A car accident on Arizona’s busy highways and local roads can alter your life within an instant. Whether a collision happened on Interstate 10, Loop 101, US-60, or on a neighborhood street like Downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale Waterfront, Tempe Marketplace, the aftermath often consists of serious injuries, a pileup of medical bills, lost income, and insurance companies trying to look for ways to minimize payout. Instead of having to add more stress into what is already an overwhelming situation, you should prioritize your recovery.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Arizona car accident attorneys are readily available to stand up for injured victims across the state. We understand the complicated challenges that may arise in a car accident claim, from high-speed freeway collisions around Phoenix to crashes that happen as a result of distracted, impaired, or reckless driving. Whether you are met with expensive medical care, time away from work, or lasting physical or emotional distress, our legal team will work diligently to ensure you are given full and fair compensation for the losses you incurred.
To book a FREE consultation, we welcome you to reach out by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our easy online contact form. Our team, including our Tucson and Phoenix car accident lawyers, are committed to help you with your case. There are no upfront fees, and you only pay if we win your case.
Why Choose West Coast Trial Lawyers for Your Car Accident Claim?
Choosing the right legal team after an auto collision can make a notable difference in your recovery and the outcome of your case. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we understand how Arizona car accident laws work in these claims, with more than 25 years of collective experience handling motor vehicle accident cases across the state.
From investigation to trial preparation, we are determined to protect your rights, go up against insurance companies, and pursue compensation on your behalf. Our services include:
- Representation for various types of car accidents that include motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and even multi-vehicle accidents across Arizona
- Handling car crashes taking place on major roadways, like the I-10, Loop 101, US-60, SR-51, and Loop 202 in addition to busy streets throughout the Phoenix area
- Legal assistance with hit-and-run, drunk driving, distracted driving, and uninsured/underinsured motorist claims
- Professional guidance and support for serious car accident injuries and wrongful death cases
What Kind of Cases Has West Coast Trial Lawyers Won?
Our attorneys have a strong track record of results and recognition, having recovered over $1.7 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients, including notable cases, like $19.4 million wrongful death verdict, and numerous seven-figure settlements for pedestrian, rideshare, and brain injury cases.ย
Our law firm’s reputation is reflected in many five-star client reviews across Yelp, Google, and Facebook, where our client testimonials highlight our team’s professionalism and communication throughout the legal process. Our services have earned the firm and our attorneys industry recognition, including a spot on TopVerdict.com’s Top 50 Jury Verdicts list for California (2025), membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and an Avvo Client’s Choice Award (2025).
Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Arizona
After a car accident, the steps you take will significantly affect your health, rights, and the outcome of any potential personal injury cases. Acting quickly will help you preserve evidence, support your claim, and ensure your injuries are properly noted. Below are some important actions you should consider implementing immediately after a collision:
- Check for injuries and contact local authorities-ย Get emergency assistance as soon as possible, even if you think you suffered minor harm. Police officers and paramedics will arrive at the accident scene to address the situation. An official accident report will be created in which you can request a copy to use in any future personal injury case.
- Seek prompt medical attention- Prioritize your health and get treated at a local nearby facility, like Banner University Medical Center. If children are involved, Phoenix Children’s Hospital is another location to go to for evaluation and treatment. Your condition and symptoms will be documented, which will create important medical records that can connect your injuries to the car accident.
- Gather evidence, if possible- Try to take photos of your injuries and the surrounding conditions. Be sure to also acquire witness information to help strengthen your claim.
- Document everything- This includes your medical visits, expenses you incurred as a result of the impact, and how the accident has ultimately changed your daily lifestyle.
- Consult with an Arizona car accident attorney- They will explain your rights, manage communications with insurers, preserve evidence, and guide you through the claims process.
Each of these actions can help you build a picture of how the accident happened and who may be responsible for it.
Navigating Insurance Companies After a Car Accident
After a serious crash in Arizona, navigating insurance companies can be one of the most stressful and frustrating parts of the process. Whether it is the other driver’s insurer or even your own, their goal involves minimizing payout to avoid fully covering your losses. That is why having an experienced auto accident attorney on your side can make a notable impact in the outcome of your personal injury claim. To handle the situation efficiently, you should consider the following:
- Be careful with what you share with an insurance adjuster-ย One careless statement can be taken out of context and be used against you to weaken your case.
- Report the car accident to your own insurer-ย Under Arizona law (ARS ยง20-259.01), insurers must respond within 30 days after notice. Timely reporting will help prevent unnecessary delays.
- Do not accept the first settlement offer presented to you- Insurance companies often try to push lowball offers early to close claims quickly before the full extent of your injuries are revealed or known about.
- Avoid giving any statements without proper legal guidance- Comments you share could be used to either limit or deny your claim. Having an Arizona car accident attorney representing you will make matters less stressful on your end since they will step in to guide you through the legal process.
- Let your Arizona car accident lawyer communicate with insurers- They can manage negotiations, protect your rights, and push back against any unfair settlement tactics that may be presented.
Frequent Causes of Car Accidents in Arizona
Car accidents in Arizona can happen due to various reasons, whether it be aggressive driving, improper turns, or from distractions. Most cases are often tied to driver error and hazardous street conditions. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), the state recorded a total of 121,107 traffic collisions and 1,228 fatalities in 2024. Speeding and impaired driving remain as leading causes of serious and deadly crashes.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most frequent causes:
- Aggressive driving. Going over the posted limit and weaving through traffic are concerning behaviors that can lead to serious car accidents, especially on 7th Ave & Thomas Rd, 32nd St & Indian School Rd.
- Speeding. Doing this will reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of injuries in a crash. In 2024, speed-related accidents led to 417 deaths and 20,722 injuries, accounting for roughly 34% of all traffic fatalities and 38% of all documented injuries statewide.
- Distracted driving. Texting, using your GPS, or any other type of in-vehicle distraction can heavily raise the likelihood of rear-end or lane-change collisions.
- Driving while under the influence. Vehicle operators who consume substances, like drugs or alcohol, may experience impaired judgement, coordination, and reaction time. These can ultimately result in severe car crashes. In 2024, alcohol-related incidents were involved in about 28% of the state’s fatal crashes. Nights and weekends contributed to 2,407 crashes, representing almost 44% of alcohol-involved collisions.
- Failure to yield. This is common at intersections, freeway merges, and roundabouts.
- Weather and road conditions. Dangerous environments that consist of low visibility, heavy rain, and dust storms can all trigger collisions when drivers fail to adjust their speed.ย
When these factors cause bodily harm and damages, affected individuals are entitled to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages, like medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
What Types of Injuries Result From Car Accidents?
Car accidents can trigger various types of injuries, from minor harm to life-altering conditions. The severity will usually depend on a few factors: speed of impact, type of collision, and whether seatbelts were on or airbags were used. Many people who suffered injuries in car crashes need emergency treatment and long-term rehabilitation to recover.
Below are some common injuries that may occur:
- Broken bones
- Cuts, lacerations, and abrasions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
Car accident victims are encouraged to seek medical attention as soon as possible to receive prompt care that will help with the recovery process. Medical documentation will also be created, and can be used as evidence if you plan to pursue legal action against the at fault party for the damages you incurred.
How to Prove Fault in an Arizona Car Accident Case
Proving fault in an Arizona car accident case will require you to show that the other party’s negligence resulted in the car crash and the injuries you suffered. The state follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning all parties involved can still recover damages even if they are found partially liable for the incident. But keep in mind that compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility under A.R.S. ยง 12-2505.
Say you drifted lanes but the other guy was speeding, you might be 30% at fault, they are 70%. Your payout drops by your share, so a $100,000 award becomes $70,000. Even if you are 99% responsible, you can still claim that 1%. Arizona does not cut you off like some other states do.
How to Establish Fault in Car Accidents
To establish fault, evidence, such as police and accident reports, witness statements, and medical records, will be needed to tie your injuries to the collision and ultimately establish how the accident happened. Responsibility may, in some cases, extend beyond the drivers themselves.ย
For instance, a car manufacturer could be held liable if a defective vehicle part contributed to the collision. This, in turn, can lead to a potential product liability claim alongside the accident case. Proving fault, in general, will require you to show that the other party owed you a duty of care and breached it because of their negligent behavior.
Filing Deadlines for Car Accident Claims in Arizona
In Arizona, the time limit to file a car accident claim is generally two years from the date of when the incident occurred. If the impact resulted in the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death claim may be pursued, with the same two-year statute of limitations applied, starting from the date of death rather than the date of the car collision.
There are some important exceptions you should be aware of though. Cases involving government entities will require special notice requirements. Under such circumstances, you must file the Notice of Claim within 180 days of the claim accruing. After this is done, you will have to wait for their response before proceeding with a lawsuit.
If the claim is not resolved during this notice period and you still need to have this matter pursued, Arizona law also implements a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit. In these cases, you will be given one year from the date the claim accrues to file a lawsuit.
Missing either of these deadlines may bar you from recovering compensation entirely, which is why we highly encourage personal injury victims to act quickly and follow all required procedural steps.
Compensation Types for Arizona Car Accident Victims
After a car accident in Arizona, you may be entitled to recover compensation through a personal injury claim for measurable financial expenses and the more personal, intangible losses. These are generally divided into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refers to the direct financial impact you incurred as a result of the incident, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage and loss of future earning capacity. Recovery for any of these calculable lossesย can be documented with bills, receipts, and wage records.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are intended to compensate for the non-financial effects of the car crash, such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering.
Understanding the Cost of Hiring an Arizona Car Accident Lawyer
Most car accident lawyers in Arizona work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients do not have to pay any upfront costs to hire them. The attorney’s fee is only collected if they are successfully able to recover compensation through either a settlement or verdict.
Now if the case does not settle in your favor, you generally owe no attorneys’ fees. This structure gives you the opportunity to pursue legal action without having to worry about any out-of-pocket legal expenses, making it easier for you to access professional guidance and support after a car accident.
Get a Free Consultation with Our Arizona Car Accident Lawyers
A serious car accident can heavily affect your day-to-day life, leaving you with a pileup of medical bills, missed work, and heavy physical and emotional trauma. You do not have to go through all of this on your own. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Arizona legal team, including our Phoenix and Tucson car accident lawyers, is ready to take on these cases and pursue the compensation you need. With a knowledgeable and experienced car accident attorney on your side, your claim can be built strong and strategic from the start.
We will help document the losses you endured, prove liability, and seek full compensation on your behalf. From negotiation through litigation, we will challenge insurance companies and at fault drivers who may try to undervalue or deny valid claims, ensuring your case is being taken care of from start to finish.
To set up a FREE consultation, we invite you to connect with our Arizona personal injury law firm by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Car Accidents
Who Pays for My Injuries if the At-Fault Driver Was Using a Rental Car?
Several insurance policies may apply, because coverage could come from the driverโs personal auto insurance, liability coverage purchased through the rental company, or coverage maintained by the rental company under Arizona law. The rental agreement often determines which policy pays first.
Arizona requires rental companies to maintain liability protection or demonstrate financial responsibility, although the agreement may shift primary coverage to the renterโs insurer. A rental company is generally not liable merely because it owns the vehicle unless its own negligence or wrongdoing contributed to the accident.
Who Is Responsible if a Driver Swerves to Avoid a Coyote or Javelina and Hits My Vehicle?
The driver who swerved may still be responsible if the reaction was unreasonable under the circumstances. Drivers must maintain control of their vehicles and consider surrounding traffic before making a sudden maneuver. However, liability may depend on how suddenly the animal appeared, whether braking was possible, the driverโs speed, and whether another driver also contributed to the crash.
What Happens if the Insurance Adjuster Misunderstands How the Accident Occurred?
Correct the misunderstanding in writing as soon as possible and ask the adjuster to confirm the companyโs liability decision and explain what evidence supports it. Arizona prohibits insurers from misrepresenting important facts and from refusing to pay claims without conducting a reasonable investigation. Complaints involving adjuster handling, delays, denials, or unsatisfactory settlements may also be submitted to the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions.
Who Is Liable if a Driver Waves Me Through an Intersection and Another Vehicle Hits Me?
A driverโs hand signal does not necessarily guarantee that the entire intersection is clear. The driver entering or crossing traffic generally must still confirm that it is safe to proceed. However, the person who waved may share responsibility if the gesture reasonably appeared to signal that all lanes were clear and directly contributed to the collision.
What Should I Do if the Other Driver Wants to Pay Cash Instead of Reporting the Accident?
Do not agree to a cash payment before you understand the full extent of your injuries and vehicle damage. Some symptoms and repair problems may not appear immediately, and an informal payment may be far less than the claimโs actual value. As such, avoid signing a release or stating that the payment fully settles the matter without legal review.
What Happens if I Am Self-Employed and Cannot Easily Prove My Lost Income?
Self-employed accident victims may still recover lost income, but they often need more documentation than a traditional employee. Useful evidence may include tax returns, 1099 forms, bank deposits, invoices, contracts, appointment calendars, profit-and-loss statements, canceled projects, customer communications, and testimony from an accountant or business partner. The goal is to show what the business probably would have earned if the injury had not prevented the person from working.
Can I Recover Compensation for Missing a Job Interview Because of the Accident?
Possibly, although this type of loss can be difficult to prove. The strongest claims involve a confirmed interview, clear qualifications for the position, communications from the prospective employer, and evidence that the accident or resulting injury directly caused the missed opportunity. Recovering the entire salary of the position may be challenging when there was no formal offer because the outcome of an interview is uncertain.
What Happens if the Other Driver Changes Their Story After Speaking With Their Insurance Company?
A changed story does not automatically defeat your claim.ย Any differences between the driverโs initial explanation and later version may affect credibility, especially when physical evidence supports your account. The insurance company will evaluate all available evidence rather than relying solely on either driverโs statement.
Can I Reopen a Claim if My Injuries Become Worse Later?
A claim may usually be updated if it remains open and no final settlement or release has been signed. Once a claimant accepts a settlement and signs a full release, reopening the claim is generally difficult because Arizona courts ordinarily treat fairly negotiated settlements as valid and binding. Limited exceptions may exist when the agreement was affected by fraud, duress, a serious mutual mistake, or another basis for invalidating the settlement.
