Were you injured in a hit-and-run accident in Phoenix, Arizona? You may still be entitled to compensation regardless of whether the other driver is ever located. AJ Law, PLC can help you determine your legal options and take the right steps to protect your claim.
Our Phoenix hit-and-run accident lawyers have 20 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $50 million for injured victims across Arizona. Contact our law offices today for a free consultation. We can review the details of your accident and provide initial legal advice with no obligations.
How AJ Law, PLC Can Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Phoenix, AZ
AJ Law, PLC can leverage extensive resources in the service of your case to help you make the most of your ability to file a claim. Don’t lose hope just because the at-fault driver in your case fled the scene; you may still be able to recover much-needed compensation based on both your economic and non-economic damages.
If you hire our experienced Phoenix car accident lawyers for help, we can:
- Investigate your accident and work to identify the driver who fled
- Coordinate with law enforcement and obtain surveillance footage before it’s overwritten
- File and manage your uninsured motorist (UM) claim if the driver can’t be found
- Pursue a direct claim against the at-fault driver if they are identified
- Handle all of the communications with insurance companies on your behalf
- Take your case to trial if applicable, and if a fair resolution can’t be reached
Get in touch with our Phoenix personal injury attorneys today to get started with your case. We can answer your questions and provide some initial legal advice when we meet.
What Are My Legal Options After a Hit-and-Run in Phoenix?
Arizona is an at-fault state, which means the driver who caused the crash is responsible for paying your damages. The challenge in a hit-and-run case is that the at-fault driver has left the scene and may not be immediately identifiable.
If the driver is eventually found, you can file a claim against their liability insurance and/or pursue a lawsuit against them directly. The fact that they fled the scene can actually work in your favor from a legal standpoint, since leaving the scene of an injury accident is a felony under A.R.S. § 28-661. That kind of reckless conduct can support a claim for punitive damages in addition to your standard compensation, though note that those damages are never guaranteed.
If the driver is never identified, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes the primary path to compensation. Arizona law treats an unidentified hit-and-run driver as an uninsured motorist, which means your UM policy can step in to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Keep in mind that Arizona doesn’t require drivers to carry UM coverage, though insurers are required to offer it. If you declined that coverage, your options may be more limited.
During your free consultation, our hit-and-run accident attorneys in Phoenix can evaluate your specific situation and walk you through the best path forward.
What Steps Should I Take After a Hit-and-Run in Phoenix?
What you do in the hours and days after a hit-and-run can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation.
Keep the following in mind:
- Call 911 immediately and file a police report at the scene
- Write down everything you can remember about the vehicle that fled, including color, make, model, and any part of the plate number
- Look for eyewitnesses and nearby security cameras that may have captured the incident
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor at first
- Report the accident to your own insurance company, but be careful about what you say
- Contact a hit-and-run accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offer
Acting quickly is especially important when it comes to surveillance footage, which can be overwritten in a matter of days. We can move fast to preserve this evidence on your behalf before it’s lost.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Hit-and-Run Claim in Arizona?
Arizona’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under A.R.S. § 12-542. If a government vehicle was involved, you may have as little as 180 days to file a formal notice of claim.
For UM claims, your policy may contain its own deadlines and requirements, including reporting the incident to police within 24 hours. Missing any of these windows can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation, so reaching out to a car accident attorney as soon as possible is best.
Contact Our Phoenix Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Don’t assume that you’re out of options after a hit-and-run accident in Phoenix, AZ. AJ Law, PLC can help you look into and follow through with the course of action that sets you up for as much compensation as possible.
Contact our Phoenix hit-and-run accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation at (602) 671-2363. We’ve won over $50 million for our clients so far and will work just as hard for you on your case.
