How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Arizona?
Arizona has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under A.R.S. § 12-542. The clock starts on the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the 2-year period runs from the date of death under A.R.S. § 12-542. Claims against government entities (city, county, state) require a notice of claim within 180 days under A.R.S. § 12-821.01. Missing the deadline permanently bars your claim.
What is Arizona's pure comparative fault rule?
Arizona uses pure comparative fault under A.R.S. § 12-2505 — one of the most plaintiff-friendly fault rules in the US. Unlike states with a 51% bar, Arizona has NO bar. Even if you were 99% at fault, you can still recover 1% of your damages. Your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 40% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you recover $60,000.
What is the average car accident settlement in Arizona?
Average car accident settlements in Arizona range from $12,000 for minor injuries to over $400,000 for serious cases. Maricopa County (Phoenix/Scottsdale) tends to produce higher verdicts than rural Arizona. Soft tissue injuries average $15,000–$35,000; herniated disc cases average $50,000–$175,000; cases requiring surgery can exceed $300,000. Arizona's pure comparative fault rule can benefit plaintiffs who were partially at fault.
What are Arizona's minimum car insurance requirements?
Arizona requires all drivers to carry: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident bodily injury liability; and $15,000 property damage liability. Arizona does not require uninsured motorist coverage, but insurers must offer it. Approximately 12% of Arizona drivers are uninsured, so UM/UIM coverage is strongly recommended, particularly given the high number of out-of-state drivers passing through.
Do I need to report my accident to the Arizona MVD?
In Arizona, you must report an accident to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within 24 hours if it resulted in injury, death, or property damage over $2,000 and no police report was filed. If police responded to the scene, they file the report. You should always call police to any injury accident. The MVD report is separate from your insurance claim.
How does Arizona's pure comparative fault differ from other states?
Most states use modified comparative fault with a 51% or 50% bar — meaning if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything. Arizona's pure comparative fault has no such bar. This means: (1) you can recover even if you were mostly at fault; (2) insurance companies cannot use your partial fault to completely deny your claim; (3) defendants may try to assign you a high percentage of fault to reduce their payout, but you still recover something. This makes Arizona more favorable for plaintiffs than most states.