Why Out-of-State Drivers Are Often Wrong About Arizona’s Fault Laws

 Every year, thousands of people move to Arizona — or drive through it — with insurance policies and legal assumptions from their home states. One of the biggest mistakes they make? Believing Arizona is a no-fault state.

It isn’t. And assuming otherwise can derail your ability to recover compensation after a crash.

In Arizona, the law is crystal clear: the person who causes the accident is liable for damages. This fault-based system requires proof of negligence before any payout can occur. Unfortunately, many out-of-state drivers don’t realize this until they’ve already filed a claim — and had it denied.

If you're still unsure about how Arizona determines fault after an accident, this legal breakdown on fault and liability lays it all out.

No-Fault Habits Don’t Work Here

Someone coming from Pennsylvania, Florida, or Kentucky may be used to filing claims through their own insurance regardless of fault. That instinct doesn’t help here. In Arizona, if you're rear-ended, t-boned, or sideswiped, your first legal priority should be establishing who caused the accident — not just reporting the damage.

Arizona’s pure comparative negligence rule further complicates things. If both parties share fault, compensation is reduced accordingly. If you’re 20% responsible, your damages are cut by 20%. That means any misunderstanding — or misstatement — can cost you money.

This guide to fault after an Arizona crash walks through examples and explains what documentation matters most when proving liability.

What to Do If You’ve Relied on the Wrong Rules

If you're coming from a no-fault state and were recently in a crash here, it's not too late — but you need to adjust fast. Your insurer may not be responsible for covering your injuries unless you added optional coverages like MedPay. And if the other driver was clearly at fault, their insurance company won’t pay you a dime until you prove it.

Out-of-state drivers need to familiarize themselves with Arizona's insurance laws, preferably before getting on the road. If that ship has sailed, your next step should be understanding the legal landscape — and rethinking your claim strategy with accurate, Arizona-specific information.

Arizona doesn’t hide this system. It just doesn’t hold your hand, either.

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