Car accident claims: what to do next in Arizona

Arizona is a fault-based (tort) state. Injured parties may sue the at-fault driver directly for all damages — economic and non-economic — without meeting any injury threshold or carrying PIP. Arizona follows a pure comparative fault system: a plaintiff may recover even if 99% at fault, with damages reduced by their degree of fault.

The statute of limitations for personal injury MVA claims in Arizona is two years from the date of the accident (A.R.S. § 12-542). Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year limitation from the date of death. Claims against a state or local government entity require a notice of claim within 180 days of the injury.

Venue is proper in the county where the accident occurred or where any defendant resides (A.R.S. § 12-401). Maricopa County Superior Court (Phoenix) handles the majority of Arizona MVA litigation. Pima County (Tucson) is the next largest venue. Arizona allows broad discovery including social media and electronic data, which is commonly used in disputed-liability cases.

Arizona minimum liability limits are 25/50/15. UM/UIM coverage must be offered at the same limits as liability; rejection requires a written, signed waiver. Arizona has an uninsured driver rate of approximately 12%. UM/UIM claims are filed directly with the plaintiff's own insurer, and disputes go to binding arbitration under most standard policy terms.