Arizona’s car accident compensation laws operate under a fault-based system, meaning the person responsible for the accident is liable for the damages.
If you are involved in a car accident, understanding the laws and what compensation you may be entitled to is crucial. Learn more here.
The fault-based system
Under this system, the party at fault covers property damage, medical expenses, lost wages and other related costs. Victims of car accidents have several options: filing a claim with their own insurance company, directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. The choice depends on the accident’s specifics and the severity of the damages.
Comparative negligence rule
Arizona follows the comparative negligence rule. If a car accident victim is partly at fault for the incident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For instance, if a victim is found to be 20% responsible for an accident, their total compensation will be reduced by 20%. This rule emphasizes the importance of establishing fault accurately in a car accident.
Statute of limitations
There is a time limit for filing a car accident claim. After a car accident, you have two years to file a lawsuit. If you do not file within this, it usually results in losing the right to seek compensation. This time limit makes prompt action essential after a car accident.
Insurance requirements
The law requires all drivers to have minimum liability insurance coverage. This coverage helps ensure that funds are available for compensation in case of an accident. However, it’s worth noting that minimum coverage may not be sufficient in all cases, especially if the accident results in significant damages or injuries.
Understanding Arizona’s car accident compensation laws is vital for anyone involved in a vehicular incident in the state. Awareness of the fault-based system, comparative negligence rule, statute of limitations and insurance requirements is essential for effectively navigating the compensation process.
