Accident victims face numerous unexpected expenses after an auto collision, such as medical bills, property damages, lost wages and long-term financial challenges.
Hiring an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer will increase your odds of receiving a fair settlement. Therefore, it’s essential that you find one who provides attentive and personalized care to each client.
1. What Happened?
Car accidents on Arizona roads can strike at anytime and anywhere. From local streets to four-lane highways and freeway on/off ramps, accidents may happen without warning and be the result of many different causes, including drunk driving, driver aggression, traffic congestion, inclement weather or road defects.
Accidents are unavoidable; drivers can only do their best to minimize them. There are however things they can do themselves to protect themselves such as adhering to traffic regulations and exercising extra caution while behind the wheel.
As mentioned previously, even minor injuries can have serious repercussions for your health and finances. They often necessitate costly medical treatment as well as restrict your ability to work or enjoy hobbies and activities, so it is vital that you establish who was at fault in order to receive just compensation for these incidents.
2. What Is the Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is a legal term which establishes a timeline within which one can file a lawsuit. Failing to act within this time frame can result in cases becoming “time-barred,” meaning they cannot be brought before court any longer.
Car accident victims typically have two years from the date of their crash to file legal action in most instances, although certain conditions could extend that timeline.
For instance, when an individual is injured due to government entity negligence such as city street departments, special rules might apply that can shorten the statute of limitations period. Other examples could include when crash victims experience severe head trauma and go into comas.
3. How Do I Know If I Have a Case?
Car accident claims typically settle through settlement agreements with insurance companies, which may take time and negotiation efforts between both sides to conclude. Your case’s duration also depends on its extent and future medical needs, so take this into consideration as you proceed through settlement discussions with insurers.
An attorney should be able to give you an approximate timeline. A good Phoenix car accident lawyer will be open and communicative throughout the process and keep you up-to-date.
An exceptional Phoenix car accident attorney should provide an estimated timeline of how long their case is expected to take and explain why such a timeline is realistic; otherwise, this may indicate they are unsuitable to represent you.
4. What Are the Damages in a Car Accident Case?
Damages awarded as part of a car accident settlement or judgment typically cover expenses such as medical bills, lost wages and replacement of personal property or vehicles involved in the collision.
Your Phoenix car accident attorney can determine whether or not these damages apply in your particular case.
In order to secure these damages, it’s necessary to prove the other driver was at fault by providing ample evidence against them. An experienced lawyer can help gather and review this evidence on your behalf as well as investigate your crash to identify other potentially responsible parties.
5. How Much Will My Case Cost?
If the damages from a car accident are limited and no injuries result, hiring a Phoenix car accident attorney might not be essential; however, many minor collisions will benefit from having access to experienced counsel.
Phoenix car accident lawyers possess the necessary skill sets for successfully negotiating with insurance companies and securing fair settlements for their clients, as well as managing any complex legal proceedings that may ensue.
When it comes to car accidents, it is imperative that you document the scene as thoroughly as possible. This includes taking photos of the accident scene itself as well as vehicle damage and injuries sustained. Sharing this information with your Phoenix car accident attorney will allow them to build the strongest case on your behalf.
Read more: Tips to Reduce a Car Insurance Premium!
