What to Do After a Car Accident: Your First Minutes and Hours

No one expects to get into a car accident when they get behind the wheel. But with 118,052 crashes on Arizona roads in 2025, knowing what to do before a collision can make an overwhelming situation easier to navigate.

The good news is that Arizona crashes are trending downward. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, crashes declined 4.4% from 2024 to 2025, while traffic fatalities fell 5.2% to 1,156. Still, thousands of crashes happen every week across the state.

If one happens to you, what you do in the first 10 minutes and in the hours that follow can help protect your health, safety, and interests.

Prepare Before an Accident Happens

The best time to think about what you’ll do after a collision is before you’re involved in one.

Start by keeping an accident kit in your vehicle. It can include basic medical supplies, a pen and paper, and any important medical information first responders may need. Make sure you also have easy access to your driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance information.

Defensive driving can also reduce your chances of being involved in a crash in the first place. That means staying alert, minimizing distractions, leaving adequate space between vehicles, and paying attention to what other drivers around you are doing.

Think of it as giving yourself more time and room to respond when something unexpected happens.

What to Do in the First 10 Minutes After a Car Accident

The moments immediately after a crash can be confusing and stressful. Focus first on safety and gathering the information you may need later.

Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical assistance.
Get out of immediate danger if possible. Move yourself and your vehicle to a safer location and turn on your hazard lights to alert approaching traffic.
Check on the occupants of the other vehicle. Do this only if you can safely approach them.
Call the police. A police report can create an official record of the collision and provide important information about the people and vehicles involved.
Avoid discussing fault. Even if you think you know exactly what happened, you may not yet have all the information.
Document the scene. Take pictures of the vehicles and their positions, damage, debris, skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and anything else that may help show what happened.
Exchange information with the other driver. Get the necessary identifying, vehicle, and insurance information.
Talk to witnesses. If anyone saw the collision, ask for their name and contact information.

Under Arizona law, drivers involved in accidents involving injury, death, or damage to an attended vehicle must provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number and show their driver’s license when requested. Drivers must also provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the collision when necessary.

What to Do in the First 10 Hours

Leaving the scene doesn’t necessarily mean you’re finished dealing with the accident. The hours afterward are an important time to document what happened and take care of yourself.

Seek medical attention for any injuries. Some symptoms may not be immediately apparent in the confusion following a collision, so pay attention to how you feel in the hours afterward.

As soon as you can, write down what you remember about the crash. Include:

The time and location of the collision
Weather and road conditions
What happened immediately before the crash
Statements made by the other driver or witnesses
Any other details that may help you remember what happened

Take additional photographs of any visible injuries and vehicle damage. Keep copies of relevant documents, including the police report and repair estimates.

You should also notify your insurance company of the accident. If your injuries prevent you from working, let your employer know and keep records related to any time you miss from work.

When Should You Contact a Personal Injury Attorney?

Not every motor vehicle collision requires the help of an attorney. However, there are circumstances when getting legal advice may be important.

Consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer if:

The collision caused serious injuries or extensive property damage.
The other driver’s insurance adjuster is asking you for detailed information about the accident.
An insurance company is pressuring you to accept a quick settlement.
You have questions about your legal rights or the time available to pursue a claim.

An attorney can help you understand your rights, evaluate the circumstances surrounding the collision, and determine what options may be available based on the specifics of your case.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact us for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bache Lynch Goldsmith & Mendoza.