What Arizona Drivers Need to Know About Reportable Accidents
If you’ve been in a car accident in Arizona, you may hear the phrase “ADOT reportable accident.” But what does it mean, and why does it matter?
Understanding Arizona’s accident reporting rules can help protect your rights, insurance claim, and legal options.
At Rideout Law Group, we guide Arizona drivers through the accident process—from crash reports to compensation.
What Counts as an ADOT Reportable Accident?
In Arizona, an accident is considered “reportable” if it must be filed with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) or documented by law enforcement.
An accident is reportable when:
- Someone is injured
- Someone is killed
- A vehicle is too damaged to drive
- There is major property damage
When these things happen, drivers should call the police. Law enforcement will then file a report that gets shared with ADOT.
Do You Need to File the Report Yourself?
In most cases, no. If police respond to the crash, they complete the report for you.
However, problems may arise if:
- Police don’t come to the scene
- Drivers leave without sharing information
- Injuries are found later
If no officer investigates, you may still need to report the accident—or risk insurance issues.
Why Reporting Matters
Failing to report a crash properly can lead to serious issues.
- Insurance Problems
Insurance companies rely on crash reports to:
- Prove fault
- Verify injuries
- Approve claims
If no report exists, they might delay or deny your claim.
- Medical Evidence
Some injuries—like whiplash or brain trauma—don’t show up right away. An official report helps link your injuries to the crash.
- Legal Protection
In personal injury cases, police or ADOT reports are vital evidence. Without one, proving fault gets harder.
Common Types of Reportable Accidents
Even a “small” accident can turn out to be reportable. Common examples include:
- Rear-end collisions with back or neck injuries
- Multi-car freeway crashes
- Pedestrian or bike accidents
- Intersection crashes that disable a car
- Accidents with commercial trucks
What to Do After a Serious Crash
If you think your accident is reportable:
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt
- Ask for police to respond
- Exchange info with other drivers
- Take photos of all damage and the scene
- Get medical care, even if you feel okay
- Talk to a lawyer about your rights
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Rideout Law Group, we help clients:
- Check if your crash was properly reported
- Request and review police or ADOT reports
- Handle insurance disputes
- Prove fault and injury
- Get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain
Talk to an Arizona Auto Accident Attorney
Not sure if your crash qualifies as an ADOT reportable accident?
Let us help. We serve clients across Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, and all of Arizona.
📞 Call (833) 854-8181
💬 Or request your free consultation online
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.