Is a Car Accident a Civil Case in Scottsdale?

Car accidents are frightening and complicated enough without worrying about legal ramifications. Unfortunately, you may sometimes have to worry about exactly this. In Scottsdale, a car accident can be a civil case if it involves disputes between private parties seeking compensation for damages or injuries.

Most cases like this are resolved in civil courts unless criminal charges are involved, like driving under the influence or manslaughter. However, just because your accident is a civil case doesn’t mean you don’t need a Scottsdale car accident lawyer. In this article, we’ll look at what makes a car accident a civil case, how that differs from a criminal case, and what you should know if you’re considering legal action.

What Makes a Car Accident a Civil Case?

In most places, a car accident is generally considered a civil case when it involves private parties disputing fault and damages. Civil cases differ from criminal cases in that the primary purpose is to resolve conflicts and provide monetary compensation, not punish wrongdoing.

Common conflicts civil cases seek to resolve after car accidents are:

• Compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage
• Fault or liability for the accident
• Emotional distress caused by the accident

A civil case typically involves a victim filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party or their insurance company. This process entails determining liability and gathering evidence. Of course, the case only proceeds to court if a settlement cannot be reached, in which case arguments in front of a judge, expert testimony, and much more may be involved.

What Makes a Car Accident a Criminal Case?

Once you understand the distinguishing features of civil cases, it’s often easy to see what cases are likely to be criminal. While civil cases are focused on providing restitution for the injured parties, criminal cases are driven by penalizing unlawful behavior. It’s important to note that criminal charges are pursued by the state, not the injured party.

An accident can lead to both civil and criminal cases. For example, if a driver is intoxicated and causes an accident, they may be involved in a civil case trying to get reimbursement for damage caused, as well as criminal charges seeking to charge them with a DUI.

When Should You Consider Filing a Civil Case?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you should seek compensation for any and all damages. Even in small accidents with seemingly contained damage, costs can be extreme. Recurring medical bills, damage to your vehicle, and lost wages can quickly add up, and filing a civil case may be the only way for you to be reimbursed.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Document the scene: Take photos and videos of vehicles involved, road conditions, damage to the road and nearby structures, and any injuries you sustained.

• Collect information: It’s important to know what info to exchange after a car accident in Scottsdale. Most importantly, you should exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash and concussions may not show immediately. If either party ends up pursuing legal action, the more time that elapses between the accident and a visit to a medical professional, the harder it will be to connect an injury to the incident.
• Contact your insurance company: It’s a call no one wants to make, but you should report the accident to your insurance company right away. Avoid admitting fault, however. Simply relay the facts. How long car accidents affect insurance rates in Scottsdale can be surprising, and it’s important to involve your insurance company as soon as possible.

Case by Case

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Scottsdale, it’s crucial that you understand your rights and options. Whether an accident results in a civil or criminal case, it’s important to know your first steps and hire a lawyer to help you through the legal process. Let Gage Mathers take the reins!

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 23 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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