What Rights Do Non-Tempe Residents Have After a Crash While Visiting?
Tempe attracts visitors for all kinds of reasons—business travel, college events, tourism, and its central location in the Phoenix metro area. But what happens if you’re involved in a car accident while you’re here and you don’t live in Tempe? Many out-of-town drivers and passengers feel uncertain about how Arizona law applies to them or whether they’ll have to return to handle claims or court proceedings.
The good news is, visitors have many of the same rights as Tempe residents when it comes to seeking compensation for injuries and property damage. The Tempe car accident attorney team explains what to expect, how local laws apply, and what steps you should take if you’re injured while visiting.
Arizona Traffic Laws Apply to All Drivers
If you’re driving in Tempe, you’re subject to Arizona traffic laws regardless of your home state or country. That means the same rules apply to speeding, distracted driving, DUI, and failure to yield.
If you’re hit by a driver who violated Arizona traffic laws—whether in a local parking lot or on a major freeway—you have the right to seek compensation just like a local resident. The claims process is based on where the crash occurred, not where you live.
Your Insurance Coverage May Travel With You
Most auto insurance policies extend coverage when you’re driving out of your home state, which means you can still file a claim under your own policy if needed. For example:
If you were hit by an uninsured driver, your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply, just as it would back home.
If you rented a car, coverage may come from your personal auto insurance, the rental company, or even a credit card policy.
These layers of coverage can be complicated, but you’re still entitled to use them while visiting Arizona. If the at-fault driver was local and insured, you can also pursue a claim directly against their policy.
What If You’re Injured as a Passenger?
Visitors are often injured as passengers, whether riding with a friend, a local driver, or in a rideshare vehicle. Passengers generally have strong claims because they’re rarely at fault for the crash.
You may be able to file against:
The at-fault driver of another vehicle
The driver of the car you were riding in (if they caused the crash)
A rideshare company’s commercial policy, which can apply in certain situations
Your right to pursue a claim is the same as it would be if you lived in Tempe.
Do You Have to Stay in Tempe to Handle the Claim?
Many visitors worry about having to remain in Tempe for the duration of their claim. In most cases, you don’t have to. Claims can often be handled remotely, with documentation and communication done electronically or by phone.
However, if your case goes to court and you’re a key witness, you may need to return for certain proceedings. This is rare in straightforward claims, especially if liability is clear. If your injuries are significant—such as spinal cord trauma or traumatic brain injuries—and a lawsuit becomes necessary, additional coordination may be required, but remote participation is increasingly common.
How Arizona’s Comparative Fault Rules Apply to Visitors
Arizona uses a pure comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. For example, if you were speeding slightly but the other driver ran a red light, you may still be eligible for compensation, reduced by your percentage of fault.
This rule applies to everyone, whether you live in Tempe or are just visiting. If the insurance company tries to argue that your unfamiliarity with local roads caused the crash, Arizona law still protects your right to recover damages if the other driver was primarily at fault.
What Types of Compensation Are Available?
Your rights to compensation don’t change just because you’re an out-of-town visitor. Depending on the severity of your injuries and financial losses, you may be entitled to:
Medical expenses: ER visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
Lost income: If the injury prevents you from working, even temporarily.
Property damage: Rental car damage or repairs to your personal vehicle if you drove to Tempe.
Pain and suffering: For physical and emotional effects of the crash.
If you experienced permanent impairment or disability, long-term losses—such as reduced earning capacity—can also be part of your claim.
Why Documentation Matters Even More for Visitors
If you don’t live in Tempe, it’s essential to gather evidence while you’re still in town. Once you leave, collecting it becomes more difficult. Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and surrounding road conditions. Collect names and numbers of any witnesses, and request a copy of the police report.
If you were injured in a busy public area—such as Downtown Tempe—check whether businesses have security cameras, as they may provide valuable footage.
Can Out-of-State Drivers Be Sued in Arizona?
Yes. If a non-Tempe driver causes a crash while visiting, they can be sued in Arizona because the incident occurred within the state. Similarly, if you’re an out-of-state visitor who was injured here, you can pursue your case under Arizona law.
Even if you return home, the case can still proceed. Many injury claims settle without requiring out-of-state plaintiffs to repeatedly travel back for court appearances.
Final Thoughts
Being injured while visiting Tempe can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re far from home and unfamiliar with Arizona law. The good news is that non-residents have nearly identical rights as locals when it comes to seeking compensation after a crash.
Whether you were driving your own car, renting one, or walking through a parking lot when injured, you can still pursue compensation for your injuries and financial losses. The key is to document everything while you’re here, notify your insurance promptly, and understand that your claim can often be handled without staying in Tempe long-term.
