Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims Attorney in Phoenix, AZ

At Sotelo Law Group, we help clients file uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims to recover the compensation they deserve. These cases can be complicated because they often involve negotiating with your own insurance company. Our attorneys handle every step so you can focus on healing, and we work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Contact Sotelo Law Group today for a free consultation. We proudly serve Phoenix and nearby communities, including Glendale, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Tempe.

Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Arizona

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (often called UM/UIM coverage) helps protect you when another driver causes an accident but lacks adequate insurance. In Arizona, car insurance policies must meet certain minimum requirements to be considered valid. Having adequate car insurance is crucial to protect your finances in the event of an accident.

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all or in hit-and-run cases.
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: Applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance limits are too low to cover your medical expenses or property damage.

Arizona’s minimum insurance requirements for drivers include:

• $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident (bodily injury coverage minimums)
• $15,000 for property damage

These minimums are for liability insurance, which is required to protect against damages you may cause to others in an accident.

Although Arizona does not require UM/UIM coverage, it is highly recommended. This coverage can pay for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Because these claims involve your own insurance company, disputes are common. Your insurer may try to minimize what it pays, even when you have paid premiums for this protection. The attorneys at Sotelo Law Group can review your policy, identify all available coverage, and negotiate for the compensation you deserve.

Common Scenarios That Lead to UM/UIM Claims

Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims often arise after accidents where the at-fault driver cannot cover the full cost of the damages. Uninsured motorists pose a significant risk on the road, as they often lack the financial means to cover damages. These situations can leave injured victims struggling to pay medical bills or repair their vehicles without help.

Common examples include:

• Hit-and-Run Accidents: The driver flees the scene and cannot be identified.
• Uninsured Drivers: The at-fault driver has no insurance, making it difficult to recover damages from their insurer.
• Underinsured Drivers: The driver’s insurance policy limits are too low to cover all your losses, highlighting the importance of understanding the limits of the driver's insurance.
• Accidents Caused by a Negligent Driver with Insufficient Insurance: A negligent driver causes an accident but lacks enough insurance coverage, requiring victims to pursue compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist policies.
• Multiple-Vehicle Collisions: Several parties share fault, and coverage limits are quickly exhausted.
• Pedestrian or Bicycle Accidents: The injured person is hit by a driver without sufficient insurance coverage.

In each of these cases, Sotelo Law Group helps clients understand their insurance options, evaluate their coverage, and file claims to recover fair compensation.

Arizona’s Insurance Requirements and Comparative Negligence Rule

Arizona law requires all drivers to carry a minimum level of auto insurance coverage:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $15,000 for property damage

The vast majority of Arizona drivers are required to carry at least the minimum insurance coverage.

While these minimums may cover minor accidents, they are rarely enough for serious injuries or extensive vehicle damage. When medical bills or other losses exceed these limits, victims often need to rely on their underinsured motorist coverage to fill the gap.

Arizona also follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident. Your percentage of fault simply reduces your total award. For example, if you are 10% at fault, you can still recover 90% of your total damages.

In car accident cases involving comparative negligence, determining fault and coverage is crucial for recovering compensation.

The attorneys at Sotelo Law Group understand how these laws work together and can help you recover the maximum compensation available under your policy.

What to Do After an Accident With an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver

After a collision, it can be overwhelming to realize the at-fault driver has little or no insurance. Taking the right steps early on can protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured.
2. Get Medical Care: Even if you feel fine, some injuries take hours or days to appear.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the vehicles, accident scene, and any visible injuries.
4. Collect Information: Write down the other driver’s name, contact details, and license plate number.
5. File a Police Report: This official record is important for insurance and legal purposes.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company: Let them know about the accident, but avoid giving a recorded statement until you speak with an attorney.
7. Contact Sotelo Law Group: Our team can review your insurance policy, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps.

Before making any statements to insurance companies, it is important to consult with an attorney to protect your legal rights.

Acting quickly after the accident helps preserve evidence, prevent mistakes, and ensure that your claim is filed within Arizona’s legal deadlines.

Recoverable Damages in UM/UIM Claims

Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers can create major financial stress. If you were injured, you may be entitled to compensation under your own insurance policy through an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim.

Depending on your policy and the severity of your injuries, you may be able to recover damages for:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital care, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment.
• Lost Wages: Income lost while you recover from your injuries.
• Reduced Earning Capacity: Future income losses if your injuries affect your ability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle or personal items.
• Wrongful Death Damages: Financial support and funeral expenses if a loved one is killed in an accident with an uninsured driver.

An injured person's damages may also include the costs of lifelong care in cases of severe injuries, such as brain trauma, where ongoing medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation are required. In these situations, liability insurance coverage may not be enough to fully compensate for all damages.

At Sotelo Law Group, we carefully evaluate every aspect of your claim to ensure you receive full and fair compensation. Our attorneys handle negotiations with insurers and, when necessary, take cases to court to protect your rights. We help clients pursue damages beyond what insurance initially offers, especially when lifelong care and extensive medical needs are involved.

Why You Need a Lawyer for UM/UIM Claims

Filing an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim may sound simple, but insurance companies often make the process difficult. Even though you are filing with your own insurer, they may still try to minimize payouts or deny parts of your claim. Our firm has extensive experience handling uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, giving us the insight needed to navigate complex insurance issues and maximize your recovery.

A Phoenix uninsured motorist attorney can help by:

• Reviewing your policy to determine all available coverage
• Gathering medical records, accident reports, and other key evidence
• Handling all communication and negotiations with insurance adjusters
• Calculating the full value of your claim, including future losses
• Taking legal action if your insurer acts in bad faith or refuses fair payment
• Being prepared to handle high-stakes litigation if necessary to secure fair compensation for you

At Sotelo Law Group, we know how insurance companies operate and how to hold them accountable. Our attorneys protect your rights, handle the details, and fight to recover the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.

Why Choose Sotelo Law Group

Choosing the right law firm can make all the difference when dealing with an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim. At Sotelo Law Group, we combine experience, compassion, and commitment to help our clients recover the compensation they deserve.

Here’s why clients throughout Phoenix trust our firm:

• Bilingual Representation: We proudly serve both English and Spanish-speaking clients.
• Client-Centered Service: We provide clear communication, consistent updates, and personal attention at every stage of your case.
• Personal Attention: Attorney Daniel Sotelo personally oversees each case to ensure quality and care.
• 24/7 Availability: Someone from our office is always available to help, even after hours.
• Local Commitment: As a Phoenix-based firm, we understand the needs of our community and take pride in helping local families.
• Proven Results: Our attorneys have secured favorable outcomes in complex insurance and personal injury cases.
• Free Consultation: There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
• Understanding Financial Challenges: Many uninsured motorists lack the financial means to pay for damages and expenses, making legal representation essential to protect your interests.

At Sotelo Law Group, our mission is simple—protect your rights, relieve your stress, and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We work to ensure you are not left paying for expenses that should be covered by insurance or the responsible party.

Contact Sotelo Law Group for a Free Consultation

If you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you still have options for financial recovery. At Sotelo Law Group, we help clients throughout Phoenix, Arizona, navigate these complex insurance claims and secure the compensation they deserve.

Our attorneys handle every step of the process, from reviewing your policy and gathering evidence to negotiating with your insurance company and, if needed, taking your case to court. We will make sure your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly every step of the way.

You pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact Sotelo Law Group today for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients in Phoenix and nearby communities, including Glendale, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Tempe.