Table of Contents
Introduction
In Arizona, personal injury laws are in place to ensure that victims of accidents receive the compensation and support they need to recover fully. These laws specify who is at fault for an accident and who is liable for the damages caused.
Fault and Liability
When determining who is at fault for an accident, Arizona uses a comparative negligence system. This means that each party involved in the accident is assigned a percentage of fault based on their actions leading up to the accident.
For example, if someone is involved in a car accident and they were speeding, they may be assigned 50% of the fault for the accident. However, if the other driver was texting while driving, they may be assigned 50% of the fault as well.
Once fault has been determined, liability can be established. In most cases, the party who is found to be at fault for an accident is also liable for any damages that occurred as a result of the accident.
Contributory Negligence
There is, however, one exception to the comparative negligence system in Arizona. This exception is called contributory negligence.
If a victim of an accident is found to have contributed to the accident in any way, they may be prohibited from collecting any damages at all. This means that even if someone is only found to be 1% at fault for an accident, they may still be unable to receive compensation.
Statute of Limitations
In Arizona, there is a statute of limitations in place for personal injury cases. This means that victims of an accident have a certain amount of time to file a claim for damages.
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Arizona is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if someone is injured in an accident, they have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for damages.
Hiring an Attorney
If someone is injured in an accident, it is highly recommended that they hire an attorney to help them navigate the legal process. An experienced personal injury attorney can help the victim understand their rights and ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.
Conclusion
Personal injury laws in Arizona are in place to protect victims of accidents and ensure that they receive the support and compensation they need to recover fully. Understanding fault, liability, and the statute of limitations is crucial for anyone involved in an accident. Hiring an attorney can make the legal process easier and ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve.