Arizona Auto Accident Attorneys
In 2014, there were 708 fatal traffic accidents, in Arizona, taking 774 lives, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (AZDOT). Nearly 140 people were injured in Arizona traffic crashes each day. If you have been injured in an auto accident or if you have lost a loved one in a fatal crash in Arizona, you need the help of experienced and highly qualified Arizona auto accident lawyers to recover the full and fair compensation you need.
Negligence
You can recover compensation for your injuries if your accident was the result of someone else’s negligence. You do not need to prove intentional wrongdoing or extreme recklessness. Drivers have a duty to use reasonable care to avoid hurting others. When they fail to do so and cause injuries, they can be held financially responsible for the harm they have caused.
Comparative Negligence in Arizona Accidents
Arizona gives you the opportunity to recover compensation, even if you were 99% to blame for your injuries. When you are partly to blame, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 10% to blame, your compensation is reduced by 10%.
If you were not wearing your seat belt when the accident occurred, your compensation may be reduced even though seat belt non-use does not cause accidents. However, it is up to the driver who caused your accident to prove that not wearing your seatbelt contributed to the seriousness of your injuries.
Time Limits
There are time limits for taking legal action and if you let a deadline pass you can lose your right to compensation no matter how strong the evidence in your favor. The statute of limitations for personal injury in Arizona is two years from the date of injury.
If you must sue a government entity, however, you only have six months to take action.
Drunk Drivers
If a drunk driver caused your accident, in Arizona, punitive damages may be available. In fact, it is one of the few circumstances under which punitive damages are considered. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter such behavior.
Dram shop liability may also give you the opportunity to recover compensation from the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver who caused your injuries. The law is specific. The drunk driver must have been under age or obviously intoxicated when the alcohol was sold or served and other conditions apply.
If you have been injured in an motor vehicle crash or lost a loved one in a fatal accident in Arizona, please browse our directory to speak to one of the experienced Arizona auto accident lawyers profiled on this website.