Car accidents can instantly disrupt your life, leaving you worried about injuries, vehicle repairs, and future insurance costs. Many Tucson drivers wonder, “Will a hit-and-run claim raise my insurance?” The answer depends on fault, coverage type, and state law. At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, we guide Arizona drivers through this complex process to protect their rights, coverage, and financial security.
At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, P.C., we’re here to help after your crash. Call 469-361-2606 for a free consultation with a trusted car accident lawyer in Tucson.
Arizona law takes hit-and-run accidents seriously. Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-662, any driver involved in a collision must:
Failure to stop or comply constitutes a criminal offense. Leaving the scene can result in misdemeanor charges, depending on the driver’s condition, severity of the injuries, and property damage. These laws protect victims by ensuring accountability and support for insurance and personal injury claims.
Victims often feel helpless when the responsible driver disappears. Yet, proactive steps immediately after the crash can preserve your right to compensation and insurance standing:
These actions support your recovery and prevent unfair premium increases, as they demonstrate you did not contribute to the collision.
Right after a hit-and-run, every decision matters. Your safety and the quality of your evidence depend on what you do in the first few moments:
Each step strengthens your position when negotiating coverage and may prevent an unjust rate increase.
Drivers who flee an accident face serious penalties in Arizona. Failure to stop or comply is a class 1 misdemeanor, potentially leading to a one-year license suspension. If intoxication is suspected in an accident, license reinstatement may require screening.
Depending on whether injuries occurred, the offense may result in license suspension, large fines, or prison time. A felony conviction often follows when a hit-and-run causes serious injury or death.
Financially, drivers who flee an accident often face personal liability since insurers typically deny coverage for intentional acts. Meanwhile, once the offender is identified, victims can pursue recovery through their own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or civil action.
Jensen Phelan Law Firm, P.C. Here to help. Call 469-361-2606 to schedule your consultation. Get the justice and compensation you deserve!
Understanding coverage limits can prevent costly surprises after a collision. Arizona Revised Statutes § 20-263 protects policyholders when they are not at fault. Insurers cannot raise premiums for accidents that the insured did not cause or significantly contribute to. If an insurer violates this rule, the Arizona Department of Insurance may require a refund and impose penalties. Typically, the following insurance types apply in a hit-and-run:
However, certain costs like lost wages beyond policy limits or non-covered rental expenses may not qualify for reimbursement. Understanding the difference helps avoid frustration and prevents unnecessary premium disputes.
So, will a hit-and-run claim raise my insurance? Not if you were not at fault. Arizona’s insurance laws aim to protect victims, not penalize them for someone else’s wrongdoing. Proper documentation, timely reporting, and support from a qualified attorney ensure those laws work in your favor.
Hit-and-run accidents can cause confusion and financial stress, but you do not have to handle the situation alone. At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, we are ready to protect your rights, address unfair insurance practices, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 928-778-2660 today for a free consultation and guidance toward a fair resolution.
focuses in personal injury, wrongful death and insurance cases and claims, and is a former President of the Arizona Trial Lawyers Assn. and the Arizona Association for Justice. Since 1974, he has been protecting the rights of the injured in Prescott and Prescott Valley, for a total of over 40 years.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Chris Jensen who has more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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