Personal Injury Lawyer in Glendale, AZ

In the aftermath of an injury, you need help.  Our attorneys can help guide you through the process you are facing and represent you in insurance claims and lawsuits to get you the damages you deserve.

The defendant will often have a lawyer provided through their insurance, and many injury cases are filed against big businesses with strong legal teams.  For this reason, you should always have a lawyer who is prepared to go to battle for you and fight to get you the compensation you need.

For a free case evaluation with our personal injury lawyers, call Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm at (480) 428-0816 today.

How Much Is My Injury Case Worth?

Every personal injury case is different, but most involve the following areas of damages:

• Medical bills
• Future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Future lost earning capacity
• Vehicle repairs or other property damage
• Hospital transportation or parking
• Childcare costs while you are getting treatment
• Replacement services around the house
• Renovations to adapt your home to your disabilities
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish.

Many of these are "economic damages" that already have a monetary value from the bills or financial records.  Others are "non-economic damages" that pay you for intangible physical and mental harms.

In any case, our lawyers can put together the bills and records to find past damages, project any future/ongoing costs these involve, and calculate your non-economic damages.  Damages are always specific to the harms you actually faced.

What Should I Do After an Accident?

After an accident, take the following steps:

Call 911

You must report all auto accidents to the police, but you should also call 911 and request an ambulance for any serious accident.

Get Medical Treatment

If an ambulance is not required, go to the hospital for any other treatment you may need.  Always follow through with the doctor's recommended care, keep up with appointments, and avoid reinjury.

Collect Evidence

At the scene of the accident, there may be evidence you can collect.

For example, in a car crash, you want the driver's info, witness info, weather info, lighting info, road condition info, and more.  In other accident cases, you may be able to take photos of dangerous conditions on property, defective products, and more.

Our lawyers can work to collect other evidence, such as the defendant's relevant records, your medical records, and security camera footage of the accident (if available).

Call a Lawyer

From there, call our personal injury lawyers.  You should not try to deal with insurance companies or negotiate a settlement on your own - and you should certainly never try to take your case to trial without a lawyer.

We can advise you on the legal issues you face, but we can also help you find doctors and specialists, find an affordable rental car, and guide you through the aftermath of your accident.

File Claims

From there, we can help you file insurance claims, lawsuits, or any other claims that might be needed to recover your damages.

What Evidence is Needed in My Case?

Every case is different, but the following pieces of evidence are often helpful.  Remember that you need to prove the defendant was at fault, but you also need evidence of your damages, so not all of this evidence fulfils the same purpose.

Eyewitness Testimony

Your own testimony, plus the testimony of any other witnesses, will tell the jury what happened.  Witnesses can testify to what they saw and heard, though they can typically only give firsthand accounts and cannot speculate or give opinions.

Expert Testimony

Experts can give their opinions, and they usually opine on events they did not witness.  Experts often have specialized knowledge they present to the court to help make findings in the case.

For example:

• Your doctors may testify about your injuries or treatment needs.
• Financial experts could testify about your economic damages.
• Engineers or scientists might testify about a defective product that injured you.

Photos and Video

Any photos that show the accident scene, the damages, or the hazards involved are often great evidence.  They can essentially bring the accident to the jury to see for themselves.

Video is even better, especially if it captured the accident as it was happening.  Car dash cams, cell phone footage, security cameras, and even doorbell cams provide excellent video evidence.

Records

Bills, financial records, business logs, and other various records can help show who knew what, how much your damages cost, and other important facts.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me?

Our attorneys can help with your case in many ways that make working with a lawyer an essential part of your recovery:

Evidence Collection

It can be hard to know exactly what evidence you need, or exactly what to ask a witness.  Our lawyers have the experience to know what proof to look for and how to obtain it.

We can depose witnesses, subpoena records and evidence, and even help get things like police reports and medical records for you while you focus on your recovery.

Building a Case

We need to tell a story - your story - to convince insurance companies and juries to give you the damages you deserve.  We can look into all the harm you faced, what happened in the accident, and how the evidence tells your story to build a strong case.

We can also perform legal research, put our experience to the task, and argue complex legal issues that might make or break your case.

Negotiating

More than half the battle is often fought in the conference room instead of the courtroom.  Our lawyers can negotiate with defendants and insurance companies for fair damages, potentially helping you get your case paid faster without the need to go to court.

Other Advice

Lawyers can provide advice, information, and resources beyond just legal ones.  We can help guide you through what you need to do after an accident, from helping you find doctors to helping you keep track of the evidence, depositions, and court dates in your case.

FAQs for Personal Injury Cases in Glendale, AZ

What is the Deadline for Filing?

Lawsuits for personal injury claims in Glendale, AZ must be filed within 2 years of the injury under the statute of limitations.

If you file your case too late, you cannot bring it to court.  At that point, insurance companies will also typically deny your claim.

What is Pain and Suffering?

Pain and suffering is a common name for "non-economic damages" in general.  These are the damages that affect you physically, emotionally, and mentally.  They have no economic value, but we can still claim monetary damages for these harms.

Should I Accept an Insurance Settlement?

You may be able to settle your case for a fair value, but you should never accept a settlement without reviewing it with an attorney first.

Insurance companies often issue low-dollar settlements to try to end cases quickly, but they might not even take your specific damages into account at first.  Your lawyer can negotiate damages and advise you to reject the settlement and take the case to court if the settlement is too low.

What Do I Do if Insurance Denies My Claim?

If the insurance company denies your claim, you can sue instead.  Lawsuits can be filed directly against the defendant, and their insurance company will typically provide them with a lawyer.

These lawsuits are more expensive for insurance companies, and they will often be pressured into settling when they see you are serious.  Our lawyers can also negotiate through the entire process, potentially saving you from having to actually go to trial.

Should I Talk to the Insurance Company?

You should avoid talking to the insurance company when possible.  You may need to report your accident to your own insurance company and may have claims you can file with them, but even your own insurance company is not always on your side.

Instead, talk to a lawyer first and have us interface with the insurance companies.  This can prevent accidental disclosures, unfair recorded statements, and accidental settlement.

Can I File a Lawsuit Without a Lawyer?

You can technically act as your own lawyer - known as proceeding pro se - but it is not recommended.  The defendant will often have a lawyer of their own, and they may even be a big company with a powerful legal team.

When you act as your own lawyer, you miss out on the experience and training we bring to the case, and you must follow all court rules on your own without legal training.  You also should be focusing on your recovery while we focus on the legal case.

How Long Does a Lawsuit Take?

Claims can often be settled quickly, but even that could take anywhere from a few weeks to the better part of a year.  When cases go to trial, they can take even longer than a year in many cases.

Claims that are less complex or involve more straightforward facts often settle much faster.  Complex cases or claims with confusing legal issues might take much longer.

What if the Insurance Policy Limit is Too Low?

If the defendant does not have enough insurance to cover your injuries in full, you could be left with some difficult decisions.  If the defendant is a business with money and assets to cover your injuries, we may be able to claim the remaining damages against them directly.  However, individuals often cannot afford damages beyond their policy limits.

We can continue a lawsuit against the defendant directly, though a settlement for policy limits might be the best you can get.

If your case involved a car accident, then you might have underinsured motorist coverage that can help.

Can You Sue Uninsured Drivers and Defendants?

You can sue uninsured drivers and other parties, but they might not be able to afford damages.  Like with underinsured defendants, you may be able to get damages from them directly, but only if they have the money or assets to actually afford paying you.

You might also have uninsured motorist coverage to help in a car accident.

What Does My Insurance Cover?

In auto accident cases, your own insurance might have additional coverage to help pay for medical bills, vehicle repairs, rental cars, and other costs.  Have your lawyer check your insurance policy and help you understand what your insurance can pay for while you work on a claim against the defendant.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?

Lawyers are typically paid from a percentage of the winnings in your case, meaning they cost nothing up front and you only pay them if you win.

What Elements Do I Need to Prove?

Most personal injury cases are based on negligence claims, which have four required elements:

1. Duty - The defendant owed the victim a legal duty.
2. Breach - The defendant breached that duty.
3. Causation - The defendant's breach caused the accident.
4. Damages - The victim suffered damages and injuries the court can compensate.

How Can I Revise a Settlement?

If you have not signed a settlement, it is not too late to change your mind.  Our lawyers can negotiate for different terms, or you can reject the settlement altogether and take the case to trial.

If you have already signed a settlement or accepted money, it is possible your case is blocked from any further negotiations or additional money.  Settlements usually cannot be reopened and revised without evidence of fraud or coercion.

Is There Insurance for Injuries Other Than Car Accidents?

Yes!  Homeowners insurance and renters commonly cover injuries on someone else's property, and businesses have insurance to cover things like slip and falls and other injuries that they cause in the course of their operations.

Most businesses are insured, but individual homeowners or renters are not always covered.

When Can I Expect Payment?

After signing a settlement agreement or winning your case in court, payment is often issued within around 30 days.  The terms of your settlement will potentially give more details.

Some cases involve structured settlements, where you will get damages paid weekly or monthly for a long period.  Always discuss your settlement terms with your lawyer for a full understanding.

Contact Our Glendale, AZ Personal Injury Lawyers Today

Call Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm at (480) 428-0816 right away for a free case review with our personal injury lawyers.

Car Accident Lawyer Glendale, AZ

You should consider pursuing compensation if another driver hits you, causing you to suffer injuries and incur damages. That other driver is most likely liable for your losses, which our lawyers can seek in full by filing a car accident lawsuit in Glendale.

When building your case, our attorneys can get the relevant police report, video footage, eyewitness statements, and photos. We may use such evidence to recover a large settlement without going to trial, which is how most car accident claims are resolved. Those that do not settle go to trial, where our lawyers can work hard to prove the other driver's liability.

Call the car accident lawyers of Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm for a free case review at (480) 428-0816.

When Should You Get a Car Accident Lawyer in Glendale, AZ?

You should get a lawyer if someone else hits you, making them responsible for your injuries and damages in Arizona.

Someone Else Hit You

If someone else hit you because they were negligent, they may be liable for the collision. Our car accident lawyers can determine exactly what they did wrong, such as speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, or driving under the influence.

You Suffered Injuries

Suffering any injuries because of another driver's negligence is expensive, and you should not have to worry about the cost of making a full physical recovery. If you are hurt, prioritize your health above all else and keep detailed medical records.

You Incurred Damages

In addition to medical expenses, car accidents result in property damage, lost wages, and other economic and non-economic damages. Arizona is a "fault" state for car accidents, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance is responsible for covering the victim's damages.

Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

Can a Lawyer Get the Car Accident Police Report?

We can help get the police report for your accident after it has been uploaded online. Crash reports are also available in person at the Glendale Police Department.

Will My Lawyer Interview Eyewitness After a Car Accident?

Identifying and interviewing witnesses is one of the first things our attorneys can do after your accident. We may obtain their contact details from you or from the police report.

Can My Lawyer Get Video Footage of a Car Accident?

Footage of a crash may come from eyewitnesses' smartphones, involved vehicles' dashboard cameras, nearby surveillance systems, or even traffic cameras. We can search for any available footage and secure it before it gets deleted, intentionally or unintentionally.

How Does a Lawyer Determine Fault After a Car Accident?

We determine fault by considering all evidence, including photographs, videos, and eyewitness accounts. Pictures of impact points and vehicle damage help us reconstruct the wreck and determine who did what.

When Must a Lawyer File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Glendale?

Your lawyer must bring your claim within the applicable statute of limitations, typically two years in Arizona.

How Often Do Lawyers Settle Car Accident Lawsuits?

Settling lawsuits is very common, as negligent drivers and victims alike often want to avoid lengthy trials. You should not settle just because you think it is expected; only sign an offer that actually benefits you.

How Do Lawyers Calculate Economic Damages After Car Accidents?

To calculate economic damages, we add up all financial losses from the collision, including property damage costs, emergency room bills, long-term medical care costs, and lost wages. We make accurate calculations by carefully tracking all economic damages.

How Do Attorneys Calculate Non-Economic Damages After Car Accidents?

Non-economic damages depend on the individual's experience, so we can only calculate pain and suffering have speaking with you directly about your physical, mental, and emotional struggles since the accident.

What Should My Lawyer Do During Car Accident Settlement Negotiations?

During settlement discussions, your lawyer should reject bad offers, send counteroffers, leverage evidence, and keep you from accepting a subpar offer when getting more is possible.

What Should My Lawyer Do During a Car Accident Trial?

During a car accident trial, your attorney should present a compelling case, challenge the opposing side's evidence, and keep you aware of any settlement offers from the defense to end the trial.

When Does My Car Accident Lawsuit Start?

Your lawsuit begins after our lawyers draft and file a complaint with the court. This document will contain all the necessary information about you, the plaintiff, and the at-fault driver, the defendant, as well as the total compensation we are seeking on your behalf and why you deserve it.

What if I File a Car Accident Lawsuit without a Lawyer in Arizona?

Seeking compensation and filing a lawsuit without a skilled lawyer's help poses many challenges, as victims might be unable to collect enough evidence and present it convincingly to get a good enough settlement or prove fault in court.

What if I Don't Discover Car Accident Injuries Immediately?

If you do not discover your injuries until days or weeks later, our lawyers can explain how the statute of limitations may have been tolled for that period before discovery, giving you more time to bring a lawsuit.

Can a Lawyer Get Future Damages After a Car Accident?

Your lawyer can seek future damages on your behalf after a car accident, and should factor upcoming expenses into your total losses. Physicians can help us estimate future medical damages and testify to the necessity of these treatments for your physical recovery.

Can a Lawyer Help Me Sue for Any Car Accident Injuries?

Arizona is a fault state for collisions. Because of this, you can seek compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurance if you are injured and incur any damages as a result. Injuries deemed less serious, such as whiplash and sprains, can still be expensive to treat.

Talk to Our Glendale, AZ Lawyers About Your Case Now

Call the car accident lawyers of Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm at (480) 428-0816 for help with your case.