por Zayed Al-Sayyed

How Long Does a Suspended License Last in Arizona?

It might seem obvious that you should not drive with a suspended license, but many people underestimate the seriousness of this offense. Driving on a suspended license in Arizona can lead to costly penalties, so it’s important to be aware of the facts.

Some of the most common offenses that result in a suspended license in Arizona are careless driving, driving without insurance, driving under the influence, and unpaid fines. One question that people frequently ask is, “how long does a suspended license last in Arizona?” Our team at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed is here to answer that.

Penalties of Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona

Knowingly driving on a suspended license in Arizona is illegal. It is a  Class 1 misdemeanor. Potential consequences include prolonging your license suspension, hefty fines, a jail sentence of up to 180 days, a probation period of up to 3 years, and having your vehicle impounded for up to 30 days.

While these are solely maximum sentencing options and only a small number of cases ever result in jail time, driving with a suspended or revoked license is still clearly not a risk worth taking.

A Suspended License on Your Record in Arizona

A license suspension will remain on your driving record for 12 months. The same applies to traffic points for road offences. Any penalties faced for a suspended license violation are civil penalties, not criminal sentences. However, the longest-lasting consequence or penalty you could expect to face is an increase in your car insurance premium.

This will be the largest cost that will come from getting caught driving on a suspended license because these increases in insurance are always long-term. In some cases, insurance companies even cancel policies purchased by people that get their licenses suspended for critical offenses.

What To Do if You are Charged with Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona

If you are charged with driving on a suspended license, the best thing you can do is get a skilled attorney. Not only can they help you contest the charges, but they will have knowledge on how you should proceed with your case.

Before you make any statements, negotiations, or court appearances, consult with a criminal defense attorney in Phoenix to understand your rights and odds. An experienced criminal defense attorney will offer the best strategies to fight the penalties or get your charges dismissed.

Top Criminal Defense Law Firm in Phoenix, AZ

If you or a loved one are facing charges for a suspended license in Arizona, our award-winning team of attorneys can help. Whether you are hoping to contest the charge or looking to learn more about your options, an experienced lawyer can guide you through the process.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out why our clients think we are the best criminal defense law firms in Phoenix, AZ.

por Zayed Al-Sayyed

Can You Drive Someone Else’s Car in Arizona?

Did you ever take your mom’s car to the grocery store as a teenager? Or your girlfriend’s car to go to work when yours was in the shop? For nearly every driver, there comes a time when you might need to drive someone else’s car. Whether it was an emergency or you simply asked a favor of someone, we have all been there.

However, this begs a few questions: can you drive someone else’s car in Arizona? Is it legal? Are you covered by insurance? In this article, our team of experienced attorneys is answering all of the internet’s burning questions about driving someone else’s car.

Will the Other Person’s Insurance Cover You?

When someone loans you their car, they are basically loaning you their auto insurance along with it. If the person does not have car insurance, it’s a general rule of thumb that you should not get behind the wheel of their car. Both you and the car owner can get into a lot of trouble if you are caught driving without proper insurance coverage.

In Arizona, automobile insurance typically follows the car, rather than the driver. Unless the insurance company is particular about having a list of “named drivers” who are covered by insurance, anyone who gets behind the wheel is typically covered in the event of an accident.

There is, however, a condition. In order to be protected by insurance, the driver must have a valid driver’s license. Most auto insurance policies contain a legality known as the “omnibus clause.” This states that the policy holder’s insurance will cover any driver of their vehicle, as long as they are licensed to drive a car.

The Omnibus Clause

Under the omnibus clause in an auto insurance policy, if a friend lets you use their car and you get into an accident where you are found to be at fault, your friend’s insurance policy will cover any damage up to the policy’s limits. Unfortunately, your friend will also be responsible for paying the deductible and any other costs not covered by the policy.

What to Check before Driving Someone Else’s Car

Before driving someone else’s car in Arizona, there are a few things you should confirm.

1. The person’s insurance policy. You should confirm that the person has an existing insurance policy on their car and that in the event of any mishap, there are no restrictions against other drivers.
2. Your own driver’s license and insurance policy. Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and an auto insurance policy of your own. If you do not have either, it is best that you work towards obtaining both before getting behind the wheel of any car.
3. Proof of insurance and car registration should be in the vehicle. Along with your driver’s license, these are items that a police officer would ask for in the event that you get pulled over or an accident occurs. Ask the car owner to show you where to find these documents in their car, so you know exactly where to look if needed.

So, while the answer to “can you drive someone else’s car in Arizona?” is yes, it is something you should carefully consider beforehand. It’s also important to note that while insurance may cover the cost of repairs in an accident, any traffic points assigned for an accident or driving misconduct will go on your record.

Top Car Accident Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ

Here at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, our skilled team of car accident attorneys handles each case efficiently and with compassion. After experiencing a car accident, many people become overwhelmed and end up being taken advantage of by greedy insurance companies. We don’t let that happen.

Our Aggressive Compassionate Representation ensures that you have someone who will aggressively fight for your rights, while treating you with compassion and respect. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident in Phoenix, call us today for a free consultation.

por Zayed Al-Sayyed

When should you get a lawyer for a car accident?

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a car accident in the Phoenix, Arizona (AZ) area, you may be wondering: should I get a lawyer involved? The truth is that car accidents are no small matter — even if significant injury or death did not occur, it is probably time to call an attorney.

The fastest way to decide if you need an attorney after a car accident is to receive a free consultation to determine if a lawyer is right for your situation. Additionally, consult the following question checklist to establish whether your accident merits further legal action:

Did serious injury or death occur?

If parties were seriously harmed or even killed in the car accident, you should contact a lawyer immediately. These accidents usually signal the beginning of a long and complicated lawsuit — one you cannot and should not handle on your own.

Serious injury cases in Phoenix, AZ often involve costly damages, and the potential risk of remaining unrepresented is far greater than the cost of hiring an attorney to represent you throughout the length of the claim.

Are you unable to work because of injuries sustained in the accident?

 If you suffered bodily harm that prevents you from returning to your job, an attorney can help you gain compensation resulting from your inability to work. This is especially true if you have suffered a permanent injury that will impact your ability to earn for the rest of your life.

Were multiple parties involved in your accident?

The more vehicles that are involved in a car accident, the more complicated insurance claims and settlements become. As these cases become increasingly complex, it is important to contact a lawyer who can help you negotiate with every party involved — you, your insurance company, the other parties, and their insurance companies.

Do you believe you were wrongly accused of being at fault for the accident?

 If, in the aftermath of an accident, the police report indicated you were at fault — when you believe you were not — it is best to call a lawyer. It will not be easy to prove that you were not the party at fault in the accident by yourself. Fortunately, an attorney can help you negotiate and collect evidence that speaks to your innocence.

Was the accident a result of negligence on the part of another party?

If the other party in the car accident was negligent in some way, you should contact an attorney. Lawyers in Phoenix, AZ can help you collect compensation based on the fact that you were injured due to the negligence of another.

Is your insurance company denying you your own coverage?

Sometimes, insurance companies act in bad faith. Even if you have insurance that covers the specific type of damages or injury you have sustained, they may not pay you for your claim — without even investigating your situation. If this occurs, it is time to call an attorney, who will help negotiate your claim and help you receive the funds you deserve.

Almost always, the answer is to pick up the phone

These are some of the situations in which you might need an attorney after an auto accident, but the truth is that many more exist. That is why when it comes to car accidents, the answer is almost always: call a lawyer.

Getting an attorney involved from the very beginning is the best way to prevent yourself from accidentally saying or doing something that might prevent you from gaining the compensation and legal justice you deserve.

The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed PLLC provides excellent service for clients in the Phoenix, AZ area who are victims of a car accident. Call or contact our legal team today for a free consultation to determine how you can gain compensation after an auto accident.

por Zayed Al-Sayyed

What to do after a car accident in Arizona

Car accidents can be both stressful and traumatic. During this time, you are in shock and the heart will be racing, legs and or hands may be shaking, and adrenaline may be coursing through your veins. Despite the trauma that comes with car accidents it is crucial to have an idea of what you need to do in the event that you are involved in a car accident. Here are some tips that you should follow should you find yourself in an accident.

Step 1 – Safety Measures

Although you may have sudden onset stress immediately after the car accident, you must get to safety before doing anything else. If the accident is minor, you will need to pull your car over to avoid blocking traffic. If the car is severely damaged, you will need to put your car in park, turn off the engine, and turn on your hazard lights. In both instances, you should use warning triangles or flares if you have.

Step 2 – Get help and or Provide Aid

Once you have taken safety measures with your vehicle, you should check for any injuries to yourself or the people inside your car. You should always ask to be checked by an ambulance in case you have injuries that you could not detect. Additionally, you will need to call the police. A report from the police is essential in the claim process as it documents the accident and helps determine fault for the accident.

Step 3 – Gather Information

Gathering information is important in an accident scene. You will need to collect the following information:

• Contact information of all the people involved in the accident
• Driver’s license number for all drivers, car plate number, and vehicle description
• Insurance company and vehicle policy number
• Names and contact information of eyewitnesses
• Accident scene address and location
• Police officer’s name and badge number
• Photos of the scene

Step 4 – File a Claim

It is essential to contact your attorney immediately after the accident to discuss and strategize for the next steps of your claim. Your attorney will assist you in filing a claim with your insurance company and advise you on how to further proceed. Since recovering damages in a car accident can be a long and tedious process, your attorney can focus on the process while you focus on your health.

Conclusion

Car accidents can be stressful. Not knowing what to do after an accident can make the matter even worse. Although an accident can have immense effects, you need to take precautionary measures to ensure that you claim all your damages. You should contact your attorney as soon as possible for guidance on how to proceed after your accident.

por Zayed Al-Sayyed

How Long do You Have to Report an Accident in Arizona?

Accidents can happen to anyone and at any time. Although the incident may be disturbing, you should not forget to take precautionary measures. When you get involved in an accident, you should first make sure that everyone in the car is safe. Secondly, you will need to file a report. But just how long do you have to report an accident in Arizona?

How long do you have to file an accident report?

Technically, you are supposed to file an accident report and notify your insurance company as well as your attorney right away. However, the incident can be so traumatic that the question, ‘How long do I have to file an accident report?’ may not be among your top concerns. It is important to remember that filing an accident report is one of the precautionary measures you need to take when you are involved in an accident. It must be done immediately.

How to file an accident report?

Filing an accident report after being involved in an accident requires you to call a law enforcement officer to the scene of the accident. Arizona laws require law enforcement officers to be called to accidents scenes when:

• Damages exceed $1,000;
• There are injuries;
• There is death;
• There is the issuance of a citation

You should always remain at the scene of the accident until a law enforcement officer arrives and completes an accident report. An accident report typically has the following information:

• The time, day, month and year of the accident
• The location of the accident
• Parties involved in the accident
• Witnesses
• Description of facts
• Vehicle registration and insurance numbers

You are your accidents best investigator. Filing an accident report may not be enough at times. You should always collect further information, such as photos and video of the vehicles involved in the accident and of the scene.

Can I access my accident report?

Anyone involved in a car accident can access the accident report filed by the police officers by making a formal request. If you are not certain about how to get the report, it is advisable to seek the help of an attorney. Your attorney will not only obtain the accident report, but will investigate the collision and take the necessary steps to preserve your claim and obtain the compensation you are owed.

Conclusion

Car accidents happen to even the most careful drivers. Despite the shock and initial fear that you may be subjected to immediately after the accident, taking certain precautions such as filing a police report can prevent further losses. If you are uncertain of what to do after an accident, you should contact your attorney immediately and get advice on the steps and precautions to take.