Being involved in a car accident can be a life-altering experience. You may face severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens due to missed work and the high cost of medical treatment. Figuring out what to do when filing insurance claims and seeking compensation for your losses can feel like an uphill battle when you’re also trying to focus on healing.
An experienced and compassionate Phoenix car accident lawyer can make the time after a wreck less stressful and more manageable for you. Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer is dedicated to helping car accident victims like you demand the compensation they deserve. We handle the processes involved in filing claims, negotiating with insurers, and advocating for your right to justice so you can concentrate on your health.
Contact us today to get started with a free consultation and learn how we can assist you on your path to recovery.
What Can I Recover from Insurance After a Car Accident?
In Arizona, car insurance is not just recommended – it’s a legal requirement. All drivers must carry minimum liability coverage, which includes:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person
- $15,000 for property damage
Arizona operates under a fault-based system, meaning that the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for the resulting financial and personal losses.
Here’s how the insurance system works in practice: If you were hurt in a car crash someone else caused, you will file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You’ll also contact your own insurer to report the collision. Both insurance companies will need the details and documentation of the crash, which a car accident lawyer in Phoenix can help you gather.
You may be eligible for compensation for a variety of both economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses you may seek compensation for include:
- Medical bills, including the cost of hospitalization, surgeries, doctor appointments, rehabilitation, medication, ongoing treatment, and medical equipment
- Lost income, including wages from work you missed while undergoing treatment, lost benefits, and vacation and sick pay
- Lost future earnings, if your injuries prevent you from working in the same role (or at all) after your physical recovery
- Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement costs and the cost of repairing or replacing any personal property damaged in the accident
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including the cost of transportation to treatment appointments, home modifications, and assistive devices
You may also be able to pursue compensation for non-economic losses, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological harm
- Loss of consortium, or the ability to enjoy companionship with your spouse
- Loss of quality and enjoyment of life
Unfortunately, insurance companies are for-profit businesses that often try to minimize payouts. This is where having a Phoenix, AZ, car accident lawyer in your corner can make a significant difference in the outcome of your personal injury claim.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
A Phoenix car accident attorney is an essential ally when you’re facing the aftermath of a collision. They’ll use their knowledge of Arizona traffic and personal injury laws to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
When you hire an automobile accident lawyer in Phoenix, AZ, they’ll undertake several key measures to maximize your settlement.
Investigate the Crash
They’ll begin by conducting a thorough investigation into the accident and its causes. This involves gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements. They’ll use this evidence to establish liability by demonstrating the other party’s fault and the extent of your injuries.
Calculate Losses
Next, your Phoenix car accident lawyer will assess the full scope of your losses. This includes both economic losses, like medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering. By quantifying these damages accurately, your attorney will build a compelling case that justifies a higher settlement amount.
Negotiate a Settlement
Knowing the value of your damages becomes particularly important when your lawyer enters into negotiations with the insurance company. The insurer has a financial incentive to settle car accident claims for as little as possible. Your attorney knows how to counter insurers’ tactics and will negotiate aggressively on your behalf. They’ll leverage their understanding of the law and your unique circumstances to pursue a fair settlement. They can also support their argument with a comprehensive presentation of the results of their investigation into the crash that injured you.
File a Lawsuit
Most car accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations. But unfortunately, these negotiations won’t always result in an amount you and your attorney are comfortable with.
Insurance companies have substantial financial and legal resources. Still, they’ll sometimes resist making a fair settlement offer. When this happens, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. Having a lawyer who is prepared to litigate if needed can further strengthen your position during negotiations and help you seek a favorable outcome.
Handle the Burden
Your lawyer provides valuable support when you need it the most. You should never feel like the burden of your car accident case rests on your shoulders. Your attorney is there to manage the insurance and legal processes so you don’t have to. Your job is to focus on what matters most: your health, family, and emotional well-being.
Common Types & Causes of Accidents in Phoenix
Car accidents in Phoenix are an unfortunate reality, with thousands of crashes happening each year. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (AZDOT), there were over 122,000 collisions in one recent year. These accidents often lead to severe injuries, property damage, and, in some cases, fatalities.
Types of Phoenix Collisions
Understanding the most common types of accidents can help you identify the nature of your collision and better understand how liability may be determined in your case. Various factors, such as road conditions, traffic patterns, and driver behavior, contribute to different types of crashes across the city. They can range from minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions. Some examples include:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone and side-impact accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Rollover accidents
Each type of accident presents unique challenges when filing an insurance claim or seeking compensation for injuries. For example, rear-end collisions might involve determining whether one driver was following too closely. Head-on collisions can result in much more severe injuries and require a different approach to pursuing financial recovery.
Causes of Phoenix Collisions
It’s just as important to understand the causes of car accidents in Phoenix, as they play a critical role in establishing fault. Driver error is the primary cause of most collisions. However, other factors can also play a role, such as road design and weather conditions.
By recognizing the leading causes of Phoenix accidents, you can better understand how your crash may have occurred and who may be liable for your losses. Some of the most common causes of car crashes include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for road or weather conditions
- Distracted driving
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Tailgating
- Drowsy driving
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
How Long Does a Phoenix Car Accident Claim Take?
The length of time it takes to resolve a car accident claim in Phoenix can vary significantly. Some claims can be settled in a matter of weeks, while others may take months or even years to resolve. Some of the factors that affect the claims process include:
- The severity of your injuries – Cases that involve serious or long-term injuries often take longer to settle, as it may take time to assess the full extent of your medical treatment and ongoing care needs. Additionally, there are higher stakes with more severe injuries. They can result in more complex and contentious negotiations with insurance companies.
- Disputes over liability – If the question of who is at fault for the accident is unclear or contested, insurance companies may take longer to investigate the crash and gather evidence. The more complicated the liability determination, the longer it may take to reach a settlement. Having more than one liable party can also extend this process.
- Insurance company processes and tactics – Insurers may delay responding to claims, shift blame for the collision, or try to minimize payouts – all of which can lead to prolonged negotiations.
- The need to litigate – If negotiations fail, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit, which can further extend the timeline.
It’s important to note that Arizona law limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after an auto accident. You have just two years from the crash date to take legal action. This highlights the importance of securing legal representation as soon as possible – you don’t want to risk being unable to recover the compensation you need.
Why Choose Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer for Your Phoenix Car Accident Claim?
Your choice of a Phoenix car accident lawyer to represent you in your claim is one of the most consequential decisions you’ll make during this process. When you choose Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, you benefit from the services of a team with extensive experience and a sole focus on personal injury cases – all we do is help injured people like you.
We’ve recovered millions for our Arizona clients, including $450,000 for a car crash victim. Past clients say our attorney “is very nice, a good listener, professional, and knows his stuff!” We prioritize strong communication, relationship building, and aggressive advocacy – all at no financial risk to you. You don’t pay us unless we recover compensation.
Contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today for a free consultation to share your story, learn about your legal options, and get the support you need to move forward after your car crash.