Driving Accidents FAQ
10 of the Most Common Questions for a Phoenix Car Accident Attorney
A car accident is a traumatic event. Hirsch and Lyon auto accident attorneys understand the need for answers as you struggle physically, emotionally and financially. Check our answers below and then contact a Phoenix car accident lawyer from our firm to start your personal injury lawsuit.
Q: What recovery options are there if the negligent driver is uninsured or underinsured?
A: If the negligent driver is uninsured or underinsured, you can make a claim against your own insurance company (you can stack your own coverage on top of the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, for example). Alternatively, depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to file a claim against other liable parties who contributed to your injuries.
Q: What is the statute of limitations deadline for a car accident claim?
A: In many cases, the statute of limitations for any Arizona injury lawsuit — including car accidents — is two years from the date of injury, though in some instances, the statute of limitations period may be different depending on the defendant(s), among other factors. For example, if you have been injured by a public entity or public employee (i.e., a bus driver), you’ll have to serve a claim within six months of the date of injury. If you fail to serve a claim before the applicable statute of limitations deadline passes, you will be prohibited from recovering for your claims under Arizona law. Trying to decipher the correct statue of limitations for your case can be extremely complicated. Do not rely on general information about the laws you may find online.
Q: What types of injuries can auto accident victims suffer?
A: Auto accidents can lead to a variety of serious injuries, which can often be fatal. Some of the most frequently experienced personal injuries following a car crash include: lacerations, head injuries, neck injuries and whiplash, fractures, herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, limb loss, and paralysis.
Q: Do I need to hire a Phoenix car accident attorney after a motor vehicle accident?
A: If you’d like to recover the full compensation you deserve for injuries and property damage you suffered in an auto wreck, it is crucial that you consult with an experienced lawyer. Your Phoenix car accident lawyer will provide a range of services — from the investigation of the facts, opening up negotiations with the responsible parties, filing your claims, handling communication with other parties, including insurance providers, and much more — that are invaluable as you begin the process of litigation.
Q: How long do I have to report the accident to my insurance company?
A: Arizona law does not require you to report your accident to your insurance provider, but your auto insurance policy contract will likely require you to do so within a specified period of time. Generally, you’ll have a few days to report the accident to your insurer. Your insurance provider is not your ally, however, so don’t accept a settlement offer until you have consulted with a Phoenix car accident attorney.
Q: Do I need to file a police report if I was involved in a car crash?
A: If you or someone else involved in the accident has suffered an injury, then one of the drivers involved in the accident will have to report the incident to the relevant law enforcement authorities. Filing a police report, even in a fender bender, is especially important if the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence. The auto accident report can help substantiate your claim and serve as evidence in your defense. Still, it is no substitute for hiring legal representation. While the police report can significantly help your claim, the experience of a personal injury attorney who focuses their practice on car accidents can mean the difference between getting little or no compensation after your crash and getting the maximum damages you deserve and are rightfully entitled to.
Q: What steps should I take after being involved in an auto accident?
A: The first thing accident victims should do is contact 911 – even if you do not believe you suffered injuries. Many times, injuries like whiplash can develop several hours or even days after an auto crash. The initial shock after the accident can also cause an adrenaline rush, preventing victims from realizing they are hurt. In addition, serious head injuries often go unnoticed by the victim, but can quickly turn fatal. For these reasons, it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident and request a full examination.
It is also important to contact police and take photos of the accident scene – if you are able to do so. Record as much evidence as you can from the scene, including the other driver’s license plate number, driver’s license information, make and model of their vehicle, and other useful facts that can corroborate your case, such as whether the motorist appeared intoxicated.
Finally, contact an accident lawyer in Phoenix, AZ to get started on your personal injury claim. A car accident lawyer with experience handling personal injury cases can immediately begin assessing the incident and gathering evidence that will give you the best possible accident injury settlement.
Q: What should I do if the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts me?
A: Try to avoid speaking with the insurance company directly because agents may try to trap you into a subpar settlement or give you the runaround when you ask questions. Your accident lawyer will handle all communications with insurance providers on your behalf and negotiate the appropriate damages you deserve for your injuries or property damage.
Q: How much compensation am I entitled to after a car accident?
A: Every accident case is different, however, the car crash attorneys at our accident law firm work diligently to recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to. Damages can include compensation for personal injuries, pain, suffering, mental distress, property damage, lost wages, lost past and future earnings, and the wrongful death of a loved one.
Q: Can I still hire a Phoenix car accident attorney if I don’t have auto insurance?
A: If you don’t have auto insurance, but the at-fault driver does, you can file a claim against their insurance provider.
Bonus Question: What makes Hirsch & Lyon the best Phoenix auto accident lawyers?
There is definitely an advantage to hiring Hirsch & Lyon. We not only have over 65 years of experience and know-how, but we have a proven track record of success, having recovered millions for our clients. We are also proud of the fact that we will always be there to take your call, whether it is 4 p.m. on a Friday afternoon or 2 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Unlike other firms that may practice in numerous areas of the law, we have limited our firm’s focus to personal injury claims and we work hard to get our clients the just compensation they deserve.
Call a Phoenix Car Accident Attorney After Being in a Car Crash in Arizona
Car accidents happen daily in Phoenix – the majority of which result in severe injuries. Auto insurance companies may try to give you the runaround and attempt to settle for less than you deserve for your injuries or property damages. By contacting Hirsch & Lyon accident law firm, you retain a team of attorneys who focus on personal injury to help you recover the full amount of damages you are entitled to. Our auto accident lawyers will carefully review the details of your accident, speak to witnesses and police, and even consult with medical professionals to make sure you obtain just compensation. Not only will you receive compensation, but we challenge you to find a Phoenix car accident attorney with lower cost attorney’s fees! Call 602-535-1900 now or complete our contact form to start your fight for justice, today!