Step 1: Check for injuries — call 911 if anyone is hurt. Even minor rear-end impacts can cause whiplash and soft-tissue injuries that don't present for 24-72 hours. If there's any doubt, call 911. Arizona requires drivers to report accidents involving injury or death under ARS §28-667. For damage-only accidents with no injuries, Phoenix-area police response varies by department and many deprioritize minor no-injury collisions — but calling still creates a contemporaneous record that strengthens your claim.

Step 2: Move vehicles out of traffic if drivable. Arizona's quick-clearance law (ARS §28-674) explicitly protects you from being held at fault solely for moving a drivable vehicle off the main roadway before police arrive. Turn on hazards. Don't stand between vehicles — secondary collisions on Arizona freeways are a serious hazard. Get yourself and passengers to a safe spot on the shoulder or a nearby parking lot.

Step 3: Document everything with photos. Before vehicles move (if you have time), photograph damage to all vehicles from multiple angles, license plates, both drivers' insurance cards and licenses, the position of cars on the road, skid marks or debris, traffic signals and street signs, and road/weather conditions. Take 30 or more photos. Video the full scene. This documentation wins fault disputes and protects against fraudulent counterclaims.

Step 4: Exchange information with the other driver. Get their full name, phone number, address, insurance company, policy number, vehicle license plate, VIN, and driver's license number. Photograph their insurance card. If there are witnesses, get their phone numbers — witness statements are valuable in disputed-fault cases. Do not accept any offer to settle at the scene without insurance — these almost always shortchange you and you have no recourse later.

Step 5: What NOT to say at the scene. Do not admit fault, apologize, or speculate about what happened. "I'm sorry" can be used as an admission. "I think I was going a little fast" is damaging speculation. Stick to verifiable facts and let the insurance companies determine fault. Arizona is a comparative-fault state, meaning fault can be split between parties — do not give the other carrier ammunition to shift fault percentage toward you.

Step 6: File the claim and get the car to a body shop. If the other driver was at fault, file a third-party claim with their liability carrier — they pay your full repair, rental, and (with documentation) diminished value with no deductible from you. If fault is disputed or they're uninsured, file under your own collision coverage and let your insurer subrogate. Arizona law (ARS §20-468) gives you the right to choose any licensed body shop regardless of what your insurer recommends. Orlando Auto Body accepts all major AZ carriers: State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, Farmers, USAA, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, AAA/CSAA, AmFam, Travelers, and all others. Call Mesa at (480) 844-4858, Scottsdale at (480) 590-3135, or Gilbert at (480) 656-9202. Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM MST, 24/7 key-drop at all 3 locations.