When you’re pursuing an injury claim in Arizona, the percentage of fault assigned to you can make a big difference in your compensation. A personal injury lawyer in Phoenix can explain how comparative negligence works and why it matters for your recovery. Instead of treating fault as black and white, the law assigns shares that directly affect what you take home.
Even small changes in those percentages can shift the outcome of your case, and that’s where GLG Personal Injury Lawyers steps in to protect your interests. Insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto you, which can result in less than you deserve. Understanding how fault is divided and challenged is critical to building a stronger claim.
Keep reading to see how comparative negligence affects your injury claim in Arizona.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona’s pure comparative negligence rule means your compensation is reduced by your share of fault, no matter how small or large.
- Insurance companies often use this rule to shift more blame onto you, which can significantly reduce the value of your claim.
- Substantial evidence and the correct legal strategy can shift fault percentages in your favor and increase the amount you recover.
Pure Comparative Negligence Rules
Arizona follows pure comparative negligence, which means you can still recover damages even if you hold most of the blame. Your compensation decreases based on your percentage of fault, but you never lose the right to make a claim. This gives injured people a chance at recovery even in complex cases.
Many states block recovery once fault crosses a certain line, but Arizona’s system stays open regardless of percentages. This approach makes the role of a Phoenix PI attorney critical because insurance companies push to increase your share of fault. Strong legal representation helps balance the scales and protect the value of your claim.
Every Percentage Point Impacts Your Recovery
When the court assigns you 15 percent of the blame, that same amount comes off your compensation. A settlement or jury award decreases dollar for dollar with your share of fault. This calculation shows why precision in proving liability is so important.
Even minor adjustments in fault change what you take home. A five percent increase against you can cut thousands from your payout. Careful evidence and strong arguments help limit your fault and protect the value of your claim.
Insurance Adjusters Push Hard On Fault
Insurance companies often argue that you carry more responsibility than you should. Their strategy is to reduce what they pay by increasing your percentage of fault. This tactic directly impacts the money you receive after an accident.
Adjusters know the comparative negligence rule gives them room to argue. Without strong legal help, you risk losing more than you deserve. An injury lawyer in Phoenix, AZ, builds the case needed to challenge these tactics and protect your recovery.
Evidence Quality Decides Fault Splits
The strength of your evidence often determines how much fault you are found to have in an accident. Police reports, expert reconstructions, and credible witness accounts all shape the outcome of your case.
Here is how different types of evidence influence the split:
- Accident Reports – Detailed reports from law enforcement provide an official record that judges and insurers respect. Inconsistencies or gaps in these reports can be challenged, but strong documentation supports your side.
- Expert Analysis – Accident reconstruction experts use measurements, photos, and technical data to explain how a crash happened. Their testimony can show who had control and shift percentages in your favor.
- Witness Statements – Reliable witnesses help confirm your version of events and counter opposing claims. Their credibility often makes the difference in close cases where fault is contested.
Building and presenting this type of evidence with care improves your chances of a fair outcome.
Multiple Parties Spread Liability
In many accidents, more than one person or group shares responsibility. Drivers, employers, and even government agencies can all face partial blame. Each percentage assigned affects how much money changes hands in a settlement or verdict.
Sorting through multiple parties adds complexity to an injury case. Careful tracking of liability ensures you do not pay more than your share. A personal injury lawyer in Phoenix helps build clear arguments and holds every responsible party accountable.
Small Fault Increases Add Up Fast
A slight shift in fault percentages has a direct impact on your payout. Even what seems like a minor adjustment can take thousands from your settlement. This risk grows as the value of your claim increases.
Losing a few points of recovery may leave you without coverage for ongoing medical care. It can also affect your ability to replace lost income or pay for future treatment. Protecting every percentage matters when the stakes are this high.
Why Understanding Fault Strengthens Your Personal Injury Claim in Arizona
Comparative negligence is more than a technical detail; it can change the outcome of your case in real and lasting ways. When you know how fault is assigned, you’re better prepared to challenge unfair blame and protect your recovery. With the proper guidance, you can build a stronger personal injury claim in Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does comparative negligence work in Arizona injury claims?
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages even if you were mostly at fault. The amount you receive is reduced by the exact percentage of fault assigned to you.
Why do insurance companies focus on fault percentages?
Insurers often argue that you share more blame because every percentage point reduces the amount they owe. This tactic helps them save money while leaving you with less than you deserve.
Can a lawyer help reduce the fault assigned to me?
A skilled attorney can challenge inflated blame by using evidence, expert testimony, and legal arguments. This strategy can shift fault percentages in your favor and increase your final compensation.