Each state has its own car accident laws, and when it comes to Arizona, there are several laws that you should know about to help you with your car accident claim and receive compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Phoenix car accident attorneys recommend documenting the accident as soon as it occurs and pursuing a personal injury claim. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that can help you connect with a car accident lawyer and pursue your claim. Here is what you should know about Arizona’s car accident laws!
Arizona is a “Fault” State
In the U.S., most states follow fault or no-fault systems regarding car accidents. In “fault” states, such as Arizona, the party deemed responsible for the accident and the damages resulting from it must pay the victim for the injuries and damages that resulted from the accident.
However, Arizona also follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that fault and liability can be shared among multiple parties involved in the car accident. For example, if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover some compensation for your damages. Even if you are 99% responsible for the car accident, you can still pursue compensation.
Insurance Requirements
Drivers are required to carry liability insurance coverage under Arizona law. The minimum obligatory coverage is $25,000 for bodily injury per person or death, $50,000 for two or more victims that suffered bodily injury or death, and $15,000 for property damage.
Statute of Limitations
Another important law in Arizona that you should know about concerning car accidents is the statute of limitations, which is two years from the accident date. If you do not pursue a claim within two years after the car accident occurred, you might be unable to receive compensation for your damages.
However, the statute of limitations can be tolled if you were a minor when the accident occurred, the at-fault driver left the state, or you were mentally incapacitated due to the accident.
Damages You Can Pursue
In Arizona, you can receive compensation for various types of damages following a car accident. For example, you are entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to tangible damages such as injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages refer to intangible damages such as pain and suffering, emotional anguish, PTSD, and other conditions resulting from the unfortunate event.
Pursuing a Claim
You have the right to use the services of a personal injury lawyer or car accident lawyer to pursue your claim and ensure that you are rightfully compensated for your losses. With a lawyer, you can uncover all your legal options and what damages you can pursue.
A lawyer will analyze your case, do the paperwork, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance firms, and represent you in court if necessary. They can also hire third-party experts to prove the negligence of the other party.
