How Do Car Accident Settlements Work in Phoenix?
Being involved in a Phoenix car accident can have a profound impact on your life. If you suffer injuries, you may spend anywhere from a few days to weeks or months recovering in the hospital. You may be without a vehicle to drive, you may miss significant amounts of work, and you may spend months seeking compensation from the car insurance company of the driver who caused the accident.
What Is a Phoenix Car Accident Settlement?
Arizona is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that after a car wreck, the car insurance company of the driver at fault is responsible for compensating those injured in the crash. This compensation often comes in the form of a Phoenix car accident settlement, and is based on negligence—meaning that it answers the question of whether or not the at-fault driver was engaging in dangerous behaviors such as driving under the influence, speeding, or distracted driving.
However, determining liability for an accident isn’t always as straightforward as it seems, and insurance companies (even your own) may use deceptive tactics to try and deny your claim. This is where a Phoenix car accident attorney comes in.
What Does an Attorney Do in a Phoenix Car Accident Settlement?
Many people choose to pursue a car accident settlement on their own, and in fact many will receive some form of compensation from the insurance company. The caveat is that most are likely receiving a settlement amount that is far below what they actually need to cover their medical bills, lost wages, etc.
Not only can a personal injury attorney help increase the amount of your car accident settlement, they can also play a crucial role in getting your case resolved timely and with minimal effort on your part. After all, after an injury your number one priority should be to focus on your own recovery, not fighting with insurance companies.
How the Settlement Process Works
During an initial consultation, an Arizona car accident lawyer will generally assess all the details of your case, including the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life, your medical bills, and whether you missed a significant amount of work or even lost your job due to the injury. This will help determine a fair settlement amount.
Establishing Fault
They will also glean whether or not you may have been partially responsible for the car accident under Arizona’s comparative negligence laws. (Keep in mind that even if this is the case, you may still be entitled to compensation)
Medical Records
Once an attorney takes on your case, they will assist you in establishing whether or not you have received thorough, well-documented medical care relating to your injuries. This includes the gathering of supportive records.
On-Scene Investigation
An attorney may also work with an investigator to go over the accident scene to find evidence that can support your claim, including skid marks, debris, etc. The investigative team may also take photographs, interview witnesses, and obtain police records of the accident.
Additional Evidence
Your legal team may investigate any other leads that could yield helpful evidence in your case. For example, does the driver of the other vehicle have a history of causing accidents, speeding, texting and driving, or driving under the influence?
Negotiations
One of the major benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer after an accident is knowing that you have an experienced negotiator on your side. Car insurance companies can be ruthless in dismissing claims from injured individuals. A qualified car accident attorney knows the ins and outs of negotiations with these companies and won’t back down, resulting in the maximum settlement for your injuries.
Read more about the personal injury claim process.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
To schedule a free initial consultation with a successful Phoenix personal injury lawyer, give Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys a call at 602-977-1900. Alternatively, you can talk to a live representative using our LiveChat feature, or go ahead and submit the details of your case using our secure contact form.