Protecting Your Rights After a Car Accident in Phoenix

Understanding your car accident rights is crucial after a collision, as these rights empower you to seek compensation for damages and injuries. In Arizona, at-fault driver liability plays a significant role in determining who is responsible for covering the costs associated with the accident. If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you have the legal right to file a claim against their insurance to recover expenses such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.

Being aware of these rights ensures that you can effectively advocate for yourself and obtain the compensation you deserve, especially in an at-fault state like Arizona. Protecting rights after a car accident in Phoenix is about understanding the law. Under Arizona law, victims have the right to file a claim against the driver who caused the accident. This system ensures that at-fault drivers and their insurance companies pay for damages and injuries they caused. 

Still, laws are complex, and small mistakes can mean missing out on thousands of dollars in claims money. If you or someone you know has been recently injured in an accident, a qualified Phoenix car accident attorney like Gage Mathers can help. 

Victim’s Rights

Some new residents in Arizona may be confused about Phoenix’s no-fault insurance laws. Phoenix does not have a no-fault insurance law as Arizona is an at-fault state. 

This means after a car accident, you have the right to file a claim to receive money for damages and injuries. 

Who you file a claim with depends on who was at fault for the accident. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance is responsible for paying your claim. If it is your fault, your own insurance company is responsible. 

However, your insurance and the other driver’s insurance companies have one goal: to pay as little as possible. This is why having a reputable car accident lawyer is so important. 

What Can I Get Money For?

The most obvious payout will be for damage to your vehicle and any medical bills. Other reasons for making a claim include:

• Lost pay due to being unable to work
• Money for wrongful death and funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering even after having medical treatment
• Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment

To ensure you receive the most money possible, be sure to carefully document everything and keep all receipts. 

Can I Still Get Money if I Am at Fault?

Those complex accidents we just mentioned can involve multiple vehicles. It is possible that two or more people can be at fault at the same time. Just because you made a mistake does not mean you don’t have a right to file a claim. 

In cases where the fault is shared, each driver will receive money based on their ‘percentage’ of fault for the accident. Even if you are 100% at fault, your insurance company may be trying to pay less than you are owed. Medical bills alone can easily be $50 or $100,000. Without someone to help, you might think accepting the insurance company’s offer is your only choice. 

Protecting Your Rights After the Accident

Immediately after the accident, check to see if anyone is injured. Do not say things like, “I’m sorry,” as this can be seen as admitting you caused the accident. Next, dial 911 or the police department’s non-emergency line for minor accidents. 

Document everything and take photos from every angle possible. After that, you can start recording a video. Video contains audio that can also be used as evidence in a car accident lawsuit. 

When the police arrive, answer questions but do not make statements admitting fault. A statement like, “Our cars hit each other,” is better than “I rear-ended their car.” Get a copy of the responding officer’s police report and any other paperwork, such as medical bills. 

At this point, you should contact a personal injury attorney like Gage Mathers before calling the insurance companies. We can advise you on the legal options for car accident victims.

Why Choose Gage Mathers?

Accidents and their aftermath can be scary, but you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands. Here at Gage Mathers, we have more than fifty years of experience dealing with car accidents.

Sometimes, the initial evidence and paperwork isn’t enough to file a proper claim. Don’t worry‒we will help you find additional evidence, file the right paperwork, and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys will work with you closely to guide you through the claims process and even take your case to court if necessary!

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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