Car Accident Lawsuits in Arizona
If you suffer a car accident injury in the state of Arizona, you may have to worry about medical bills, lost income from missed work, and fixing your vehicle. Accident victims may be able to recover damages to pay for their losses with a car accident claim. The amount of compensation you can recover may depend on your individual car accident case. Find an experienced Arizona car accident lawyer for legal advice about your personal injury claim.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Arizona
You may be in shock immediately after a car accident. There are certain things you should do to protect yourself and your loved ones. The first step is to get medical attention for anyone injured in the accident. Call 911 if anyone suffers a severe injury or is trapped in the vehicle.
Even if you don’t think the injuries are that bad, you should consider seeing a doctor. Some head injuries may take time before symptoms develop. Getting early treatment for bodily injuries can improve your chance of making a full recovery.
After an accident, you should exchange contact information with the other driver. This includes their name, address, and car insurance policy information. You may also want to take pictures of the scene of the accident, including any property damage. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information.
Drivers are generally required to report any accidents to their auto insurance company. Review your insurance policy for how to report an accident. If you wait too long it may delay your insurance claim payment.
Will Insurance Cover My Injuries in a Car Accident?
Insurance coverage can be complicated. Your insurance company should pay for any damages covered by your insurance policy. However, some things might not be covered. This depends on the type of insurance you have, the cause of the accident, and who was the at-fault driver.
Under Arizona law, drivers are required to maintain minimum coverage when it comes to car insurance. Minimum coverage includes:
- $25,000 for bodily injuries for a single person
- $50,000 for personal injuries for all parties
- $15,000 for property damage
Any other auto insurance coverage may be optional. With the high cost of medical care, some drivers have increased coverage. Collision and comprehensive coverage pay for property damage, no matter who was at fault.
What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Many motor vehicle drivers also carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Uninsured coverage can provide protection if the driver responsible for the accident does not have insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay for your damages.
Who Is Responsible for Damages After a Car Crash?
Drivers who violate traffic laws, drive carelessly, or are negligent may be responsible for car accident damages. Examples of negligent driving that can cause an accident include:
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Running a red light
- Distracted driving
Some accidents are not caused by a driver. For example, if a faulty car part caused the accident, the vehicle manufacturer may be liable for damages.
Many vehicle accidents involve both drivers being partly at fault for causing the crash. For example, if one driver was speeding and the other driver was texting on their phone, both may share liability for the accident.
When both drivers share some fault in causing the accident, comparative fault is divided between the two. Under Arizona’s comparative negligence laws, your damages are reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if you are 40% responsible for the accident and the other driver is 60% responsible, any damages you can recover will be reduced by 40%.
What Damages Are Available in a Car Accident Settlement?
The types of damages you could potentially recover for a car accident can include economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Economic damages can include lost income, medical expenses, and future medical treatment. Non-economic damages can include pain and suffering, loss of support, and emotional distress. Talk to a personal injury lawyer to understand more about how much you can get in a fair settlement amount after a car accident.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing an Auto Accident Lawsuit in Arizona?
There is a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for most car accident personal injury cases is two years in Arizona. That means you have to file your case within two years of the accident or your case can be dismissed.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?
Some drivers don’t think they need an attorney after a car accident. Many people just let their insurance company handle the case. However, the insurance company is more interested in saving money than making sure you get a fair settlement. Don’t settle your claim before you understand your legal rights. A personal injury attorney can tell you your legal options and put you in the best position to get the maximum compensation available.