Car accidents in Arizona can leave victims and families facing a wave of physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Whether you’re recovering from an injury crash or grieving the loss of a loved one in a fatal collision, having the right support is essential.

This guide covers the most important Arizona accident victim resources, including how to access medical help, get a copy of your crash report, seek legal support, and find financial or emotional aid during recovery.

Help for Arizona Car Accident Injury Victims

In Arizona, thousands of serious injury accidents happen each year due to distracted driving, speeding, impaired drivers, and dangerous road conditions. After a crash, it’s important to act quickly to protect both your health and your legal rights.

Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation

After calling 911 and receiving emergency care, many injury victims need additional support. Some trusted Arizona medical and rehabilitation providers include:

• Banner Health Trauma Centers (Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson): Level I trauma care
• HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center: High-level trauma and neurological care
• HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tucson: Long-term recovery support
• Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association: Programs for those living with long-term injuries

Don’t delay treatment. Insurance companies may deny claims if there’s a gap between the crash and your care.

Legal Rights for Injury Victims

Arizona is a fault-based state when it comes to car accidents. That means the at-fault driver (or their insurer) is responsible for paying damages. Arizona also uses pure comparative negligence, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault.

Injury victims may be entitled to:

• Payment for medical bills
• Reimbursement for lost income
• Compensation for pain and suffering
• Property damage repairs

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona.

Support for Families After Fatal Accidents in Arizona

Losing someone in a fatal crash is heartbreaking and disorienting. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Arizona provides grief support and allows certain family members to pursue wrongful death claims when someone dies due to another’s negligence.

Grief Counseling and Emotional Support

These resources help families process grief and find emotional healing:

• Stepping Stones of Hope (Phoenix): Grief camps and counseling for children and families
• Tu Nidito (Tucson): Bereavement support for children who’ve lost a parent or sibling
• Hospice of the Valley: Free adult and child grief support groups across Maricopa County
• Arizona Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for emotional support

Wrongful Death Claims in Arizona

Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-612, surviving spouses, children, and parents may file a wrongful death lawsuit. The claim must be filed within two years of the death and may seek compensation for:

• Funeral expenses
• Medical bills prior to death
• Loss of financial support
• Emotional pain and suffering

Wrongful death laws in Arizona are complex. A lawyer can help ensure your family’s case is filed properly and pursued fully.

How to Get a Police Crash Report in Arizona

A crash report is a key piece of evidence in any accident case. In Arizona, the responding law enforcement agency will complete and file the report, which you can later request.

Requesting an Arizona Crash Report

Here’s how to obtain your report:

• Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS): Visit https://www.azdps.gov/services/public/crash-reports
• Phoenix Police Department: Visit https://www.phoenix.gov/police and look under “Records and Reports”
• Tucson Police Department: Visit https://www.tucsonaz.gov/police for online or in-person requests

You’ll need:

• Crash date and location
• Names of drivers involved
• Police report or incident number (if known)
• Payment of a processing fee (usually $9 to $15)

Crash reports are typically available within 7 to 14 business days after the incident.

Financial Assistance and Social Services in Arizona

The aftermath of a crash can bring unexpected financial challenges. From medical bills and funeral costs to lost wages and mental health services, many families need support beyond insurance.

Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES)

The DES offers several programs that may assist crash victims and their families:

• TANF (Cash Assistance): Short-term help for low-income families
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Food support
• AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid): Health coverage for those who qualify
• Behavioral Health Services: Counseling and crisis intervention services

Visit https://des.az.gov or call (602) 542-4791.

Arizona Crime Victim Compensation Program

If your crash involved a criminal act (like drunk driving or a hit-and-run), you may qualify for financial help through this state-run fund. It can cover:

• Medical bills
• Mental health counseling
• Funeral expenses
• Lost wages

Each county administers its own fund. You can find your local program at https://azcjc.gov under “Victim Services.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Crashes in Arizona

It’s normal to have questions after a crash, especially if you’re unsure what steps to take. Here are some of the most common concerns from Arizona families.

What should I do right after a crash?

Call 911, get medical attention, and move to a safe area if possible. Document the scene, gather witness contact info, and exchange insurance details. Always request a copy of the police report later.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Arizona?

Arizona’s statute of limitations for both personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits is two years. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering any damages.

What happens if I was partially at fault?

You can still recover damages under Arizona’s pure comparative fault rule. For example, if you were 30% responsible for the crash, you may still recover 70% of your total damages.

Can I file a wrongful death claim if I’m not a spouse or child?

Only the spouse, parent, child, or personal representative of the estate can file a wrongful death claim under Arizona law. The compensation is meant for the benefit of surviving family members.

How can I prove the other driver was distracted or impaired?

Police reports, eyewitness statements, dashcam footage, and toxicology results can help build your case. A lawyer can request this evidence and use it to support your claim.

Call an Arizona Car Accident Lawyer Today

The aftermath of a serious or fatal crash is overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. A knowledgeable Arizona car accident lawyer can help you:

• Access your police report
• File insurance claims and lawsuits
• Recover full compensation for your losses
• Meet state deadlines and avoid common mistakes

The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Call an Arizona accident attorney today to get the answers and support your family deserves.