Phoenix Uninsured Motorists Lawyers
Attorney Representation in Phoenix, Arizona Since 1996
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists
Many motorists do not have the legally required amount of auto insurance. Victims of drivers who are not insured or who have inadequate insurance coverage often face serious complications when trying to pursue compensation for an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in an AZ car accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled Phoenix insurance claim attorney who can help you understand your legal options.
Arizona Tort Law and Liability
After every Arizona car accident it must be determined who was at fault and who may be held responsible for the injuries suffered. Tort law allows injured victims to hold negligent drivers civilly liable for all financial, physical and emotional damages suffered. Drivers who were speeding, under the influence or alcohol or driving distracted should be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses they cause. This legal process is often complicated, especially when a motorist does not have insurance at all or lacks sufficient insurance coverage.
Uninsured Arizona Motorists
According to 2009 report by The Insurance Research Council, one in six drivers across the United States may be driving uninsured. Many believe that this high number of uninsured motorists is directly related to the economy. Auto insurance, it turns out, is one of the first "expenses" to go out the window when someone is struggling to pay the bills.
In the 2009 study, Arizona was not among the five states with the highest rate of uninsured motorists in the country. But Arizona was listed as one of the highest uninsured motorist states in 2006 with 22 percent of drivers lacking motor vehicle insurance. Arizona continues to have a high rate of uninsured motorists, which means that if you are involved in a car accident in Phoenix, there is a good chance that the other driver is uninsured.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Drivers injured by a motorist without insurance may be covered by their own insurance policy if they have uninsured motorist coverage (UIM). In such cases, the victim will first have to pursue as much compensation as possible from the at-fault driver and then the additional damages should be covered by their own policy. This type of coverage applies to uninsured drivers, underinsured motorists and Arizona hit-and-run drivers who are never found or identified. State law does not require motorist to have UIM coverage but it is in the best interest of all motorists to have as much coverage as they can comfortably afford. While liability insurance protects others in the event they are injured by your actions, uninsured motorist insurance makes sure you are covered if you are injured by an uninsured driver.
Seeking Help
If you do not have UIM coverage or you are worried that you may not receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages, you may have it in your best interest to contact a skilled Phoenix personal injury attorney. Many injured victims are not aware of the compensation that is available to them and out on opportunities to recover some of the significant financial damages suffered in a crash. With legal guidance, an injured victim may receive compensation for medical expenses, car repairs, lost wages and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Arizona, the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Breyer Law Offices can help. Call us today to schedule your free and comprehensive consultation.
