Arizona Car Accident Laws

A car accident can be a sudden and overwhelming experience, leaving you with injuries, vehicle damage, and a maze of legal and insurance issues to navigate.

Understanding Arizona’s car accident laws is crucial to ensuring you take the right steps—whether it’s filing an insurance claim, determining fault, or handling necessary repairs like windshield replacement.

The good news? Knowing your rights and responsibilities can simplify the process and help you avoid costly mistakes. This guide covers everything you need to know about Arizona car accident laws, including insurance requirements, legal obligations, and what to do after a crash to protect yourself.

Key Car Accident Laws in Arizona

Arizona has essential laws you should know if you are involved in a car accident. These include the rules for determining the mistake, the deadline for filing the claims, and the insurance coverage required to protect their rights under the Arizona car accident laws.

• Pure Comparative Negligence: You can recover the loss even when partially at fault, but the percentage of your mistake reduces your compensation.
• Statute of Limitations: You have two years to file a personal injury claim after the accident.
• Mandatory Car Insurance: Drivers must carry at least $25,000 in liability coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
• Duties to report: You must inform the police about the accident, related to injury, death, or significant damage. 

Insurance Requirements in Arizona

Under the Arizona car accident laws, from July 1, 2020, auto insurance coverage in Arizona increased to the following minimum:

• $25,000 coverage for injury or loss of life per individual in an accident.
• $50,000 coverage for injuries or loss of life of two or more individuals in an accident.
• $ 15,000 for property damage

If your policy is renewed before this date, your coverage will automatically adjust to the next renewal to meet these requirements. Keep in mind that this may increase your premium slightly. 

Legal Consequences for Hit-and-Run Accidents

Under Arizona’s vehicle accident laws, drivers should stay on the spot, exchange information, and provide the driver’s license at request. 

In cases involving injuries, significant property damage, or the need for side window repair, drivers are required to offer assistance, arrange medical transport if necessary, and notify law enforcement.

Here’s a breakdown of significant punishment for hit-and-run crimes in Arizona:

Misdemeanor Offenses (ARS 28-662):

• Damage to minor assets.
• Legal Action: Up to 4 months in jail, fines up to $ 750, license suspension, and higher insurance rates.

Felony Offenses (ARS 28-661):

• Includes injury or death.
• Legal Action: 2–15 years in jail, fine up to $ 150,000, and compulsory license cancellation.

Civil liability:

• Case for vehicle damage, medical bills, or property damage.
• If a driver leaves the scene, their insurance company will deny coverage.

Always stay at the scene to avoid serious legal consequences.

Filing a Car Accident Claim Under Arizona Car Accident Laws

If you are involved in a car accident in Arizona, knowing the stages of filing a claim is necessary to save yourself financially.

• Inform Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident.
• Documentation of the Accident: Take pictures of the accident scene, collect the statements of the witnesses, and get a copy of the police report.
• File a Claim: Submit your claim to your insurance company. They will review the details, determine who was at fault, and provide a compromise based on your coverage.
• Consider Taking Legal Advice: If there are disputes or the situation is complicated, consulting with a personal injury lawyer may be helpful to get appropriate compensation.

Special Considerations for Severe Accidents

Depending on the number of serious injuries or fatalities caused by car accidents, the laws in Arizona can be complicated.

In such cases, you might get compensation with a considerable sum of money for your medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care. This is why it is essential to have reliable evidence that can support you through witness statements and accident reports while you file a claim. Professional support should minimize the chances of you being responsible for any expenses in such cases. 

Prompt auto glass repair is essential to maintain road security, including scattering windshields or broken side windows for vehicle damage.

Conclusion

Understanding Arizona car accident laws is essential for protecting yourself and your rights after a car accident. Whether following proper insurance procedures or ensuring that your car is repaired with services such as windshield repair and ADAS Calibration, taking appropriate steps will make the process smooth.

If your vehicle has suffered damage—especially a cracked or shattered windshield—prompt repairs are essential for your safety and compliance with Arizona law. Don’t delay necessary fixes.

NuVision Auto Glass offers fast, professional windshield replacements and auto glass repair services to get you back on the road safely. Connect with us to stay proactive and safe, and let the experts handle your auto glass needs!

FAQs

Is Arizona a no-fault car accident state?

No, Arizona follows a fault-based system, which means that the driver responsible for the accident is responsible for the damage. 

How is fault determined in a car accident in Arizona?

The fault is determined based on evidence, witness testimony, and sometimes accident reports. Arizona’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damage on the fault, even partially.

Who pays for car damage in Arizona?

The AT-fault driver or their insurance company is responsible for paying for the damage in the car accident. 

What do you do after a car accident that was not your fault in Arizona?

Collect all the evidence, report the accident to your insurer, and file a claim against the insurance of the At-Fault Driver. Take legal advice if necessary.