What to Do Next
Every year, Arizona welcomes millions of visitors—from winter snowbirds and road-trippers to business travelers and tourists. With this influx of out-of-state drivers, it’s no surprise that car accidents involving non-Arizona insurance policies are common across the state.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Arizona and the at-fault driver has out-of-state insurance, you may be facing a more complex claims process. The good news? Arizona law is on your side—and Rideout Law Group is here to help.
Step 1: Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety come first. Always call 911, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions, like concussions or whiplash, may not present symptoms immediately.
🚑 Request medical assistance for anyone injured
👮 Ensure law enforcement files an official accident report
Both your medical records and the police report are crucial pieces of evidence when filing a personal injury claim in Arizona.
Step 2: Collect Information at the Scene
When out-of-state insurance is involved, documentation becomes even more important. If you’re able, gather:
- Driver’s name, contact info, and insurance details
- State of the insurance policy
- License plate and driver’s license numbers
- Photos of all vehicles, damage, and the scene
- Witness contact information
Tip: Do not assume the other driver’s insurance company will fully investigate or advocate for you.
Step 3: Arizona Law Still Applies
Even if the at-fault driver is from another state, Arizona law governs the situation because the accident happened here. That means:
- Arizona personal injury law determines fault and compensation
- Arizona statute of limitations sets your legal deadline (generally two years)
- Local courts and procedures apply, regardless of the insurer’s location
Out-of-state insurers must respect Arizona’s legal standards and liability rules.
Step 4: Use Caution with Out-of-State Insurance Adjusters
Adjusters from out-of-state insurance companies may try to reach you quickly—but their priority is protecting their company’s bottom line, not your recovery.
You are not required to:
- Provide a recorded statement
- Accept a fast settlement offer
- Discuss fault or downplay your injuries
Before speaking with any insurance company, consult an experienced Arizona personal injury lawyer to avoid costly mistakes.
Step 5: Be Aware of Coverage Gaps
Insurance laws vary by state. Some states require far less coverage than Arizona, which can limit how much you’re able to recover from an out-of-state driver’s policy.
An experienced attorney can:
- Review all insurance policies involved
- Determine if Arizona’s minimum coverage should apply
- Explore additional compensation options, including underinsured motorist coverage
This is especially critical in serious injury cases involving hospitalization, lost income, or long-term treatment.
Step 6: Don’t Miss Your Legal Deadlines
In Arizona, the general deadline to file a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. But with out-of-state parties involved, delays are more likely.
Early legal action helps:
- Preserve critical evidence
- Avoid jurisdictional challenges
- Meet all applicable deadlines
Why You Need an Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating a car accident involving out-of-state insurance isn’t just confusing—it’s risky without strong legal representation. At Rideout Law Group, our legal team helps injured Arizonans:
- Handle all insurance communications
- Apply Arizona law to maximize compensation
- Investigate fault thoroughly and build strong cases
- Represent your interests in negotiation or litigation
Whether your accident happened in Scottsdale, Lake Havasu, or anywhere in between, we know Arizona’s laws, courts, and insurance landscape.
Get Help from an Arizona Accident Lawyer
Don’t try to navigate this alone. If you were injured in a car accident in Arizona involving an out-of-state driver, Rideout Law Group is ready to help.
📍 Scottsdale Office: 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
📍 Lake Havasu Office: 2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
📞 Call Today: (833) 854-8181
💬 Request Your Free Consultation Online Here
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.