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What Are My Rights If I’m a Passenger Injured in an Arizona Car Accident?

Posted on January 22, 2023 in

Car accidents can be a scary and traumatic experience, especially for passengers who are often left feeling helpless and vulnerable. However, passengers who have been injured in a car accident in Arizona have legal rights that protect them and help them seek compensation for their injuries.

As a passenger, you may be unsure of how to proceed after an accident, but you are entitled to fair compensation just like any victims of negligence are. This is true as to the driver of the other vehicle in the collision is at fault but is also true even if the driver of your vehicle is partially or totally at fault. It is important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney who can fight for your rights. At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, our team of dedicated attorneys has over 65 years of combined experience helping clients seek justice for their injuries. Contact us today to learn how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Four Rights That Passengers Have After an Arizona Car Accident

In Arizona, passengers who have been injured in a car accident have legal rights that protect them and help them seek compensation for their injuries. If you are a passenger injured in an Arizona car accident, here are some of your rights:

1. Right to Seek Compensation From the At-Fault Driver

If the accident was caused by the negligence of the driver of the vehicle you were riding in or because of the driver of another vehicle, you have the same right to seek compensation for your injuries from the at-fault driver. This compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages both past and future.

To seek compensation from the at-fault driver, you will need to file a personal injury claim with their insurance company. The insurance company will investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. If they determine that the other driver was at fault, they will offer you a settlement to cover your damages.

2. Right to File a Lawsuit

If the at-fault driver’s insurance company does not offer you a fair settlement, you have the right to file a lawsuit against them. In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit or you will lose your right to seek compensation.

Filing a lawsuit can be a complicated process, and it is recommended that you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help you. An attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you in court if necessary.

3. Right to Seek Compensation from Your Own Insurance Policy

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages, you may be able to seek compensation from your own insurance policy. This is known as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and it is required by law in Arizona.

If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to cover your damages. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, it is important to note that your insurance company may try to offer you a low settlement or deny your claim altogether. In this case, you may need to hire an attorney to help you fight for your rights.

4. Right to Receive Medical Treatment

As a passenger injured in an Arizona car accident, you have the right to receive reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your injuries. This includes emergency ambulance, hospital and other medical treatment at the scene of or soon after the accident, as well as ongoing medical treatment to help you recover from your injuries.

If you do not have health insurance, you may be able to receive medical treatment through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. However, it is important to note that the insurance company may try to limit the amount of medical treatment they cover or deny your claim altogether or try to use your unpaid medical bills as a bargaining chip by withholding payment until you settle all your damages claims.

Injured Passenger? Contact Jensen Phelan Law Firm Today

As a passenger injured in an Arizona car accident, you have legal rights that protect you and help you seek compensation for your injuries. These rights include the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver, the right to file a lawsuit, the right to seek compensation from your own insurance policy, and the right to receive medical treatment. It is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.

At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, our team of experienced car accident attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (928) 778-2660 or complete our contact form today for a free assessment of your case and an explanation of your rights.