In Arizona, uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you if an uninsured driver causes an accident. This coverage can be vital and understanding what it includes and how to make a claim can be beneficial.
Coverage Inclusions
Uninsured motorist coverage typically includes bodily injury protection. If an uninsured driver injures you, this coverage can help pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers.
Additionally, in some cases, it can cover lost wages due to injuries that prevent you from working.
Another important part of the coverage is underinsured motorist coverage. This applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover all of your damages.
This coverage doesn’t always come with higher limits than standard liability insurance, so checking your policy details is essential.
Why Hire an Arizona Lawyer
After a personal injury, life can become overwhelming. Victims often face challenges they’re unprepared for, such as costly medical bills, dealing with insurance companies, and seeking medical treatment. Balancing these issues while trying to maintain daily routines is no easy feat!
Hiring a lawyer can help ease some of this burden. Your attorney is on your side, prioritizing your needs instead of the insurance companies.
It’s comforting to have someone advocating for your best interests, especially in tough times.
Whether your injury is from a minor car accident or a more serious incident, don’t hesitate to contact The Law Gang.
We can handle all types of injury claims including:
You shouldn’t have to handle everything alone.
Making a Claim on Your Insurance
When making a claim on your uninsured motorist coverage, it’s important to gather all necessary information, such as police reports and medical records. These documents substantiate your claim to your insurance company.
Usually, you start the process by notifying your insurance company. Provide them with all accident details and any evidence that the other driver was uninsured.
This could include a statement from the other driver or a police report indicating no insurance was present at the scene.
Keep records of all communication with your insurance company to ensure all aspects of your claim are handled correctly.
Not all car accidents happen on the busy thoroughfares like U.S. 93 but most often occur on side streets like:
Legal Framework for Uninsured Driving
In Arizona, drivers are required to carry specific types of insurance to cover accidents. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties, including fines and license suspension. Here’s a closer look at what is required by law.
Mandatory Insurance Requirements
In Arizona, all drivers must have liability insurance. This covers costs if you’re at fault in an accident. The minimum coverage is $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
Liability insurance is crucial because it helps cover expenses for injuries and damages to others. If you drive without it, you risk financial and legal consequences.
The state uses the online Arizona Motor Vehicle Division system to verify if drivers have active insurance. This helps ensure compliance with the law.
The Law Gang manages all varieties of personal injury claims and serves all of Arizona. This diverse state features major cities, college towns, and rural regions. If you’ve been injured in any of these areas, reach out to us:
Penalties for Driving Uninsured
If you’re caught driving without insurance in Arizona, expect strict penalties. First-time offenders may face fines starting at $500, suspension of their driver’s license, and the requirement to file an SR-22 form.
This is a certificate showing you carry the necessary insurance coverage.
Repeat offenders face harsher consequences, such as higher fines and longer license suspensions. After the third offense, fines can escalate to $1,000, and your vehicle’s registration may be revoked.
Your car may also be impounded, causing additional inconvenience and costs.
Claim Filing Procedures
When you’re involved in an accident in Arizona, understanding the procedures for filing a claim is crucial. It’s important to know the deadlines you face and how claims differ based on whether the driver at fault was insured or not.
Statute of Limitations
In Arizona, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for personal injury. This period applies whether the driver was insured or not. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to seek compensation.
For property damage, the timeframe is also two years. It’s smart to act promptly to avoid complications or a barred claim.
Claims: Uninsured vs. Insured
If the driver at fault is uninsured, you can file a claim against your own insurance if you have uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
With an insured driver, the claim typically goes through their insurance. Your insurer may cover costs initially and then recover from the other driver’s company.
Claims with uninsured drivers might take longer and require more documentation.
Understanding these differences can help you navigate the filing process more effectively.
Compensation from Uninsured Drivers
Getting compensation from an uninsured driver in Arizona can be challenging. There are still options available to help you recover costs from the accident.
Feasibility of Compensation
When a driver at fault has no insurance, getting compensated can be difficult. In Arizona, drivers are required to have insurance, but some still drive without it.
If hit by an uninsured driver, it typically means you may not get direct payment from the driver for damages or injuries.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your insurance policy is one option. If you have this coverage, you can make a claim against your own insurer.
It helps cover costs such as medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. Note that not all auto insurance policies include UM coverage automatically, so it’s crucial to check your policy.
Alternative Compensation
If UM coverage isn’t an option, you might consider other routes. Collision coverage on your vehicle can cover repairs regardless of who is at fault.
However, this doesn’t cover injuries. If you have medical payments coverage, it can help pay medical bills after the accident.
Another choice is taking legal action. You can file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver. Keep in mind, though, that this can be costly and time-consuming.
There’s no guarantee of recovering the full compensation if the other driver doesn’t have assets or income.
You may want to consult a personal injury lawyer who specializes in these cases to explore your options and guide you through the legal process.
The Law Gang serves every county in the expansive state of Arizona for personal injury claims, including auto accidents, slip and fall incidents, and wrongful death cases. Counties include:
- Pima
- Yavapai
- Yuma
Uninsured Motorist Claims
You may find it challenging to seek compensation if involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Hiring a lawyer can streamline this process and increase your chances of receiving what you’re owed.
Benefits of a Lawyer
Working with a lawyer can be very helpful. They have knowledge of the legal system and know how to navigate complex insurance claims effectively.
A lawyer can gather necessary evidence like police reports and witness statements, which help build a strong case.
They can also negotiate with your insurance company to try to ensure you get fair compensation.
In many cases, having legal representation can lead to better outcomes. If a lawsuit is needed, a lawyer can represent you in court, saving you time and stress.
Uninsured Motorist Cases
Lawyers play a key role in handling claims against uninsured drivers. They understand the specific laws in Arizona and can explain your rights clearly.
They may help you file claims within the deadlines and avoid any pitfalls that could weaken your case.
Experienced lawyers know how to assess the value of your claim accurately. With their help, you might recover medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses.
Using their network, lawyers might explore other avenues for compensation, like checking if the driver had other assets or insurance policies not initially known.
