Interstate 17 FAQ’s

1. Safety first: Move off the roadway if it’s safe, onto the shoulder or beyond the guardrail. Set up hazard lights or triangles.
2. Call 911: Report injuries, significant damage, or blocked lanes. Provide mile marker or exit information.
3. Document the scene: Take clear photos/videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, environmental conditions, and signage.
4. Exchange information: Get driver names, insurance, license numbers, vehicle plates, and witness contacts.
5. Avoid admissions: Don’t admit fault or apologize, just stick to what happened.
6. Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, delayed symptoms like whiplash or concussion can emerge.
7. Request the crash report number: Ask the trooper or officer for their report number for future reference.
8. Notify your insurer: Promptly report the crash without giving recorded statements until you fully understand your situation.

Arizona law mandates crash reporting if:

• Anyone is injured or killed
• Property damage that appears to exceed $1,000
• A vehicle is disabled and blocking traffic
• DUI, reckless driving, or other violations are suspected

Many I‑17 crashes meet these criteria. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to report the collision to DPS or local law enforcement.

Interstate 17 is patrolled by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). Troopers will:

• Secure the scene and protect drivers
• Coordinate with medical or fire crews
• Interview all parties and witnesses
• Measure skid marks and document the scene
• Write an official crash report
• Issue citations for violations like DUI, speeding, or wrong-way driving

Their investigation and report form the basis for insurance and legal work.

Crash reports (Form 301) are typically available within 7–14 days. You can:

• Visit the DPS Crash Report Portal online
• Order it by mail or in person from DPS headquarters
• Provide crash info (date, location, driver names, report number)
• Pay the fee (usually under $10)

If the crash happened in a city like Phoenix, your report may be available through the city police department.

The DPS report typically includes:

• Collision date, time, and precise location (mile marker)
• Detailed narrative of how the crash occurred
• Vehicle and driver info
• Witness info
• Diagram of vehicle positions
• Weather, road, and lighting conditions
• Contributing factors and citations (e.g., speeding, impairment)

This report is crucial; it guides insurance decisions, legal judgments, and repair planning. Mistakes in it can change fault and compensation.

Errors happen, such as incorrect plates, diagrams, or citations. You can request amendments by:

• Contacting the issuing DPS office
• Providing supporting evidence (photos, videos, witness statements)
• Working with an attorney to file formal corrections

Prompt correction ensures your documentation remains accurate and reliable.

Consider legal help if:

• You suffered a severe or permanent injury
• Fault is unclear or contested
• A commercial vehicle was involved
• You were in a multi-vehicle or chain-reaction crash
• An uninsured or wrong-way driver hit you
• Insurance denies or undervalues your claim

A lawyer can handle negotiations, evidence collection, filings, and deadlines so that you can focus on healing.

Arizona uses an at-fault (tort) insurance system, meaning the responsible party pays. The state also applies comparative fault, so your percentage of responsibility reduces compensation.

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your damages award will be reduced accordingly. Crash reports, scene evidence, and witness statements all feed into this determination.

Arizona law sets a two-year statute of limitations from the crash date to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, taking legal action early helps preserve evidence and prevents missing critical details deadlines.

You may be entitled to recover:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced earning ability
• Vehicle and property damage
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Long-term care or disability
• Funeral expenses, if a fatality occurred

Proper documentation is vital to calculating your full damages.

Crash reports help, but they are just one piece of the puzzle. Strong claims usually include:

• Medical records and treatment plans
• Repair bills and income documentation
• Photos/videos of the scene and injuries
• Witness statements
• Expert analysis (e.g., medical or crash reconstruction)

Combining these with the crash report strengthens your case and counters insurance tactics.

Accidents involving trucks, buses, or RVs may include:

• Multiple liable parties, the driver, the company, and the maintenance firm
• Federal safety rules (e.g., hours-of-service, cargo securement)
• Black-box data, like logbooks or event recorders

These cases are complex; early legal intervention can help uncover evidence and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Rural stretches of I‑17 are prone to animal collisions (deer, elk, javelina), especially at dawn or dusk. While insurance typically covers these, you need:

• Police crash reports (even for wildlife-only collisions)
• Documentation of damage and repair estimates
• Photos of damaged areas and animal remains (if safe)
• Consideration of whether an animal was a hazard due to roadway design or signage (though government liability is limited)

• Rear-end and pileups, often caused by sudden slowdowns on grades or in construction zones
• Single-vehicle run-off-road crashes, particularly in mountainous or curvy areas
• Rollover accidents are affected by speed and road conditions
• Wrong-way collisions, often involving impairment or confusion at on-ramps
• Commercial vehicle incidents, due to mechanical failure or trucking errors

Many of these scenarios are highlighted in DPS and ADOT reports.

Yes, weather dramatically affects safety:

• Summer monsoons bring sudden rainstorms and flash flooding
• Winter creates icy roads, especially above 5,000 ft
• Wildlife is more active during migration seasons

Adjust your driving habits (slow down, use headlights, increase following distance) and check weather and road alerts before travel.

While specific I‑17 data is not always separated, Arizona DOT’s Crash Facts Report shows over 122,000 crashes statewide in a year, with nearly 1,200 fatalities. Rural highways, such as parts of I‑17, see higher fatality rates per mile. Reviewing crash stats helps identify high-risk stretches and times (based on weather patterns, terrain, or traffic volume) before you drive.

If you’re uninsured or the other driver lacks coverage, you may:

• Use your collision or uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
• Rely on personal savings and medical insurance
• File a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and pursue restitution through the court
• Consider legal help; an attorney can guide RM recovery and help you access all available options

Adjusters aim to settle quickly and minimize payouts. To protect yourself:

• Don’t accept the first offer
• Keep medical and repair documents organized
• Avoid providing recorded statements without legal advice
• Ask for all offers in writing
• Consult an attorney to evaluate the offer and advise whether it’s fair

Yes, emotional distress, anxiety, and PTSD are valid damages, especially after serious crashes. Documentation from mental health professionals and personal journals can support claims for non-economic losses.

The timeline for resolving an accident claim can vary widely depending on factors like the complexity of the crash, injury severity, and whether fault is contested. Some cases resolve in just a few weeks, especially when damages are minor and liability is straightforward. However, cases involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or serious injuries may take months or even over a year.

Medical treatment significantly influences the timeline. It’s important not to settle too early before fully understanding your injuries and future care needs. While insurers often seek quick settlements, rushing this process can result in undervaluation. Consulting a legal professional can help ensure your case isn’t rushed and that your settlement accurately reflects the true impact of the accident.

Some parts of Interstate 17 are more hazardous because of traffic, terrain, and weather conditions. The urban stretch between Central Phoenix and Northern Phoenix frequently faces heavy traffic and rear-end accidents during rush hours. From Black Canyon City to Camp Verde, the road becomes more winding and mountainous, increasing the likelihood of rollovers and single-vehicle incidents.

Further north, winter conditions often make the section between Munds Park and Flagstaff particularly hazardous, with snow and ice leading to chain-reaction crashes and jackknifed trucks. Recognizing which areas are more risky can help you stay alert, reduce speed, and maintain a greater distance from other vehicles.

Whether you’re commuting or on a weekend trip, being aware of these risky zones can greatly improve your safety.

Being involved in an I‑17 crash can turn your world upside down, but knowing what steps to take can help you regain control. From preserving evidence and obtaining crash reports to understanding fault and finding a lawyer, a structured approach makes a difference.

You don’t have to face this alone. With the correct information, you can protect your health, your rights, and your recovery, both on and off the road.

If this guide has been useful and you want to learn more about handling the aftermath of an accident on Interstate 17, visit i17accidents.com. You’ll find extra resources, detailed information, and support to assist you during this difficult period. Stay informed and protect your rights after an accident.