In December of 2010, the Tucson Police Department implemented a new policy in which they will no longer respond to property-damage-only auto accidents.
This new policy specifically states that an officer will only respond to an accident if:
- 1. A person is injured;
- 2. One of the drivers is impaired; or
- 3. The accident is blocking the road.
This change can complicate issues if you have been in a car accident in Tucson for several reasons:
- 1. Auto accidents are traumatic events that can cause significantly increased levels of adrenalin. This effect can mask the symptoms of an injury and so you could have sustained an injury without even realizing it.
- 2. Automobile accidents often cause a variety of soft tissue injuries. It is not uncommon for these injuries to take hours or even days to manifest.
- 3. Traditionally, the insurance company uses the police report to determine who was responsible for causing the collision. Without this documentation it becomes imperative that individuals involved in any automobile accident collect as much information as possible.
If you are involved in an automobile accident where no one is injured and your vehicle can be moved off the roadway, make sure to obtain the following:
- 1. All personal information from the other driver(s) including: Name, address, phone number and driver’s license number and state of issuance.
- 2. Insurance information from the other driver(s) including: Name of insurance company, policy number and expiration date of policy.
- 3. The vehicle year, make and model, license plate number and state of issuance, and Vehicle Information Number. Also obtain the vehicle owner’s name and address if it is different from the driver(s).
- 4. It is also helpful to obtain the number of passengers in each vehicle, along with their names and phone numbers.
- 5. Take photos of the scene of the accident as well as damage to the vehicles and/or damaged property.
Grabb and Durando Can Help After Auto Accidents
For your convenience, we have created an Accident Check List that will be very beneficial if you ever find yourself involved in an automobile accident. We recommend that you print this out and keep a copy in your vehicle with your insurance and registration.
Also be aware that Arizona law requires all parties in traffic collisions to provide the driver’s name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle (ARS 28-663). Refusing to give this information or leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense.
Anyone involved in a property damage only accident within the City of Tucson, may report the accident in one of the following ways:
- 1. In-person at any Tucson Police Department substation, during normal business hours.
- 2. Online via the Tucson Police Department website http://tpdinternet.tucsonaz.gov/Reporting/
- 3. Or, call 791-4444 to have a reporting form mailed to you.
If you have been involved in ANY type of automobile accident, even if you don’t think there was an injury, it is important that you call a personal injury attorney.
