Understanding Comparative Negligence in Arizona
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Arizona, you may wonder how your own actions could affect your ability to recover compensation. Arizona follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning that even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Understanding how this rule works is essential for anyone pursuing a personal injury case in Arizona. Whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or another type of injury, comparative negligence often plays a significant role in determining settlement amounts. In this blog post, we’ll explain what comparative negligence means, how it’s applied in Arizona, and how an experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights and maximize your claim.
Arizona Comparative Negligence in Personal Injury Law
- What Is Comparative Negligence?
- How It Affects Your Personal Injury Claim
- Why You Need a Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer
What Is Comparative Negligence?
Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that determines how liability is shared when more than one party is responsible for an accident. Arizona uses a “pure” comparative negligence system. This means that even if you are found to be 90% at fault, you can still recover 10% of your damages. For example, if your total damages are $100,000, and you are found 30% responsible, you can still receive $70,000. This rule allows injury victims to pursue compensation even if they share some blame.
How It Affects Your Personal Injury Claim
In real-world cases—like car accidents or slip and fall injuries—defendants and their insurance companies often argue that the victim bears some responsibility. Comparative negligence reduces your payout by the percentage of fault assigned to you. This makes it essential to gather strong evidence to prove the other party’s majority fault. Photos, medical records, eyewitness statements, and police reports are critical. An experienced attorney will analyze the facts, hire experts if needed, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Why You Need a Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer
When comparative negligence is in play, insurance companies are quick to shift blame. A knowledgeable Phoenix car accident attorney or trial lawyer can negotiate effectively and ensure your fault is minimized. Legal professionals like Brendan Gallagher of GLG Personal Injury Lawyer will advocate for your interests and maximize your financial recovery.
Contact GLG Personal Injury Lawyer
Firm Name: GLG Personal Injury Lawyer
Phone: 602-992-7642
Email: [email protected]
Address: 2600 North 44th Street, Suite 107, Phoenix, AZ, 85008
Attorney: Brendan Gallagher
