Car accidents can cause significant physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain. Nothing can take the place of good health and peace of mind, but if these are taken away in a traumatic incident like a car crash, it is worthwhile to know your options. As a victim, you have a right to pursue monetary awards for your losses. Typically, you can do this through the responsible driver’s insurance company. However, if the other driver does not have insurance, all hope is not lost. A Tucson uninsured car accident lawyer can help.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC is not afraid of tough cases. We understand how complicated uninsured motorist claims can be and how overwhelming the process can feel for victims. Let them help you navigate this challenging period and help you pursue just compensation for your injuries, emotional pain, anguish, and damaged or lost property. When you feel well enough to do so, consider calling the office at (844) 730-0233 to speak with a staff member to discuss your situation and schedule a free consultation with an attorney.
What Happens in an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
In car accident cases, both parties’ insurance companies collaborate to cover the costs. However, if you collide with an uninsured individual, things may become more complicated. If you have uninsured or underinsured insurance coverage, this may apply to cover some or all of the costs. However, if you do not have such coverage or it is not sufficient to cover the full extent of your losses, you may need to bring a civil suit against the driver.
Minimum Insurance Coverage in Arizona
Arizona requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of insurance coverage through an authorized insurance provider. This is to protect drivers and car crash victims and ensure individuals have a safety net in case of an emergency.
Like most states, Arizona requires drivers to carry liability insurance. The government also requires drivers to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the minimums for liability insurance are:
- $25,000 bodily injury for one person and $50,000 for two or more people
- $15,000 property damage
Despite these state-mandated minimums, some drivers continue to drive without sufficient insurance. This is often because they cannot afford insurance or because they are also driving without a valid license.
As soon as you confirm the other party does not have insurance, you should file an uninsured motorist claim with your provider.
If your coverage is not sufficient to account for all of the losses you have suffered, you may want to consider bringing a civil suit against the other party. However, keep in mind that if the other party does not have adequate funds or assets, it may be challenging to get compensation from them.
A Tucson uninsured car accident lawyer can help you determine the best course of action. Even if you do not want to file a lawsuit against the other party and only wish to file an uninsured motorist claim with your provider, the process may be complicated. Filing a claim requires following a specific protocol, and it may be confusing and time-consuming, mainly if it is your first time.
Consider hiring a lawyer to be your guide. The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can support you in your time of need so you can focus on more important things, like recovery. In addition to helping you file a claim or a lawsuit, whether with your insurance provider, in a civil court, or both, an attorney can advocate on your behalf in negotiations with the insurance company to help you seek a fair settlement. They can also represent you in a court of law, if necessary.
How Long You Have to File a Lawsuit
The timeframe in which a person may bring a suit against another party is known as the statute of limitations. In Arizona, car accident victims usually have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury suit, per Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542.
For a free legal consultation with a police chase lawyer serving Tucson, call (844) 730-0233
Damages You May Pursue in an Uninsured Injury Claim
Car accidents can cause a broad range of damages. Your vehicle and its contents may be damaged, and, worse, you and your passengers may be hurt. You may also suffer emotional trauma. Losses are divided into two categories: personal injury and property damage. You can seek compensation for both types of losses in a civil suit. There may be restrictions as to what kinds of damages you can request from an insurance provider. Your lawyer can help you determine what falls within your insurance coverage.
Personal Injury Claims
You should pursue damages for personal injuries if you incurred any short or long-term medical bills as a result of the accident. You may be eligible to collect funds for emergency treatment, long-term recovery costs (including physical therapy, long-term care, or reconstructive surgeries), lost income, and cost of care for your financial dependents.
If a family member dies due to their injuries, you may want to file a related type of claim, known as wrongful death. You can pursue compensation for costs such as a funeral or memorial service and burial or cremation with this type of claim. If the deceased was one of your family’s primary earners, you might also seek lost income.
Property Damage
If the crash damaged your bike, car, or other property, you might need to repair or replace it. Property damage suits include any non-bodily losses. This can consist of the cost to repair or replace your property, the cost to rent a car while yours is out of commission, and the cost to replace property damaged or lost (including car seats, laptops, phones, and luggage that was in the car).
Tucson Police Chase Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Let the Team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC Help You
In the days and weeks following a car crash, your focus should be on recovery. Let the Tucson uninsured car accident lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC help you and your family get through this difficult time. Call (844) 730-0233 to schedule an appointment. This team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not pay anything unless you receive compensation for your losses. Call to get started today.
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