1. Garrison Law Firm
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Accident Litigation
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Truck Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Motorcycle Crashes, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Drunk Driving Accidents, Dramshop Claims
Background: A family-operated firm with attorneys licensed to practice in both Arizona and Nevada. Attorney Daniel Garrison graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University before attending William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV on a full scholarship. The firm handles complex cases including claims against large corporations and insurance companies.
Location: 8700 N. 91st Avenue, Suite B-105, Peoria, AZ 85345
Contact: (623) 334-9495 | https://www.garrisonlawfirm.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation. Contingency fee structure with payment only upon successful recovery. Referral bonus of $200 for clients who refer new cases.
2. Gage Mathers Law Group
Focus Area: Serious Injury and Accident Claims
Practice Areas: Traumatic Brain Injuries, Spinal Cord Damage, Fractures, Car Accidents, Motorcycle Crashes, Truck Collisions, Slip and Fall, Medical Malpractice
Background: A personal injury firm with significant experience helping car accident victims, having recovered over $100 million in compensation for injuries and damages. Attorneys focus on serious injury cases requiring complex litigation and expert testimony. The firm handles all aspects of claims from investigation through trial.
Location: 7878 N. 16th Street, Suite 285, Phoenix, AZ 85020 (Serving Peoria)
Contact: (480) 300-7186 | https://gagemathers.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. No fees unless compensation is recovered.
3. The Sorenson Law Firm
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Insurance Claims
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Dog Bites, Slip and Fall, Wrongful Death, Insurance Disputes, Premises Liability
Background: The firm serves clients throughout Peoria and Arizona, handling cases ranging from minor injuries to catastrophic harm. Attorneys have experience negotiating with insurance companies and taking cases to trial when necessary. The firm has represented clients from across the United States and internationally, including visitors injured while vacationing in Arizona.
Location: 7227 N. 16th Street, Suite 240, Phoenix, AZ 85020 (Serving Peoria)
Contact: (602) 266-0001 | https://sorensonlaw.net
Consultation: Free case evaluation. Contingency fee arrangement with no upfront costs.
4. The Law Offices of John Phebus
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Criminal Defense
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Catastrophic Injuries, DUI Accidents, Motorcycle Collisions, Pedestrian Accidents, Wrongful Death, Trucking Accidents
Background: Over 30 years of experience representing accident victims and securing financial compensation. Attorney John Phebus holds leadership positions including board membership in the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association and Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice. The firm provides personalized attention through a boutique-style team approach.
Location: 8700 N. 91st Avenue, Suite A-100, Peoria, AZ 85345
Contact: (623) 847-7117 | https://www.crimeandinjurylaw.com
Consultation: Free initial case consultation. Contingency fee basis with no payment unless case is won.
5. Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm
Focus Area: Comprehensive Personal Injury Representation
Practice Areas: Auto Accidents, Nursing Home Abuse, DUI Accidents, Wrongful Death, Drug Recall Litigation, Premises Liability
Background: Founded by Christy Thompson with a focus on guiding clients through insurance company processes and nursing home issues following injuries. The firm maintains offices in Peoria, North Phoenix, and Chandler to serve clients throughout the greater Phoenix area. All staff members are trained specifically in accident and personal injury matters.
Location: 8880 W. Peoria Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345
Contact: (623) 439-8000 | https://phxinjurylaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation. Contingency fee structure with no fees unless recovery is obtained.
Personal Injury Laws in Arizona
Statute of Limitations
Arizona provides two years from the date of injury to file most personal injury lawsuits under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 12-542. This deadline applies to car accidents, slip and falls, and general negligence claims. Dog bite cases brought under Arizona’s strict liability statute (Section 11-1025) must be filed within one year. Claims against government entities require written notice within 180 days of the injury under Section 12-821.01, with the lawsuit deadline being one year from the injury date.
Negligence Rules
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 12-2505. Injured parties can recover damages even if they bear partial responsibility for the accident, with compensation reduced by their percentage of fault. For instance, a plaintiff found 40% at fault for an accident would receive 60% of their total damages. Unlike some states, Arizona allows recovery even if the plaintiff is up to 99% at fault.
Damage Caps
The Arizona Constitution (Article 2, Section 31) prohibits caps on damages in personal injury cases. There are no limits on economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, and no caps on non-economic damages including pain and suffering and emotional distress. Punitive damages are available in cases involving willful or wanton misconduct but require clear and convincing evidence. Claims against government entities may involve sovereign immunity considerations that can limit available damages.
Auto Insurance Requirements
Arizona is an at-fault state requiring liability insurance with minimum coverage of 25/50/15. This includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. These minimums took effect July 1, 2020, increasing from previous lower limits. While not mandatory, insurance companies must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of at least $25,000/$50,000, though drivers may decline in writing. Drivers must carry proof of insurance and present it when requested by law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Arizona’s desert climate affect accident patterns in Peoria?
Dust storms and haboobs during monsoon season create dangerous driving conditions on roads like Loop 101 and Highway 60 in the Peoria area. Sun glare during morning and evening commutes contributes to accidents, particularly along east-west corridors. High temperatures can cause tire blowouts and road surface damage, while sudden rainfall on roads that rarely see moisture creates exceptionally slick conditions. These weather-related factors can influence liability determinations in accident cases.
What is the 180-day notice requirement for claims against Arizona government entities?
If your injury involves a city vehicle, school district property, or state agency like the Arizona Department of Transportation, you must file a written notice of claim within 180 days of the injury. This notice must contain facts sufficient for the government entity to understand the basis of your claim. Failure to provide proper notice bars you from filing a lawsuit. The notice requirement applies to cities like Peoria, Maricopa County, state agencies, and public schools throughout Arizona.
Can I recover damages if I was not wearing a seatbelt during a car accident in Arizona?
Arizona law does not prevent recovery of damages solely because an injured party was not wearing a seatbelt. However, evidence of seatbelt non-use may be considered under comparative negligence principles if it contributed to the severity of injuries. Insurance companies may argue that certain injuries would have been less severe with seatbelt use. The impact on your case depends on the specific facts and the nature of injuries sustained.
What happens if the at-fault driver’s insurance limits are insufficient to cover my damages?
When the at-fault driver’s liability coverage is insufficient, several options may exist. Your own underinsured motorist coverage, if purchased, can provide additional compensation up to your policy limits. If the at-fault driver has personal assets, you may be able to pursue a judgment beyond insurance limits, though collection may be difficult. Multiple liable parties may exist in some accidents, such as employers in commercial vehicle cases or property owners in premises liability situations.
Are there special considerations for accidents occurring in retirement communities near Peoria?
The greater Peoria area includes significant retirement community populations, which can present unique case factors. Accidents involving older drivers may involve questions about medical conditions affecting driving ability. Golf cart accidents on streets designated for such use have specific liability considerations. Pedestrian accidents near retirement facilities may involve premises liability claims if property conditions contributed to the incident. Medical expenses for elderly accident victims often involve coordination with Medicare and supplemental insurance policies.