If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Arizona, you might be thinking about filing a personal injury claim to get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Knowing how the process works can help you make better decisions about what to do next. Arizona has specific laws for injury claims, and understanding them can protect your rights. Working with an experienced Arizona injury attorney can make this process easier. The team at Goldwater Law Firm – Arizona injury attorneys is here to help you every step of the way.
What is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a way to hold someone else responsible for causing your injury, whether it was an accident or done on purpose. Common cases include car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, or workplace accidents.
In these claims, the injured person (you) seeks money from the person or company at fault. In Arizona, even if you’re partly to blame for what happened, you can still recover damages. However, the amount you get will be reduced by the percentage of fault you share. For example, if you are 20% responsible, you will receive 80% of the total compensation.
It’s also important to know that Arizona gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you lose the right to pursue compensation.
Steps to Take After an Injury
Getting compensated for your injury involves several key steps. Each one is important to building a strong case and working toward a fair settlement.
- Get Medical Care: Your health comes first. Always see a doctor after an accident, even if you don’t feel badly hurt right away. A medical check-up not only protects your health but also creates records you’ll need for your claim.
- Talk to an Arizona Injury Attorney: An experienced lawyer can help you understand the value of your claim and deal with the insurance company. Without a lawyer, you might accept a settlement that’s much less than you deserve.
- Collect Evidence: Evidence is essential to proving your case. Gather things like medical bills, police reports, photos of the accident, and statements from witnesses.
- File a Claim with Insurance: Your attorney will submit your claim to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This starts the negotiation process for a settlement.
- Negotiate a Settlement: Most personal injury cases settle before going to court. Your lawyer will work to get you a fair offer. If the insurance company refuses, you may need to file a lawsuit.
- Go to Court (If Needed): If a settlement can’t be reached, your case might go to trial. In court, your lawyer will present evidence to show why you deserve compensation.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
When you win a personal injury claim, you can recover different types of damages. These include:
- Economic Damages: Money for medical bills, lost income, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: Money for pain, emotional suffering, or losing the ability to enjoy life like you used to.
How Fault Affects Your Case in Arizona
Arizona uses a rule called pure comparative negligence to decide fault in personal injury cases. This means you can recover compensation even if you’re mostly to blame for the accident.
For example, if you’re 70% at fault for a car crash and the court awards $10,000 in damages, you would still receive $3,000 (30% of the total).
This rule ensures that everyone involved has the chance to recover some damages, no matter how much they contributed to the accident.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Working with an Arizona injury attorney can improve your chances of getting fair compensation. Insurance companies may try to lower how much they pay, but an experienced lawyer knows how to fight for you. They’ll negotiate on your behalf, handle all the paperwork, and represent you in court if needed.
With a lawyer handling your case, you can fully focus on recovering from your injury while they focus on getting you the compensation you deserve.
Start Your Claim Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s important to act quickly. Starting your claim sooner gives you the best chance of success. Talk to an experienced Arizona injury attorney who can guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you’re owed.
