Speak With a Phoenix Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Today
Not every driver on Phoenix roads carries enough insurance—or any insurance at all. When an uninsured or underinsured driver causes a serious car accident, victims are often left wondering how they will pay for medical bills, lost income, and ongoing care. These cases can be legally and financially complex, especially when insurance companies attempt to limit or deny coverage. If you or a loved one has been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, working with an experienced Phoenix uninsured motorist accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Farar & Lewis offer free consultations to uninsured and underinsured motorist accident victims throughout Phoenix. Our legal team understands how these claims work and is ready to fight for you.
The Growing Problem of Uninsured Drivers in Phoenix
Despite Arizona’s insurance requirements, many drivers still operate vehicles without adequate coverage. Economic pressures, lapses in coverage, and unregistered vehicles all contribute to the problem.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist accidents are common due to:
- Drivers carrying only minimum coverage
- Lapsed or invalid insurance policies
- Out-of-state or unregistered vehicles
- Hit-and-run drivers who cannot be identified
- Commercial or rideshare drivers with coverage gaps
Unfortunately, victims often discover insurance issues only after a crash occurs.
What Is Uninsured vs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Understanding the difference is critical to your claim:
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all or cannot be identified in a hit-and-run accident involving bodily injury.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
Applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance exists but is insufficient to fully cover your damages.
UM/UIM coverage is part of your own auto insurance policy and is designed to protect you—not the negligent driver.
Arizona Insurance Requirements and UM/UIM Coverage
Arizona law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but those limits are often far too low to cover serious injuries. While insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage, drivers may decline it—sometimes unknowingly.
A Phoenix uninsured motorist accident lawyer reviews your policy carefully to determine all available coverage options.
Common Injuries in Uninsured Motorist Accidents
Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers often result in serious injuries, especially when victims are forced to rely on limited coverage.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Wrongful death injuries
The lack of adequate insurance often compounds the financial stress caused by these injuries.
How UM/UIM Claims Differ From Standard Car Accident Claims
UM/UIM claims are different because:
- You are effectively making a claim against your own insurer
- Insurance companies may still dispute fault or damages
- Policy language and exclusions matter significantly
- Arbitration or litigation may be required
Despite being your insurer, the company is still motivated to minimize payouts.
Proving Liability in an Uninsured Motorist Claim
Even though the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, you must still prove they caused the accident. Evidence may include:
- Police accident reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic or surveillance footage
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Medical records
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
A Phoenix uninsured motorist accident lawyer ensures your claim is properly documented and supported.
Why Insurance Companies Fight UM/UIM Claims
Insurance companies often resist UM/UIM claims by arguing:
- The uninsured driver was not fully at fault
- Injuries are exaggerated or unrelated
- Policy limits have already been met
- Coverage exclusions apply
Without legal representation, victims may accept settlements far below the value of their claims.
Additional Compensation Options Beyond UM/UIM
Depending on the circumstances, other compensation sources may be available, including:
- Employer liability if the at-fault driver was working
- Vehicle owner liability
- Third-party claims for road defects or vehicle defects
- Health insurance coordination
- Medical payment (MedPay) coverage
An experienced Phoenix uninsured motorist accident lawyer explores every available avenue for recovery.
Compensation Available in Uninsured Motorist Accident Cases
Victims may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Long-term medical care
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or impairment
In fatal accidents, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Uninsured Motorist Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand the unique challenges UM/UIM claims present. Our legal team works aggressively to ensure insurance companies honor their obligations.
We focus on:
- Reviewing insurance policies in detail
- Proving liability and damages
- Challenging unfair claim denials
- Handling arbitration or litigation when needed
- Negotiating aggressively for full compensation
- Taking cases to trial when necessary
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for UM/UIM Claims
Most personal injury claims in Arizona must be filed within two years of the accident date. However, UM/UIM claims may have additional notice or contractual deadlines.
Prompt legal guidance helps ensure no deadlines are missed.
Call Farar & Lewis After an Uninsured Motorist Accident in Phoenix
If you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you should not be left paying the price for someone else’s negligence.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix uninsured motorist accident lawyer. We are ready to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Sources
- Arizona Department of Insurance – Auto Insurance Coverage
https://difi.az.gov - Insurance Information Institute – Uninsured Motorist Coverage
https://www.iii.org - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Insurance and Crash Data
https://www.nhtsa.gov
