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