When you’re involved in a car accident, bills can add up quickly. From medical treatments and vehicle repairs to lost wages and mental suffering, it can be a major and unexpected expense that someone will have to cover. It all boils down to fault laws in the state where the accident occurred. If you’re wondering, “Is Arizona a no-fault state?” then Avrek Law Firm, with its extensive experience and expertise in handling car accident cases, can help break down the answer to that question and what it means for you, providing you with the reassurance and confidence you need in such a challenging situation.
The Difference Between an At-Fault vs No-Fault State
Car insurance is intended to protect you financially in the event that you’re involved in an accident. However, the state fault laws that are in place where you live will determine how your claim is handled.
In a no-fault state, your personal injury protection insurance should cover your own medical bills, regardless of who is at fault. On the other hand, in an at-fault state, the liability insurance of the driver who is deemed responsible will pay for the injured party’s medical bills and other compensation.
If you find yourself navigating the aftermath of a car accident, seeking guidance from a reputable law firm like Avrek Law can be invaluable. Their experienced auto accident lawyers can help you understand how the fault laws in your state impact your case and work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. This step is crucial in understanding your rights and potential compensation.
Understanding Arizona’s Fault Laws and Comparative Negligence
Arizona is an at-fault state, which means whoever is responsible for the accident is also responsible for paying the damages. For example, if a person is crossing the street in a crosswalk and is struck by a speeding car, the driver who was speeding would be found at fault. A Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney could help the pedestrian navigate filing a claim and any additional lawsuits for compensation.
It’s crucial to grasp the implications of Arizona’s fault laws and comparative negligence. In this state, the concept of shared liability is significant. If you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced. For instance, if a pedestrian is under the influence and jaywalking when they are hit by a speeding car, they may share the blame. This understanding is vital as it can have a substantial impact on your case and the potential compensation you may receive.
How a state resolves issues of shared liability depends on its specific laws. Sometimes, even if you are found to be slightly to blame, you are unable to recover damages. In Arizona, they take a “pure comparative negligence” approach, which means no matter how much you may be to blame for the crash, you can still receive compensation. This approach, designed to ensure that justice is served, means that the amount you recover will be reduced in direct proportion to your share of fault in causing the accident. If you were found to be 10% to blame for a crash with damages of $10,000, your potential settlement would be reduced by $1,000.
Steps for Determining Fault in a Car Accident
In a fault state like Arizona, the role of a car accident attorney is pivotal. They can assist you in gathering all the necessary information to prove who is or who is not responsible for an accident. This step is critical and can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
A car accident attorney can assist you in this process. If you are involved in an accident, it is important that you document as much information regarding your accident and injuries as possible. Information like the following can help your injury attorney ensure that they get you the maximum compensation deserved for your injuries:
- Take pictures before the crash vehicles are moved
- Gather the names and phone numbers of those involved, including witnesses
- Ask the other driver to show you their licenses and insurance ID cards
- Record the make and model of all the cars involved
- Document the location of the accident, time of day, and weather conditions
- Wait for the police to arrive and ask for a copy of the report
If you were injured, call one of the best Phoenix personal injury lawyers from Avrek Law to help you determine the next steps.
What To Do If a Car Accident is Not Your Fault?
Car accidents can be stressful, regardless of whether they result in injury, property damage, or both. If you know the crash was not your fault, it can still be nerve-wracking trying to get the at-fault driver to cover any damages. That’s where a car accident lawyer can help. With more than 50 years of combined experience resolving cases in favor of clients who were wrongfully injured, Avrek Law has recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for injury victims in more than 45,000 cases. Contact us at (866) 598-5548 for your free consultation, where we can discuss your case and provide initial legal advice at no cost to you!
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