Average Car Accident Settlement in Arizona [2024 Updated]

If you or a family member was recently involved in a car accident, it is natural to wonder who is to blame and whether you can claim compensation for the damages you suffered. If you are wondering about the average car accident settlement in Arizona, it is important to remember that every case is different, and you need to work with a seasoned attorney if you want to reach the optimal outcome for your recovery efforts.

Claiming Compensation for a Car Accident

Under state law, the driver responsible for causing a car accident absorbs liability for the resulting damages. State law requires every driver to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements, and an at-fault driver’s insurance policy will go toward paying for the damages the driver caused. However, it is possible for the damages from a serious accident to eclipse the coverage limits provided by an average policy.

Filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance is likely to be your first option for recovering compensation for your recent accident, but dealing with insurance companies can be very challenging in several ways. Most handle these claims in good faith, but there is always a chance of encountering unexpected pushback or even unethical bad-faith tactics. Your attorney can help ensure your claim is processed in good faith and that you receive a fair settlement.

An average personal auto insurance policy will include coverage for bodily injury and property damage, but your losses from a serious accident may overshadow the coverage available from the at-fault driver’s policy. It is also possible for an uninsured driver to cause a serious accident, and insurance may not be an option for you at all. When insurance will not fully cover your damages, you can file a personal injury claim to seek full compensation for them.

Building a Personal Injury Suit for a Car Accident

The objective of a personal injury claim is to prove liability for the damages you suffered and to recover compensation for those damages so you can be as whole as possible again. The plaintiff in a personal injury case can seek compensation for economic damages such as property losses, medical bills, and lost income; they will also have the right to claim compensation for projected future damages like ongoing medical bills and lost earning capacity.

Additionally, the state’s personal injury laws enable plaintiffs to seek compensation for their pain and suffering. There is no set formula that they need to use to calculate these non-economic damages, nor is there a cap on how much they can claim. The more serious your injuries and the greater the scope of the long-term harm you suffered, the more you can expect in pain and suffering compensation if you succeed with your case.

Ultimately, while you may feel compelled to research the average car accident settlement in the state to gauge how much you might recover from your accident, the reality is that your case will likely involve many unique variables, and you should only use such reported averages as general guidelines. An experienced attorney can help you uncover every form of compensation you are legally eligible to claim from the driver who caused your accident.

FAQs

Q: Who Pays for the Damages in a Car Accident?

A: One or more parties may be responsible for paying for the damages in a car accident. The state enforces the fault rule for vehicle accidents, meaning an injured driver must prove fault before they can claim compensation from any other party, and the at-fault party will be liable for the damages they caused. The at-fault driver’s insurance may cover some damages, but a personal injury suit may be filed when insurance will not fully cover the victim’s losses.

Q: How Are Pain and Suffering Calculated?

A: In Arizona, pain and suffering can be calculated in various ways. Generally, attorneys will either base their calculations on the overall severity of their client’s damages or the client’s anticipated recovery time. The state does not enforce limits on pain and suffering compensation in most civil claims. If the injured plaintiff suffered any catastrophic harm, their pain and suffering compensation could be a sizeable portion of their total recovery.

Q: What Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

A: The total value of your car accident claim will likely include vehicle repair or replacement costs, your medical bills, and lost income if you are unable to work because of your injuries. You may also claim compensation for your pain and suffering, and punitive damages could come into play if the defendant broke the law in causing the accident. An experienced attorney can help you accurately assess the extent of the damages you can claim from the defendant.

Q: What Happens if I Share Fault for My Car Accident?

A: If you are found to share fault for your car accident, the state’s pure comparative fault rule will apply to the case, and you should expect to lose a percentage of your case award to reflect your shared liability. Each liable party will have a fault percentage assigned to them, and the plaintiff’s fault percentage will be the percentage of their case award that is deducted as a penalty.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

A: You should hire a car accident attorney because you are significantly more likely to succeed with your impending case when you have legal representation. You will also be more likely to resolve the case quickly with their help, reducing the time you need to wait to receive compensation for your losses. Additionally, your attorney may help you secure far more compensation than you may have initially expected.

The team at the Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., can provide the compassionate and responsive legal counsel you need on your side in the aftermath of a damaging car accident. While you can find lots of reports about the average car accident settlement in the state, the reality is that every case is unique, and every claimant will have different challenges and opportunities when it comes to recovery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you recover.