Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Car Accident in Arizona

A car accident can be overwhelming, whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a major collision. In the chaos, it’s easy to forget what steps to take to protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle. At Heck’s Collision Center in Lakeside, Arizona, we’ve helped thousands of drivers through the repair process and know exactly what makes it smoother. This guide walks you through what to do immediately after an accident and in the days following, so you’re prepared if the unexpected happens.

1. Check for Safety First

Your top priority after an accident is making sure everyone is safe. If possible:

• Check yourself and passengers for injuries.
• Move vehicles out of traffic, if they’re drivable and it’s safe to do so.
• Turn on hazard lights and set up warning triangles or flares, if available.
• Call 911 if there are any injuries or significant property damage.

Even if injuries seem minor, it’s best to get checked by a medical professional—some issues don’t show up until later.

2. Call the Police and Document the Scene

In Arizona, it’s strongly recommended to call law enforcement after an accident, especially if there are injuries or significant damage. The responding officer will create an accident report, which is important for insurance claims and future reference.

While waiting for help to arrive, document the scene:

• Take photos of vehicle damage, license plates, and surrounding area.
• Note road conditions, weather, and time of day.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s).
• Get witness names and phone numbers, if possible.

Accurate documentation can help prevent disputes later and speed up your insurance claim.

3. Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with all relevant details, including the police report number and photos. If your vehicle is not drivable, your insurer can assist with towing arrangements or reimbursements.

4. Choose a Trusted Collision Repair Shop

In Arizona, you have the right to choose where your car is repaired—your insurance company cannot force you to use their preferred shop. Choosing a Gold Class Certified repair facility like Heck’s Collision Center ensures your vehicle is restored to manufacturer standards for both safety and appearance.

At Heck’s, we work directly with insurance companies, provide detailed repair estimates, and keep you updated throughout the process. Our focus is on quality, transparency, and getting you back on the road safely.

5. Get a Professional Damage Assessment

Modern vehicles often hide structural or electronic damage beneath the surface. At Heck’s Collision Center, we start with a comprehensive damage assessment, including:

• Pre-repair scanning to identify electronic system issues
• Blueprinting to map out every step of the repair
• Mirror-matching parts to ensure proper fit and function

This attention to detail helps prevent missed damage and ensures repairs are done right the first time.

6. Approve the Estimate and Begin Repairs

Once the damage assessment is complete and your insurance approves the repairs, work can begin. We’ll provide you with a timeline and keep you updated at key milestones—from disassembly to paint and reassembly. Our Gold Class training ensures every repair meets OEM safety and quality standards.

7. Post-Repair Inspection and Delivery

Before returning your vehicle, we perform a final quality check and post-repair scan to confirm all systems are functioning properly. We’ll walk you through the work completed and answer any questions so you feel confident driving away.

Why Preparation Matters

No one plans to get into an accident, but being prepared can make the experience far less stressful. Knowing your rights, documenting properly, and choosing the right repair facility can save you time, money, and frustration.

Trust Heck’s Collision Center After an Accident

Heck’s Collision Center has been helping Arizona drivers recover from accidents since 2004. As a Gold Class I-CAR Certified shop, we combine advanced training with a family-owned commitment to customer care. When you’re dealing with the unexpected, we’ll help you every step of the way—from towing and estimates to final delivery.

In an accident? Remember Heck’s Collision Center. Contact us today for an estimate or to learn more about our repair process.

Request an Estimate | Call us at 1-928-368-2288