Arizona Driving Laws Overview
In Arizona, knowing the essential driving laws can help you stay safe and avoid fines. Key areas include the use of cell phones, seat belts, rules about HOV lanes, speed limits, and required insurance coverage.
Cell Phone Use Regulations
In Arizona, it’s illegal to use handheld devices while driving. You can use hands-free systems for calls. Texting or typing with these devices is banned. These rules aim to reduce distractions on the road.
If caught, fines start at $75 and increase for repeat offenses. Being mindful of these rules ensures safer roads for everyone. Remember, using a device without hands-free technology can lead to penalties.
Why Hire a Lawyer
Following a personal injury, life can become quite challenging. Victims often face unexpected hurdles, including mounting medical bills, insurance issues, and the search for medical treatment.
Balancing all of this while trying to keep up with everyday life is difficult! Hiring a lawyer can help reduce some of these pressures. Unlike the insurance companies, your attorney is there to advocate for you.
It’s comforting to know someone is looking out for your best interests, especially during tough times. Whether you’ve been injured in a minor car accident or a more serious incident, feel free to contact The Law Gang.
We can help with all types of auto accident injury claims as well as other types of personal injury like:
- Slip and falls
- Department store accidents
- Apartment complex injuries
You’re not alone in this.
Seat Belt Usage
Arizona mandates seat belt use for everyone in the front seat. Passengers under 16 must also be buckled in, no matter where they sit. The law aims to reduce injuries in accidents.
Not wearing a seat belt can lead to a fine. Compliance is crucial, as it greatly improves safety for you and your passengers.
Driving violations causing an auto accident don’t just have to happen on the busy highways like Interstate 40 but also most commonly happed on side roads like:
High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV)
HOV lanes in Arizona are for vehicles with at least two passengers during peak traffic times. Some hybrid and electric vehicles can also use these lanes if they have the right plates or decals.
During off-peak times, any vehicle can use these lanes. Knowing these rules can help you take advantage of shorter travel times if you meet the occupancy requirements.
Speeding Consequences
Arizona is serious about speed limits. Going even one mile over can lead to a ticket. Speeding can also impact legal outcomes if you’re in an accident.
If you crash while speeding, it might affect lawsuits or insurance claims. Knowing and respecting speed limits is crucial for safety and legal reasons. Adhering to these limits helps prevent crashes and legal troubles.
Insurance Minimums and Compliance
Arizona requires drivers to have certain minimum insurance coverages. These include $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident, along with $15,000 for property damage.
Having this insurance is crucial for legal driving and for covering costs in an accident. Always ensure your insurance meets or exceeds these requirements to avoid penalties.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Not following driving laws in Arizona can lead to serious outcomes. Whether it involves not wearing a seat belt, violating traffic rules, or filing lawsuits, each has specific details you must consider.
The Law Gang addresses all personal injury claims throughout Arizona. This expansive state includes big cities, college towns, and rural landscapes. If you’ve sustained an injury in any of these areas, please get in touch.
Seat Belt Violations
In Arizona, not wearing a seat belt might influence how fault is determined in an accident. While the primary cause of an accident remains central in determining fault, a failure to wear a seat belt could reduce compensation for injuries suffered.
Arizona follows a “comparative negligence” rule. If you weren’t wearing a seat belt, and you’re injured, your compensation might be reduced.
For example, if you’re found 20% responsible because you didn’t wear a seat belt, your compensation may decrease by that percentage.
Lawsuit Eligibility
If someone breaks a traffic law and causes an accident in Arizona, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit for your injuries or damages. Violations like speeding or running a red light can serve as evidence for negligence.
Demonstrating that a driver’s violation led to the accident strengthens your case. You should gather evidence, such as traffic tickets issued to the offending driver, to support your claim.
This aids in showcasing the other party’s responsibility for the crash.
Covering the entire state of Arizona, The Law Gang handles personal injury claims in every county, including those involving auto accidents, slip and falls, and wrongful death claims. Some counties include:
- Greenlee
- Gila
- Apache
Statute of Limitations
In Arizona, you have a set time frame to file a lawsuit after a car crash. This is known as the statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
This time frame is crucial. If you miss this deadline, you risk losing your right to seek compensation. It’s important to act promptly and consult with legal professionals to ensure your claim is filed within this period.
Types of Driver’s Licenses
In Arizona, there are several types of driver’s licenses. Each type is for different needs and qualifications. Understanding these can help you decide which one is right for you.
Class D License: This is the standard license for operating passenger vehicles. It is the most common type for everyday drivers.
Class G License: This is a graduated license for teens. It has special rules and is for drivers between 16 and 18 years old.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): There are different classes like A, B, and C. Each class allows you to drive different types of commercial vehicles.
Motorcycle License: If you want to ride a motorcycle, you need a Class M license. You may need to pass a separate test for this.
For each type, you may need to pass a written test, driving test, and vision screening. Make sure to check the specific requirements for the license you need.
Legal Proceedings
When you are involved in an auto accident in Arizona, knowing your legal options is crucial. Understanding the process of filing a lawsuit and how traffic law violations can influence legal claims helps you navigate these challenges.
Filing a Lawsuit
In Arizona, you typically have two years to file a lawsuit for an auto accident. This time frame is known as the statute of limitations. If this period expires, you may lose the chance to get compensation.
It’s important to gather evidence right away. Photos of the accident scene, contact information of witnesses, and police reports can be vital.
You’ll also want to keep track of medical records and expenses related to the accident. Working with a lawyer can help you clearly present your case in court.
Driving Law Violations
Traffic law violations play a significant role in determining liability. If a driver breaks a traffic law, such as speeding or running a red light, this information can be crucial in a lawsuit.
Arizona follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you are partially at fault, you may still receive compensation. However, the amount could be reduced based on your share of fault.
Violations like not wearing a seatbelt don’t usually impact fault but may influence damage recovery.
Speed Limits and Enforcement
Speed limits in Arizona vary depending on the type of road and area. These rules are strictly enforced, and violations can lead to penalties or impact legal actions after a crash. Understanding these specifics is important.
Arizona Speeding Laws
In Arizona, speed limits are set by the state and vary by location. Urban areas typically have limits set at 25 to 35 miles per hour.
On highways, the speed limit can be up to 75 mph. Exceeding these limits can result in fines that increase depending on how fast you were driving over the limit.
Police officers use radar, cameras, and other technology to catch speeding drivers. Getting a ticket can add points to your license and might increase insurance rates.
Severe cases, like going more than 20 mph over the limit, can lead to more serious charges.
Impact on Lawsuits Post-Crash
Speeding can heavily impact lawsuits following a car accident. If you were speeding and caused a crash, it can be used as evidence of negligence in a court case.
This might mean paying for damages or injuries more so than if you were following the law.
Even if you were not at fault, speeding can reduce the amount of compensation you receive. Courts may see you as partially responsible, which can influence the outcome.
It’s important to follow speed limits to not only ensure safety but also to protect your legal rights in case of an accident.
