You may get hurt in an auto crash caused by a negligent motorist. Your injuries may be expensive to treat, but you may not be financially responsible for them. With help from a Gilbert personal injury lawyer, you may be able to request compensation from the at-fault driver.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we are committed to providing our clients with exceptional service. Our Gilbert car accident lawyer is available to discuss your case and go over your legal options with you. To get started, contact us today.
What to Do After a Car Accident
In its most recently released annual statistics, the Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT) reported 119,991 motor vehicle crashes in a given year. You may be involved in an auto crash at any time. Following your collision, here are things you can do to protect yourself and avoid making mistakes that could hurt your chances of getting compensation from an at-fault party:
- Call 911. This will bring police officers and medical personnel to the crash scene to assist you and others involved in your collision.
- Receive Medical Care. Meet with a doctor to undergo a medical assessment and treat any injuries.
- Get the Other Driver’s Information. Ask the other motorist for their full name, auto insurance information, and driver’s license number.
- Collect Evidence. Use your smartphone to capture photos and videos of damage to your car and injuries.
- Connect with a Lawyer. Reach out to a Gilbert car accident attorney who can help you determine if you should file an injury claim.
Suzuki Law Offices is an Arizona law firm with a history of excellence and integrity. Our car accident lawyer in Gilbert can review your case and help you identify the party responsible for your collision. Contact us to learn more.
Car Accident Liability
The other driver may be responsible for your auto collision. For example, a motorist may speed through a red light and crash their vehicle into yours. In this example, you may seek damages through an insurance claim.
There is minimum coverage required for Arizona drivers. You may notify your insurer about your car collision, and they may pursue compensation from the other motorist’s insurance company. Regardless, the at-fault driver’s insurer may do everything within its power to avoid paying you damages.
A car accident attorney in Gilbert can help you negotiate with an at-fault motorist’s insurance provider. They may work with you to seek the most damages possible. Plus, they can help you submit your request for compensation before you run out of time to do so.
Car Accident Injury Statute of Limitations
Per Ariz. Rev. Stat. §12-542, you may have up to two years from the date of your auto accident to ask for compensation from an at-fault party. The statute of limitations for a personal injury may not be extended. Thus, if you do not request damages within this period, you may lose the right to seek compensation down the line.
You may request economic and non-economic damages based on a car accident injury. Economic compensation may be awarded based on the costs to repair or replace your vehicle, lost wages, medical bills, and other quantifiable expenses. Non-economic damages may be provided for your pain, suffering, and other subjective losses.
Just because you request damages does not mean you will be awarded compensation. You are responsible for the burden of proof in your auto accident case. If you provide a wealth of evidence, you may prove an at-fault party was negligent.
Proving Fault in a Car Accident Case
You may be wondering if you can seek compensation if you were partially at fault for your auto accident. In Arizona, you have the right to ask for damages based on a personal injury, even if you are 99% at fault. To receive damages, you must prove an at-fault party was negligent.
If you want to prove fault in your auto accident case, you must show an at-fault party had a legal obligation to act in a cautious and reasonable manner toward you. In addition, you must verify this party breached their obligation, which led to your accident and injury. You must also confirm the party’s actions caused you to suffer quantifiable or subjective losses.
Your attorney may use medical records, accident scene photos and videos, and other forms of proof to build your argument. Each piece of evidence you have at your disposal may help you make it clear to a judge or jury you deserve to be awarded 100% of the damages you are requesting. In the best-case scenario, your body of evidence compels a judge or jury to rule in your favor, so you get the compensation you need to recover from your crash.
Car Insurance Settlement
The total losses you incur in your auto crash may exceed the insurance limits of an at-fault motorist’s coverage. To get the damages you want, you may have to file an injury lawsuit. An attorney can help you submit this claim.
Over the course of your litigation, you may have the opportunity to negotiate a settlement. For instance, the defendant in your case may see you have an abundance of evidence to support your argument. This may lead the defendant to propose a settlement in the hopes you will accept far less than what you could get if you bring your case to trial.
If you receive a settlement proposal, you do not have to accept it. It may be best to discuss a settlement offer with your attorney, listen to what they have to say about it, and determine if it is in your best interests to approve it. If you decline an offer, you and your attorney can continue to explore ways to strengthen your argument leading up to your trial.
Partner with a Car Accident Lawyer in Gilbert
The legal team at Suzuki Law Offices prioritizes our clients’ best interests. We work in lockstep with you to ensure you are well-positioned to secure a fair settlement. To schedule a free consultation with our Gilbert auto accident attorney, contact us today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form