Phoenix Crash Reports

If you were involved in a car accident in Arizona, you may need to obtain a copy of the police report for your insurance claim, legal case, or personal records. The process of getting a police report depends on which law enforcement agency investigated the accident.

If the accident occurred on an interstate or state highway, and was investigated by a DPS trooper, you can request a copy of the collision report from the Department Records Unit of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. You will need to fill out a request form and pay a fee of $9.00 for most reports. You can also request photographs, citations, warnings, or repair orders from the same unit.

If the accident occurred on a city or county road, and was investigated by a local police officer or sheriff’s deputy, you will need to contact the law enforcement agency in that jurisdiction. Each agency may have different procedures and fees for obtaining a police report. For example, if you were in an accident in Phoenix, you can request a copy of the police report from the Phoenix Police Department Records and Identification Bureau. You will need to provide the date, time, location, and report number of the accident, and pay a fee of $5.00 for most reports.

Yes, accident reports are public record in Arizona, meaning that anyone can access them upon request. However, there are some restrictions and exceptions to protect the privacy and safety of the parties involved. According to Arizona Revised Statute §28-667, accident reports cannot be used for commercial solicitation purposes, such as advertising or marketing. Also, some information may be redacted from the reports, such as personal identifiers, medical information, or criminal justice records.

If you are in a car accident in Arizona, you should follow these steps to protect yourself and comply with the law:

1. Stop and remain at the scene. Do not leave until you have exchanged information with the other parties and rendered aid to anyone who is injured.
2. Call 911 if anyone is injured or killed. Request medical assistance and police presence.
3. Move your vehicle to a safe place if possible. If not, turn on your hazard lights and set up flares or cones to warn other drivers.
4. Exchange information with the other parties. You should provide and obtain the following information: name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information.
5. Cooperate with the police. Answer their questions honestly and provide any relevant details about the accident. Do not admit fault or blame anyone.
6. Take photos and gather evidence. If you can, take pictures of the vehicles, the scene, the injuries, and any other relevant factors. Also, get the names and contact information of any witnesses or passengers.
7. Report the accident to your insurance company. Notify them as soon as possible and follow their instructions. Do not give any recorded statements or sign any documents without consulting your lawyer.
8. Seek medical attention if needed. Even if you feel fine, you may have injuries that are not immediately apparent. Get checked by a doctor and keep records of your diagnosis and treatment.
9. Consult a lawyer if you have any questions or concerns. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options after an accident, and represent you in any legal claims or disputes.

The availability of your Arizona accident report depends on which law enforcement agency investigated the accident and how long it takes them to complete and process the report. Generally, it may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for your report to become available.

If your accident was investigated by a DPS trooper on an interstate or state highway, you will need to wait at least 14 days before checking on the availability of your report by contacting the Department Records Unit at (602) 223-2230 or (602) 223-2236.

If your accident was investigated by a local police officer or sheriff’s deputy on a city or county road, you will need to contact the law enforcement agency in that jurisdiction for information on how and when to obtain your report. For example, if your accident was investigated by the Phoenix Police Department, you can check on the availability of your report by calling (602) 534-1127.