June 30, 2026 | Arizona Law
Many people wonder whether Arizona follows a no-fault system for car accidents. The short answer is no. Arizona is an at-fault state, which means the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible for the resulting injuries and property damage.
Learning about how this system works is important because it directly affects how you pursue compensation after a collision, so read on for the information you need to know.
How Arizona’s Fault-Based System Works
In a no-fault state, each driver files a claim with their own insurance company after a crash, regardless of who caused it. Arizona takes a different approach. Here, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance serves as the primary source of compensation for the injured party.
In line with this framework, Arizona law requires every driver to carry minimum liability insurance coverage in amounts of at least:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $15,000 for property damage
These amounts may not be enough to cover a serious crash. In circumstances where the at-fault driver’s policy falls short, you may be able to turn to your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) if you carry it. You also have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to pursue the full value of your losses.
How Does Arizona Address the Issue of Comparative Fault?
Not every car accident involves just one careless driver. Sometimes, both parties share some level of fault. Arizona handles these situations under a standard known as pure comparative fault.
This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially to blame for the crash. However, your award will be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if your total damages come to $100,000 and you are found to be 25% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $75,000.
What makes Arizona different from many other states is that there is no cutoff point. Some states bar you from recovering anything if you are 50% or 51% at fault. In Arizona, you can pursue a claim even if your share of the fault exceeds 50%, though your compensation will be reduced accordingly.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Arizona?
The steps you take right after a collision can have a major impact on any claim you file later on. Keep the following in mind as best as you can:
- Call 911 so that law enforcement can respond and create an official police report. This report often plays a key role in establishing fault for your car accident case.
- Share your contact and insurance details with the other driver involved in the crash.
- Gather evidence at the scene when it is safe to do so. Photos of the vehicles, the roadway, traffic signals, and any visible injuries can all strengthen your case.
- Do not apologize or accept responsibility at the scene. Even a casual apology could be used against you later.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take hours or days to produce noticeable symptoms, and medical records serve as critical evidence for your claim.
From here, it’s best to reach out to a car accident attorney for legal help as soon as you can, ideally before you’ve corresponded with any insurance companies. However, note that you may need to notify your insurer within a specific time frame, depending on your policy terms.
Contact a Scottsdale Car Accident Attorney at KRLG Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Arizona’s fault-based system, combined with its pure comparative negligence law, makes it relatively victim-friendly when it comes to recovering compensation after a crash.
If you were recently injured in a car accident, contact KRLG Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Scottsdale car accident lawyer today to learn more about what you should do next. You may be entitled to substantial compensation from the responsible party.
We serve Scottsdale, Phoenix, Maricopa County, & Arizona’s surrounding areas.
Kurtz Riley Injury Lawyers
7702 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Suite 150, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(623) 303-5754
