Personal Injury Lawyer Scottsdale, AZ

You should see if you have a personal injury case if someone else injured you in Scottsdale, you incurred damages, and have our lawyers preserve evidence and determine liability so you can seek compensation.

We handle injury cases arising from auto, bike, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents. We can start working on your case immediately by tracking economic damages. We will also calculate your non-economic damages from pain and suffering, and see if the defendant's conduct makes you eligible for punitive damages.

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

When Should You Get a Personal Injury Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ?

You should get a lawyer very soon after suffering a personal injury in Scottsdale, as you may only have two years to file a lawsuit and recover damages.

Someone Else Injured You

You should speak to a personal injury lawyer about your recovery options if someone else injured you in Scottsdale. What might seem like a simple mistake may be the result of negligence or recklessness, entitling you to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party.

You Incurred Damages

Victims who incur any damages due to negligence should consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. Expenses include hospital visits, property damage costs, and lost wages. Since you did not injure yourself, you should not have to cover injury costs yourself.

You also should not have to tally damages yourself, as you might miscalculate deserved compensation without our lawyers to consider future medical expenses, reduced earning capacity, and other damages.

You Need Evidence

Additionally, you should get an attorney if you need help gathering evidence, which is likely if you are severely injured. We can obtain evidence by speaking with eyewitnesses, watching surveillance footage, requesting medical records, and reviewing photos.

Liability is Unclear

Our attorneys can determine liability for your injuries if it is unclear to you after an accident. This is common, as victims may not see drivers speeding toward them or otherwise being negligent. We can reconstruct the accident to determine who initiated it and why, and present findings to the jury.

Sometimes, multiple parties share fault for a plaintiff's injuries. When this happens, our lawyers can help divide liability accordingly.

What Cases Do Our Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?

Our attorneys handle a variety of personal injury cases in Scottsdale. After an accident, we can explain your recovery options, calculate your damages, and preserve evidence for a future compensation claim.

Auto Accidents

Auto accidents are very common, often causing concussions, whiplash, broken noses, broken ribs, and sometimes even pregnancy complications. Arizona is an "at-fault" state for auto accidents, meaning the at-fault driver's liability insurance should cover the victim's damages.

Bike Accidents

Even when bicyclists wear helmets, which are not mandatory for riders 18 and older in Arizona, they can still suffer traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and disfiguring facial injuries. The driver who veered into the bike lane, ignored your right of way, or was otherwise negligent and injured you, would be liable.

Pedestrian Accidents

We also handle pedestrian accidents, helping victims get compensation after being struck by passenger cars or large trucks, and helping their survivors get justice after fatal pedestrian accidents.

Truck Accidents

After a truck accident in Scottsdale, our lawyers can determine what the trucker did wrong and if their employer also bears liability because they were working at the time of the accident.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles are dangerous, and Arizona does not mandate helmets for adult bikers. Car drivers often ignore motorcycles because of their size, putting bikers at risk of serious injuries.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving is exceptionally reckless, and our lawyers help those suffering with the consequences of somebody else's bad decision in Scottsdale. In addition to economic and non-economic damages, you may get punitive damages if we take your drunk driving car accident case to trial.

What Medical Records Do Injury Lawyers Use?

Our attorneys will obtain and may use all medical records related to your injury. Records may establish how and when you were injured, what your exact injuries and diagnoses are, and what specific treatments you have received.

Emergency Room Records

The first set of medical records we get may come from the immediate trip to the emergency room after sustaining an injury. Do not downplay your injuries, and make sure you go to the hospital if you are in pain or are visibly injured but in shock.

Ongoing Care Records

Continue getting whatever medical care physicians recommend. This may include undergoing surgery, taking prescription medications, or attending physical therapy sessions. We can gather records from the specialists and physicians who have contributed to your physical recovery and use them to show the accident's ongoing effect on your life.

What Economic Damages Are Available in Scottsdale Personal Injury Lawsuits?

Compensation is available for all economic damages you incur due to negligence, and our lawyers can track and calculate them.

Medical Bills

Personal injury plaintiffs can seek compensation for all the medical expenses they have incurred, whether costs come from extended hospital stays, in-house medical aides, prescription medications, wheelchairs, or other mobility assistance devices.

Lost Wages

If you miss any work and your income is affected by a personal injury, tell our lawyers. We can use your income records to prove the compensation you deserve for lost wages. If you are permanently injured and may never return to your previous earning level, we can seek compensation for the difference in earning capacity.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Any of the out-of-pocket costs you incur due to negligence can be compensated in a lawsuit, whether you need to hire childcare support or transportation accommodations to get to doctor appointments. We can help address such challenges during a personal injury claim for your convenience in Scottsdale.

What Non-Economic Damages Are Available in a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Scottsdale, AZ?

Non-economic damages aim to cover all intangible harms resulting from negligence. Injuries are physically painful, can be emotionally distressing, and may cause considerable mental suffering for victims in Scottsdale.

You may also get non-economic damages for your lowered quality of life, anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms, and disfigurement.

To prove and recover the non-economic damages available to you, our lawyers may suggest that you testify in court. When the plaintiff testifies, the jury can hear firsthand about their pain and suffering, potentially increasing the award they receive.

When Can You Get Punitive Damages from a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Arizona?

A plaintiff can get punitive damages when they prove, through clear and convincing evidence, that the defendant acted with an "evil mind," and that there was a high degree of misconduct or indifference to the safety of others.

Punitive damages may be available in a drunk driving car accident lawsuit in Arizona. You can only get punitive damages during an award at trial, and you will not receive them if you settle your case out of court.

We can tell you whether punitive damages are possible in your case and keep that in mind when reviewing settlement offers.

FAQs About Our Scottsdale, AZ Personal Injury Lawyers

How Can My Personal Injury Lawyer Get Eyewitness Statements?

We can identify eyewitnesses through the police report or contact them using information you collected at the scene. Identifying witnesses lets us obtain and preserve their statements as evidence.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Get Medical Records?

We can obtain pertinent medical records by contacting the relevant hospitals and physicians and requesting them with your permission and on your behalf.

Does My Lawyer Need Photos for a Personal Injury Case?

Having photos helps your personal injury lawyer prove how and why the accident occurred, so take as many as you can after the accident. We may get additional pictures from other witnesses or law enforcement that you called to the scene.

Will My Personal Injury Lawyer Get the Police Report?

Our personal injury lawyers can help you get the police report after a car crash or other accident. Though likely inadmissible in Arizona, this report can tell us who was involved, where the accident occurred, what injuries the victim sustained, and whether there were any eyewitnesses, so we will prioritize retrieving it.

When is the Latest an Injury Lawyer Can File a Lawsuit in Scottsdale, AZ?

The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Arizona is two years. The clock pauses for tolling exceptions, such as the defendant's absence from the state, the victim's delayed discovery of their injuries, and the victim's age at the time of injury, if they were under 18.

How Will My Lawyer File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Our injury lawyers file lawsuits by writing and submitting an official complaint with the court in Scottsdale. The complaint names the plaintiff and the defendant, explains the accident, and requests compensation.

What if a Personal Injury is Fatal in Scottsdale?

If a personal injury becomes fatal in Scottsdale, the victim's surviving spouse, child, parent, or personal representative may file a wrongful death lawsuit for compensation.

What is the Most Compensation an Injury Lawyer Can Recover on My Behalf?

Because Arizona does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury lawsuits, our lawyers may recover all losses you incurred, whether they are economic or non-economic. We can also inform you if policy limits could affect your recovery in any way.

Will My Personal Injury Lawyer Suggest Going to Trial?

Our lawyers may suggest going to trial if settlement offers do not improve, even after aggressive negotiations. Please tell us if you are open to going to trial, or if you would prefer to settle your case out of court.

How Can My Lawyer Help if I Share Fault for an Injury?

Arizona's pure comparative fault law lets plaintiffs recover damages even if they are at fault. However, their damages will be reduced according to their liability. We can show your involvement in the accident was minimal or non-existent to maximize your recovery.

What Type of Personal Injury Settlement Can I Get?

The two common settlements for personal injury victims are lump sum settlements and structured settlements. Lump sum settlements involve a single payment, while structured settlements involve multiple payments over months or years.

What Does My Lawyer Have to Prove in a Personal Injury Case?

We must prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care and breached it, directly causing your injury and damages, to win a personal injury claim at trial. These four elements must be satisfied, or you will not meet the "standard of proof."

When Will My Personal Injury Lawsuit End?

Your personal injury lawsuit ends when we reach an out-of-court settlement or when the jury renders a verdict. Some cases settle within weeks, while lawsuits that eventually go to trial might take several months or over a year.

What Else Can My Personal Injury Lawyer Help With?

We can help you with other inconveniences and challenges during your recovery, such as getting rental cars or other transportation, finding the right doctors and specialists, and more, to improve your quality of life after an accident in Scottsdale.

Is Getting a Personal Injury Lawyer and Filing a Lawsuit Worth It?

Getting a personal injury lawyer and filing a lawsuit is worth it if you have incurred expensive damages because of someone else's negligence and need to recover compensatory damages. Not only can we help victims file a lawsuit, but we can also deal with insurance companies on their behalf and stop them from accepting bad settlements.

Call Our Injury Attorneys in Scottsdale, AZ Today for Help

Call the personal injury lawyers of the Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm at (480) 428-0816 for a free case discussion today.

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.