A serious collision can create medical, financial, and practical problems all at once. The early decisions made after a crash can affect both recovery and the insurance claim.
What to Do After an Arizona Car Accident
Seek appropriate medical care, report the collision, preserve photographs and video, identify witnesses, and keep copies of every document connected to the loss.
How Liability Is Evaluated
Liability may be established through the police report, witness statements, vehicle damage, photographs, video, electronic vehicle data, and testimony regarding speed, following distance, lane use, distraction, or impairment. Arizona generally applies comparative fault, which means an injured person’s compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to that person.
Insurance Issues
Claims may involve bodily-injury liability coverage, medical-payments coverage, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, commercial policies, umbrella coverage, and multiple responsible parties. An insurer may request a recorded statement or broad medical authorization before the injured person understands the full extent of the claim.
Recoverable Damages
Depending on the evidence, damages may include medical expenses, future treatment, lost earnings, diminished earning capacity, pain, emotional distress, disability, scarring, property damage, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Arizona Deadlines
Many Arizona personal-injury actions are subject to a two-year limitations period under A.R.S. § 12-542, but shorter deadlines may apply to government claims and other matters. A claim should be evaluated promptly rather than waiting for the general deadline.
