Car Accident Lawyers in Scottsdale, AZ

One of the most common reasons for civil action is car accidents. Many injured drivers file insurance claims to get compensation for their injuries and expenses, but insurance might not cover everything. An attorney can help you file a lawsuit to claim the full extent of your damages.

You can and should take legal action, whether or not your injuries are severe. Even minor injuries can lead to big hospital bills, and your vehicle may require costly repairs. Our legal team will help you find evidence to prove your claims, such as photos from the crash, witness testimony, and your receipts and proof of costs. Before starting your lawsuit, we may need to thoroughly exhaust your insurance options, which can take time. As such, it is best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Begin your case with a free, private legal review by calling our car accident lawyers with Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm at (480) 428-0816.

How Do I Get Financial Compensation After a Car Accident in Scottsdale, AZ?

Car accidents are known for being costly, and you may need significant financial compensation from the person responsible to help you get back on your feet. Your attorney can help you determine the best way to cover your damages.

File an Insurance Claim

The first course of action for most drivers is to file insurance claims after a car accident. In Arizona, drivers usually must file third-party claims with the at-fault driver's liability insurance. They must also present evidence of the other driver's negligence to the insurance company. If the insurance company does not believe there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the other driver is responsible, your claim could be denied.

Initiate a Civil Lawsuit

If your insurance options have been exhausted or if the insurance company denied your claim, a lawyer should help you file a civil lawsuit against the other driver. While lawsuits are often more time-consuming, complex, and challenging than insurance claims, they often yield greater damages awards. Lawsuits are not limited by insurance policy limits. If you win your case, the other driver will be legally obligated to pay for your damages.

Accept a Private Settlement

You may also have the option of accepting a private settlement from the other driver. Such a settlement may account for your economic costs in addition to certain non-economic injuries, like pain, distress, and psychological trauma. Keep in mind that once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to file a lawsuit for the accident. You should review any settlement offer with a lawyer before accepting it, as changing your mind after accepting may be difficult or impossible.

Where Do I Find Evidence to Support My Car Accident Case?

Evidence can be broad, and it may consist of almost anything relevant to the case, tends to prove your claims, and adheres to the Arizona Rules of Evidence.

The Scene of the Accident

A lot of evidence will likely come from the location of the accident. If you or other drivers took pictures or recorded some videos of the accident scene, those recordings may be introduced as evidence. You should also exchange contact information with others involved in the accident, as we may need to locate them later to obtain witness testimony.

Outside the accident scene, we need evidence of your injuries and damages. Medical records related to treatment for injuries and other evidence of economic costs may be crucial to your case.

Witnesses

Witness testimony is often critical in car accident cases, especially if the defendant disputes your version of events. As mentioned, witnesses often include other drivers or passengers who were present when the accident happened. However, other witnesses may provide valuable testimony even if they did not witness the accident.

For example, if the defendant was intoxicated when they caused the accident, we might track down the bartender from the bar or restaurant where the other driver became intoxicated to testify about how much the defendant drank before the accident.

Records and Documentation

Other evidence may consist of certain records or documentation pertaining to important details. Medical records may be used to prove the extent of your injuries and the cost of medical care. Police reports, while typically inadmissible as evidence, may include details about other evidence that is admissible, and we can use the report to track down the evidence.

How Do I Begin a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?

Initiating a lawsuit is not as easy as it seems on TV. Your attorney can help you gather the necessary information and evidence to start your lawsuit and navigate your case through the court system.

Ask a Lawyer for Help

First, get help from a lawyer. People sometimes hesitate to hire lawyers because they think they cannot afford it, but a lawyer's help is crucial to your case. The legal system is infamously complex, and you might not fully understand how to file your case or what happens after you do. Our car accident attorneys will be there for you every step of the way and can work out a reasonable payment arrangement if you are concerned about costs.

Gather Information and Evidence

Lawsuits often require extensive preparation before they are even filed. You and your attorney need information about all the parties involved in the case, including witnesses and defendants. You also need to be able to explain how the accident happened, which may require information from things like police reports. You must also have evidence before you ever get to a courtroom. If you do not have evidence from the start, you might have no way of proving you have a valid cause of action.

File a Formal Legal Complaint

Your lawsuit officially begins after you file a formal legal complaint and serve notice of the case to the defendant. The complaint must contain lengthy and specific information about your case, including evidence establishing a legal cause of action. Once your case is filed, we must act fast to notify the defendant. If the defendant does not receive notice or is notified improperly, the case could be thrown out.

FAQs About Car Accident Claims in Scottsdale, AZ

How Do I File an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident in Scottsdale, AZ?

In Arizona, the driver responsible for a car accident is responsible for paying for damages. As such, you may need to file a third-party insurance claim with the other driver's liability coverage. Additionally, you must present evidence to the insurance company of the other driver's fault.

Can I Sue for Damages from a Car Accident?

Yes. Drivers may file civil lawsuits against other drivers after a car accident, but they should generally exhaust their insurance options first. Even if you know that the other driver's insurance will not be enough to cover all your damages, you should still file an insurance claim and navigate that process before beginning a lawsuit.

What if the Defendant in a Car Accident Case Refuses to Pay?

If the other driver refuses to provide you with their insurance information, inform the police. Drivers are required to exchange this information, and the authorities may compel the other driver to do so. If you win a civil lawsuit against the other driver and they refuse to pay, we can ask the court to make them pay. The court may place liens, impose garnishments, or take other legal measures to compel payment.

How Do I Get a Settlement for a Car Accident?

A settlement may refer to an insurance settlement or a private settlement worked out with the other driver. To get an insurance settlement, you must file a claim and provide evidence from the accident. Alternatively, the driver may offer a private settlement out of pocket to cover your damages. Do not accept a settlement without first reviewing it with your lawyer.

Where Can I Find Evidence to Back Up My Car Accident Claims?

Many drivers gather evidence directly from the accident scene. You may take photos, record videos, and get contact information from potential witnesses all at the accident scene. As such, it is important to act quickly after the accident to preserve whatever evidence you can.

What Kind of Evidence is Necessary in a Car Accident Case in Scottsdale, AZ?

Any evidence that tends to prove your claims may be necessary. Common examples include photos of the accident, security camera videos, dashcam footage, witness testimony, and your medical records pertaining to your injuries.

How Do I Start a Lawsuit for a Car Accident?

You may begin a civil lawsuit by filing a formal legal complain with the appropriate court. Your complaint should contain lengthy and specific details about the accidents, your damages, and it should include enough evidence to show that you have a valid cause of legal action.

How Do I Know Who is Responsible for a Car Accident?

In many car accident cases, it is clear from the start who is responsible for the crash. However, some accidents are less clear, especially multi-vehicle accidents. If you are unsure who is to blame, we may need to wait for the police to complete their investigation to know for sure.

What Does Negligence Look Like in Auto Accident Cases?

Negligence may involve common traffic code violations, such as speeding, running red lights, or ignoring traffic signs. It may also include distractions on the road, like texting while driving. Still, many other cases are the result of intoxicated driving.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?

In Arizona, plaintiffs filing car accident cases typically have 2 years from the date of the accident to do so. Car accident claims usually fall under the statute of limitations for personal injuries, although you should double-check with your lawyer.

What Should I Do After a Multi-Vehicle Collision?

Multi-vehicle accidents can be confusing, as you might not be sure who caused it, and the other drivers might blame each other and you. It is best to call the police so they can investigate. You should also contact an attorney as soon as possible. Also, be sure to exchange information with all drivers involved in the accident.

Should I Call the Police After a Vehicle Accident?

Yes. Other drivers might not want to involve the police, but you should contact them to report the accident immediately. If the accident involves death or physical injuries to anyone, drivers are legally required to notify the police as soon as possible.

When Should I See a Doctor After a Vehicle Accident in Scottsdale, AZ?

Go to a doctor immediately. If you experience any pain, even minor pain, after an accident, go to the hospital right away. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner doctors will start documenting your injuries and treatments. Accurate medical records may be crucial to proving claims for medical damages.

How Do I Know What My Damages Are Worth in a Car Accident Case?

Damages vary from case to case, and they are usually based on the economic and non-economic costs of the accident. Economic costs may include, but are not limited to, medical bills, vehicle repair costs, other property damage, and lost income from missing work. Non-economic damages usually revolve around various forms of pain and suffering.

How Long Does it Take to Get Financial Compensation After a Car Crash?

The time it takes to get financial compensation will vary based on how you take legal action and the complexity of the case. Insurance claims may be completed in a few weeks, while lawsuits often take several months. If the facts of an accident case are especially complex, your case could take longer.

Talk to Our Car Accident Attorneys in Scottsdale, AZ About Your Case Today

Begin your case with a free, confidential legal evaluation by calling our car accident attorneys with Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm at (480) 428-0816.