Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accidents in Tolleson

Car accidents are always stressful, and dealing with the insurance claims afterward is always tedious. When the other driver is uninsured or does not have enough coverage, the stakes are higher, and your anxiety might skyrocket.

The attorneys at Phillips Law Group help people manage claims arising from uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Tolleson. We can use our decades of experience to explore every possible source of coverage for your injuries.

The Fault System and Uninsured Motorists

Arizona uses a fault system to manage car accident claims. When someone is hurt in an accident, the driver at fault is responsible for paying compensation. The law requires all drivers to have insurance to pay claims if they are responsible for an accident.

Of course, not everyone obeys the law, and many people drive without insurance. If they cause an accident, they face fines and other penalties, but that does not help anyone injured in the crash.

There are often resources available to fund an injured person’s claim, but finding them may require specialized knowledge. A Tolleson attorney has the experience to analyze a crash involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist and identify potential sources of compensation for anyone injured in the accident.

An Injured Person’s Insurance May Cover Them

Companies writing auto insurance policies in Arizona must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The law does not mandate a driver to buy this coverage, but Arizona Revised Statutes § 20-259.01 requires it to be included with an auto insurance policy unless the buyer specifically rejects it in writing.

Uninsured motorist coverage pays when an at-fault driver has no liability coverage, and underinsured motorist coverage applies when an at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to pay an injured person’s damages. The coverage limits on these policies typically mirror those of the driver’s liability policy. These policies cover medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay out on uninsured/underinsured motorist policies. An injured person seeking compensation through their own uninsured /underinsured motorist coverage should work with a Tolleson attorney to pursue the claim.

Are There Other Potential Sources of Coverage?

At-fault drivers are personally liable for the losses others suffer in an accident, but many uninsured drivers have few assets. However, in some cases, an uninsured driver may own a home or business, and it could be possible to get a judgment and impose a lien against those assets. If the uninsured driver has a job, garnishing their wages may also be possible.

There are often other potential sources of compensation. A seasoned Tolleson car accident attorney could investigate other possibilities when an at-fault driver is uninsured:

• An at-fault driver’s employer could be liable if they were on the clock and doing the employer’s business when the accident occurred
• Other involved drivers could have liability if they were negligent
• Vehicle manufacturers could be responsible for paying compensation if their product was defective and the defect was a direct cause of the crash
• A local government could have responsibility if road conditions led to the accident

If alcohol was a factor, the person or business who served the drunk driver might be liable under the state’s dram shop law.

Contact a Tolleson Attorney If An Uninsured Driver Injured You

Uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Tolleson present numerous challenges. Work with Phillips Law Group to enhance your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your uninsured car accident case with a member of our team.