A Sudden Reminder

A “minor” fender-bender can still upend your week—neck soreness the next morning, a car in the shop, and an adjuster calling before you’ve even caught your breath. If you were in a minor crash in Arizona, here’s what the law requires, how claims work, and when hiring an accident attorney actually makes sense.

What Arizona Law Requires After a Minor Crash

Stop, exchange information, and render aid. Arizona law requires involved drivers to provide name, address, vehicle registration, show a license on request, and give reasonable assistance to anyone injured. 

Quick Clearance—move your vehicle if it’s safe. If no serious injury or death is apparent and the vehicle can be driven safely, Arizona’s “Quick Clearance” law requires you to move out of travel lanes to a safe spot (shoulder, median, or nearby refuge). This helps prevent secondary crashes. 

Officers trigger police reports through their investigations. When an officer investigates a crash involving injury, death, property damage over $2,000, or a citation, they must file a written report.

For property damage $2,000 or less, officers complete a simplified portion if they investigate (drivers still must exchange information).

Arizona Is a Fault (Not No-Fault) State

Arizona follows a fault-based system: the driver who caused the collision (and their insurer) is responsible for resulting losses. Arizona also requires liability insurance of at least 25/50/15 (per person/per accident property damage) on any vehicle operated on state roads. 

Two coverage notes that often matter in “minor” crashes:

• Medical Payments (MedPay) is optional first-party coverage that can help pay reasonable and necessary medical bills regardless of fault. 
• Comparative negligence can reduce recovery if each driver shares some fault (details below).

When You May Not Need an Attorney

Every situation is unique, but for some truly minor collisions, you might be comfortable handling the claim yourself when all of the following are true:

• No injuries (and none develop over several days).
• Liability is clear and accepted in writing by the other driver’s insurer.
• Your out-of-pocket costs are minimal, and the insurer promptly pays the full repair estimate, rental, and other documented expenses.
• There’s no dispute over loss of use or diminished value.

If you were involved in a rear-end collision in Arizona, you can get answers tailored to your situation.

When a Lawyer Can Make a Big Difference (Even After a “Small” Crash)

• Delayed or soft-tissue injuries. Neck, back, and concussion-type symptoms often appear hours or days later. Having counsel helps link care to the crash and avoid premature releases.
• Fault is disputed or shared. Insurers may argue you “stopped short” or “could have avoided it.” Arizona’s comparative negligence reduces damages by your percentage of fault—so documenting the scene and preserving video can matter. 
• Low or slow offers. Adjusters sometimes undervalue “minor” repairs, rental time, and loss of use—or delay until you give up.
• Diminished value. In Arizona, third-party diminution in value can be recoverable even after quality repairs. An attorney can coordinate expert appraisals to prove the loss. 
• Uninsured/underinsured driver. You need a clear strategy to use UM/UIM and MedPay effectively and to protect your subrogation rights.
• Evidence issues. Lawyers can obtain traffic-cam and dash-cam video, 911 audio, and repair or telematics data before it gets overwritten.

Key Deadlines: Don’t Miss the Clock

Most Arizona personal injury and property-damage claims have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the crash (some claims have different or shorter deadlines). Waiting too long can bar recovery. 

Evidence That Strengthens a “Minor Crash” Claim

• Scene photos/video: vehicle positions, damage, debris, skid marks, traffic signals/signs.
• Contact/exchange details: names, addresses, plate/registration, insurance, and driver’s license (Arizona duty). 

• Police incident number (if any): request the report when available; officers file reports under the conditions above. 
• Repair documentation: estimates, parts lists, before/after photos, and frame/suspension notes.
• Medical records: even for urgent-care visits—link symptoms to the collision.
• Work and expense proof: rental, rideshare, tow, storage, and missed hours.
• For diminished value: an expert appraisal and vehicle history report.

Local Insight: Glendale, Phoenix, Bullhead City & Tucson

Low-speed crashes are common around I-10, I-17, Loop-101/202, SR-51, and crowded surface streets near shopping centers and campus zones. Remember Arizona’s Quick Clearance rule: if no serious injuries are apparent and your car is drivable, move to a safe location to reduce the risk of a secondary crash—then document and exchange information. 

What We Provide When Accidents Turn Your Life Upside Down

Compassion First

Your case is more than paperwork—it’s your health, your car, your time. If you were involved in a rear-end collision in Arizona, you can get answers tailored to your situation.

Guidance You Can Trust

From first call to final check, we help with insurance communications, documentation, and strategy rooted in Arizona law.

Support for Healing

Recovery touches more than the body. We help connect clients with medical, counseling, and community resources.

Whether you’re dealing with whiplash, back injuries, or a totaled car after a rear-ended crash in Arizona, we encourage you to reach out. Accident Justice offers:

• Free, no-obligation consultations
• 24/7 availability when you need to talk
• Clear, compassionate communication from start to finish

Call to Action

Were you involved in a rear-end collision in Arizona? Get answers tailored to your situation.

Contact Accident Justice Law → (602) 884-8886 | Free Consultation

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This article is for general information and is not legal advice.