Written by: Michael Roberts, April 1, 2021
In 2018, the Arizona Department of Transportation recorded over 127,000 automobile accidents in the State of Arizona. Many automobile accidents can cause serious injuries to the people involved in the accidents. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment that cost tens of thousands of dollars. These injuries may also cause the injured party to miss work and lose wages.
All drivers in Arizona must have liability insurance. Theoretically, this insurance is required to cover the physical injuries caused by the negligence of the driver. However, in Arizona, the current liability limits each driver must have is only $15,000. Beginning July 1, 2020, this limit will increase to $25,000. These limits mean the insurance company for the negligent driver is only responsible to pay you up to these amounts regardless of your injuries and damages.
If you are seriously injured in an accident, the chances are these minimal limits, whether $15,000 or $25,000, will not be enough to fully compensate you for your injuries. This is why it is important to have both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your automobile insurance policy. This coverage will apply when the negligent driver does not have enough liability insurance to fully compensate you for your injuries. In these circumstances, if the negligent driver has no insurance or does not have enough insurance, and you have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, your own insurance will step in and compensate you for your injuries up to your coverage limits.
We strongly recommend everyone contact their insurance agent to discuss uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If you do not have it, you should get it. If you have it, you should discuss with your insurance agent the appropriate limits to protect you and your family.
As always, if you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, please call Wade & Nysather for a free initial consultation and case evaluation at (602) 547-2222.
