Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Car Accidents
Mesa personal injury lawyers explain key legal issues
Following a car accident where you or a loved one has been hurt, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the physical injuries, financial pressure and emotional strain. The Mesa, Arizona car accident lawyers at The Bradshaw Firm, PLC understand what you’re going through and will deliver comprehensive legal support. As we aggressively pursue compensation for our clients in Maricopa County and elsewhere, we also work to ease the stress faced by accident victims and answer all of their questions, including common vehicle collision inquiries like:
- What is a car accident settlement?
- What is the usual settlement for a car accident in Arizona?
- How is pain and suffering calculated in AZ car accident?
- What is whiplash from a car accident?
- What happens after a fatal car accident?
- What is the top cause of car crash deaths?
- When should a car accident be reported to the police?
- How do car accident claims work?
- How do I obtain a copy of the police report?
- Why should I hire an attorney after a car accident?
- What happens if the other driver has no insurance?
- How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Arizona?
- On average, how many accidents occur in the Mesa area annually?
- Who decides if my car is repaired or replaced?
Contact a Maricopa County auto accident lawyer to set up a free consultation
The Bradshaw Firm, PLC in Mesa advises victims of auto accidents throughout Arizona. Please call 480-712-9126 or contact us online to make an appointment for a free consultation regarding your case.
What is a car accident settlement?
Trials can be expensive, stressful and risky. Typically, auto accident claims are resolved when the victim and the defendant’s insurance company agree on an amount that fairly reimburses the victim for their medical bills, lost income and other damages.
What is the usual settlement for a car accident in Arizona?
There is no typical auto accident case, so it is hard to pinpoint what a normal settlement amount would be without knowing more information. However, when you speak with a knowledgeable auto accident lawyer about your particular injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident, they can give you a good idea of what type of financial recovery you can expect.
How is pain and suffering calculated in an AZ car accident?
Pain and suffering that one endures as a result of a car crash is compensable under Arizona law. This applies to both physical and mental harm. However, putting a monetary value on these types of “noneconomic damages” might seem difficult. Depending on the seriousness of the injury, the amount of discomfort and long-term effects, the amount incurred in medical bills can be multiplied by a number from one to five in order to calculate pain and suffering damages.
What is whiplash from a car accident?
The sudden stop that occurs during a vehicle collision can cause a driver or passenger’s head to snap back violently. This can cause a painful strain of the muscles and tendons in the victim’s neck, commonly known as whiplash.
What happens after a fatal car accident?
Though the harm can never truly be undone, family members of victims who die in fatal car crashes are able to obtain relief against liable drivers by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Many of the issues are similar to those in personal injury actions and plaintiffs are able to collect reimbursement for funeral costs, the loss of companionship caused by the fatality and the income the decedent would have earned throughout their lifetime.
What is the top cause of car crash deaths?
Cell phones, eating in the car and other things that draw drivers’ attention away from the road have made distractions the number one cause of auto accident deaths.
When should a car accident be reported to the police?
Under state law, someone in a vehicle collision is required to notify the police if anyone is injured or killed, or if the property damage totals at least $1,000. This is nearly always true, so it’s a good idea to contact law enforcement automatically to make sure the scene is safe and to create an official record concerning the accident.
How do car accident claims work?
Unlike “no fault” auto insurance states, Arizona allows someone hurt in a car accident to seek damages directly from the motorist who was responsible for the collision. This can be done by filing a lawsuit or a third-party insurance claim with the negligent driver’s carrier.
How do I obtain a copy of the police report?
After you’ve been in an accident, you will need to learn how to obtain the police report that the officer on the scene creates. Each department has its own system. For example, the Mesa Police Department Records Center allows you to request official documents online for a nominal fee.
Why should I hire an attorney after a car accident?
Defense lawyers and insurance companies are committed to minimizing the payout that an accident victim receives. They might try to take advantage of someone who doesn’t understand the potential value of a claim in order to reach a quick, inadequate settlement. Working with an accomplished Mesa car accident attorney evens the playing field and helps plaintiffs maximize their financial recovery.
What happens if the other driver has no insurance?
Arizona drivers are required to maintain a certain level of auto insurance, but many violate this law. If you are struck by a vehicle and the at-fault driver is uninsured or lacks sufficient insurance to reimburse you fully for your injuries, you can sue that motorist personally or seek benefits under your own policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Arizona?
Someone who is hurt in an Arizona vehicle collision has two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
On average, how many accidents occur in the Mesa area annually?
There have been between 90,000 and 100,000 accidents annually in Maricopa County. In 2018, more than 37,000 people were injured in these crashes.
Who decides if my car is repaired or replaced?
The insurance carrier handling the claim determines if it is worthwhile to replace a damaged vehicle by compensating the victim for the full value of the car or whether it would cost less money to repair it. This depends on repair costs along with the value of the vehicle.