Why Would You Need an Auto Accident Lawyer in Arizona?

Anyone who has lived in Arizona knows that you need a car to get around our expansive metropolis. Chances are you spend 20 minutes driving for a school drop off or 30 minutes on the freeway to go to work. The nearest grocery store, doctor, and pharmacy are probably not within walking distance. Having a car is convenient when everything is so spread out, but this reliance on driving also increases the number of vehicles on the roads, which then ultimately results in an increase in car accidents.

Car accidents can often result in serious injuries or fatalities. There are various things you can do to stay safe and avoid accidents (staying off your phone, driving the speed limit, not running red lights, driving sober, etc.). However, even if you’re driving safely, chances are that you, or someone you know, will be involved in a car accident in your lifetime.

If you do end up in a car accident and suffer injuries, you should always get a skilled attorney to help you out. Dealing with the insurance company and the court process can be frustrating. An attorney can help. What will your auto accident lawyer do? Here are 3 things your auto accident lawyer will do to help you:

1. Provide Expert Knowledge and Guidance–
   Trying to manage your car accident case can be overwhelming and intimidating if you’re injured and aren’t familiar with all the rules and laws. Your attorney at Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC will inform you of your legal rights and help you understand the laws surrounding your car accident claim. Your attorney will handle all communications and negotiations in your case. We will draft your demand letters and coordinate with your medical providers to document the extent of your injuries. We will guide you through every step of the process. This way, you’ll improve your chances of a better settlement, while limiting the stress of managing a car accident claim by yourself.
2. Gather Evidence–
   Your attorney will help you gather evidence to prove your case. This can include witness testimony, medical records, and police reports. Determining who is at fault can be an issue in most car accident cases because you have to provide evidence that the other party was negligent and caused your injuries. If you fail to do so, you can lose your case, which is why having an experienced attorney in your corner to gather that crucial evidence is so important.
3. Negotiate Settlements–
   If an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, you need an accident lawyer to fight for you. The insurance company may contest the policy holder’s liability for the accident. They may say that you lack adequate evidence to hold their policyholder liable. An attorney is skilled at negotiating with insurance companies. We know all the tricks these companies play to avoid paying. Don’t let the insurance company bully you, contact Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC today and we will deal with the insurance company for you.

What Should I Do Following an Auto Accident?

The aftermath of a car accident can be an onslaught of emotions: stress, panic, anxiety, and confusion. Here are 5 things you should do following a car accident:

1. Remain Calm and check for injuries
2. Call 911
3. Exchange information (name, address, phone number, insurance information) and take pictures of the accident scene and any damage.
4. Contact your attorney
5. Contact your insurance company

Whatever actions you take, you want to make sure you’re following Arizona car accident laws. Contact your lawyer as soon as possible so we can help protect your rights and ensure you get fair compensation for any injuries.

How Do I Obtain Compensation Following an Auto Accident?

Calculating fair value for your car accident injuries requires a comprehensive assessment of all of the various ways your injuries have impacted your life. You’re entitled to just compensation for all of your current and future damages under Arizona law. This can include compensation for:

1. Medical Expenses–
   In many cases, future medical expenses will be far greater than the cost of emergency medical care immediately after a car accident. You may need follow-up visits to a specialist or physical therapy. You may even need to continue seeking medical treatment for years after the car accident. To make sure you don’t settle for too little, you’ll need to obtain a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. This will allow your attorney to accurately calculate the total cost of your long-term medical care. Your attorney will then review your medical care and comprehensive diagnosis to advise you on a fair settlement for your case.
2. Lost Wages–
   If the car accident caused you to miss work for doctor appointments, you would be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. If you’re in too much pain to work, you would be entitled to compensation for any paid and unpaid sick time. And, if you can’t work in the future, you would be entitled to compensation for any lost future earning capacity.
3. Pain and Suffering–
   In Arizona, the law also allows car accident victims to seek just compensation for their non-financial losses. This type of compensation is often referred to as “pain and suffering.” It refers to the physical and emotional injuries a person suffers as the result of an accident-related injury. Pain and Suffering can include:
   • Physical aches and pains
   • Chronic pain
   • Depression and anxiety
   • Physical limitations and disabilities
   • Loss of enjoyment of life

In Arizona, there are two ways to calculate pain and suffering damages in a car accident:

1. Per Diem Method–
   Damages are awarded for each day that the accident victim experiences (and is expected to experience) pain and suffering. This calculation requires solid evidence showing the consequences of your injuries.
2. Multiplier Method–
   Damages are calculated as a multiple of the victim’s compensation for their total financial losses. Example: your medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket losses are $100,000. Using the multiplier method, your pain and suffering damages could be between $100,000-$500,000.

What is the Average Auto Accident Settlement in Arizona?

The average settlement amount for an Arizona car accident can range anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. However, the amount you receive will depend on many factors, including your injuries, whether you were at fault, and the insurance status of those at fault.

Keep in mind that your attorney can’t guarantee the exact amount of your compensation. Since each case is unique, there’s no “typical” settlement amount.

Contact Us

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the best way to protect yourself is to hire an experienced car accident attorney.

The skilled attorneys at Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC will use evidence from your case to get you the highest possible settlement value. We will prepare your case and negotiate with the insurance company so you can focus on your recovery.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our conveniently located offices!