.

This can be particularly important on busy Gilbert-area roads where remaining in a travel lane can expose everyone to a second collision.

Do not put yourself in danger just to photograph where the vehicles originally stopped.

If you can safely take a few photographs before moving, they may be useful. But your physical safety comes first.

And moving an operable vehicle out of traffic does not mean you are leaving the scene of the accident.

Exchange Information With the Other Driver

Arizona law requires drivers involved in qualifying accidents to provide certain identifying information.

At a minimum, obtain:

• Driver's full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Driver's license information
• Vehicle make and model
• License plate number
• Vehicle registration information
• Insurance company
• Insurance policy number

One of the easiest ways to preserve this information is to photograph the other driver's license, insurance card, license plate, and vehicle—with permission and when it is safe to do so.

Then verify that the photographs are readable before leaving.

If the driver says they don't have their insurance information, document as much identifying information as possible.

Arizona MVD has a process through which someone involved in a crash with an Arizona-registered vehicle may request insurance information. A crash report is required for that process.

Take Plenty of Photos and Videos

Once everyone is safe, your phone can become one of your most useful tools.

Don't photograph only the dent in your bumper.

Try to document the entire scene.

Take photographs or video of:

• Damage to your vehicle
• Damage to the other vehicle
• All sides of both vehicles
• License plates
• Where the vehicles came to rest, if it is safe to document
• The intersection or roadway
• Traffic signals
• Stop signs
• Lane markings
• Skid marks
• Debris
• Construction
• Obstructions
• Weather and visibility
• Any visible injuries

Take both close-up and wider photographs.

Why?

A close-up might show exactly where your vehicle was struck, while a wider photograph may show the position of the cars, intersection design, traffic controls, or other evidence that helps explain how the collision happened.

A Simple Rule: Photograph What Might Be Gone Tomorrow

Vehicle damage gets repaired.

Cars get moved.

Road debris gets cleaned up.

Bruises change.

Construction equipment disappears.

Witnesses leave.

If something could potentially help explain what happened, document it while you can safely do so.

Look for Witnesses

An independent witness can become extremely important when drivers disagree about what happened.

Suppose the other driver apologizes at the scene but later tells their insurance company that you caused the crash.

A witness who saw the collision may help clarify what actually occurred.

Ask witnesses for:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Email address

You don't need to conduct a lengthy interview at the scene.

Simply preserve their contact information so they can be reached later if necessary.

You can also look around for nearby businesses or homes with security cameras.

If the accident happened near a shopping center, restaurant, gas station, apartment complex, or business, a camera may have captured the collision.

Video recordings can sometimes be overwritten relatively quickly, so identifying possible video evidence early can be important.

Be Careful About Discussing Fault at the Scene

After an accident, people naturally want to talk about what happened.

Keep the conversation factual.

You can ask whether someone is okay and exchange the required information without arguing about who caused the collision.

Avoid statements such as:

“I'm sorry. This was my fault.”

You may not have all the information yet.

Perhaps another driver was speeding. Maybe a witness saw something you didn't. Perhaps traffic-camera or vehicle data tells a different story.

Arizona also follows a comparative negligence system.

That means fault can potentially be divided between multiple people. If an injured person is found partly responsible, their damages can generally be reduced according to their percentage of fault.

For example, if someone suffered $100,000 in damages but was determined to be 20% responsible for the collision, the comparative-fault rules could reduce the recoverable damages accordingly.

The practical takeaway is simple:

Tell the truth about what happened, but don't speculate about fault when you don't yet know all the facts.

Pay Attention to Your Health After the Accident

You may walk away from an accident thinking:

“I'm okay. I'm just sore.”

Don't ignore symptoms that appear or worsen after the collision.

Depending on the crash, accident injuries can include:

• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Head injuries
• Concussions
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Fractures
• Cuts and bruising
• Soft-tissue injuries

If you believe you need emergency medical attention, seek it immediately.

If symptoms appear later or persist, consider getting evaluated by an appropriate medical professional rather than simply hoping they disappear.

This is important for your health.

It can also matter to an insurance claim.

If weeks pass without any medical evaluation and you later claim that the accident caused an injury, an insurance company may question whether the injury resulted from the collision or occurred afterward.

What If I Didn't Go to the Hospital From the Accident Scene?

That does not automatically mean you weren't injured.

Not every accident requires an ambulance or emergency-room visit.

The important thing is to take symptoms seriously and seek appropriate medical attention when needed.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Notify your automobile insurer about the collision promptly.

Your policy may require timely notice of an accident.

When reporting it, provide the basic facts:

• Date and time
• Location
• Vehicles involved
• Police report information, if available
• Description of what occurred
• Known injuries
• Vehicle damage

Be accurate.

You don't need to guess about things you don't know.

For example, if you're asked about the extent of your injuries shortly after the accident, you can explain what you currently know rather than predicting whether you will be completely recovered in several days.

Also understand that your insurance company and the other driver's insurance company are not the same thing.

If another driver's insurer contacts you requesting a recorded statement, medical authorization, release, or settlement agreement, make sure you understand exactly what you are agreeing to before proceeding.

Start an Accident File

One of the simplest things you can do after a serious accident is create one place for everything related to it.

Keep:

• Police report
• Photographs and videos
• Witness information
• Insurance correspondence
• Claim numbers
• Medical bills
• Medical records
• Prescription receipts
• Repair estimates
• Towing bills
• Rental-car receipts
• Receipts for accident-related expenses
• Documentation of missed work
• Notes about conversations with insurers

You may also want to keep a simple record of how your injuries affect your everyday life.

For example:

August 12: Neck pain made it difficult to sleep. Missed four hours of work for doctor's appointment.

That is far more useful months later than trying to reconstruct everything from memory.

How Do I Get My Gilbert Police Accident Report?

If the Gilbert Police Department investigated your accident, you may want a copy of the accident report.

Gilbert Police makes qualifying traffic accident reports available online through its accident-report provider. Reports can also be purchased through the Gilbert Police Records Section.

According to the department, obtaining an online report requires information including the departmental report number and date of the accident.

Certain reports, including fatal crashes and some accidents connected to other incident reports are not available through the normal online system and must instead be requested through Gilbert Police Records.

Keep the report number the officer gives you after the collision.

What If the Other Driver Doesn't Have Insurance?

Don't panic and don't assume that you have no options.

First, obtain as much information as possible about the driver and vehicle.

If the driver cannot provide valid insurance information, the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division provides an Insurance Information Request process for people involved in crashes with Arizona-registered vehicles.

You should also check your own automobile policy.

Depending on the circumstances and coverage purchased, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may become important when the responsible driver's available insurance is nonexistent or insufficient.

Arizona's required minimum liability coverage also does not guarantee that another driver's policy will be large enough to compensate someone who suffers serious injuries.

Should I Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance Company?

The other driver's insurance company may contact you soon after the collision.

Remember what its role is.

The adjuster investigates the accident and evaluates the claim for the insurance company.

You should be truthful, but you should also understand what is being requested before providing recorded statements, broad medical authorizations, or signing documents.

Be especially careful with an early settlement offer if:

• You are still experiencing symptoms
• You are still receiving medical treatment
• Doctors do not yet know whether you will need additional treatment
• You have missed work
• Your injuries may affect your future ability to work
• You don't understand what rights you are releasing

Once an injury claim is fully settled and a release is signed, reopening it because your injuries turned out to be worse than expected may not be possible.

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Gilbert?

Not every minor car accident requires an attorney.

For example, someone with no injuries and straightforward vehicle damage may be comfortable handling the property-damage claim directly with insurance.

But it may be worth speaking with a personal injury attorney when:

• You suffered significant injuries
• You required hospitalization or substantial medical treatment
• Your injuries may be permanent
• You missed significant time from work
• Fault is disputed
• Multiple vehicles were involved
• A commercial vehicle was involved
• The responsible driver was uninsured or underinsured
• The insurance company denied the claim
• You received a settlement offer that doesn't appear to account for your losses
• You are being blamed for an accident you believe another driver caused

The more serious the injury, the more important it becomes to understand the full value and consequences of the claim before signing a settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gilbert Car Accidents

Should I Call 911 After a Minor Car Accident in Gilbert?

If someone is injured or needs emergency assistance, call 911. Arizona law requires immediate notice to law enforcement for accidents resulting in injury or death.

For a non-emergency situation in Gilbert, the Gilbert Police Department's non-emergency number is 480-503-6500.

Should I Move My Car After an Accident?

If the crash does not involve serious injury or death, your vehicle is operable, and it can be moved safely, Arizona guidance calls for clearing the vehicle from the main traveled portion of the road.

Your safety is more important than preserving the exact position of the vehicles.

What Information Should I Get From the Other Driver?

Get the driver's name and contact information, driver's license information, license plate, vehicle information, registration, insurance company, and policy information.

Also collect witness information whenever possible.

What If I Feel Fine After the Accident?

Continue paying attention to how you feel.

Some symptoms may not be obvious immediately after a collision. Seek appropriate medical care if you develop pain or other concerning symptoms.

Should I Post Pictures of My Accident on Social Media?

Usually, keeping the details of an active injury claim off social media is the safer approach.

Even an innocent photograph, location check-in, or comment can potentially be taken out of context.

Save your accident photographs privately instead.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partly at Fault?

Potentially.

Arizona uses comparative negligence. Being partly responsible does not necessarily eliminate a negligence claim, although your compensation can be reduced according to your percentage of fault.

What Should I Bring to a Consultation With a Car Accident Lawyer?

If available, bring:

• Police report
• Accident photographs
• Other driver's information
• Insurance correspondence
• Medical records and bills
• Repair estimates
• Witness information
• Documentation of missed work

Don't delay a consultation simply because you don't have every document yet.

A Final Checklist After a Gilbert Car Accident

Before you leave the scene, when safely possible:

• Check for injuries.
• Call 911 when emergency assistance is needed.
• Move out of traffic when appropriate and safe.
• Exchange driver and insurance information.
• Photograph the vehicles and accident scene.
• Get witness contact information.
• Get the police report number if officers respond.

After you leave:

• Pay attention to symptoms and seek appropriate medical care.
• Notify your insurance company.
• Save medical bills and accident-related receipts.
• Obtain the accident report.
• Keep insurance correspondence.
• Document missed work and other losses.
• Be cautious about signing an early settlement or release.
• Consider legal advice if you suffered significant injuries or the claim becomes complicated.

Injured in a Car Accident in Gilbert, Arizona?

After a serious collision, you may be dealing with medical appointments, vehicle repairs, missed work, and calls from insurance adjusters at the same time.

Understanding your rights before accepting a settlement can help you make an informed decision about what to do next.

If you were injured in a Gilbert car accident and have questions about fault, insurance coverage, medical bills, lost income, or the value of your claim, consider speaking with an Arizona personal injury attorney about your specific circumstances.

The sooner important evidence is identified and preserved, the easier it may be to understand what happened and properly evaluate your claim.

This article provides general information about Arizona car accidents and is not legal advice. Laws and individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified Arizona attorney regarding your particular situation.

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