Dealing with an auto accident is stressful under any circumstances, but it only becomes even more challenging if the other driver does not have insurance. How will you recover compensation if they are determined to be responsible?
Uninsured drivers can leave Arizonians facing significant financial challenges, so understanding your rights and options is crucial.
Is Auto Insurance Required in Arizona?
Arizona state law requires drivers to have auto insurance. It further requires that all drivers carry minimum liability insurance coverage to protect financial compensation if they are found to be at fault for an accident.
These minimum limits include:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 for one person sustaining bodily injury or death in an accident, or $50,000 for two or more persons sustaining bodily injury or death in an accident
- Property damage liability: $15,000 for damage to others’ property
These are intended to cover the costs associated with injuries and damages you may sustain in an accident. However, despite Arizona law, many drivers across the state, including in Phoenix, are uninsured or underinsured. This can complicate your financial recovery if you or a loved one have been involved in an accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Arizona
Arizona law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage to protect you against the financial risks of an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Adding this coverage to your policy is not mandatory, though it is highly recommended. Even minor auto accidents can result in tens of thousands of dollars in damages from medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help cover those expenses and other damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance or limits that are inadequate for your damages.
How Much Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Should I Have in Arizona?
Determining the right amount of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for you depends on several factors. These include your financial situation and the level of risk you are willing to accept if you are involved in an accident.
It is generally recommended to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that matches the liability coverage limits on your policy. This means if you have $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and $300,000 per accident, you should consider the same limits for your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This would give you protection in the event of a serious accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver that results in bodily injury or property damage.
How Does Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim Work in Phoenix, AZ?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is offered through your own insurance policy. This means you must file a claim with your own carrier.
Filing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim in Phoenix generally involves a few steps, including:
- Reporting the accident: Notify Phoenix police or file a police report. This documents that accident and what occurred.
- Gathering evidence: Collect evidence from the accident scene if you can do so safely. This includes photos of injuries and property damage, contact information for witnesses, and insurance information for other drivers if they are insured.
- Contacting your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Report the accident and indicate that you believe the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. Submit documentation and evidence of the accident.
- Negotiating and attempting to settle: Your insurance company will likely investigate the claim and attempt to negotiate a settlement for injuries and other damages. A Phoenix car accident lawyer can greatly improve your odds of securing a favorable outcome. If disputes arise over the compensation you may be entitled to, they can help you explore your legal options for recovering fair compensation.
Phoenix car accident lawyers offer free initial consultations. Schedule one today to discuss the process of pursuing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim.
Can I Still File a Lawsuit Against the Other Driver?
You can still file a lawsuit against the other driver, even if they are uninsured or underinsured. However, collecting damages for your injuries and other losses can be challenging, especially if the driver does not have the financial means to pay.
A Phoenix car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and explore all potential sources for compensation, including uninsured/underinsured motorist claims and personal injury lawsuits.
What to Do After an Accident With an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver in Phoenix, AZ
Taking certain steps after an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver can help protect your legal rights. Be sure to:
- Check for injuries and move to a safe location.
- Call Phoenix police to report the accident and obtain a police report.
- Exchange contact information and insurance details with other drivers, keeping in mind they might not have insurance.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries. This can be valuable evidence.
- Seek medical attention, even if you do not feel injured, as some injuries may not immediately appear.
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident and inform them that the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
- Consult a Phoenix personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and paths forward.
Whether your accident involves a car, motorcycle, truck, or other vehicle, our Phoenix car accident lawyers can evaluate it to determine whether another driver is potentially responsible. We can then review potential paths for compensation.
Injured by Another Driver in Phoenix, AZ? Consult a Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating the aftermath of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver can be daunting. If they are responsible, you may naturally be worried about your ability to recover financial compensation. A Phoenix car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation, from filing claims to negotiating settlements with insurance companies.
Schedule a free initial consultation today if you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident involving a car, motorcycle, truck, or other vehicle in Phoenix. The Phoenix personal injury lawyers at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers can help if you have been in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance. A skilled car accident attorney can help you do all these things and more, contact Runion Personal Injury Lawyers at (602) 595-5559 or contact us online for a free consultation.