Arizona Personal Injury Guide
Key deadlines, fault rules, insurance minimums, and laws that affect personal injury claims in Arizona.
2 years
Injury SOL
Pure Comparative Fault
Fault system
Min. bodily injury coverage
$25,000 / $50,000
Statute of Limitations
These are the time limits to file a lawsuit. Missing these deadlines generally means losing your right to recover compensation.
Personal Injury
2 years from the date of injury (A.R.S. § 12-542)
Property Damage
2 years from the date of damage (A.R.S. § 12-542)
Wrongful Death
2 years from the date of death (A.R.S. § 12-542)
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Fault Rule: Pure Comparative Fault
Arizona follows pure comparative fault (Fault system codified in A.R.S. § 12-2505). An injured party may recover damages regardless of their share of fault, but recovery is reduced in proportion to their own fault. There is no threshold percentage that bars recovery.
Reporting Deadlines
Car accident — police report
Immediately (at the scene) or within 24 hoursArizona requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage to report to law enforcement at the scene. If police do not respond, a written report must be filed with ADOT within 24 hours.
Government entity claim
Within 180 daysClaims against Arizona state agencies or political subdivisions must be filed within 180 days under A.R.S. § 12-821.01. Claims against cities and towns: within 180 days. Strict compliance required.
Workers' compensation
Within 1 year of injuryIn Arizona, a workers' compensation claim must be filed with the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) within 1 year of the injury or the last benefit payment. Notify your employer as soon as possible.
Uninsured motorist claim
Per your policy termsReport promptly per your policy requirements. The general personal injury statute of limitations (2 years) applies to UM/UIM lawsuits.
Insurance Minimums
These are the minimum auto insurance coverage amounts required in Arizona. Many drivers carry only these minimums, which may be insufficient for serious injuries.
Bodily Injury (per person)
$25,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)
$50,000
Property Damage
$15,000
Uninsured Motorist
Must be offered; may be waived in writing
Key Laws to Know
Pure Comparative Fault (A.R.S. § 12-2505)
Arizona codified pure comparative fault, eliminating the contributory negligence bar. An injured party's damages are reduced proportionally by their share of fault, but recovery is not barred regardless of fault percentage.
Non-Economic Damages — No General Cap
Arizona does not cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in general personal injury cases, unlike some states. Medical malpractice caps were struck down by the Arizona Supreme Court as unconstitutional.
Dram Shop Liability (A.R.S. § 4-311)
Arizona holds licensed alcohol vendors liable for injuries caused by serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a person under 21. This extends potential liability in drunk driving accident cases.
Government Tort Claims (A.R.S. § 12-820 et seq.)
Claims against the state, counties, or municipalities require pre-suit notice within 180 days. There are caps on damages against government entities in Arizona.
Workers' Compensation — Arizona Industrial Commission
Arizona workers' compensation is administered by the Industrial Commission of Arizona. It covers medical treatment and lost wages for workplace injuries, regardless of fault. Claims must be filed within 1 year.
Arizona Cities
Local resources, hospitals, courts, and accident corridor information for major cities in Arizona.
Chandler
Pop. ~275,000 (one of Arizona's fastest-growing and most economically dynamic cities)
Loop 101 (Price Freeway) and Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) high-speed collisions along city boundaries, Tech campus commuter accidents on Chandler Blvd, Price Road, and Dobson Road corridors + 4 more
Gilbert
Pop. ~267,000 (one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States over the past three decades)
Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) on-ramp and interchange collisions as commuter volume has grown rapidly, Intersection accidents at rapidly developing arterials — Val Vista Drive, Higley Road, Gilbert Road, Elliot Road + 4 more
Glendale
Pop. ~250,000
Freeway accidents on I-17 and Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway), Commercial vehicle accidents on Grand Ave (US-60) diagonal arterial + 4 more
Mesa
Pop. ~510,000 (Arizona's third-largest city; larger than several US state capitals)
US-60 (Superstition Freeway) rear-end and high-speed collisions — consistently one of Phoenix metro's highest accident-rate freeways, SR-202 (Red Mountain Freeway) and US-60 interchange accidents at the eastern junction + 4 more
Phoenix
Pop. 1.6 million (city); 5 million+ (Metro area)
Pedestrian accidents on high-speed arterial roads (Camelback, Van Buren, Indian School), Freeway accidents on I-10 and Loop 101 interchanges + 4 more
Scottsdale
Pop. ~258,000 (extends from South Scottsdale to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in the north)
Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) high-speed collisions on Scottsdale's western and northern edges, DUI-related accidents near Old Town Scottsdale entertainment district (bars, nightclubs, restaurants) + 4 more
Tucson
Pop. 545,000 (city); 1 million+ (metro area)
Pedestrian accidents on arterial roads near the University of Arizona, Bicycle accidents on the urban cycling network (2nd Street, 4th Avenue corridors) + 4 more
The above is general educational information about Arizona law and may not reflect recent legislative changes. Consult a licensed attorney in Arizona for advice specific to your situation.
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