Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Arizona?
Every rule below is quoted from Arizona law or a state agency, with a link. Checked September 17, 2026.
The short answer
We can't tell you whether you need a lawyer. We can show you the Arizona rules that usually decide it: how fault is split, how long you have, and how injury lawyers are allowed to charge. Many people with only car damage settle directly with the insurer. People with injuries, disputed fault or a claim near a deadline often talk to a lawyer first.
How fault changes your claim
If you were partly at fault
Arizona uses pure comparative fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover money even if you were mostly at fault, unless you caused the crash on purpose or through willful or wanton conduct.
“the claimant's action is not barred, but the full damages shall be reduced in proportion to the relative degree of the claimant's fault”
How long you have
- 2 years
- to sue for injuriesA.R.S. 12-542
- 2 years
- to sue for car or property damageA.R.S. 12-542
- 2 years
- for a family to sue after a deathA.R.S. 12-542(2)
- 180 days
- to notify the government if a public vehicle or road was involvedA.R.S. 12-821.01
Deadline to sue for injuries
You generally have 2 years from the crash to sue for injuries.
“there shall be commenced and prosecuted within two years after the cause of action accrues”
If a government vehicle or road was involved
If a government vehicle, employee, or road is involved, you must file a claim with that government within 180 days of the crash or you lose the right to sue.
“Persons who have claims against a public entity, public school or a public employee shall file claims...within one hundred eighty days after the cause of action accrues”
How injury lawyers charge in Arizona
Contingency fee rules
Arizona has no dollar or percentage cap on personal injury contingency fees. The fee has to be reasonable, and the contingency fee agreement must be in a writing signed by the client.
“A contingent fee agreement shall be in a writing signed by the client and shall state the method by which the fee is to be determined, including the percentage or percentages that shall accrue to the lawyer in the event of settlement, trial or appeal”
Questions to ask any lawyer before you sign
- What percentage do you charge, and does it change if the case goes to trial?
- Who pays case costs like records and expert fees if we lose?
- Will you handle my case yourself, or pass it to someone else?
- How long do cases like mine usually take here?
- What is the deadline for my claim, and when will you file?
If the insurer is the problem
File a complaint with the state
To file a complaint against an insurance company in Arizona, use the online complaint form on the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) File a Complaint page.
“File Online: Complete the online form using the links above.”
Sources on this page
Each one was opened and checked on September 17, 2026.
Know My Claim is not a law firm or a government agency, and this page is not legal advice. Laws change, so check the linked source before you rely on a deadline.