Arizona Injury Law Explained.
Information That Empowers You.

General
What damages can I recover in a dog bite case?

You may be able to recover medical costs, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering, including emotional trauma or scarring. Some cases involve long-term injuries, especially if nerve damage or infection occurs. We take time to understand how the injury has changed your life.

Personal injury requires personal attention. Contact Torgenson Law.

Can I still sue if I know the dog owner?

Absolutely. Many dog bite victims are injured by dogs they know—neighbors, friends, even family. It’s not about blame; it’s about getting help with medical bills, lost work, and the pain you’re dealing with. Often, it’s the insurance company paying the claim, not the person you know.

What happens if the dog owner refuses to cooperate?

If the dog owner ignores you, refuses to share their information, or tries to avoid responsibility, contact Torgenson Law, and we will step in immediately. Our team knows how to track down the necessary details, gather evidence, and deal with uncooperative owners so you’re not left fighting this alone.

Under Arizona’s updated dog bite law (effective September 2025), owners are legally required to provide their contact information after a bite:

A.R.S. § 11-1025, amended by Senate Bill 1241, now states: A person who owns or is responsible for the care of a dog that bites someone in a public place or while the person is lawfully on private property must provide their contact information to the bite victim.

If an owner refuses to comply, they’re violating state law—and we make sure they’re held accountable.

Who is liable for a dog bite under Arizona law?

Arizona follows a strict liability rule, which means the dog’s owner is usually responsible for the bite, regardless of whether the dog has ever shown aggression before. If you were in a public place or lawfully on private property, the law is on your side. That includes parks, sidewalks, or even visiting someone’s home.

 

 

What factors impact the value of a spinal cord injury claim?

Compensation depends on:

  • Medical costs (often hundreds of thousands or millions)

  • Pain and suffering

  • Ability or inability to work

  • Long-term care needs

  • Home modifications or medical equipment

  • Severity and permanence of the injury

  • The defendant’s insurance coverage

There is no “average” settlement because every injury is different. Contact Torgenson Law as soon as possible for a free consultation and case review.

Auto Accidents
Does Arizona law require me to wear a seat belt?

Yes. Under ARS §28-909, all front-seat drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt while the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, any passenger under 16 is required to wear a seat belt no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle.

Torgenson Law can help explain how this may impact your personal injury claim.

Why are car accidents so dangerous for pregnant people?

Pregnancy changes the body in ways that significantly increase injury risk. A crash can lead to placental abruption, uterine rupture, maternal shock, severe bleeding, premature birth, or miscarriage. Even a minor collision can cause serious internal injuries. Torgenson Law understands these unique risks and helps protect your rights if you or your unborn baby are harmed.

Do I still have a personal injury case if the other driver wasn’t cited after the accident?

Yes — you can still have a valid personal injury case even if the at-fault driver wasn’t cited. A traffic citation can make liability clearer, but it isn’t required to prove negligence. In Arizona, every driver has a legal duty of care to operate their vehicle safely. If another driver’s actions — like speeding, distraction, or failing to signal — caused your injuries, they can still be held liable even without a ticket.

Police officers don’t always witness the crash firsthand, so their reports rely on driver and witness statements. That means a lack of citation doesn’t necessarily reflect fault. Gathering witness statements, photos, and evidence can help show that the other driver acted negligently.

If you were injured in a crash and the other driver wasn’t cited, an experienced Arizona car accident attorney can investigate the case, establish fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Can you still file a personal injury claim if you were cited in the same car crash?

Yes — receiving a traffic citation does not automatically prevent you from pursuing a personal injury claim in Arizona. A citation is only one factor in determining fault and doesn’t necessarily mean you caused the accident.

For example, if you were cited for something unrelated (like driving without a license) or were improperly cited based on incomplete information, you may still recover damages if another driver’s negligence caused your injuries. In some cases, providing witness statements, photos, or vehicle evidence can help overturn a citation or prove it didn’t contribute to the crash.

If you were injured and cited in the same accident, don’t assume you’re at fault or give up your rights.

What are your rights as a passenger injured in a car accident?

If you’re a passenger injured in a car crash, you have the right to seek personal injury compensation, even though you weren’t driving. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver, whether that’s the driver of another vehicle or the one you were riding with.

Because Arizona follows a comparative fault system, you can recover damages from multiple drivers if more than one shares responsibility for the crash.

You may also be covered under Uninsured (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) policies—either through the driver of the car you were in or your own insurance policy. These coverages apply when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for your injuries.

Dog Bites
What damages can I recover in a dog bite case?

You may be able to recover medical costs, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering, including emotional trauma or scarring. Some cases involve long-term injuries, especially if nerve damage or infection occurs. We take time to understand how the injury has changed your life.

Personal injury requires personal attention. Contact Torgenson Law.

Can I still sue if I know the dog owner?

Absolutely. Many dog bite victims are injured by dogs they know—neighbors, friends, even family. It’s not about blame; it’s about getting help with medical bills, lost work, and the pain you’re dealing with. Often, it’s the insurance company paying the claim, not the person you know.

What happens if the dog owner refuses to cooperate?

If the dog owner ignores you, refuses to share their information, or tries to avoid responsibility, contact Torgenson Law, and we will step in immediately. Our team knows how to track down the necessary details, gather evidence, and deal with uncooperative owners so you’re not left fighting this alone.

Under Arizona’s updated dog bite law (effective September 2025), owners are legally required to provide their contact information after a bite:

A.R.S. § 11-1025, amended by Senate Bill 1241, now states: A person who owns or is responsible for the care of a dog that bites someone in a public place or while the person is lawfully on private property must provide their contact information to the bite victim.

If an owner refuses to comply, they’re violating state law—and we make sure they’re held accountable.

Who is liable for a dog bite under Arizona law?

Arizona follows a strict liability rule, which means the dog’s owner is usually responsible for the bite, regardless of whether the dog has ever shown aggression before. If you were in a public place or lawfully on private property, the law is on your side. That includes parks, sidewalks, or even visiting someone’s home.

 

 

What are my options if I’ve been seriously injured by a dog bite?

There are over 18,000 dog bite claims per year in the US alone. In Arizona, the dog owner is liable for any injury their dog causes to someone else. You can seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, mental distress, future medical care, and more. You can read more about this topic in detail on our blog.

Motorcycle Accidents
What is the difference between an at-fault vs. not-at-fault motorcycle accident?

At-fault issues include excessive speed, failing to yield, not carrying a license or insurance coverage, intoxication, etc. For more information on what to do after you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, check out this blog post.

Personal Injury
What factors impact the value of a spinal cord injury claim?

Compensation depends on:

  • Medical costs (often hundreds of thousands or millions)

  • Pain and suffering

  • Ability or inability to work

  • Long-term care needs

  • Home modifications or medical equipment

  • Severity and permanence of the injury

  • The defendant’s insurance coverage

There is no “average” settlement because every injury is different. Contact Torgenson Law as soon as possible for a free consultation and case review.

How do you prove fault after a parking lot accident?

Parking lots may seem harmless, but they’re common sites for injuries caused by uneven pavement, driver negligence, poor lighting, or weather hazards. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions—repairing potholes, ensuring proper lighting, and addressing icy or slippery surfaces. When they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, they may be held liable.

To prove fault in a parking lot accident, you’ll need evidence showing the property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it in a reasonable time. Key evidence includes:

  • Photos or videos of the hazard

  • Surveillance footage

  • Witness statements

  • Medical records documenting your injuries

Because these claims can be complex, it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can investigate, establish negligence, and fight for fair compensation.

What should you do if you’re injured in an accident while traveling out of state?

If you’re hurt while visiting another state, you can still pursue a personal injury claim—but knowing where to file it is key. Typically, your case can be filed in either:

  1. The defendant’s home state (where the at-fault party lives), or

  2. The state where the accident occurred, since that court has jurisdiction over incidents within its borders.

These jurisdiction rules can be complex, especially if multiple states are involved. An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine the proper venue, navigate differing state laws, and handle negotiations with out-of-state insurance companies.

How do you prove lost wages after a personal injury?

To recover compensation for lost wages after an injury, you must show clear evidence of how much income you lost because your injuries kept you from working. Insurance companies require documentation that verifies both your pay and your missed time—not just your word.

The key documents include:

  • Pay stubs showing your earnings before, during, and after your injury

  • Employer verification confirming the exact days or hours you missed

  • Doctor’s notes or work restrictions explaining why you couldn’t work

These records help demonstrate the full financial impact of your injury and strengthen your claim for compensation. If an insurer disputes or undervalues your lost wages, a personal injury attorney can help gather evidence, negotiate with adjusters, and ensure you receive the pay you’re owed.

What should you do if you suspect a traumatic brain injury in Arizona?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause serious physical and emotional harm—and symptoms don’t always appear right away. Watch for warning signs such as confusion, loss of coordination, headaches, unusual behavior, or clear fluid from the ears. Seek medical care immediately if any of these symptoms appear, even after a seemingly minor head injury.

In Arizona, TBIs often result from car crashes, falls, workplace incidents, or violence. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, contact a brain injury lawyer like Torgenson Law to evaluate your case and help you pursue compensation for your recovery.

Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents
What is the average commercial truck accident settlement?

The average truck accident settlement in the U.S. is around $42,000, but the amount varies widely depending on the severity of the crash, the injuries involved, and who was at fault. In Arizona, settlements can be significantly higher when accidents result in serious injuries, fatalities, or long-term disabilities.

Compensation in truck accident cases often includes:

  • Medical expenses and future treatment costs

  • Pain and suffering or reduced quality of life

  • Property damage to your vehicle and belongings

  • Lost wages or loss of earning capacity

  • Punitive damages if the truck driver or company was grossly negligent

  • Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed in the collision

Because trucking companies and insurers often fight to minimize payouts, it’s critical to work with an experienced Arizona truck accident attorney.

Wrongful Death
What are my legal options if a loved one was killed in an accident?

These are extremely unfortunate and complex cases. Calculating the value of emotional damage can be a difficult thing. However, if a loved one was killed as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may file a claim for wrongful death. You can read more about this topic on our blog.