Is Arizona a No-Fault State for Car Accidents? 2025

A car collision can be a jarring event that leaves you searching for answers and a clear path toward compensation. Some states follow a no-fault approach to car collisions. This requires drivers to file with their own insurance company for damages, regardless of who is at fault. As you begin the claims process in Arizona, you may be asking yourself, “Is Arizona a no-fault state for car accidents?”

Understanding Fault-Based Car Accident Laws in Arizona

Arizona is one of many states that operate on a fault-based system. This means the person who causes the collision is financially responsible for the damage and bodily harm they cause. Compensation for these damages is typically paid from the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage. The insurance carrier may be required to pay for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other losses incurred by the injured party.

Determining fault requires an understanding of the state’s traffic laws. Queen Creek car accident attorneys must also analyze evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. If the at-fault driver lacks any insurance or is underinsured, the other party can file with their own uninsured motorist coverage. If they do not have it, the injured party can explore the possibility of a civil claim against the at-fault party.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Car Accident Claims

Even though the at-fault driver is financially responsible for any damage or harm they cause, the other party or parties to a claim may bear some responsibility for contributing to the collision. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence legal framework, which reduces liability for defendants if the plaintiff bears some responsibility for their injury.

One example would be an injured driver who was speeding at the time the negligent driver hit them. If the injured party was found to be 20% responsible for causing the collision, any settlement or court verdict would be reduced by 20%.

Arizona allows claimants to seek damages, regardless of their level of responsibility. This system can prove favorable to injured parties because they can still seek justice and compensation through the courts, even when they bear some responsibility for contributing to their injuries.

Filing a Claim After a Car Accident in Arizona

After a car collision, anyone who suffered physical injury or damage to their vehicle can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. The insurance carriers tied to the collision can then gather evidence to establish who is at fault for causing the crash.

The agents assigned to handle these claims often review police reports, photos, witness statements, and other forms of evidence before making a settlement offer. If the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier does not offer fair compensation, the injured party has the right to pursue compensation with the help of a personal injury attorney.

When to Seek Legal Assistance After a Car Accident

You may require legal representation from the outset if you are involved in a serious car collision. Insurance carriers often take steps to avoid liability or minimize the compensation they pay out to claimants. A skilled attorney can make sure you are treated fairly and secure the full amount of compensation you are owed.

If needed, your attorney can take the negligent driver to court. A personal injury claim can allow you to pursue compensation for non-economic damages if you experienced emotional trauma following the car collision. Your Queen Creek personal injury attorney can advocate for all the compensation you deserve for your losses.

FAQs

Q: Who Is Liable for a Car Accident in Arizona?

A: Arizona follows a fault-based system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages. The at-fault driver’s insurance typically covers medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other losses. Comparative negligence laws allow injured parties to seek compensation, even if they share some fault, but their recovery is reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.

Q: What Does It Mean That Arizona Is an At-Fault State?

A: Arizona is not a no-fault state. Instead, it operates under a fault-based system, where the responsible driver’s insurance covers accident-related expenses. In no-fault states, drivers file claims with their own insurance, regardless of fault. In Arizona, injured parties can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver through insurance claims or legal action if damages exceed their policy limits.

Q: Who Pays for Car Damage in a No-Fault State?

A: In no-fault states, each driver’s insurance covers their own damage and medical expenses, regardless of fault. However, Arizona follows a fault-based system, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for the damages they cause. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, victims may need to file a claim under their own uninsured motorist coverage.

Q: Can You File a Claim Against the Other Driver’s Insurance in Arizona?

A: Yes, Arizona’s fault-based system allows injured parties to file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance. If the other driver caused the accident, their liability coverage should pay for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. If their coverage is insufficient, you may need to file a personal injury claim to recover additional damages.

Q: What Happens If Both Drivers Are Partially at Fault in an Arizona Car Accident?

A: Arizona has pure comparative negligence laws, so an injured party can still recover compensation, even if they are partially at fault. However, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault, your total recovery would be reduced by 30%. Unlike some states that bar recovery if you are more than 50% at fault, Arizona allows plaintiffs to seek compensation, regardless of fault percentage.

Schedule Your Car Collision Consultation Today

Establishing fault for a car collision is a critical first step when seeking compensation for your losses. It is not uncommon for the negligent party to deny responsibility for causing a car collision. Their insurance carrier may also prove unhelpful during the claims process. To obtain what you deserve, you can rely on the legal services of Bleaman Law Firm, PC.

For decades, our injury law firm has helped clients in Arizona secure the compensation they were owed. We can represent you following a car collision and handle negotiations with the negligent driver’s insurance carrier. If needed, we can pursue a personal injury claim in court to make sure you recover the full range of compensation you need. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation.

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