How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona?

Under A.R.S. § 12-542, most personal injury claims in Arizona must be filed within two years of the date of injury. There are limited exceptions — for example, claims involving government entities have a much shorter notice deadline. Missing the statute of limitations typically bars you from recovering any compensation, so it's important to consult an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.

What does a contingency fee mean, and how does it work in Arizona?

A contingency fee means you pay no attorney's fees upfront — the attorney is paid a percentage of your recovery only if your case is successful. Arizona Bar rules require this arrangement to be in writing and clearly explain the fee percentage and how litigation costs are handled. If your case does not result in a recovery, you owe no attorney's fees. Always read the agreement carefully so you understand how costs are treated.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Yes. Arizona follows a pure comparative fault rule under A.R.S. § 12-2505, which means you can recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. However, your total damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000. An experienced attorney can help minimize any fault attributed to you during negotiations or litigation.

How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer in Arizona

If you've been hurt in an accident, one of the first questions you're probably asking is: how do I choose a personal injury lawyer in Arizona? It's not a decision to take lightly. The attorney you hire can have a significant impact on how your case unfolds — from the evidence gathered early on to the final settlement or verdict. This guide walks you through what to look for, what to ask, and what red flags to watch for so you can make a confident, informed choice.

Why the Right Attorney Matters in an Arizona Personal Injury Case

Arizona personal injury law has several unique features that make local experience essential. Under A.R.S. § 12-542, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit — and missing that deadline almost always means losing your right to compensation entirely. Arizona also follows a pure comparative fault system (A.R.S. § 12-2505), which means your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault — but you can still recover even if you were partially responsible. An attorney who knows these rules, and who knows how Arizona courts and insurance companies operate, is far better positioned to protect your interests than an out-of-state firm or a general practitioner dabbling in injury law.

Step 1: Look for Arizona-Specific Personal Injury Experience

Start by verifying that the attorney actually practices personal injury law in Arizona as a primary focus — not as a side practice alongside family law or real estate. Ask whether they have handled cases similar to yours. A lawyer who regularly works car accident cases, slip and fall claims, and serious injury matters in Maricopa County will know the local courts, the adjusters at major insurance companies, and the expert witnesses who can strengthen your case. Our personal injury lawyers at Sher Law Group focus exclusively on helping injured Arizonans — that focus matters when your financial recovery is on the line.

Step 2: Verify Their State Bar Standing

Before you hire anyone, take a few minutes to look up the attorney on the State Bar of Arizona's public directory at azbar.org. This free tool shows you whether the attorney is currently licensed, whether they are in good standing, and whether they have any disciplinary history. It takes less than two minutes and can save you from a serious mistake. Every attorney at a reputable firm should be able to point you directly to their bar profile without hesitation.

Step 3: Understand the Fee Structure — No Surprises

In Arizona, personal injury attorneys almost universally work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front and no attorney's fees unless your case results in a recovery. Under State Bar of Arizona ethics rules, any contingency fee agreement must be in writing and clearly explain the percentage the attorney will receive and how costs are handled. At Sher Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis — no fee unless we win. Before you sign with any firm, make sure you understand exactly what percentage they take, how litigation costs are deducted, and what happens if your case does not resolve in your favor.

Step 4: Ask the Right Questions at Your Free Consultation

Most reputable personal injury firms in Arizona offer a free initial consultation — and you should take full advantage of it. Come prepared with questions such as:

How many personal injury cases have you handled in Arizona, and what types?
Have you taken cases to trial, or do you primarily settle?
Who will actually work on my case day-to-day — you, or a paralegal?
How will you communicate with me, and how often?
What is your honest assessment of my case's strengths and weaknesses?

Be cautious of any attorney who guarantees a specific outcome or refuses to give you a candid assessment of the challenges in your case. A good lawyer tells you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.

Step 5: Evaluate Their Track Record and Client Reviews

Look beyond the firm's website. Check Google reviews, Avvo, and the State Bar's own resources for feedback from former clients. While every case is different and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, patterns in client reviews — responsiveness, transparency, professionalism, results — can tell you a lot about how a firm operates. If a firm has a consistent pattern of poor communication complaints, that is a meaningful signal. You deserve an attorney who treats your case as a priority, not an afterthought.

Step 6: Consider Whether They Handle Your Specific Type of Case

Personal injury is a broad area of law. Make sure the firm you're considering has genuine experience with your specific type of accident or injury. If you were hurt in a collision, you want car accident attorneys who understand Arizona's fault insurance system, how to deal with uninsured motorist claims under A.R.S. § 20-259.01, and how to document accident scenes effectively. If your case involves a slip and fall, dog bite, or workplace injury, look for demonstrated experience in those areas specifically.

Step 7: Trust Your Instincts About Communication and Fit

A personal injury case can take months or even years to resolve. You will be sharing sensitive details about your health, your finances, and your daily life with this person and their team. If an attorney seems distracted, dismissive, or too rushed to answer your questions during a free consultation, that behavior is unlikely to improve once they have your file. Choose someone who listens, explains things clearly, and makes you feel like your case matters — because it does.

Red Flags to Watch For

Attorneys who contact you unsolicited after your accident ("ambulance chasing" is prohibited under Arizona Bar rules)
Pressure to sign a retainer agreement on the spot without time to review it
Vague answers about who will actually handle your case
No physical presence or verifiable office in Arizona
Guarantees of specific dollar amounts before any investigation has been done