After a car accident, many drivers can be left searching for answers. There are questions about fault and repairs, recovery and missed work. And, there are also questions about compensation and if or when there is a personal injury filing deadline.
To make understanding this landscape even more confusing, the answers to some of these questions vary from state to state. As a leading Arizona personal injury attorney, we’re quite familiar with Arizona’s laws, so we’ll go over those to make sure you’re making decisions with as much information as possible.
Before diving into the details of timing, it’s important to understand that there is a difference between filing a personal injury claim and filing an insurance claim following a car accident. Most drivers are familiar with the process of filing an insurance claim, even if they’ve never been in an accident.
That process involves contacting the company that provides insurance for your vehicle, initiating a claim and then working with an adjuster to determine damages and compensation. This entire process is an out-of-court negotiation that seeks payment from the insurance company covering the driver who is at fault for the accident.
A personal injury claim is a lawsuit. It is handled in court and is often initiated when a claim fails or if a settlement offer is not suitable. Notably, a personal injury claim involves a judge or jury, which will decide the outcome of the case and, if warranted, force a settlement.
In Arizona, the statute for limitations on a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the injury. In other words, that is the statutory deadline for seeking damages beyond what is offered from an insurance claim following an accident. While two years seems like a long time, it’s best to begin working with an Arizona personal injury lawyer as soon as you can after an accident to improve your chances of receiving compensation.
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In 2024, there were more than 37,000 car accidents in Arizona that involved injuries, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. That is no small number. Despite that statistic, there are still quite a few people who have never experienced an accident and have no idea where to start in the aftermath.
An experienced personal injury attorney helps guide clients through the process. And when it comes to personal injury claims, that attorney ensures that vital deadlines aren’t missed. If that statutory deadline to file a claim is missed:
A personal injury lawyer keeps tabs on that timing, as well as evidence collection, so clients can focus on recovery and moving forward from the accident. In addition, personal injury attorneys help calculate damages — to include future medical care that may be needed and lost wages — as well as the negotiations with insurance companies, which are focused on minimizing payouts.
To simplify the process of filing a personal injury claim, we’ve broken it down into six steps. As a general guide, these steps provide a framework for the at-times confusing season that follows an accident.
No one should go up against insurance companies alone. The team at Torgenson Law is here to support you through this process, ensuring your best interests are represented. If you’ve been involved in an accident, reach out to our team today.
No pressure, no upfront costs, just answers from a legal team that takes your recovery personally.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
