After a motor vehicle collision in Anthem, Arizona, the legal process can be complex, particularly when you are trying to recover from traumatic injuries. Dealing with difficult insurance companies, gathering evidence, and understanding your rights all require time and energy that you may not have during your recovery. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize your claim or deny compensation, leaving you unsure of how to move forward. This is where having legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of a personal injury case.
By working with a skilled Anthem auto accident attorney, you will have an advocate with experience and resources supporting your personal injury case.
In Arizona, all motorists are required to carry auto insurance that meets state minimum requirements for bodily injury and property damage. When a driver causes a car accident, their insurance will typically cover damages to others up to the policy’s limits. At a minimum, Arizona auto insurance policies must include:
Although these coverage amounts may seem sufficient, the costs of injuries and losses from serious car accidents can quickly exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits. Additionally, Arizona has a high rate of uninsured motorists, so there is no guarantee that coverage will be available after a crash. To learn more, reach out to our experienced auto accident attorneys serving Anthem, AZ.
In a 2022 report released by the Insurance Information Institute (III), Arizona ranks 27 out of 51 for the highest percentage of drivers without auto insurance with 11.9 percent. This was determined based on the ratio of personal injury claims to uninsured motorist claims. Nationwide, 14 percent of drivers, or approximately one in seven motorists, did not have auto insurance at the time of the incident, according to the Insurance Research Council (IRC) in a 2023 study.
In car accident cases involving serious injuries, it is likely that damages may exceed the amount covered by the other driver’s liability coverage limits, particularly if they only have the state minimum required insurance in Arizona or there is no active coverage. In such cases, you may have the option of falling back on uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) to pay for the resulting injuries and damages.
Underinsured motorist coverage is extremely helpful to have in the event of a hit-and-run crash causing injury. UM protection may apply up to the policy’s limits. Keep in mind that evidence must clearly demonstrate that the opposing party’s vehicle made contact with the injured party’s car and the injuries directly resulted from the hit-and-run. Underinsured motorist coverage is helpful to have, especially with the number of negligent drivers having state minimum limits in Arizona.
Under Arizona’s comparative fault system, liability is distributed according to the degree of fault assigned to each involved party. The more responsible someone is for causing a crash, the greater their share of the liability for the damages incurred. It is not uncommon for an insurance company to unfairly pinpoint fault onto an injured party. As such, it is helpful to hire a skilled Anthem auto accident attorney immediately to identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.
Recovering from a traffic collision in Anthem, Arizona, usually involves filing a personal injury claim. The time frame for filing a claim is short as the injured party must notify the insurance company within a few days of the incident. This may vary based on the contractual language of the policy. If the claim is not settled within the two-year statute of limitations, the case must be filed in civil court. Failure to protect the statute may lead to the court ultimately deciding to dismiss the case.
While a two-year time limit applies to most cases, some may be as short as six months if a government agency is named a defendant. Examples of claims filed against public entities include negligent operation of government-operated vehicles and unsafe road conditions on state-maintained bridges and highways. A plaintiff has no more than 180 days or six months from the date of the accident to file a claim against the appropriate government agency.
You should not depend on the insurer to prioritize your interests after a car wreck. Being profit-driven, the insurance company will do everything possible to pay as little as possible. Retaining legal counsel can level the playing field. You can depend on your auto accident attorney to:
Our skilled Anthem car accident lawyers want you to know that you only have one chance to seek compensation for your losses. Our legal team is here to help you maximize that opportunity. Call our law office or message us online for your free consultation today.
After being injured in a crash, you may feel as though no one is on your side. The insurance company representing the opposing party may dispute or deny liability while your medical bills, wage loss and other damages are piling up. In such situations, it is important to work with a law firm that will seek justice and maximum compensation. Understand your options after a crash by contacting a skilled Anthem auto accident attorney today. Call us for a free consultation at (602) 777-3300.
If you have been hurt in a car accident, Southwest Injury Law is the best personal injury law firm in Nevada and Arizona. Get off the phone with insurance adjusters and focus on healing. Leave the legal work to Southwest Injury Law, your trusted Personal Injury Lawyers In Las Vegas, NV, Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding areas.