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Most people would rather go to the dentist than be questioned by a police officer. We are justifiably reluctant to speak freely where important legal rights and duties are involved. The law can be mysterious and confusing. Law officers can be intimidating no matter how benign their purpose. Automobile-accident data suggest that at some time in his or her life, nearly every motorist will
be involved in a collision. And for most of us, it will happen more than once. Although it would be ill-advised to do so, you can avoid seeing a dentist all your life. You probably cannot, however, avoid being questioned by a police officer. Automobile accidents are unsettling to those involved in them. However minor the accident, most people become nervous and confused. It is common for accident victims to be unclear about the details of the cause of an accident. Arizona law provides protection for motorists who are anxious or confused or who otherwise do not wish to discuss the details of an accident with an investigating police officer. The information you must provide after an accident is limited. You are required to give only your name, address and the registration number of the vehicle you are driving. If requested to do so, you also must produce your driver's license. This information must be given to the police officer and to the occupants of other vehicles involved in the accident. If the officer asks to see proof of your automobile insurance, you also must produce this. Otherwise, you are not required to discuss the accident with the investigating officer or anyone else. You need not answer questions. The law gives you an opportunity to discuss your rights with a lawyer and to obtain one to represent you before you say anything about the accident. If you have insurance, your insurance company generally will employ a lawyer for you if a claim is made against you in connection with the accident. In the normal course of an accident investigation, the police are going to ask questions. It probably is fair to say most people cooperate in this investigation. The cause of the accident, however, may have something to do with your level of cooperation. |