Arizona Car Accident Laws

Car accident laws help keep our roads safer and establish a framework that a car accident lawyer in Phoenix can use to ensure their clients are fairly compensated in the event of an accident. 

These rules vary by state and location. In Arizona, car accident laws cover a myriad of issues, including the process for reporting an accident, how to prove negligence, and the insurance requirements for drivers.

I Was in a Car Accident. What Do I Do?

First and foremost, make sure you’re safe and get medical attention. Accidents are stressful, and adrenaline often masks underlying injuries. You need a professional healthcare provider to assess, diagnose, and treat any serious injuries right away. In addition, there may be other issues, such as whiplash or lower back injuries, that aren’t immediately obvious and need long-term, follow-up care.

Any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage of more than $2,000 also must be reported to the police. Even if an accident doesn’t meet this threshold, a police report can help with future insurance claims, settlement negotiations, and legal actions.

Take photos, gather information from eyewitnesses, and exchange names, addresses, insurance details, and vehicle registrations with other drivers.

Then, call a reputable personal injury attorney like Gage Mathers. We have won 99% of the cases we’ve taken on, and we’ve recovered more than $275 million for our clients. This is the kind of top-notch legal representation you need.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Arizona

Negligence in Arizona: Defined

Arizona car accident laws are based on the comparative negligence model. They allow injured parties to pursue compensation, but the amount will be based on the percentage of fault attributed to each party. However, if during the accident fault determination, it is found that the claimant intentionally caused or contributed to the accident or is more than 50% responsible for the accident, they can not claim damages. 

A lawsuit also needs to be filed within two years of a motor vehicle accident. Otherwise, you lose your right to sue for any losses or damage you experienced during a car accident. Insurance companies representing at-fault drivers may try to deny and delay payments, which could make it harder for a person to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

How Much Insurance Do Drivers Need in Arizona?

All drivers in Arizona must have insurance. There are severe penalties for driving without the required insurance. The minimum amounts are:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
• $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people
• $15,000 for property damage

Some drivers purchase additional insurance to cover the difference between a potential claim and these minimum amounts.

What a Good Attorney Can Do For You

Anyone who drives in Arizona needs to abide by the state’s car accident laws. When there’s an accident, even when it involves a mechanical failure accident claim, you need a skilled attorney who is intimately familiar with the nuances of determining liability and winning settlements for their clients. 

The sooner you contact Gage Mathers for a free consultation, the better. And remember, we only get paid if we win a settlement for you!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
JD’s Profile