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What You Should Know About Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-Run Accidents in Arizona

Strong advocacy for car accident victims in Phoenix

Drivers involved in an accident should stop, assist anyone who is injured, and provide their relevant contact and insurance information. If a driver causes an accident and leaves the scene, they could be charged with a criminal offense. Victims who don’t have uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage may be without a remedy unless someone can locate the hit-and-run driver. Even then, the driver may lack insurance or have insufficient coverage to fully compensate the victim.

At Verderame Law Group Arizona Injury Lawyers, we can help victims of hit-and-run accidents. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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How can we help?

Does a driver have a duty to stop after an accident in Phoenix or Tempe?

Arizona law requires drivers to stop after accidents involving injury or death (A.R.S. § 28-661) and after accidents involving only property damage (A.R.S. § 28-662). Drivers may face criminal penalties, license suspension, and, if alcohol or drugs are involved, court-ordered substance abuse screening or treatment.

Arizona law also requires drivers to:

  • Provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number.
  • Exhibit their driver's license “to the person struck or the driver or occupants of or person attending a vehicle collided with” on request.
  • Assist any injured victims, as necessary.

There are additional requirements for autonomous vehicles.

What should I do immediately after a hit-and-run accident in Arizona?

If you suffer injuries in a car accident where another driver flees, you should call the local police. The police may help you if you are injured by arranging for emergency medical care, clearing the traffic so other accidents don’t happen, and obtaining everyone’s insurance, driver’s, registration, and contact information.

The police may also investigate the cause of the accident and speak to the victims and everyone else at the accident site to obtain as much information as possible about the hit-and-run driver. This information may include the make, model, and color of the hit-and-run vehicle, and any other details that can help identify the hit-and-run car (such as a license number) or the hit-and-run driver.

You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible, and speak with an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer.

Can I still recover compensation if the at-fault driver is never found?

Yes, if you have uninsured or underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage and meet Arizona’s legal requirements for a hit-and-run UM claim. Generally, UM/UIM policies cover personal injury and wrongful death claims, up to the policy limits.

Can an attorney help identify the driver who fled the scene?

Our Phoenix car accident lawyers may be able to help locate the hit-and-run driver. We can coordinate our investigation with any police investigation. We can hire investigators who examine the accident site, speak with witnesses, and ask nearby residents and businesses whether they have any photos or videos of the accident. Our investigators may also speak with local repair shops if the hit-and-run vehicle was damaged.

What insurance coverage should drivers have?

All car owners and drivers in Arizona are required to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. However, some drivers operate vehicles without insurance, and others carry only the minimum required limits. Serious injuries can quickly generate substantial medical expenses, and the minimum liability coverage, even if the hit-and-run driver is identified and insured, may not be sufficient to fully cover your losses.

In Arizona, car owners and drivers must have the following liability insurance coverage for their cars:

  • Bodily injury, one person: $25,000.
  • Bodily injury, multiple people in one accident: $50,000.
  • Property damage (such as car damage): $15,000.

There are additional insurance requirements for Uber and Lyft drivers, and Uber and Lyft themselves.

UM/UIM coverage in Arizona is recommended, but not mandatory. However, we recommend that you purchase as much UM/UIM coverage as you can afford. If you are seriously injured, you will have your own policy to protect yourself from an uninsured driver or from a driver with a minimal policy.

Why do drivers drive away after hitting a car?

Drivers may hit-and-run for many reasons, including the following:

How does uninsured and underinsured coverage work for hit-and-run crashes?

Generally, your UM/UIM policy may pay your damages if the accident involved physical contact with the hit-and-run vehicle or independent corroborating evidence of the accident, and we can show the unidentified driver was liable.

Once it’s clear that you can file your UM/UIM claim, we can work to show:

  • The hit-and-run driver owed you a duty to drive safely.
  • The hit-and-run driver breached that duty by driving unsafely (such as by driving too closely).
  • The car accident is the cause of your injuries or the death of a loved one.
  • You or your family suffered financial or personal damages.

What evidence is important in a hit-and-run case in Phoenix or Tempe?

The evidence that supports your UM/UIM claim includes:

  • Showing that someone hit your car (or a pedestrian or a bicycle rider) and drove off without stopping.
  • The hit-and-run driver can’t be found after reasonable efforts are made.
  • The hit-and-run driver caused your accident.
  • You have specific economic and non-economic damages (which we discuss in the damage section below).

How long do I have to file a car accident claim or lawsuit in Arizona?

In most cases, personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date the cause of action accrues, typically the date of the accident or injury. Generally, families must file their wrongful death claim within two years from the date of death of their family member. Some shorter notice requirements may apply if the car accident claim also involves a governmental entity or agency.

Please don’t wait. The strength of your legal case and your medical recovery depends on investigating your claim and reviewing your injuries as soon as possible.

What damages can I recover after a hit-and-run accident (medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, etc.)?

At Verderame Law Group Arizona Injury Lawyers, we can work with your doctors, your employers, and other experts – and with you – to assess the full scope and severity of your personal injuries and financial damage. We may seek compensation for all your past, current, and future damages, including:

  • Reasonable medical expenses by every type of healthcare professional for every type of medical care.
  • Lost income and benefits, for as long as you cannot work.
  • Daily physical pain and emotional suffering.
  • Property damage.
  • Scars or disfigurement.
  • Loss of bodily function.
  • Loss of life’s pleasures.
  • Loss of consortium (spousal comfort and enjoyment).

Do you have a Phoenix hit and run accident attorney near me?

Our Phoenix office is conveniently located at 316 E Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85012. We also have an office at 5500 S Lakeshore Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283. We can meet clients away from the office when necessary. Our lawyers also discuss cases by phone and through video consultations. We can guide you step-by-step through the claims process.

We maintain an additional office in Tempe for your convenience and serve clients throughout Maricopa County.

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Speak with an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer today

Verderame Law Group Arizona Injury Lawyers has been helping drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicycle riders, and families pursue the compensation they deserve since 1991. We understand the unique challenges involved in hit-and-run cases. For help now, contact our Phoenix car accident lawyers to arrange a free consultation.

We handle hit-and-run accident cases on a contingency fee basis.