If you have been involved in an automobile accident on private property, you may know it can be difficult to get the police to respond. Often, people say “The police refused to respond because the accident happened on private property” or “They refused to respond because the cars were not disabled” or “They refused to respond because no injuries were reported”. In truth, pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) §28-667, police are required to complete a report whether the accident happened on private property or not.

ARS §28-667 states that:

A law enforcement officer or public employee who, in the regular course of duty, investigates a motor vehicle accident resulting in bodily injury, death or damage to the property of any person in excess of one thousand dollars or the issuance of a citation shall complete a written report of the accident as follows:

1. Either at the time of and at the scene of the accident or after the accident by interviewing participants or witnesses.
2. Within twenty-four hours after completing the investigation.

B. Every law enforcement officer or public employee who, in the regular course of duty, investigates a motor vehicle accident that results in damage to the property of any person in an amount of one thousand dollars or less, but that does not result in the issuance of a citation or bodily injury or death, shall complete a portion of the written report of the accident. The portion of the written report shall:

1. Be completed either at the time of and at the scene of the accident or after the accident by interviewing participants or witnesses.
2. Be completed within twenty-four hours after completing the investigation.
3. Include the following minimum information:
(a) The time, day, month and year of the accident.
(b) Information adequate to identify the location of the accident.
(c) Identifying information for all involved parties and witnesses, including name, age, sex, address, telephone number, vehicle ownership and
registration and proof of insurance.
(d) A narrative description of the facts of the accident, a simple diagram of the scene of the accident and the investigating officer's name, agency and identification number.

Simply put, anytime there is a death, injury, citation or property damage in excess of $1,000 a report must be created.

If you have been involved in an accident on private property, insist that the police respond. Police officers are trained in accident reconstruction. They can document or determine the cause of the accident or if a driver was impaired. They can also ensure the proper exchange of information.
If the police do not respond you must obtain the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all parties and witnesses. If you have a camera or camera phone take photographs or video of the accident scene, property damage, injuries, other drivers and witnesses. If you have paper and pen or pencil obtain statements from people or admissions. This will assist later if someone denies the accident occurred or liability.

As with any accident, make an immediate report to your insurance carrier. If you are concerned about reporting the accident to your insurance carrier you should contact an attorney immediately. The attorney can report the accident on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected.
If you, a family member or friend has been involved in an accident on private property in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale or anywhere else in Arizona contact Kester Law Group. We can review your insurance policy and report the accident on your behalf. If you were injured we can also help you find medical physicians who will wait for payment.