Car Accident Legal Process: Explained

Being in a car accident is unnerving. If you are seriously injured or experience significant losses, an accident can be a life-changing event. 

At a time like this, it’s best to contact a reputable vehicle accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and Arizona rear-end collision liability from beginning to end to ensure that your rights to fair compensation are protected.

What to Do After an Accident

First and foremost, call 911 and get professional medical attention immediately after a car accident. You are legally required to report an accident if there is an injury, fatality, or significant property damage; not reporting a car accident can lead to criminal charges. The police will write a report, which you will need to make a claim. 

A medical professional can determine the extent of your injuries, some of which you may not feel when adrenaline is pumping through your veins right after an accident. You will also need these records to be compensated for medical expenses.

If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Take witness statements and exchange contact information with the other drivers. This evidence will supplement the evidence collected by the police.

File a claim for your losses and medical expenses with the insurance company of the at-fault driver as soon as you can to avoid unnecessary car accident settlement delays. The insurance company will do an investigation and make an offer to settle your claims. 

Most car accident claims are settled out of court, but you can file a lawsuit if you can’t reach an agreement. However, you need to be familiar with the laws in Arizona and how they may impact a car accident settlement if you go to court.

Step-by-Step Guide After a Car Accident in Arizona

Overview of Arizona Car Accident Laws

Arizona uses a fault-based system. The driver or drivers responsible for the accident are liable for damages. If more than one person is deemed responsible, compensation is reduced to each person’s percentage of fault. 

For example, if you are 20% responsible for an accident that caused $10,000 in damage, your compensation will be reduced by $2,000. You would receive $8,000 and be personally responsible for the balance.

That said, Arizona does not limit the amount of compensation someone can claim against an at-fault driver. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is also two years. If you don’t file a claim within this time period, you lose your right to sue and recover damages.

Why Gage Mathers Is Your Best Choice

The personal injury team at Gage Mathers is your best bet for receiving fair compensation for injuries or losses resulting from a car accident. Our unwavering commitment to getting justice for our clients is demonstrated in our 99.9% success rate. 

Gage Mathers is a top personal injury law firm in Phoenix that aggressively pursues compensation for our clients while treating them with the respect they deserve. Call us now for a free consultation to see how we can help you on your road to recovery!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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