It’s a common assumption that if the other driver doesn’t have insurance, they automatically lose their rights after an accident. You might think they can’t file a claim or that you’re completely off the hook. This is a dangerous misconception. The reality of what happens if an insured driver hits an uninsured driver is far more complex. Fault is determined by the actions on the road, not by insurance status. This means you could still be held liable for their damages if you caused the crash. Understanding your responsibilities, how your own insurance works, and the other driver’s legal standing is critical to navigating the aftermath correctly.
Key Takeaways
- Document Everything Immediately: After checking for injuries and moving to safety, your priority is to gather evidence. Use your phone to photograph the damage, the scene, and the other driver’s license plate. Always call the police to get an official report, as this unbiased account is essential for your claim.
- Your Insurance Is Your First Line of Defense: An accident with an uninsured driver is exactly why you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This part of your policy is designed to cover your medical bills and lost wages. Use your Collision and MedPay coverage for car repairs and immediate medical costs.
- Don’t Hesitate to Get Legal Help: The claims process can be complicated, even when you’re not at fault. If you’ve been seriously injured, the other driver is disputing what happened, or your own insurer is making a low offer, an attorney can protect your rights and handle the negotiations for you.
Hit by an Uninsured Driver? Here Are Your First 5 Steps
The sound of crunching metal, the jolt of impact—a car accident is jarring enough. But when you find out the other driver doesn’t have insurance, a wave of new worries can hit you. How will you pay for your car repairs? What about your medical bills? It’s a stressful and confusing situation, but taking a few specific actions right away can make a huge difference in protecting your rights and simplifying the claims process.
Think of these steps as your immediate action plan. By staying calm and methodically gathering the right information, you build a strong foundation for your case. This ensures you have everything you need when you talk to your insurance company and a personal injury attorney. While every accident is unique, following this checklist can help you manage the chaos and set yourself up for the best possible outcome. From ensuring everyone’s safety to documenting the scene, here’s exactly what you should do in the moments after being hit by an uninsured driver. It’s about taking control in a situation that feels completely out of your control. These actions aren’t just suggestions; they are critical for building the evidence needed to support your claim and get the compensation you deserve.
Check for Injuries and Get to Safety
Before you do anything else, your first priority is health and safety. Check on yourself and any passengers in your car. If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road and out of the flow of traffic to prevent another collision. Once you’re in a safe spot, check on the other driver and their passengers.
Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to call 911. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries, like whiplash or concussions, don’t always show immediate symptoms. Calling 911 dispatches both police and emergency medical services to the scene, ensuring anyone who is hurt gets prompt medical attention. This also officially documents the incident, which is a critical first step.
Call the Police and File a Report
No matter how minor the accident seems, always call the police. When an officer arrives, they will create an official police report. This report is an unbiased, third-party account of the accident and serves as a vital piece of evidence for your insurance claim. It will typically include details like the date, time, and location of the crash, the parties involved, statements from drivers and witnesses, and sometimes the officer’s initial assessment of fault.
Having this official record is especially important in a car accident involving an uninsured driver. It validates your story and provides a factual basis for your claim with your own insurance company. Be sure to get the officer’s name, badge number, and the police report number before you leave the scene.
Exchange Key Information
While you won’t be able to get insurance details from the at-fault driver, you still need to gather their personal information. Calmly ask for their full name, home address, phone number, and driver’s license number. It’s also a good idea to get the make, model, and license plate number of their vehicle. If they are cooperative, use your phone to take a picture of their driver’s license and license plate for accuracy.
If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information as well. Independent witness statements can be incredibly powerful in supporting your version of events, especially if the other driver tries to dispute what happened later on. Don’t be shy—most people are willing to help.
Document Everything at the Scene
While you wait for the police to arrive, use your smartphone to become your own investigator. Take photos and videos of everything you can think of. Document the damage to both vehicles from various angles, the final resting positions of the cars, and any skid marks or debris on the road. Capture the broader scene, including traffic signs, weather conditions, and the direction each car was traveling.
If you have any visible injuries, take pictures of those, too. It’s also helpful to write down or record a voice memo of exactly what happened while the details are still fresh in your mind. This personal record, combined with your photos, creates a comprehensive picture of the accident that can be invaluable for your claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company
As soon as you are able, contact your own insurance company to report the accident. Your policy requires you to provide prompt notification, so don’t delay this step. When you call, explain that you were in an accident and that the other driver is uninsured. This will trigger the process for filing a claim under your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, assuming you have it as part of your policy.
When you speak with your insurance representative, stick to the facts of what happened. Avoid speculating, guessing, or admitting any fault. Simply provide the information you gathered at the scene, including the police report number. Your insurer will guide you through the next steps for getting your vehicle repaired and covering your medical expenses.
What Does This Mean for You Legally?
After a car accident, the legal side of things can feel overwhelming, especially when one driver is uninsured. It’s natural to have questions about who pays for what and what your responsibilities are. The key thing to remember is that fault is determined by the actions of each driver, not by their insurance status. Let’s walk through what this means for you, step by step, so you can feel confident about what to do next. Understanding your rights and obligations is the first step toward protecting yourself and getting things back on track.
How Fault Is Determined
When it comes to figuring out who is responsible for a crash, insurance coverage doesn’t enter the equation. Fault is based entirely on negligence—which driver failed to act with reasonable care, causing the accident? Investigators will look at the police report, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene to make this determination. If you are found to be at fault for the car accident, your insurance company will likely have to cover the uninsured driver’s vehicle damage and injuries, up to your policy limits. Their lack of insurance doesn’t change your legal responsibility if you caused the collision.
Your Potential Liability
Just because the other driver doesn’t have insurance, it doesn’t mean they can’t seek compensation from you if you were at fault. They still have the right to file a claim against your liability insurance or even sue you personally for their medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. This is why carrying adequate liability coverage is so critical—it protects your personal assets in case you cause an accident. On the flip side, if the uninsured driver was at fault, you still have ways to recover money for your own injuries and damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you explore all your options in that situation.
Your Reporting Responsibilities
After any accident, there are a few immediate steps you must take to protect your legal rights. First, call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance if needed. A police report creates an official, unbiased record of the incident, which is invaluable for insurance claims. Next, you need to notify your own insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. This gets the claims process started and allows them to begin their investigation. Failing to report it in a timely manner could jeopardize your coverage. If you’re unsure about what to say or what to do next, you can always contact an attorney for guidance.
Understanding Arizona’s Laws
In Arizona, the law is very clear: all drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. Driving without it is a criminal offense that can lead to hefty fines, license suspension, and other serious penalties. It’s important to distinguish this from the civil matter of the accident itself. While the uninsured driver will face legal consequences for breaking the insurance law, that’s separate from determining who pays for the accident damages. Understanding these state-specific rules is crucial for handling your claim correctly. You can find more information about Arizona traffic and insurance laws on our resources page.
Can the Uninsured Driver Sue You?
It’s a common question that comes up after a collision: If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, do they lose their right to take legal action? The short answer is no. Even if the other driver was breaking the law by driving without insurance, they can still file a claim against you if they believe you caused the accident.
Determining who was at fault is a separate issue from whether a driver has insurance. While they will face legal penalties for being uninsured, that doesn’t automatically prevent them from seeking compensation for their damages if you were the one responsible for the crash. Your insurance company will investigate the accident to determine liability, and if you are found to be at fault, the other driver has the right to pursue a claim.
Their Right to File a Claim
In Arizona, anyone involved in an accident has the right to file a claim for damages if they weren’t at fault. The other driver’s lack of insurance doesn’t take away this fundamental right. Think of it this way: their decision to drive uninsured is a matter between them and the state, while the accident is a matter between the two of you. If your negligence caused the car accident, you (and your insurance company) can still be held responsible for the damages that resulted. Their claim will be filed against your liability insurance policy, which is precisely what it’s for.
What the Claims Process Looks Like
If the uninsured driver files a claim, it will be directed to your insurance provider. Your insurer will then open an investigation into the accident. They will review the police report, look at photos of the scene, consider witness statements, and analyze any other available evidence to determine who was at fault. If their investigation concludes that you were partially or fully responsible for the collision, your insurance company will handle the claim. They will negotiate with the other driver and pay for their covered damages, like vehicle repairs, up to the limits of your policy.
What to Expect If They File
While an uninsured driver can file a claim, Arizona’s “No Pay, No Play” law can limit what they can recover. This law generally prevents an uninsured driver from suing for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, even if you were 100% at fault. Their claim is typically restricted to economic damages, which include tangible losses like the cost to repair their vehicle and their medical bills. There are exceptions, such as if you were driving under the influence, but for most standard accidents, this law significantly impacts their potential recovery. Understanding these nuances is a key part of any personal injury case.
Navigating Lawsuits and Settlements
Most claims are settled out of court, but if the uninsured driver decides to sue you, your insurance company will step in to defend you. Your liability coverage almost always includes the cost of providing a legal defense. Your insurer will hire attorneys to represent you and will manage the entire legal process, from responding to the lawsuit to representing you in court if necessary. They will also handle any settlement negotiations. The goal for your insurance company is to resolve the claim within your policy limits. If you receive any legal notices, it’s crucial to contact your insurance agent immediately so they can take action.
What Will Your Insurance Cover?
After a car accident, your first thoughts are likely about safety and what comes next. When the other driver is uninsured, it adds another layer of complexity. The good news is that your own insurance policy is designed to handle situations just like this. The specific coverage you have will determine how damages and injuries are paid for. Understanding the different parts of your policy is the first step to figuring out how you’re protected, whether you were at fault or not. Let’s break down the key types of coverage that may come into play.
How Your Liability Coverage Works
Think of liability coverage as your financial protection for any damage you cause to others. If you are found at fault for the accident, this is the part of your policy that will step in. Your liability insurance is responsible for covering the other driver’s expenses, including their vehicle repairs and medical bills, up to your policy limits.
The fact that the other driver doesn’t have insurance doesn’t change your responsibility if you caused the crash. They can still file a claim against your insurance to cover their losses. This is why having adequate liability limits is so important—it shields your personal assets from a potential lawsuit after a car accident.
The Role of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is a crucial part of any Arizona auto policy, but it works in the reverse of our main scenario. UM coverage protects you when you are hit by an uninsured driver who is at fault. It covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages when the person who should be paying has no insurance to do so.
While it won’t apply if you are the one who caused the accident, it’s essential to have. Collisions where fault is disputed are common, and if it turns out the uninsured driver was responsible, your UM coverage becomes your primary source for compensation. It’s an inexpensive safety net that protects you and your family from the financial fallout of someone else’s mistake.
Using Collision Coverage for Your Car
Regardless of who is at fault, collision coverage is what pays to repair or replace your own vehicle. If you caused the accident with the uninsured driver, you will file a claim under your own collision policy. You’ll have to pay your deductible, and then your insurance company will cover the remaining cost of the repairs.
This coverage is completely separate from your liability insurance. While liability pays for the other person’s damages, collision is all about fixing your car. If you don’t have collision coverage, you would unfortunately be responsible for paying for your own vehicle repairs out-of-pocket when you are the at-fault driver. You can find more answers to insurance questions on our FAQ page.
Covering Medical Bills (MedPay & PIP)
Arizona is an “at-fault” state, which means the person who causes the accident is responsible for the medical bills. However, determining fault can take time. This is where Medical Payments coverage, or MedPay, comes in. MedPay is optional coverage you can add to your auto policy that pays for your and your passengers’ medical expenses after an accident, no matter who was at fault.
It provides immediate funds for things like hospital visits, co-pays, and ambulance fees, so you don’t have to wait for a settlement to get the care you need. It’s an excellent way to ensure your health is the top priority after any personal injury without worrying about upfront costs.
What Consequences Does the Uninsured Driver Face?
While your primary concern is your own recovery and vehicle repairs, it’s helpful to understand what the uninsured driver is up against. Driving without insurance in Arizona isn’t just a minor traffic ticket; it comes with a cascade of legal and financial penalties that can affect someone for years. These consequences are handled separately from any civil claim you might file for your damages.
Fines and Legal Penalties
First and foremost, driving without insurance is against the law. When the police arrive at the scene of a car accident, one of the first things they’ll ask for is proof of insurance. If the other driver can’t provide it, they will face immediate legal trouble. This typically includes substantial fines, which can be several hundred dollars for a first offense and increase significantly for repeat offenses. It’s important to remember that this is a criminal matter between the driver and the state. It’s completely separate from their responsibility to pay for the damages they caused in the accident, which is a civil matter. The state penalties are designed to punish the act of driving uninsured.
Risk of License Suspension
Beyond fines, the uninsured driver faces serious administrative penalties from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). A conviction for driving without insurance often leads to an automatic driver’s license suspension. Getting their license back isn’t a simple process. They will be required to pay reinstatement fees and file an SR-22 form, which is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves they now have insurance. This form must be maintained for a set period, usually a few years. This suspension creates a major disruption in their life, making it difficult to get to work, school, or handle daily responsibilities, all because they chose to drive without coverage.
Personal Responsibility for Damages
This is where the consequences directly impact your ability to recover compensation. Since the at-fault driver has no insurance company to pay for your losses, they become personally liable for every penny. This includes your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and pain and suffering. If they don’t willingly pay, you may need to file a lawsuit against them directly. A successful personal injury lawsuit can result in a judgment that allows you to collect from them through methods like wage garnishment or placing a lien on their property. While collecting from an individual can be challenging, it holds them financially accountable for the harm they caused.
Challenges Getting Insured Later
The consequences don’t stop once the fines are paid and the license is reinstated. A record of driving without insurance makes a person a high-risk driver in the eyes of insurance companies. When they do try to get coverage, they will find that their premiums are drastically higher than those for a driver with a clean record. Some insurance companies may even refuse to cover them at all. This long-term financial penalty serves as a constant reminder of their poor decision. It underscores the importance of maintaining continuous auto insurance coverage, not just for legal compliance but for financial protection.
What If the Uninsured Driver Was at Fault?
It can feel like a huge injustice when the driver who caused your accident doesn’t have insurance. You followed the rules, but they didn’t, and now you’re left with car repairs and medical bills. The good news is that you still have clear paths to get the compensation you need. Even though the other driver was irresponsible, you aren’t out of options. Your own insurance policy and the legal system offer ways to make things right. Let’s walk through how you can handle this situation and protect your financial well-being.
How Your Uninsured Motorist Policy Protects You
Your first and best line of defense is likely your own auto insurance policy. If you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, it’s designed for this exact scenario. This coverage steps in to act as the at-fault driver’s missing insurance. It can help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages from time off work, and even pain and suffering. Instead of chasing down a driver who has no way to pay, you can turn to the policy you’ve been paying for. It’s a crucial safety net that ensures you aren’t left covering all the costs of an accident that wasn’t your fault.
How to Recover Damages
To start the process, you’ll need to file a claim under your Uninsured Motorist coverage with your own insurance company. This works much like any other car accident claim. You will provide your insurer with the police report, photos from the scene, medical records, and any other documentation you have. Your insurance company will then investigate the accident to confirm the other driver was at fault and uninsured. While it’s your own insurer, remember their goal is still to minimize their payout. It’s important to present a clear and thorough claim to recover the full damages you’re owed.
Your Legal Options for Compensation
Beyond your insurance policy, you always have the legal right to sue the at-fault driver directly. By filing a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek a judgment from the court ordering the driver to pay for your damages. This holds them personally responsible for the harm they caused. A lawsuit can be a powerful tool, especially if your injuries are severe and your costs exceed your insurance limits. An attorney can help you understand if this is the right step for your situation and guide you through the legal process to ensure your rights are fully protected.
The Challenge of Collecting Payment
While suing the uninsured driver is an option, collecting the money can be difficult. A person driving without insurance often lacks the financial resources or assets to pay a large court judgment. Even if you win your case, they may not have savings, property, or garnishable wages. This is why your Uninsured Motorist coverage is so valuable—it provides a more reliable source of funds. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the driver’s financial situation to determine if a lawsuit is a practical option for you.
Will Your Insurance Rates Go Up?
It’s one of the first questions on everyone’s mind after a car accident: “If I file a claim, will my insurance rates go up?” It’s a valid concern, especially when you weren’t the one at fault. The honest answer is, it’s possible. Insurance companies operate on risk assessment, and being involved in any accident can sometimes flag you as a higher risk, even if you did nothing wrong. This can feel incredibly frustrating when you’ve done everything right on the road.
However, letting this fear stop you from filing a claim can be a huge mistake. The costs associated with a personal injury—from medical bills and physical therapy to lost wages from time off work—can quickly become overwhelming. The compensation you can recover through a claim is designed to cover these exact expenses and is almost always worth more than a potential small increase in your monthly premium. Think of it this way: the financial hit from an accident is immediate and can be substantial, while a rate increase is often minor and may not even happen. Before you decide against reporting the accident, it’s important to understand what actually influences your rates and weigh the long-term benefits of getting the financial support you need to recover.
What Factors Affect Your Rates?
Whether your insurance premium increases after an accident with an uninsured driver isn’t a simple yes-or-no question. The outcome depends heavily on your specific insurance provider and their internal policies. Some companies offer “accident forgiveness” for a first claim, while others might raise rates after any incident. Other factors that come into play include your driving record and claims history, the state you live in, and the specifics of your policy. Because so many variables are involved, two different people in similar accidents could see completely different results on their insurance bills.
How Being At-Fault (or Not) Changes Things
You would think that if the other driver was uninsured and clearly at fault, your rates would be safe. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Some insurance companies have been known to raise rates after a car accident claim regardless of who was responsible. Their reasoning is that involvement in any accident suggests a higher future risk. While this can feel incredibly unfair, it’s a reality of the industry. This is why it’s so important to understand the terms of your own policy and not assume that being blameless protects you from a rate hike.
The Long-Term Impact of Filing a Claim
Even with the possibility of a rate increase, you should still strongly consider filing a claim. Think about the alternative: paying for vehicle repairs, medical treatments, and covering lost income entirely out of your own pocket. These costs can easily run into the thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars. A slight increase in your insurance premium pales in comparison to that kind of financial burden. The money you can recover is meant to make you whole again. Don’t let the fear of what might happen with your rates prevent you from getting the compensation you rightfully deserve.
How to Protect Yourself from Uninsured Drivers
You can be the most careful driver on the road, but you can’t control the actions—or insurance status—of others. The reality is that many drivers in Arizona are uninsured. The best way to shield yourself from the financial fallout of an accident with one is to make sure your own insurance policy is solid. Having the right coverage is your first and strongest line of defense, giving you peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel.
Carry the Right Insurance Coverage
Your most important tool is Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. Think of it as a safety net that your own insurance company provides. If you’re hit by a driver with no insurance, your UM coverage steps in to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. A similar option, Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits aren’t high enough to cover all of your costs. While Arizona law requires all drivers to have liability insurance, UM and UIM coverages are optional—but they are absolutely essential for your protection.
Know Your Policy Limits
It’s not enough to just have UM/UIM coverage; you also need to know how much coverage you have. Pull out your insurance policy declaration page and look at the numbers. Many people opt for the lowest possible limits to save money, but this can leave you vulnerable after a serious accident. A minimum-limits policy might only cover a fraction of the costs from significant injuries. Take a moment to review your policy and ask yourself if the limits are high enough to protect your family’s financial well-being. If you’re unsure, a quick call to your insurance agent can help you assess your needs.
Consider Extra Protection
Beyond UM/UIM, a couple of other coverage types can be lifesavers. Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers, no matter who was at fault in the car accident. It typically has no deductible and can provide immediate funds for hospital visits or co-pays. Additionally, Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a crash. Without it, you could be left paying for all your car repairs out of pocket if an uninsured driver hits you. These policies add layers of security, ensuring you have multiple avenues for financial recovery.
When to Call a Personal Injury Attorney
Deciding whether to hire a lawyer after a car accident can feel like another major stressor, but it’s often the most important step you can take to protect yourself. While a minor fender-bender might not require legal help, certain situations make having an experienced attorney in your corner essential. This is especially true when you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver, as the path to getting compensated becomes much more complicated. If you find yourself in any of the following scenarios, it’s a good idea to seek legal advice.
If Fault Is Unclear or Disputed
After a crash, the other driver might try to shift the blame onto you to avoid responsibility, especially if they don’t have insurance. If there were no clear witnesses or if the police report is inconclusive, proving what really happened can be tough. A personal injury attorney can launch a proper investigation into your accident. They know how to gather crucial evidence, like traffic camera footage, cell phone records, and witness statements, to build a strong case that clearly establishes who was at fault. This work is critical for holding the right person accountable and securing the compensation you need.
When You’re Seriously Injured
If you’ve suffered significant injuries—like broken bones, a concussion, or anything that requires surgery or ongoing physical therapy—the financial stakes are incredibly high. Your medical bills can quickly become overwhelming, and you may be losing income from time off work. An experienced car accident lawyer will work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full cost of your injuries, both now and in the future. They fight to ensure your settlement covers everything from hospital stays and future treatments to lost earning capacity and your pain and suffering, so you aren’t left paying for someone else’s mistake down the road.
If the Insurance Company Is Giving You Trouble
It’s a frustrating reality, but even your own insurance company can give you a hard time when you file an uninsured motorist claim. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, so they might delay your claim, pressure you into giving a recorded statement, or make a lowball settlement offer that doesn’t come close to covering your expenses. An attorney knows how to handle these tactics. They can take over all communication with the insurance adjuster and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. Having a lawyer shows the insurer you’re serious about getting a fair deal.
To Protect Your Rights and Get Fair Compensation
Ultimately, the legal system is complex, and a single misstep—like missing a filing deadline—can jeopardize your entire claim. Hiring an attorney means you have a professional advocate dedicated to protecting your rights. They handle the confusing paperwork, communicate with all involved parties, and build a compelling case while you focus on your recovery. A lawyer’s job is to make sure you understand your options and to fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law. If you’re ready to have an expert take over, you can contact a lawyer for a consultation.
Related Articles
- What Happens to Uninsured Drivers in an Accident?
- Do Insurance Companies Pursue Uninsured Drivers After an Accident?
- What Happens If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
- Will My Insurance Go Up If Hit By an Uninsured Driver?
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the other driver gives me fake information or just drives away? This is a hit-and-run scenario, and your first step is to ensure your safety and call the police immediately. Try to remember as much as you can about the other vehicle, especially the license plate number, make, model, and color. Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is designed to protect you in these exact situations, so you can still file a claim with your own insurance company to cover your injuries and damages.
Do I really need a lawyer if I’m just filing a claim with my own insurance company? It’s a good idea to at least speak with an attorney. Even though it’s your own insurer, their primary goal is to minimize their payout. An experienced lawyer can help you accurately calculate all your damages, including future medical needs and lost income, and will handle the negotiations for you. This ensures you receive a fair settlement that truly covers your losses, not just what the insurance company first offers.
What happens if my medical bills and car repairs cost more than my Uninsured Motorist policy limits? This is a challenging situation, but you still have options. The next step is often to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. If you win the case, the court will issue a judgment ordering them to pay. An attorney can investigate the driver’s assets to see if collecting on that judgment is possible through actions like wage garnishment, which can help you recover the remaining costs.
Will I have to pay my deductible if the uninsured driver was at fault? It depends on the specific coverage you use. If you file a claim under your Collision coverage to get your car fixed, you will likely have to pay your deductible upfront. Your insurance company may then try to get that money back from the at-fault driver, but it’s not guaranteed. Some Uninsured Motorist Property Damage policies have a much lower deductible or may waive it entirely, so it’s best to check the details of your specific policy.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a car accident in Arizona? In Arizona, the statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. While that might sound like plenty of time, it’s crucial to act much sooner. Building a strong case involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and documenting injuries, all of which becomes more difficult as time passes. Contacting an attorney early on protects your rights and sets you up for the best possible outcome.