Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance Rules That Shape Phoenix Car Claims

Coverage / rule

Arizona baseline

Why it matters after a Phoenix crash

Liability minimums

25/50/15 for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2020

Serious injuries can exceed the at-fault driver's limits quickly

Uninsured motorist (UM)

Insurers must offer UM; coverage is optional for the named insured

Helps when the at-fault driver has no liability insurance

Underinsured motorist (UIM)

Also offered under Arizona insurance law

Helps when liability limits are too low for your injuries

Comparative fault

Pure comparative under A.R.S. § 12-2505

Partial fault reduces, but does not automatically bar, recovery

Filing deadline

Two years for most private injury suits (A.R.S. § 12-542)

Waiting too long can extinguish the claim

Best for: Checking both the other driver's liability limits and your own UM/UIM declarations page before you accept any settlement.

Arizona's minimum liability limits appear in A.R.S. § 28-4009: $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for two or more persons, and $15,000 for property damage on qualifying policies issued or renewed beginning July 1, 2020. The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions summarizes the same 25/50/15 baseline for consumers.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is governed by A.R.S. § 20-259.01. Insurers writing motor vehicle liability policies must make UM coverage available by written notice and, at the named insured's request, include it. UM and UIM are optional for the buyer, but once purchased they can be central to a Phoenix claim involving a hit-and-run or a minimally insured driver.

If the Other Driver Fled

Leaving the scene of an injury crash can be a criminal offense under Arizona law, but not every fleeing driver is identified. When the other vehicle cannot be found, your own uninsured motorist coverage — if you carry it — may become the primary path to injury benefits, subject to policy terms and notice requirements. Report the crash to police promptly, preserve any camera footage and tell your insurer quickly.

Public Vehicles and Dangerous Roads

If a City of Phoenix vehicle, a Valley Metro bus or a dangerous condition on public property played a role, shorter deadlines apply. Under A.R.S. § 12-821.01, a notice of claim generally must be filed within 180 days after the cause of action accrues and must state a specific settlement amount with supporting facts. The lawsuit against a public entity or public employee must generally be filed within one year under A.R.S. § 12-821.

Working With Eashoo Law, PC

Attorney James Eashoo founded the firm and is admitted to practice in Arizona. The Phoenix office is at 4742 N 24th St., Suite 300. Car, truck, motorcycle and rideshare collisions are core parts of the firm's personal injury practice.

We handle insurance calls, track down coverage, gather evidence and negotiate for a settlement that reflects medical bills, wage loss and other documented damages. No attorney fees are due up front; the firm is paid a fee only if it recovers compensation for you.