As an experienced personal injury law firm in Arizona, we often come across cases where our clients have been involved in an accident with another driver who may or may not have auto liability insurance. Arizona law (A.R.S. § 28-4009) requires drivers to carry auto liability insurance to cover any damages they may cause in an accident. However, not all drivers abide by this law, and finding out if the other driver has insurance can be challenging.
If you have been involved in an accident with another driver in Arizona and are unsure whether they have auto liability insurance, here are some steps you can take:
Exchange Information: After an accident, exchange contact information with the other driver, including their name, phone number, and insurance information. If they have insurance, they should be able to provide you with their policy number and the name of their insurance company. It is also a good idea to get a photograph of the other driver’s Driver’s License to assist with your accident claim.
Check the Police Report: If the police were called to the scene of the accident, they will file a traffic accident report. This report will usually include information about the drivers involved in the accident and whether they had insurance at the time of the accident. If the driver does have valid insurance, then that information should be documented in the traffic accident report.
To learn how to access your traffic accident report in Tempe, click here.
To learn how to access your traffic accident report in Glendale, click here.
Contact Your Insurance Company: If you have insurance, contact your insurance company and provide them with the information you have about the other driver. Your insurance company may be able to tell you if the other driver has insurance and what type of coverage they have.
Contact the Arizona Department of Insurance: The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), can also help you determine whether another driver involved in your car accident has insurance. A person seeking this information must complete an Insurance Information Request - Accident Case form.
It is important to note that the AZ MVD can only provide this information if the other vehicle involved in the accident was registered in Arizona. Furthermore, you will need to ensure you do the following with request:
Your request must be signed and notarized on the back.
If you are requesting the information on your own behalf, you must check “Permissible Use #13” on the second page of the form.
You must include a check or money order for $3.00, payable to the Motor Vehicle Division with your request.
You must include a copy of your traffic accident report with your request. The report must identify the injured parties and the damaged vehicles.
Hire an Attorney: If you are unable to find out if the other driver has insurance, or if they do not have insurance, you may need to hire an attorney to help you pursue compensation for your damages. If the other driver does not have insurance, and you do not have Uninsured Motorist Insurance, your ability to recover compensation may be limited. The accident attorneys at The Dr. Lawyer Law Group can help you navigate the legal process and explore all options available to you.
In conclusion, finding out if the other driver has auto liability insurance after an accident can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to get this information. If you have been involved in an accident and are unsure if the other driver has insurance, you can trust The Dr. Lawyer Law Group to handle all of the stressful steps you face after a car accident. Our experienced Phoenix personal injury attorneys can help you determine your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.