Arizona Car Accident Lawyers

How Does an Attorney Help Establish Liability for a Car Crash?

Determining liability in a car crash in Arizona involves understanding the factors that contributed to the motor vehicle collision. An attorney can significantly help establish liability in motor vehicle collision by:

Gathering Evidence

• Police Reports: Obtain a copy of the police crash report to provide details about the accident, including the location, time, and any citations issued.
• Witness Statements: Interview witnesses to the accident who can provide firsthand accounts of what caused the collision.
• Photos and Videos: Collect photos and videos of the accident scene, the damaged vehicles, and any visible injuries.
• Medical Records: Gather medical records to document the extent of your injuries and the treatment received.

Consulting Experts in Various Fields

• Accident Reconstruction Experts: Experts can analyze the accident scene and reconstruct the events leading up to it, providing valuable insights into the cause of the crash.
• Medical Experts: Doctors can testify about the nature and severity of your injuries, helping to establish causation and damages.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

• Insurance Adjusters: Negotiate with insurance adjusters to ensure you receive fair and full compensation for your injuries and damages.
• Settlement: Determine a fair settlement amount by analyzing verdicts for similar accidents.

Filing a Lawsuit

• Courtroom Representation: If negotiations fail, your Thompson Law attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
• Trial: We can present evidence, argue your case, and advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury.

What is the Value a Car Accident Claim in Arizona?

The value of a car accident claim varies based on several factors, including: the severity of the injuries, the extent of property damage, and the degree of fault assigned to each party involved. Typically, the following types of damages or compensation may be available:

• Medical Expenses: These include bills for ambulance transport, hospitalization, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care required due to injuries you sustained in the accident.
• Lost Wages: If the injuries from the accident prevent you from working – either temporarily or permanently – you are entitled to compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
• Property Damage: The repair or replacement cost of your vehicle, and any personal property damaged in the crash.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident.
• Punitive Damages: If the responsible party’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the negligent driver and deter similar reckless behavior in the future.

The specific facts of each case can impact the total value of a claim. Consulting with your Arizona car accident lawyer at Thompson Law can provide a clearer picture of what your claim might be worth. Your Arizona car accident lawyer can ensure you receive fair compensation that reflects the full scope of your losses.

Factors That Influence the Value of Car Accident Claims in Arizona

Several key factors can significantly influence the value of a car accident claim in Arizona:

1. Severity of Injuries: Severe injuries typically result in higher medical expenses and a greater impact on the victim’s quality of life, both of which can increase the value of the claim.
2. Medical Treatment and Expenses: Documented medical expenses provide concrete evidence of the financial impact of the injuries, which are typically the largest monetary damages.
3. Degree of Fault: Arizona is an at-fault state, and is 1 of 12 states that follows a pure comparative fault system. This means the compensation amount can be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the negligent party.
4. Impact on Earning Capacity: If your injuries have resulted in lost wages or reduced earning capacity, this can be a major component of compensation. Demonstrating the impact on earning potential involves detailed documentation of employment history and medical evaluations.
5. Emotional Distress and Quality of Life: These damages consider the trauma and changes in lifestyle resulting from the accident.
6. Insurance Policy Limits: The insurance coverage available from both your policy and the at-fault party’s policy may limit the amount you can recover. Understanding these limits, and how the minimum auto insurance limits vary by state, is requisite when assessing the potential value of your claim.
7. Legal Representation: Your Arizona car accident lawyer can effectively negotiate and advocate for a settlement that reflects the true value of your losses.

What Happens if I Was in a Hit and Run Collision?

If you are involved in a hit and run accident in Arizona where the other driver fled the scene, it can complicate the process of recovering damages. When the at-fault driver is unknown, your primary recourse may involve filing a claim with your own insurance company, particularly if you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This type of coverage can help cover medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other damages caused by the accident.

After the accident, it is critical to gather as much information as possible about the incident. This includes noting any details about the other vehicle, such as make, model, color, and license plate, if visible. Witness statements and traffic camera footage can also be invaluable. Reporting the accident to the police promptly is another crucial step, as law enforcement will conduct an investigation to identify the fleeing driver and assign fault.

Consulting with a qualified Arizona car accident lawyer can provide guidance on navigating a hit and run claim. Our experienced attorneys can aid in dealing with insurance negotiations and exploring other potential sources of compensation, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the process.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire Your Arizona Car Accident Lawyers?

Hiring your Arizona car accident lawyer at Thompson Law does not involve any upfront costs. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you only pay us if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This approach ensures that financial constraints do not prevent you from accessing the legal representation you need.

Our fee is a percentage of the recovery amount, and detailed terms will be discussed and agreed upon during your free initial consultation. This arrangement allows you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life while we handle the complexities of your claim. Click here to get started by submitting a case form.

Get a FREE CASE REVIEW With an Arizona Car Accident Lawyer Today!

If you’ve been involved in an accident and are seeking legal guidance, your dedicated Arizona car accident lawyer at Thompson Law is here to assist you. We understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of your claim.

During your free consultation, we will review the details of your case, discuss your legal options, and outline the best strategies to achieve a favorable outcome. Our attorneys prioritize personalized service and effective representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule your FREE CONSULTATION today. Call us at 844-308-8180 or contact us via webform online.

More Frequently Asked Questions Related to Arizona Auto Accidents

Who pays for my rental car after a car accident?

The responsibility of paying for a rental car after an accident in Arizona primarily depends on the specifics of your auto insurance policy and the outcome of the accident liability assessment. If the other driver is found to be at fault, their insurance should cover your rental car expenses under their liability coverage. However, this process might take time, as it requires establishing and agreeing upon fault.

In the meantime, if you have rental car reimbursement coverage in your insurance policy, your insurer will cover the costs upfront, allowing you to get a rental vehicle more quickly while waiting for the fault determination. This coverage is optional and must be added to your policy before the accident occurs. In cases where you are at fault and do not have this coverage, the rental car expenses will typically fall to you.

How do I handle my vehicular property damage after an accident?

Handling vehicular property damage after an accident in Arizona involves several critical steps to ensure fair compensation and proper repair or replacement of your vehicle. Here are the key considerations:

1. Assessment of Damage: After an accident, an adjuster from your insurance company or the at-fault party’s insurer will evaluate the damage to your vehicle. Insurance companies determine if your vehicle is a total loss by assessing whether the cost to repair the damage exceeds a specific percentage of the vehicle’s actual cash value, which varies by insurer and state regulations.
2. Valuation for Total Losses: If your vehicle is deemed a total loss, the insurer will calculate its actual cash value (ACV). This valuation considers factors like the car’s age, condition before the accident, mileage, and local market value. Tools such as Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides are often used to determine a fair market value.
3. Diminished Value Claims: In cases where your vehicle is repaired, you might face diminished value, meaning your car’s value decreases due to its accident history. Arizona allows claims for diminished value, so you can seek compensation for this loss from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
4. Loss of Use Claims: If you’re unable to use your vehicle during repairs or while determining a total loss, you can claim loss of use, which compensates for transportation costs, like rental cars or alternate travel expenses during this period.
5. Being Upside Down and Gap Insurance: If you owe more on your car loan than the vehicle’s current market value (known as being “upside down”), consider gap insurance. Gap insurance covers the difference between your loan balance and the car’s ACV in a total loss scenario.
6. Choosing a Repair Shop: Although insurers may suggest approved repair facilities, you have the right to choose any repair shop for your vehicle. Opting for a reputable shop ensures quality repairs, and they can work directly with your insurance company on your behalf.

Each of these factors plays a role in how you handle vehicular property damage claims, highlighting the importance of understanding your insurance policy details and rights. Insurance companies determine if your vehicle is a total loss by assessing whether the cost to repair the damage exceeds a specific percentage of the vehicle’s actual cash value, which varies by insurer and state regulations. When dealing with complex claims, consulting with your experienced Arizona car accident lawyer can provide invaluable guidance through the process.

How do you determine fault in multi-vehicle car accidents?

Determining fault in multi-vehicle car accidents in Arizona involves a thorough analysis of the accident scene, witness statements, and any available evidence such as surveillance footage or photographs. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault can be distributed among multiple parties. This means that liability isn’t restricted to a single driver; instead, each party involved may bear a percentage of the blame based on their level of contribution to the accident.

To assess fault, investigators often reconstruct the accident scene, examining skid marks, vehicle positions, and the damage sustained. The police report is also a crucial component, as officers on the scene will document their observations and frequently assign preliminary fault, though this is not legally binding. Ultimately, insurance adjusters from the involved parties and, in some cases, the civil court will consider all evidence to allocate fault percentages, which then determine compensation.

Negligence, on the other hand, is the legal concept at the heart of most personal injury cases. It happens when someone fails to act with reasonable care, causing harm to another person. Proving negligence is key to winning a personal injury case.

How much compensation can you get for personal injury?

Compensation for personal injury can vary based on factors like the severity of the injury, medical costs, loss of income, pain and suffering, and future care requirements. On average:

• Minor injuries may lead to payouts between $3,000 and $10,000.
• Moderate to severe injuries typically range from $25,000 to $100,000.
• Catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis or brain injuries, can exceed $500,000 to several million dollars, depending on the specifics of the case.

How long does a personal injury case take?

The duration of a personal injury case can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the situation, the extent of the injuries, and how willing insurance companies are to reach a settlement. Simple cases with minor injuries might be resolved in just a few months.

However, cases that involve serious injuries, a lot of evidence, or disagreements about who is at fault can take one to two years or even longer, particularly if they end up going to trial. Nonetheless, we will strive to advance your case as swiftly as possible while ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.