In Arizona, fault in accidents is often determined by negligence, which refers to careless actions, such as distracted driving. If someone is careless and causes an accident, they are responsible for the damages and injuries, which can include significant medical expenses. It’s important to request a police report to establish negligence, as it can serve as key evidence in proving liability. We advise against providing recorded statements to the other party’s insurance company, as they may use it against you, and instead recommend consulting with an experienced attorney. To ensure you receive fair compensation, it’s crucial to understand your policy limits, the damages involved, and available coverages, which an attorney can help you navigate.

For more details on how to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve, call 623-877-3600 for a FREE consultation with a personal injury attorney today.

On March 29, 2019, the body of Samantha Josephson was found by turkey hunters in a field about 90 miles from Columbia, South Carolina, where Ms. Josephson was last seen requesting an Uber rideshare vehicle. As the investigation continued, it was determined that she voluntarily got into a car, but it was not the Uber vehicle she ordered. As it turns out, Nathanial Rowland, who was not operating as an Uber driver, was charged with picking her up, posing as an Uber driver, and murdering Ms. Josephson.

This was a horrible tragedy that may have been prevented with a few precautionary steps. Using Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft can be very helpful and convenient, however, they must be used cautiously. Here are a few precautionary tips to keep in mind when using these platforms to help keep you safe:

1. Whenever possible, stay inside until you see your car arriving or the application has signaled your driver’s arrival. By doing so, predators that may be looking for potential victims will not be able to see you ahead of time and trick someone into believing they are the requested vehicle. Predators pretending to be rideshare drivers can spot victims that appear to be looking for a rideshare vehicle, often times outside restaurants, bars, or clubs. By staying inside until you have been notified that your vehicle is outside, you avoid being lured into the wrong vehicle.
2. Most rideshare platforms tell you the make, model, color, and license plate of the car picking you up. If you find a rideshare application that does not give you that information, switch to one that does, like Uber and Lyft. Once you have that information, make sure to verify all that information, including the license plate number BEFORE you get into the rideshare vehicle.
3. Here is where it pays to NOT be chivalrous, and it’s OK! Although I like to be a gentleman and put my wife in the car and close her door, then walk around the car and get in last, when ridesharing, I don’t do that…I get in the car first, then let my wife get in on her own. Why? In this scenario, I rather assure her that someone will be in the car with her, rather than putting her in a rideshare vehicle by herself, then walking around to let myself into the car. This prevents having a potential driver take off with her in the vehicle by herself while I am walking to the other side of the car. In this scenario, a true gentleman gets in first!
4. As you approach the car, check child safety locks. Don’t be shy. Check the side of the door for them to be unlocked. Know where to look for them on the inside of car doors. If they are up, they are off. If they are down, don’t get in. Double check the plate and name of driver and if everything is correct, then switch them to up to make sure you can get out in an emergency.
5. Travel together and share a car with friends where possible.
6. Check your rideshare app for in-route safety features. Uber has recently upgraded their safety policies and added safety in-route information and services, so study your rideshare platform and know where to find the in-route safety information.

If you or your loved ones have been in an incident involving rideshare, call 623-877-3600 for a FREE consultation with an attorney today.

At ELG, we have extensive experience handling rideshare accidents, including those involving Uber and Lyft drivers. In Arizona, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) regulates Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), like Uber and Lyft. When a driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a fare, minimal insurance limits of $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 apply. However, once the driver accepts a fare or picks up passengers, the coverage increases to $250,000 per accident. Additionally, ADOT requires a $250,000 uninsured motorist endorsement for passengers.

If you’re injured in an accident with a rideshare driver, determining the type of coverage depends on whether the driver was on the app and whether they had accepted a fare or had passengers at the time of the crash. For passengers injured in a rideshare vehicle, if the rideshare driver is at fault, the $250,000 coverage will apply, but the amount may be shared if there are multiple victims. If another driver is at fault, their personal insurance or the rideshare company’s uninsured motorist coverage may come into play.

Rideshare accident cases can become complicated, and it’s crucial to conduct a thorough investigation to maximize compensation. For those involved in rideshare accidents, consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential to navigating the complexities of these claims. At ELG, we offer FREE consultations with licensed attorneys, not intake specialists, to ensure your case is handled by a knowledgeable professional.

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, call 623-877-3600 for a FREE consultation to review your case with an experienced attorney at ELG.

In Arizona, it’s crucial to use your health insurance after a car accident, even if a hospital tells you otherwise. Hospitals don’t wait for fault to be established, and they will bill you directly if you don’t use your health insurance, regardless of whose fault the accident was. Using your health insurance helps prevent collection issues and can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs, as hospitals often have contracted rates with insurers. For example, if a $5,000 bill is reduced to $500 through insurance, the responsible party’s insurance will still cover the full $5,000, and you may only need to pay a small copay. Additionally, working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that health insurance benefits are applied to your case, possibly reducing your liability and increasing your settlement.

If you have government-issued health insurance (like AHCCCS, Medicaid, Medicare, or Tricare), an attorney may also help reduce the amount you owe or apply those benefits to your case instead of the at-fault party. In some cases, the attorney may even help lower the lien amount owed to government insurers. Finally, a qualified personal injury lawyer can help determine if your private health insurance requires reimbursement and guide you through the process to maximize your compensation.

For more details on what you should and shouldn’t do after an accident, call 623-877-3600 for a FREE consultation with an experienced attorney at ELG.

If you’re involved in a car crash, it’s essential to call 911 and request the police come to the scene. While the at-fault driver may admit responsibility, it’s still crucial to have an official police report to document the incident. Without a police report, the insurance company may dispute liability, especially if the at-fault party changes their story later. Even if the officer deems the damage minor and doesn’t initially plan to file a report, insist on one to ensure clear documentation of fault, as injuries might appear later. Having a police report also makes it easier to handle repairs, rental costs, and other claims with the responsible party’s insurance.

Not sure how to get a police report? Call our seasoned accident attorneys at 623-877-3600 for a FREE consultation.

1. Ensure you and everyone in your vehicle are OK.
2. Call 911 for injuries and request a police report.
3. If safe, take pictures and video of all vehicles involved from multiple angles.
4. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel injured; delayed symptoms can complicate claims.
5. Follow your doctor’s advice.
6. Schedule an appointment with a personal injury attorney ASAP. Make sure it’s with an attorney, not a paralegal or intake specialist.
7. Hire a lawyer you’re comfortable with to help with claims, including contacting your insurance.

This is not an exhaustive list—car crashes are complex and vary by state. For expert advice and assistance with your car crash claim, call 623-877-3600 for a FREE consultation with an experienced attorney at ELG. Protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve!

Auto accidents can be complicated when the at-fault driver has no valid insurance. This can happen in three common scenarios:

1. The at-fault driver admits to having no insurance.
2. The driver provides a fake or lapsed insurance card.
3. The driver flees the scene (hit and run).

If you have been hit by someone and identified that they have no insurance, you need to look at your auto insurance declarations page (commonly called a “dec”page) to see if you carry uninsured motorist coverage.

In these situations, it’s crucial to have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which protects you when the responsible driver is uninsured or untraceable. UM covers bodily injuries for you, passengers, and family members, even if they are not listed on your policy. It also covers medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

UM is portable in Arizona, meaning it follows you in any vehicle, even if you’re in a bus or a friend’s car. Additionally, it covers family members, including children, regardless of whether they are named on the policy.

The best part? UM is generally much cheaper than liability insurance. It provides peace of mind, knowing you’re protected even if the other driver is uninsured. It’s highly recommended to add UM coverage to your policy, as it offers significant benefits for a low cost.

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, don’t wait to protect your rights. Call 623-877-3600 for a FREE consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney at ELG. We’ll help you understand your options and guide you through the process, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.

You can reduce your risk of a motor vehicle accident with these strategies:

1. Vehicle Maintenance: Regularly maintain key components like brakes, tires, and lights. Ensure your brakes are functioning, tires have sufficient tread and correct pressure, and your headlights are clean and clear. Check wiper blades and fluid levels regularly to maintain visibility, especially in adverse conditions.

2. Driving Habits & Defensive Driving: Practice safe driving by maintaining a safe distance from vehicles in front of you, especially to avoid rear-end collisions. Always be aware of potential hazards and be ready to react, such as moving your car if a vehicle is approaching too quickly from behind. Stay calm in traffic; avoid road rage and aggressive driving, as it increases the risk of accidents. Also, be mindful of the inconvenience an accident could cause, such as delays, injuries, and additional legal steps.

3. Insurance: Protect yourself with proper insurance coverage, including liability, property damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Consider adding roadside hazard insurance, though it’s wise to be cautious about relying solely on your car insurer’s network, which may offer inconsistent service. For better reliability, AAA’s roadside assistance is a good alternative.

To reduce your risk of accidents and ensure you’re fully protected, call 623-877-3600 for a FREE consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney at ELG. We’ll help you understand how to safeguard your rights and navigate the complexities of insurance and accident claims.