If you’re able, treat the first day after the crash like evidence collection—not paperwork.
1) Get medical care right away. Even if you “feel okay,” delayed symptoms are common after impact. In Arizona, insurers often look for consistency between the accident and the treatment timeline.
2) Report the crash and document the details. If police respond, keep the report number and write down what you remember while it’s fresh: approximate time, roadway location, direction of travel, and what you saw about the vehicle.
3) Capture identifying clues quickly. In Payson, collisions often happen near routes used by commuters and visitors. If you can do so safely, take photos of:
- vehicle damage and any paint transfer
- the scene (signage, lane markings, lighting conditions)
- visible injuries
- nearby businesses or properties where cameras may have been recording
4) Don’t give a recorded statement without guidance. Insurance questions can be used later to argue your version is incomplete or that your injuries don’t match the impact.


