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Phoenix Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents can do significant damage to your property and you. As you assess your accident-related losses, it might be a relief that you have someone experienced by your side, so you don’t have to tackle the situation alone. A lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your accident and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Phoenix, AZ, car accident lawyers do more than guide you through filing a car accident complaint. When you get in touch with Zanes Law, we can help you file a complaint for an accident within Arizona’s time limits and keep you informed as your case progresses.

The Benefits of Speaking to a Phoenix Injury Lawyer

It takes time to bring a civil claim together after an accident. Unfortunately, your injuries and responsibilities at work may make it feel impossible to find the time to file a civil claim against an at-fault party. There is good news, though, if you want to pursue a claim against an offending individual.

You can contact a Phoenix automobile accident attorney days after your accident to immediately begin investigating your case. Our team lets you focus on your recovery without letting essential evidence expire or otherwise dTo fight for compensation after a car accident, you and your auto accident attorney in Phoenix should file a car accident complaint. This complaint must detail the following

  • Compile evidence supporting your assertion of liability
  • Calculate the full extent of your accident-related losses
  • Submit your claim within Arizona’s statute of limitations
  • Fend off predatory insurance provider behaviors
  • Serve papers to the party allegedly liable for your losses
  • Protect you from intimidation techniques while communicating with the defendant
  • Represent your best interests in negotiations and preliminary hearings

Let our team take charge of your case and keep you updated on what’s going on. We can factor in your ongoing recovery and economic circumstances as we pursue compensation on your behalf.

Important Qualities in a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer

The attorney you work with needs to know how to handle your car accident case. This means that they need to both bring together information to establish liability and have the wherewithal to stay on top of your needs both during the compilation process and afterward.

With that in mind, there are key qualities you can look for in a car accident attorney. These can include:

  • Personal attention to clients and their unique needs
  • Dedication and compassion
  • Keen analytical thinking
  • Extensive experience with car accident cases and general personal injury law
  • A sterling reputation and a track record of success

Zanes Law takes pride in offering top-notch service to each of our clients. Do not sit back and let the insurance adjuster treat you badly. Our personal injury lawyers have arranged million-dollar settlements for our clients. You can learn more about Zanes Law’s success rate via our case results.

For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Phoenix, call 866-499-8989

How to Take Legal Action After a Car Accident

To fight for compensation after a car accident, you and your auto accident attorney in Phoenix should file a car accident complaint. This complaint must detail the following:

  • The identity of a liable party
  • Evidence of a violated duty of care
  • The costs you’ve faced as a result of your accident
  • Evidence supporting your request for compensation

You can further strengthen your claim through supporting evidence and documents. An Arizona car accident report has a lot of valuable information you can use, including the names and contact information of all those involved in the crash. You can obtain a car accident report independently, or if you have legal representation, your lawyer will acquire it.

Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 866-499-8989

Bringing Your Estimated Compensation to the Right Liable Party

The duty of care determines who is responsible for an accident. Everyone must keep themselves and the driver safe. If someone breaks that duty, it could lead to an accident. This means that if a pedestrian or another driver acts irresponsibly, they are just as likely to be responsible for damages caused by a car accident.

The drivers are not the only ones responsible for your safety on the road. The government also has a duty toward the citizens to keep the roads in Phoenix in good shape. Besides the government, you can also hold the car manufacturer responsible if the malfunction was the reason for the accident.

Evidence helps show who is at fault. If you don’t know who to blame for your accident, let our team look into what happened. We can help determine the at-fault party. From there, we can work with law enforcement to prove that a duty of care has been broken.

Compensation You Can Recieve in a Car Accident

Because the damages related to car accidents vary, the costs associated with your recovery may be extensive. These may include:

  • Loss of wages
  • Increased insurance premiums
  • Reduced productivity
  • Reduced capacity for relationships
  • Increased need for specialized medical care
  • Essential property repairs or replacements
  • Rentals needed to get to or from certain locations
  • Child care essential to your recovery

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Statute of Limitations in an Arizona Personal Injury Case

If you want to fight for compensation after a car accident, you must bring your claim forward within Arizona’s statute of limitations. According to A.R.S. § 12-542, you will have two years to act on personal injury losses endured in an Arizona car accident.

You may, however, have to file a car accident suit under other statutes of limitation. For example, should you want to hold the local government responsible for your car accident, A.R.S. § 12-821.01 gives you 180 days to file a claim.

Schedule a consultation with our team if you’re unsure how long it takes to file a specific car accident claim. Most of these deadlines begin on the same day your accident occurs. Fortunately, our compassionate and experienced lawyers allow us to quickly and thoroughly address your concerns.

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Breaking Down Car Accident Claim Barriers

You may be met with resistance when you bring a claim to your insurance provider or against another party. That resistance makes it all the more important for you to have the right representation on hand.

Our team does more than establish your initial case. We also stand between you and any malicious attempts to deny you the financial support you deserve.

When you work with a Phoenix, AZ, car accident lawyer at Zanes Law Injury Lawyers, we can help you:

Challenge Rushed Settlement Offers

Insurance adjusters can often encourage you to accept an initial case settlement without consulting an attorney. While that initial settlement offer may look appealing, it often undervalues your losses and prevents you from taking further legal action.

With that in mind, do not sign any paperwork offered alongside a settlement unless you have an attorney on hand. We can assess the paperwork alongside a settlement offer and fight for your right to comprehensive compensation.

Avoid Undue Admittance of Fault

Because Arizona operates on an understanding of comparative negligence, you always retain the right to pursue compensation for your losses in court, provided you abide by state deadlines.

However, Arizona judges may opt to reduce your final settlement. If you’re accused of any degree of fault, and the defense can back their claim, you can lose a percentage of your settlement equal to your fault. This is why avoiding statements that may overstate your role in your accident is important.

It’s our job to ensure that any exchanges you have with the defendant are as free from conversations of fault as possible. Both insurance adjusters and defense attorneys may try to turn your words against you if your case goes to court. Fortunately, we can intercede before you chat away the compensation you need to recover from your losses.

Prevent Immediate Statements

Insurance adjusters strive to keep an insurance’s post-accident payment as low as possible. That’s why many adjusters will reach out to you while contending with the immediate aftermath of an injury. If an adjuster asks to record your post-accident statement, you can be sure that they’ll try to use that statement against you.

With this in mind, do not make a statement or allow an adjuster to record your conversation without an attorney present. We can help you craft your statement and better preserve your right to comprehensive compensation.

Defend Your Medical Records

While insurance adjusters do have the right to request certain documents from you after your accident, you can deny requests that seem unreasonable. For example, an insurance adjuster who requests your medical records may mean well – but they also may be looking for ways to lower their expected payments.

Before you hand over your medical records, ensure you and an attorney have assessed the losses that could be included in your civil complaint. When you have your own estimate on hand, you can prevent an adjuster from understating the severity of your injuries.

See Your Claim Through

There are times when insurance providers can forgo all manner of traditional manipulation and “ghost” you instead. If an insurance adjuster ignores your calls or refuses to discuss your accident claim, you can turn to our team.

We don’t let an insurance company’s stonewalling keep you from a comprehensive settlement. We’ll either bring the deliberate ignorance up in your case or communicate with a provider on your behalf.

The good news is that the parties allegedly liable for your losses do not benefit from ignoring your request for compensation. Any party serving a civil court summons must respond within thirty days. Parties who fail to answer a summons waive their right to a say in the upcoming case.

Let Our Phoenix Injury Lawyers Fight for You

Car accidents threaten more than your physical health. Fortunately, our team fights to secure the financial support you need to recover from an accident. If you’re ready to discuss your losses with a car accident lawyer in Phoenix, AZ, at Zanes Law, you can contact us today. We can outline your legal options during a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some of the Most Dangerous Roads in Phoenix?

Arizona’s I-17 tends to see the greatest number of fatal accidents yearly. Other dangerous roads in Phoenix and the surrounding areas include:

  • Interstate 10
  • N 59th Avenue and W Olive Avenue
  • N 7th Street between E McDowell Road and E Dunlap Avenue
  • N 7th Avenue between W McDowell Road and W Northern Avenue
  • N 67th Avenue and W McDowell Road
  • N 75th Avenue and W Indian School Road
  • S 99th Avenue and W Lower Buckeye Road

While other drivers owe you a duty of care, you can use the information about Phoenix’s unsafe intersections to take particular care when coming across these roads. If you get into an accident, know that our team members can immediately help you start the recovery process.

When Is the Best Time to Hire a Phoenix Car Accident Attorney?

It’s best to hire a Phoenix car accident attorney as soon as possible after a car accident. Where insurance providers may attempt to undercut your credibility, our team strives to have your voice heard by those who can help you recover.

When you contact an attorney shortly after a crash, you make it easier for us to gather the evidence we need to support your claim. We work with law enforcement representatives and witnesses at the scene to establish liability. At the same time, we prevent insurance providers and drivers from using your words against you.

Is Arizona a No-Fault State?

Arizona is not a no-fault state. Arizona follows a theory of comparative negligence. In case of an automobile crash, each person involved has the right to claim financial damages.

The proportion of liability reflects the degree to which the responsible party is to blame for the incident. If you are determined to be 25 percent at blame in an accident with a total of $10,000 in damages, you will get a $2,500 reduction in your compensation.

What Evidence do Lawyers Need to Establish Your Case?

When you file a car accident case, you must establish a duty of care and a violation of that duty. Fortunately, all drivers on the road owe one another a duty of care. This means that each driver must behave reasonably while behind the wheel.

The evidence you can submit alongside your initial car accident complaint can include the following:

  • Video footage of inappropriate roadway behavior
  • Witness statements
  • Photos of the scene of the accident
  • Expert witness testimony reconstructing the accident

You should also submit evidence of your losses alongside your initial complaint. This evidence, including hospital bills, pay stubs, and expert testimony, helps a court understand the financial impact an accident has had on your life.

Can You Hold a Speeding Driver at Fault for Your Accident?

You can hold another driver accountable for your losses if you prove that the driver was speeding during your accident. The best way to prove a speeding violation is to request a police report detailing your accident.

After you call the police to report the crash, the officer responding at the scene will investigate the incident. Police reports are a valuable source of evidence for traffic accidents, and they help establish liability.

Proof that another driver violated the law at the time of your accident automatically awards that personal liability for your losses. You can still pursue a car accident case without evidence of a roadway law violation.

How Can I Find the Best Car Accident Lawyers in Phoenix, AZ?

When you pursue a civil car accident suit, you want to work with an attorney sympathetic to your losses. More so than that, though, you want to work with an attorney with a certifiable track record of legal competence.

You shouldn’t have to spend your time deciphering the legal aspect of a vehicle accident lawsuit. Instead, it’s recommended that you work with an attorney who can assist you in the whole process.

Zanes Law’s Phoenix car accident lawyers have been practicing for a combined 80 years. We will work hard to ensure that you get the financial aid you need to put this tragedy in the past.

Can I Sue Anyone Besides the Other Driver in My Accident?

You don’t have to sue another driver for your car accident losses. Depending on the circumstances that led to your collision, there may be other parties that hold the blame for your injuries. These can include:

  • The government official who failed to keep the roads in good repair
  • The manufacturer of the car or the part that failed to cause your accident
  • The bar or establishment that served the other driver alcohol before they got behind the wheel drunk
  • A rideshare service that failed to train or protect its drivers

It’s our job to investigate the scene of your accident and subsequently build a case for liability on your behalf.

How Long do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?

You have two years to file a lawsuit after a car accident. Arizona’s personal injury statute of limitations prevents older cases from resurfacing in civil court. You can learn more about this statute of limitations by referencing A.R.S. § 12-542.

How Long do Car Accident Cases Take?

No two car accident cases take the same amount of time to settle. Our cases have lasted anywhere from a few months to a few years.

While we can negotiate for certain forms of compensation on your behalf, the only way you can get the compensation you deserve is to go to court. Court proceedings take their due course to unfold and don’t have a definite deadline.

How Much does a Phoenix Auto Accident Lawyer Cost?

Our car accident attorneys in Phoenix operate on contingency. This means that you do not pay for our services. Instead, when you sign with one of our representatives, you’ll have the opportunity to review our contingency fee agreements. However, we will only receive that percentage if we win your case. If we do not win your case or an appeal, you won’t pay a cent for our time.

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Phoenix Car Accident Attorney Who Wins

The Zanes Law Phoenix injury lawyers have offices located centrally on 42nd Street and Thomas Road. Each year we help thousands of car accident victims get paid. No one ever expects to be involved in a car accident, suffer an injury, or need to begin looking for a Phoenix car accident attorney. Who wants to have to go through the intimidating and frustrating process of pursuing your car accident claim alone? Normally, people set out for work, school, errands, leisure activities, and road trips without anticipating a collision. Even though car accidents are common in Phoenix, people usually don’t imagine that they’ll be involved in one.  So people are certainly surprised when they need a Phoenix car accident attorney.  Where should someone who has been injured begin? How about with the best. Do not look further than the Zanes Law car accident lawyers in Phoenix.

Once you are injured in a car accident, you then open your car accident claim. But the aftermath can feel overwhelming. People often find themselves in shock over a crash and its costs. This is true even if the injuries are as minor as a whiplash injury. It is especially true if the accident leads to serious injuries. It’s difficult to predict the exact effects that a car accident will have on your life. Sometimes, people face relatively minor expenses and inconveniences. Other times, their lives change completely and the assistance of experienced Phoenix injury lawyers is necessary.

Reaching out to a Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney is critical. We make every effort to guide your case towards the most favorable outcome possible. We serve as a source of dedicated guidance and support in the stressful aftermath of a car accident.

How Often Do Automobile Accidents Occur in Arizona?

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports that there were 126,845 motor vehicle collisions throughout the state in 2016. As a result of these collisions, 962 people died and 56,636 were injured. Every day, approximately 155 people suffered a motor vehicle injury. Maricopa County is the most heavily affected area in Arizona. In 2016, roughly 73 percent of the state’s motor vehicle collisions and 50 percent of its fatalities took place in the city of Phoenix and the rest of the county.

At Zanes Law, each Phoenix car accident attorney is familiar with fighting with insurance companies and with litigating car accident claims. The legal support you receive by our Phoenix injury lawyers comes from significant insight and knowledge.  Each Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney has developed his skills through years of pursuing these cases. As you cope with your whiplash injury or broken bones from your accident, your Zanes Law Phoenix injury lawyers will provide you with invaluable guidance and will fight tirelessly for your interests.

How Will Our Phoenix Injury Lawyers Help?

Even without injuries, car accident claims are intimidating.  Car accident victims face the hassle of dealing with the damage to their vehicles and any valuable belongings. What if you are injured? Even with whiplash injuries, the costs and the stress from an accident are considerably higher. But a Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney can take this stress off of you.  We will do all of the work needed on your car accident claims so that you can recover from your injuries.

According to data reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of emergency room visits, hospitalization, and deaths resulting from traumatic brain injuries. Spine injuries, internal bleeding, whiplash injuries, broken bones, nerve damage, burns, and lacerations are other types of injuries that people might suffer during a car accident. The effects of these injuries often become apparent within a short time after a crash and are one of the main reasons car accident claims are brought by victims. It’s also possible for symptoms of medical problems to escape immediate detection and to appear at a later time.

Injuries And Car Accident Claims

Our Phoenix injury lawyers know that your quality of life will diminish after you are injured in an accident. Injuries can result in a variety of problems, including:

  • Pain, nausea, or dizziness
  • Limited mobility or paralysis
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Cognitive or sensory impairments

Depending on the nature of the injury, the problems can last anywhere from days to years. They also necessitate various kinds of medical treatments, including the following:

Emergency room visits

Our Phoenix injury lawyers say go to an emergency room and get evaluated after a car accident.  Each year, millions of people in the U.S. visit emergency rooms after motor vehicle accidents. The rate of visits is especially high for people between the ages of 16 and 24. Even if an injury is a whiplash injury and doesn’t require hospitalization or other intensive treatments, the emergency room visit alone can cost thousands of dollars. An ambulance ride in Phoenix can cost hundreds of dollars.

Hospitalization

According to our Phoenix injury lawyers, the length of a hospital stay depends on the specific injuries and treatments needed. For example, surgeries are necessary for injuries such as shattered bones or internal bleeding. Car accident victims sometimes need to be hospitalized multiple times for surgeries.

Outpatient care

When people sustain injuries during a car accident, our Phoenix injury lawyers at Zanes Law know that follow-up care is an important part of healing and managing medical conditions. Medications and multiple visits to the doctor are key components of this care. Even when outpatient care is necessary for only a short amount of time, the medical bills add up quickly. When car accidents leave people with permanent injuries and lasting health problems, they’ll need this care for the rest of their lives.

Physical rehabilitation

Any number of injuries can require physical therapy, including whiplash injuries, damage to the brain, spine, legs, and arms. Physical therapy helps people regain functioning or adapt to permanent changes in mobility and motor coordination.

Assistive technologies and residential accommodations

Wheelchairs, walkers, and prostheses are among the assistive devices that people might need after a motor vehicle accident. Certain injuries require devices and software that help people read, write, or reach for objects. Furthermore, car accident victims might need to make modifications to their homes. These changes include installing handrails, adding ramps to entrances, broadening doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, and replacing existing showers and tubs with walk-in or roll-in varieties.

Psychological or cognitive therapy

Car accidents can be traumatic. People who suffer an accident can experience nightmares, flashbacks, and other post-traumatic stress symptoms. They might have to cope with grief, anger, or stress over the accident and the way it has changed their lives. Our Phoenix injury lawyers see car accidents result in the loss of work, fractured relationships, financial troubles, and the inability to participate in activities people once enjoyed. Some people develop depression or anxiety after a crash. Psychological and cognitive therapy are often necessary to help people who have sustained traumatic brain injuries. Brain trauma can result in memory deficits, speech impairments, and emotional disturbances.

All of these treatments play an important role in healing from injuries or coping with them after an accident. These treatments are also quite expensive. Even if someone has medical insurance, the insurance might not provide adequate coverage. Out-of-pocket expenses can become staggering. A Phoenix car accident attorney at Zanes Law will guide you through the medical end of your case.

Costs Of Being Injured

The Zanes Law Phoenix injury lawyers minimize the impact of an accident. The costs of injuries in the aftermath of a car accident also become exacerbated by other changes to daily life, including:

Loss of wages

After a motor vehicle accident, people often wind up missing work, resulting in lost wages and possible job loss. When they’re forced to leave their jobs, car accident victims also lose any benefits they obtained through their work, such as medical insurance.

Higher premiums

On top of all the costs arising from medical bills and property damage, accident victims face the burden of higher car insurance premiums.

Loss of productivity

Dealing with an accident demands a great amount of time and effort. People need to arrange for other forms of transportation. They’re faced with mountains of bills, insurance paperwork, and legal documents. Medical treatments are time-consuming. These demands sap people’s energy and make it more difficult for them to keep up at work, stay on top of other obligations, and cope with injuries.

Fractured relationships

The medical, psychological, and financial problems stemming from car accidents can damage interpersonal relationships. Even though car accident victims need support, their struggles can wind up depriving them of potentially beneficial relationships and support networks.

Hiring an experienced Phoenix car accident attorney eases some of the burdens of coping with an accident. You shouldn’t have to struggle alone in dealing with the costs of injuries, lost wages, car repairs, and diminished quality of life. Dedicated legal assistance from the qualified auto accident lawyers at Zanes Law makes it easier for you to avoid mistakes that will undermine your car accident claims. You’ll have an advocate who works to improve your physical, mental, and financial well-being.

Under What Circumstances Do Car Accidents Occur?

Each Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney has brought car accident claims for people who have suffered injuries ranging from whiplash injuries to paralysis and death.  These car accidents have been caused by a variety of contributing factors, including the following:

Drug use

When people operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, the chances of a crash increase significantly. Accidents can also involve the use of prescription drugs that cause drowsiness or other side effects.

Distracted driving

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports that, in 2016, roughly 24 percent of drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents were documented as distracted. Distractions include texting and making phone calls while driving.

Other kinds of irresponsible or illegal driving behavior

Speeding, failing to signal, failing to yield, ignoring stop signs and red lights, making improper turns, driving while fatigued, neglecting to use headlights, and driving in the wrong lane are among the behaviors that contribute to motor vehicle accidents.

Poor road conditions

Roads with sharp curves, faded lane dividers, weak lighting, and inadequate traffic signals can increase the risk of a crash. Although driver behavior is usually the most important factor in an accident, it’s necessary to consider the surrounding circumstances. Weather and traffic conditions also play a role in accidents.

Mechanical failure

Vehicles with mechanical problems might fail to function properly on the road. For example, a defect in a car’s brakes or steering wheel column can lead to a devastating accident. It’s important to determine if anyone knew about the problem in advance and neglected to fix it in a timely way.

Your Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney will help you make sense of your accident. Also, your auto accident lawyers will review and carefully analyze the facts. You’ll develop a clearer understanding about the parties responsible and the appropriate steps involved in bringing your car accident claims for compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Car accidents are sometimes unavoidable. Even if you’re driving responsibly, there are circumstances that remain out of your control. You don’t have to get stuck bringing your car accident claims on your own because our auto accident attorneys are here to help.

Let Our Phoenix Injury Lawyers Fight For You

You’ve been injured in a car accident and are having a hard time.  Even if your injuries are as minor as whiplash injuries, let a Phoenix car accident attorney at Zanes Law step in and help. We will take care of your car accident claims while you focus on healing. You’ll feel less overwhelmed if you do so. An accident can seriously upset your life. Your physical and mental health can change. You might find it difficult or impossible to work, take care of your home, maintain relationships, and enjoy meaningful hobbies. Keeping up with bills, insurance claims, and other paperwork is time-consuming. With each Zanes Law experienced Phoenix car accident attorney working for you, your circumstances won’t be as overwhelming. You won’t feel lost or completely unsure about the steps you need to take.

You will also have a powerful advocate in our auto accident lawyers. As you deal with insurance companies, bring your car accident claims, or handle a legal dispute, your Phoenix car accident attorney will serve as your mediator. With our strong Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney, you’re in a better position to fight for what you deserve. The degree to which you’re held responsible for an accident can affect the amount of money you receive. Your Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney will ensure that you’re treated fairly.

Every Phoenix car accident attorney at Zanes Law will assist you with sorting through the evidence. Police reports, photos, video footage, witness testimony, medical assessments, and vehicle inspections are among the pieces of evidence you need to collect, organize, and analyze. Your Phoenix car accident attorney will use various kinds of evidence to create a coherent picture of the accident and successfully strengthen your case. He or she will also question any evidence that’s faulty.

Your Zanes Law Phoenix Car Accident Attorney Knows The Hurdles?

Your Phoenix car accident attorney will help you develop a better understanding of your accident and your car accident claims. Who is at fault? There isn’t always a straightforward answer. Maybe multiple drivers share the fault. Sometimes, the fault extends to companies that employ drivers or manufacture vehicles. Witnesses might offer contradictory accounts. A driver might flee the scene without providing insurance information. Your legal and insurance situation could be different if you’re a vehicle passenger and not a driver. The experienced auto accident lawyers at Zanes Law will know how to analyze an accident and its contributing factors. As a result, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your situation and a stronger case.

Your Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney will give you valuable guidance. For example, an insurance company might want to conduct an independent medical examination in order to determine if you’re telling the truth about your injuries. Your lawyer will help you prepare for this examination and ensure that you’re providing clear and coherent replies. Without an attorney, you’ll have a much more difficult time presenting your case to insurance companies and in court.

Your Zanes Law Phoenix injury lawyers avoid costly mistakes. It’s painful to look back at the aftermath of an accident and discover mistakes or wasted opportunities. If you fill out the car accident claims paperwork incorrectly, accept an unfair settlement, or overlook a key way to obtain coverage for your medical bills, you’ll have a more difficult time coping with the effects of your accident. Your auto accident lawyers will help you avoid these potentially life-changing oversights.  It is important to understand that the insurance companies involved in your claim will create the following hurdles that your Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney will help you navigate.

Insurance Company Hurdle #1 – A Rushed Settlement Offer

Each Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney sees this all the time. The responsible driver’s insurance company tries to get you to accept a check and sign away your legal rights.  The adjuster wants to do this before you consult with an attorney. This would be a HUGE mistake! So make sure you don’t sign any papers or accept any payments until you retain legal representation.

When you accept a settlement check, it’s almost always going to come with paperwork that must be signed. Doing this means you are waiving your legal right to ask for any additional money in the future. Insurance companies try to get a settlement right away so that they can avoid future medical expenses. This means that if it turns out your whiplash injury is actually much more significant, you will be out of luck because you settled your car accident claims. Therefore, contact our auto accident lawyers before signing anything.

Another example: Imagine for a moment that you begin experiencing serious issues a few months after the accident as a result of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI). If you have already signed a settlement agreement, you may be out of luck and on the hook for all of your related expenses moving forward. This is especially distressing in a TBI situation because many of the worst problems may not present themselves until at least six months after the accident. In this scenario, the injured party could end up footing the bill for medical complications such as seizures, growth hormone insufficiency and even progressive dementia.

Insurance Company Hurdle #2 – Tricks to Make You Admit Fault

Arizona is an at-fault, comparative negligence state. In a nutshell, if you are 99 percent at fault for the accident, but you’re also the injured party, you have the right to compensation. However, being 99 percent at fault means you would only be eligible to recover 1 percent of your auto accident injury-related expenses.

As you can see, this makes it imperative for people who were injured by the negligence of others to never admit fault. Insurance adjusters may attempt to trick you into admitting at least a little bit of fault as you bring your car accident claims to reduce their financial obligation to you. This is a common trick, and many people fall for it, especially if they do not have an attorney advising them. This is also the reason every Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney handles the communication with the insurance company on behalf of our clients.

Insurance Company Hurdle #3 – Getting an Immediate Statement

It doesn’t matter to an insurance adjuster if you are in the hospital or dealing with a painful injury. They will try to corner you into making a statement about the accident as quickly as possible. The adjuster will also ask for permission to record your statement, but this is a trap. Essentially, the adjuster is hoping to get you to say something on record that will make them less responsible for your medical bills.

Do not play these games. Instead, politely decline to make a statement, recorded or otherwise, until your Phoenix car accident attorney is present. The professional, experienced auto accident lawyers at Zanes Law will guide you through the process to help reduce your risk of ending up with a smaller settlement.

Insurance Company Hurdle #4 – Claiming You Can Trust Them and Don’t Need a Lawyer

Our Phoenix injury lawyers have seen insurance companies do lots of dishonest things. Although not all adjusters will flat out lie, you need to protect yourself by not letting them lull you into a false sense of security. It is an adjuster’s job to wrap up all car accident claims as quickly and cheaply as possible. Being friendly and polite is a great way to achieve these goals. It can help convince injured people that the other driver’s insurance company truly cares about them.

If you start thinking of the adjuster as someone who is on your side, you have been roped in and will probably lose a lot of money as a result. Even worse, after these adjusters convince people that they are trustworthy, they then use their persuasiveness to dissuade the injured party from speaking with auto accident attorneys. If they truly wanted the absolute best for you, why would they go out of their way to convince you not to hire legal representation?

Insurance Company Hurdle #5 – Ignoring Your Claim

Have you already filed your car accident claim and are currently trying to work with an insurance adjuster who never returns your calls? Insurance companies do not make money by paying claims, so they try to avoid them at all costs. One tactic is to push people off for long enough that the victim either stops trying, dies or accepts a low settlement offer. If this is currently happening to you, our team of Phoenix injury lawyers can help your injury claim get the attention it deserves.

Insurance Company Hurdle #6 – Requesting Your Medical Records

Did the adjuster ask for your medical records? This is not as reasonable of a request as you might think. After all, they are probably not looking at these records to determine how much they should pay. Instead, they are looking for a way to deny part or all of your claim.

For example, if you file a claim due to a whiplash injury you sustained during the car accident, the adjuster will comb through your medical records looking for any previous neck and back issues. If they find one, they can try to claim that your current injury is a preexisting condition that was not caused by the accident.

Another insidious trick is to try to minimize what you are going through. For instance, you suffer from blinding headaches from your whiplash injury. The adjuster then claims that there is not enough proof that these headaches are happening or that they are severe enough to warrant medical attention. Due to this erroneous claim, they deny payment for that part of your medical expenses.

Don’t let a penny-pinching adjuster compromise your health and financial well-being. Fight back with the Zanes Law Phoenix injury lawyers on your side.

Insurance Company Hurdle #7 – Denying Fault

Each Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney sees insurance adjusters scour all applicable records looking for any loophole that gets their company off the hook for your medical payments. These adjusters claim that their insured party was not actually at fault. However, an insurance company denying fault does not mean that their customer truly has no fault in the accident.

There are several sad scenarios that can arise from this. For example, injured people who are unable to work will sometimes become so desperate for money that they abandoned their car accident claim and accept a very low settlement from an unscrupulous adjuster. Unfortunately, our Phoenix injury lawyers regularly see this. The conversation could go something like this, “our client has zero fault in this accident. Because of your extensive injuries, we still want to offer you some financial assistance. We will send you a check for $500 today if you sign this waiver.”

Meanwhile, their client actually was at fault, and the injured party’s injury claim is for $5,000. Despite this, someone who tries to navigate through the confusing world of car accident claims without an attorney might end up accepting a paltry amount and signing away all of their future rights. Your Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney will make sure this does not happen.

Important Qualities in a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t hesitate to contact a Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney after a motor vehicle collision. When meeting with our Phoenix injury lawyers, bring whatever evidence you’ve gathered, including medical records and any photos from the scene. Make sure your attorney exhibits certain key qualities. These include:

  • Personal attention to clients and their unique needs
  • Dedication and compassion
  • Keen analytical thinking
  • Extensive experience with car accident cases and general personal injury law
  • A sterling reputation and a track record of success

After a car crash, hire the Phoenix injury lawyers at Zanes Law. It is critical to open your car accident claim and take immediate legal action. At Zanes Law, your Phoenix car accident attorney has the proven experience necessary to help you navigate through the complicated world of insurance companies and lawsuits. We take pride in offering top-notch service to each of our clients and will do everything in our power to help you secure a fair settlement.

Do not sit back and let the insurance adjuster treat you badly. Don’t accept an insulting settlement offer. Instead, call a Zanes Law Phoenix car accident attorney at 602-999-9999. Our Phoenix injury lawyers offer assistance for a variety of personal injury, car accident and wrongful death cases for clients.

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