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Tina Westveer

Doctor looking at a brain scan

What is a TBI?

By Assault, Bicycle Accident, Brain Injury (TBI), Car Accident, Catastrophic Injury, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Slip or Trip and Fall, Spinal Cord Injury, Wrongful Death

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when an external force injures the brain. TBIs can range from mild, like a concussion, to severe injuries that significantly affect cognitive and physical abilities. Even a mild TBI can change your life if it is not properly treated.

TBIs disrupt normal brain function, and symptoms can appear immediately or develop over time. Common signs include headaches, dizziness, nausea, memory problems, trouble concentrating, mood swings, and fatigue. Severe TBIs may cause seizures, loss of consciousness, speech difficulties, or permanent cognitive and physical impairment.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

TBIs can occur in many situations, often involving accidents or sudden trauma. Common causes include:

In many cases, negligence contributes to TBIs. For example, a driver running a red light or a property owner failing to maintain safe conditions can make them legally responsible for the injury.

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects

The effects of a TBI depend on its severity and location in the brain. Mild TBIs may result in temporary symptoms that improve with rest and rehabilitation. Moderate or severe TBIs may lead to long-term challenges, including:

  • Cognitive impairments such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating

  • Physical limitations such as weakness, loss of coordination, or vision problems

  • Emotional and behavioral changes, including depression, anxiety, or irritability

  • Sleep disturbances or chronic fatigue

Understanding these effects is important for recovery and legal claims because they directly affect quality of life and potential compensation.

Seeking Medical Attention

Prompt medical evaluation is critical after any head injury. A physician can diagnose the severity of the TBI using imaging tests, neurological exams, and cognitive assessments. Proper medical documentation is also essential for pursuing a personal injury claim, as it provides evidence of the injury and its impact.

How a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help

A traumatic brain injury lawyer can assist in navigating the legal process and help you seek compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. They will:

  • Investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury

  • Gather medical records, witness statements, and accident reports

  • Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure a fair settlement

  • Represent you in court if necessary

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we combine empathy and expertise to support clients who have suffered TBIs. We guide each client through the legal process while prioritizing their recovery and well-being. If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury, contact Fielding Law or call 833.88.SHARK to discuss your case and explore your options.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

November 5, 2025
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Robot dressed as a lawyer sitting at a desk

ChatGPT Stops Legal Advice

By Assault, Bicycle Accident, Boating Accident, Brain Injury (TBI), Burn Injury, Bus Accident, Car Accident, Catastrophic Injury, Dog / Animal Bite, E-Bikes and E-Scooters, Motorcycle Accident, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Personal Watercraft (PWC) Accident, Premises Liability, Product Liability, Public Entity, Rideshare Accident, RV Accident, Sexual Assault & Abuse, Skate & Skateboarding Accident, Ski & Snowboard Accident, Slip or Trip and Fall, Spinal Cord Injury, Train Accident, Truck Accident, Wrongful Death

Recent reporting shows that ChatGPT will no longer offer legal or medical advice in the way users may expect. According to an article on Caliber.az, the update to OpenAI’s usage policies was published October 29 2025. 

This development matters more than just a technical policy change: it serves as a reminder that when you face injuries, rights, or liability, you need a trained attorney—not just a chatbot.

What changed in the policy update

The new usage terms state that ChatGPT (and related services) may not be used for the “provision of tailored advice that requires a license, such as legal or medical advice, without appropriate involvement by a licensed professional.” 
The update went into effect on October 29 2025.

Why did this change occur? Several key factors:

  • Growing concern over liability when users rely on AI for high-stakes decisions.

  • The need to clearly distinguish between general information and personalized advice.

  • Regulatory pressure and the desire by OpenAI to define safe boundaries in legal and medical contexts.

In short, the update clarifies that ChatGPT is meant for general information rather than individualized legal strategy. It does not mean AI is completely barred from discussing legal topics—it means AI should not act as your lawyer.

Why this matters

AI tools can be very helpful for learning basic concepts or exploring ideas. However, they cannot replace the role of a licensed attorney in an injury case. Consider these facts:

  • ChatGPT cannot guarantee attorney-client privilege or confidentiality.

  • It cannot negotiate with insurance companies, handle state-specific statutes, or manage future medical needs.

  • The law in California and Arizona for personal injury cases contains complex rules around negligence, damages, statute of limitations, and more.

Why a skilled attorney matters

A licensed attorney does more than give information. They provide strategy, advocacy, and protection:

  • They understand state-specific laws and personal injury regulations.

  • They create legal strategies specific to your injuries and recovery.

  • They handle insurance negotiations to protect your rights.

  • They manage deadlines, paperwork, and complex legal processes.

  • They prevent mistakes that could reduce compensation.

  • They offer guidance, support, and professionalism throughout the case.

How does this affect your case

If you are injured in a bicycle accident, car crash, slip, trip, and fall, or bitten by a dog in California or Arizona, relying on ChatGPT legal advice is risky. Only a qualified attorney can review your case, explain your rights, and help you recover fair compensation.

Why hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, client service is our priority. We improve the lives of each client through ethical and efficient representation. Every case is handled with care, clarity, and commitment. When you need a knowledgeable advocate who cares, we are here.

Call 833.88.SHARK for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured.

The end of ChatGPT legal advice highlights a simple truth: AI cannot replace a skilled attorney. Professional guidance protects your rights, guides your case, and maximizes your recovery in personal injury matters.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

November 4, 2025
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SCHS Girls Soccer logo over a water background

Fielding Law Supports SCHS Girls Soccer

By In the Community

Fielding Law and SCHS Girls Soccer Sponsorship

At Fielding Law, we believe in investing in the communities we serve. Our SCHS Girls Soccer Sponsorship allows us to support young athletes who are dedicated to teamwork, discipline, and resilience. These qualities are not only essential in sports but also in life, and we are honored to stand behind a program that fosters such growth.

SCHS Girls Soccer Schedule for 25-26Why Community Sponsorship Matters

High school sports provide more than competition. They give students the chance to learn leadership, responsibility, and perseverance. By supporting SCHS Girls Soccer, we hope to encourage these athletes as they build skills that will benefit them both on and off the field. Sponsorships like this create stronger ties between schools, families, and local businesses, showing students that their community values their efforts.

A Season of Dedication and Teamwork

The SCHS Girls Soccer team has a tradition of hard work and determination. We are proud to support their journey this season and look forward to seeing what they accomplish. Community support can help lift athletes to new heights, and Fielding Law is committed to being part of that encouragement.

Cheer On the Tritons

We encourage our community to show support for the SCHS Girls Soccer team. You can follow their journey, celebrate their victories, and keep up with their latest news by visiting their website or checking out their Instagram or Facebook page. Cheering them on helps create an environment where every athlete feels valued and inspired.

Why Hire Fielding Law

Just as teamwork and preparation are vital to success on the field, they are equally important in personal injury cases. At Fielding Law, we work tirelessly to provide compassionate, professional, and capable representation. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact Fielding Law today or call 833.88.SHARK.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

November 3, 2025
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Phone with social media apps

Should Social Media Platforms Be Private After an Accident?

By Assault, Bicycle Accident, Boating Accident, Brain Injury (TBI), Burn Injury, Bus Accident, Car Accident, Catastrophic Injury, Dog / Animal Bite, E-Bikes and E-Scooters, Motorcycle Accident, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Personal Watercraft (PWC) Accident, Premises Liability, Product Liability, Public Entity, Rideshare Accident, RV Accident, Sexual Assault & Abuse, Skate & Skateboarding Accident, Ski & Snowboard Accident, Slip or Trip and Fall, Spinal Cord Injury, Train Accident, Truck Accident, Wrongful Death

Should Social Media Platforms Be Private After an Accident?

After an accident, protecting your social media privacy is more important than most people realize. What you share online can easily be used against you in your personal injury claim. Adjusters, defense attorneys, and even investigators may review your posts for anything that contradicts your statements about injuries or damages.

How Social Media Can Affect Your Case

Photos, status updates, and comments can all be taken out of context. A picture of you smiling at a family gathering could be used to question the severity of your pain. Even casual remarks might seem harmless but can harm your case if they appear inconsistent. Therefore, it is wise to avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery process until your case is resolved.

Insurance Companies and Social Media

Insurance companies use social media to gather evidence that benefits them, not you. They may look at your profiles, tagged photos, and comments to find anything that reduces your settlement value. Even private accounts can be accessed through mutual connections or screenshots shared by others.

To protect your social media privacy after an accident, review your privacy settings, limit new friend requests, and think carefully before sharing content.

Tips for Protecting Your Privacy

If you want to maintain control over your online presence, consider these steps:

  • Set all accounts to private and review who can see your posts.

  • Avoid discussing the accident, your injuries, or your case online.

  • Ask friends and family not to tag you in photos or posts.

  • Avoid checking in at locations that could suggest you are active or uninjured.

  • Save all relevant messages or posts in case your attorney needs them later.

By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of your social media activity being used against you.

Social Media Platforms

Social media privacy after an accident can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, and Snapchat can unintentionally reveal information about your daily activities, friends, or location. Set your accounts to private and limit who can see your posts. Restrict story viewers, turn off tagging, and disable location features to prevent others from connecting you to places or events that could appear inconsistent with your injuries.

Messaging and Communication Apps

Private messages are not always truly private. After an accident, avoid discussing details about your injuries or claim in WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, Discord, Reddit, or group chats. Keep usernames anonymous when possible, and remember that messages can easily be screenshotted or shared. It is best to limit conversations about your case to trusted sources and your attorney.

Financial and Payment Apps

Few people realize that payment apps can pose risks to social media privacy after an accident. Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle often show payees, amounts, and comments that may appear public. Set transactions to private, review past activity, and avoid adding descriptive notes that mention outings, purchases, or events. Even small details can be taken out of context by insurance adjusters or defense attorneys.

Location and Fitness Apps

Fitness and location apps can also compromise your privacy. Platforms such as Strava, Fitbit, Apple Fitness, and Google Maps can show your movements, activity levels, and location history. Disable location sharing, turn off automatic check-ins, and review old data to protect your social media privacy after an accident. Limiting this information helps prevent others from making assumptions about your physical condition.

Content Sharing and Storage

Shared albums and online storage can reveal more than you intend. Services like Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox, YouTube, and Pinterest often include location data and timestamps. Keep albums and boards private, remove metadata from photos, and share only with trusted individuals. This extra step can prevent your personal content from being taken out of context.

Shopping and Membership Accounts

Even accounts unrelated to your case can affect your privacy. Amazon wish lists, gym check-ins, and subscription services can provide insight into your daily life and physical activities. Review what is public and disable any sharing features. Protecting your digital footprint strengthens your overall privacy after an accident.

Email and Cloud Services

Your email and cloud storage may contain sensitive medical or legal information. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Review shared folders, permissions, and forwarding rules to make sure only trusted contacts can access your information.

Quick Checklist After an Accident

  • Set social media accounts to private

  • Restrict story viewers and friends lists

  • Disable location sharing and geotags

  • Make payment app transactions private

  • Review cloud storage and shared albums

  • Enable two-factor authentication

  • Avoid discussing your accident or injuries online

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we understand how social media can impact your personal injury case. Our compassionate attorneys guide clients through every step of the process, including protecting their online privacy. We are committed to helping accident victims in Arizona and California receive fair compensation while safeguarding their rights.

If you have questions about social media privacy after an accident, contact Fielding Law today. Call 833.88.SHARK to schedule a free consultation and let our team provide the support and legal insight you need.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

October 31, 2025
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person filing a claim with paperwork on a desk

¿Pueden Los Inmigrantes Presentar Una Demanda Por Lesiones?

By Español

Tienes Derecho a Presentar Una Demanda 

Si eres un inmigrante-con o sin documentos-y sufriste una lesión en California o Arizona debido a la negligencia de otra persona, aún tienes el derecho legal de presentar una demanda por lesiones personales. Tu estas migratorio no afecta tu derecho a solicitar una compensación por tus lesiones gasto médicos, pérdida de ingresos y dolor y sufrimiento. 

Esta protección se aplica ya sea que hayas resultado lesionado en un accidente de auto, una caída, un accidente en bicicleta u otro incidente. De hecho, es tu derecho legal presentar una demanda por lesiones como inmigrante en ambos estados. 

Lo Que Necesitas Para Presentar Una Demanda

Presentar una demanda por lesiones personales implica varios pasos clave, sin importar tu estatus migratorio.  

  • Busca Atención Médica de Inmediato 

Prioriza tu salud. Los registros de la sala de emergencias y las visitas de seguimiento son pruebas esenciales de tus lesiones.  

  • Documenta El Incidente 

Recopila nombres, información de contacto, datos de testigos y fotos del lugar del accidente de las lesiones. 

  • Reporta El Incidente 

Ya sea accidente de auto o una lesión en el trabajo, asegúrate de que se presente un reporte oficial.  

  • Lleva Un Registro de Todos Los Gastos 

Esto incluye fracturas médicas, recetas, salarios perdidos y cualquier otro gasto relacionado con la lesión.  

  • No Dejes Que El Miedo Te Detenga 

Los tribunales de California y Arizona no preguntan sobre tu estatus migratorio en casos de lesiones personales. Ty estatus legal no se usará en tu contra en la corte al presenta una demanda por lesiones como inmigrante. 

Mitos Comunes Que Afectan a Los Inmigrantes

Muchos inmigrantes lesionados evitan presentar reclamaciones por miedo o desinformación. Aquí hay algunos mitos, seguidos de la verdad.  

  • Mito: “Me van a reportar a las autoridades migratorias.” 

Verdad: Las demandas por lesiones personales son casos civiles. La autoridad de inmigración no participa en los reclamos civiles.  

  • Mito: “No puedo demandar si no tengo número de Seguro Social.” 

Verdad: No necesitas un numero de Seguro Social para presentar un caso por lesiones personales. Se pueden usar otros tipos de identificación o documentación.  

  • Mito: “Contratar a un abogado expondrá mi estatus migratorio.” 

Verdad: Tus conversaciones con un abogado de lesiones personales son privadas. En Fielding Law, tu privacidad y seguridad son nuestra prioridad.  

Por Qué Contratar a Fielding Law

En Fielding Law, creemos que todos merecen justicia, sin importar tu estatus migratorio. Te tratamos con empatía, amabilidad y profesionalismo. Nuestra firma boutique se especializa únicamente en leyes de lesiones personales, y luchamos con fuerza para proteger tus derechos mientras te ayudamos a sentirte seguro en cada paso del proceso. Nunca serás juzgado aquí. Serás escuchado, respetado y apoyado.  

Si tú o un ser querido resultaron lesionados, llama al 833.88.SHARK o contacta a Fielding Law para una consulta gratis. Hablamos tu idioma, entendemos tus preocupaciones y estamos listos para ayudarte con tu demanda por lesiones como inmigrante. 

Leyes de lesiones personales en California y Arizona

Tanto California como Arizona permiten que las víctimas de lesiones-sin importar su estatus migratorio-soliciten una indemnización. De hecho, la ley de California establece específicamente que el estatus migratorio de una persona ano es relevante para determinar la compensación por perdida de ingresos o gastos médicos (Código de Evidencia §351.2). 

Arizona no tiene una ley que aborde este tema directamente, pero los tribunales estatales y federales han sostenido de manera constante que los inmigrantes indocumentados aún tienen derecho a presentar demandas por lesiones personales. 

Mereces Ayuda. Nosotros Te la Podemos Brindar.

Los inmigrantes aportan muchísimo a sus comunidades, y merecen sentirse seguros y protegidos. Si estás buscando ayuda con una demanda por lesiones como inmigrante, la ley está de tu lado. Deja que Fielding Law te guíe en el proceso y luche por la compensación que mereces. La información proporcionada es solo para fines educativos y no constituye asesoramiento legal. Siempre consulta con un abogado calificado para cualquier preocupación legal.  

Nota: La información proporcionada es para fines educativos y no constituye asesoramiento legal. Siempre consulte con un abogado calificado para inquietudes legales.

October 31, 2025
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Two Trick-or-Treats on the sidewalk with greenery

Trick-or-Treat Accidents and Sidewalk Safety

By Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Public Entity, Slip or Trip and Fall

Halloween and Sidewalk Hazards

Autumn is a season of fun and festivities, but trick-or-treating comes with risks. Crowded sidewalks, seasonal decorations, wet leaves, and uneven pavement increase the chance of injuries. Trick-or-Treat Accidents often happen when children, parents, or other pedestrians are hurt due to unsafe conditions.

Common hazards during trick-or-treating include:

  • Lifted or cracked sidewalks: Tree roots or old pavement can cause trips and falls.

  • Leaves, frost, and wet surfaces: Slippery sidewalks make it easy to fall.

  • Halloween decorations: Inflatable figures, cords, or props can block paths.

  • Crowded sidewalks: Excited children running or riding bikes and scooters may collide.

Who Is Responsible?

Liability depends on who is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk and creating the hazard:

  • Property owners: Homeowners or businesses may be liable if decorations, lights, or props obstruct sidewalks and cause injuries. They must keep walkways safe for trick-or-treaters.

  • City or municipality: Cities may be responsible for sidewalks that are poorly maintained, cracked, or lifted, depending on local laws. In California, property owners are usually responsible, but the city can share liability for city-maintained hazards. In Arizona, some municipalities require property owners to maintain sidewalks, but claims against the city are possible if negligence is proven.

  • Third parties: Neighbors or other individuals who create hazards, such as leaving debris or improperly securing decorations, may also be liable.

Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips

While liability is determined by law, you can reduce risk and document injuries if an accident occurs:

  1. Supervise children carefully and plan a safe route on well-lit streets.

  2. Document hazards: Take photos of decorations, leaves, cracks, or other dangers.

  3. Report accidents promptly to the property owner or local authorities.

  4. Seek medical attention immediately if injuries occur.

  5. Contact a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and pursue compensation.

Why Hire Fielding Law

Halloween sidewalk accidents involve multiple potential parties and hazards, making recovery complex. At Fielding Law, we handle Trick-or-Treat Accidents claims in both California and Arizona. We work with investigators, medical providers, and insurance companies to pursue fair compensation for injuries caused by unsafe conditions.

We approach each case with professionalism, empathy, and clarity, helping families focus on recovery while we navigate the legal process. If you or a loved one are injured while trick-or-treating, call 833.88.SHARK today for a free consultation.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

October 30, 2025
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truck driving on a california road

Accidents Involving Undocumented Truck Drivers

By Car Accident, Truck Accident, Wrongful Death

Recent Headlines Raise New Concerns

Recent California news has drawn attention to truck crashes involving drivers without legal status. These reports have caused many people to ask a difficult question: If I was injured in a truck accident with an undocumented driver, who pays for my injuries?

The good news is that your right to compensation depends on fault and insurance coverage, not immigration status.

Who Is Financially Responsible

You can still seek compensation after a truck accident with an undocumented driver. California law allows any injured person to file a claim when another person’s negligence causes harm.

Liability often involves one or more of the following:

  • The trucking company: Companies must hire qualified, licensed drivers. When they skip background checks or ignore red flags, they can be held responsible for resulting accidents.

  • The truck owner or carrier: The business that owns or leases the truck may share responsibility if it failed to maintain safe vehicles or hire responsible drivers.

  • Commercial insurance: Trucking companies carry high-limit insurance that can cover medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

  • Your own insurance: Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for your losses if the truck driver has no valid insurance.

Your Right to File a Claim

California focuses on negligence, not immigration status. A driver’s legal standing in the U.S. does not excuse unsafe or reckless behavior. If a driver’s carelessness caused your crash, you have the right to seek damages.

Even if the at-fault driver fled the scene or had no insurance, you may still recover through other available insurance policies. An attorney can help find every possible source of recovery.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident with an undocumented driver, quick action can make a major difference. Follow these steps to protect your health and your rights:

  1. Report the accident – Call 911 so law enforcement can document the crash.

  2. Exchange information – Contact and vehicle information with all drivers.

  3. Take clear photos – The scene, damage, and injuries.

  4. Seek immediate medical care – Get medical care right away, even if you feel fine.

  5. Contact an Attorney – Contact a skilled truck accident lawyer who can guide you through your next steps.

Why Hire Fielding Law

A truck accident with an undocumented driver can create confusion and stress. Fielding Law helps you navigate every challenge with care and determination. Our team thoroughly investigates, identifies all liable parties, and builds a strong case to protect your future.

When you hire Fielding Law, you gain more than legal representation; you gain a compassionate partner who wants to see you recover.

If you were injured in a truck accident with an undocumented driver in California, contact Fielding Law or call 833.88.SHARK for a free consultation.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

October 29, 2025
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Police officer writing a report

No Police Report at the Scene?

By Car Accident

What Happens If You Did Not Get a Police Report?

You were just in a crash—but in the chaos, stress, or confusion, a police report never got filed. Now you are wondering: Can I still file a claim?

The answer is: Yes, you often can. But there are important steps you will need to take.

At Fielding Law, we help injured people every day—even those involved in a no police report accident. A police report can strengthen your case, but it is not the only way to prove fault or secure compensation.

Why Police Reports Matter

Police reports often serve as an official record of the accident. They usually include:

  • Basic facts about the crash (location, time, weather)

  • Contact and insurance info for all parties

  • Officer observations and possible fault assignments

  • Diagrams or photos from the scene

Having a report is helpful—but not having one does not end your case.

Common Reasons a Report Might Not Be Filed

There are several reasons someone may leave the scene without a police report:

  • The damage seemed minor at the time

  • The other driver asked not to involve law enforcement

  • Police did not respond to the scene

  • You were in shock or dealing with injuries

  • Language barriers or confusion

If any of these apply to you, you are not alone. What matters now is what you do next.

What To Do After a No Police Report Accident

If you were in a crash and did not get a report, take these steps as soon as possible:

  1. Write everything down
    Document what happened while it is still fresh—time, location, what each vehicle was doing, and anything said at the scene.

  2. Gather photos or videos
    Images of vehicle damage, license plates, injuries, and road conditions are all useful.

  3. Get medical attention
    Even if injuries seemed minor, get checked out. Medical records will help link your condition to the accident.

  4. Collect contact info
    If you have the other driver’s information or witness details, hold onto them.

  5. File a report yourself
    In some cases, you may still be able to file a late report with local law enforcement.

  6. Talk to a personal injury attorney
    An attorney can help reconstruct the accident, find alternative evidence, and deal with the insurance company on your behalf.

Why Hire Fielding Law

If you are navigating an injury claim with no police report after an accident, you do not have to go through it alone. At Fielding Law, we know how to help injury victims build strong cases—even when things feel uncertain. Our team is kind, capable, and committed to standing by your side.

We will investigate what happened, communicate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call 833.88.SHARK today for a free consultation.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

October 29, 2025
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rideshare drive shown as viewed from the back seat

What If Your Uber or Lyft Is in a Hit-and-Run?

By Car Accident, Personal Injury, Rideshare Accident

Understanding Rideshare Hit-and-Run Accidents

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have grown rapidly, with more than 180 million passengers in the U.S. in 2024 using these platforms. Unfortunately, some rideshare trips end in accidents, and in some cases, the other driver may flee the scene. A rideshare hit-and-run accident occurs when your Uber or Lyft is struck by another driver who leaves without identifying themselves.

Hit-and-run crashes can leave passengers and drivers with serious injuries and uncertainty about how to recover damages.

How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed to protect you if an at-fault driver does not have insurance or cannot be located. In rideshare situations, coverage can be complicated because both the rideshare company’s insurance and the driver’s personal policies may apply depending on whether the driver was:

  • Offline or waiting for a ride request: The driver’s personal auto insurance typically applies.

  • En route to pick up a passenger: The rideshare company provides limited liability coverage.

  • With a passenger in the car: The rideshare company usually provides higher liability coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage may also be available.

UM coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured.

Challenges in Rideshare Hit-and-Run Claims

Some factors that make these cases complex include:

  • Identifying the at-fault driver: Without a license plate or witnesses, tracking the responsible party can be difficult.

  • Coordinating multiple insurance policies: Passengers may need to work with both the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s insurance.

  • State laws: California and Arizona have different uninsured motorist coverage rules.

In California, rideshare companies must provide liability coverage while the driver is online, and UM coverage may extend to passengers. In Arizona, uninsured motorist coverage also applies, but policy limits and coordination with the driver’s insurance can vary.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Hit-and-Run

  1. Seek medical attention immediately and document your injuries.

  2. Report the accident to local law enforcement to create an official record.

  3. Notify the rideshare company so they can activate their insurance protocols.

  4. Keep all evidence, including photos, ride receipts, and witness contact information.

  5. Contact a rideshare accident attorney to ensure your uninsured motorist coverage and other options are properly pursued.

Why Hire Fielding Law

Rideshare hit-and-run accidents involve multiple parties and insurance policies, making recovery complicated. At Fielding Law, we have experience navigating these cases in both California and Arizona. We work closely with medical providers and insurance companies to maximize your recovery under uninsured motorist coverage.

We treat clients with care, clarity, and professionalism, helping you focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities. If you were injured in a rideshare hit-and-run accident, call 833.88.SHARK today for a free consultation.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

October 28, 2025
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Scales of Justice on a desk. Comparative Liability in California

Modified Comparative Negligence in Arizona

By Bicycle Accident, Car Accident, Personal Injury, Slip or Trip and Fall

What Is Comparative Negligence

Accidents rarely have only one cause. Often, more than one person shares responsibility. Comparative negligence laws determine how much each party can recover in damages based on their percentage of fault.

Many states follow a modified comparative negligence system. In those states, a person can only recover compensation if their share of fault is under a set limit. Usually, the limit is 50 or 51 percent. If the person is found equally or more responsible, they cannot recover anything.

Arizona Uses Pure Comparative Negligence

Arizona does not use a modified comparative negligence rule. Instead, it follows pure comparative negligence. This means that even if you were mostly at fault, you may still recover some damages. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury finds you 80 percent responsible for a car accident with $100,000 in damages, you could still recover $20,000. That is because your compensation is reduced by your share of fault but not completely barred.

Why the Difference Matters

The difference between modified and pure comparative negligence is important.

  • In Arizona, you are never fully barred from recovery unless you acted intentionally, willfully, or wantonly to cause harm.

  • Every percentage point matters. Reducing your share of fault by even a small amount can increase your recovery.

  • Insurance companies may try to assign you more fault to reduce their payout.

Because Arizona follows pure comparative negligence, you have more opportunities to recover compensation, even if fault is shared.

Exceptions and Special Rules

Arizona law does limit recovery in cases where a person acted intentionally or with reckless disregard. In those situations, comparative negligence does not apply. Additionally, in certain product liability cases, contributory negligence is not a defense unless negligence is also claimed.

Why Hire Fielding Law

Comparative negligence cases can be complicated. Insurance companies often push for higher percentages of fault to pay less. At Fielding Law, we understand how to investigate, gather evidence, and present your case in the best light. Our team is professional, kind, and dedicated to improving the lives of each client through ethical and effective representation.

If you have been injured in an accident in Arizona, you do not have to face the insurance company alone. Call 833.88.SHARK to discuss your case with a caring and capable personal injury lawyer today.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

October 27, 2025
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