Personal injury attorneys in Phoenix, AZ understand what an accident victim is going through.
They are confused, scared, angry, and in pain. They have a lot of questions that are not being immediately answered.
Luckily, most of the questions a potential plaintiff has are the same as other plaintiffs enduring an accident lawsuit.
For those that have been injured, it is always best to consult with a personal injury attorney. However, while waiting for a consultation appointment, a victim may be able to find some answers to their most pressing questions.
Common FAQs About Personal Injury Lawsuits
1. When Should a Victim File a Lawsuit?
There is a statute of limitations that victims must consider when they are debating on filing a lawsuit.
It is best not to delay filing a personal injury lawsuit, because even with the timeframe provided by the state, a victim needs access to fresh evidence, witnesses that can recall details, and accurate medical records.
The State Bar of Arizona recommends filing as soon as possible because most cases fall under the two-year limitations. However, some have as little as six months to file after the incident.
2. What is an Accident Case Worth?
All personal injury claims are different. Therefore, there is no standard formula.
In most cases, personal injury attorneys in Phoenix, AZ can seek damages such as medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future lost wages. However, the amounts that a plaintiff may seek will depend on the extent of their injury, the longevity of the injury, and more.
Therefore, it is best to consult with an attorney to see compensation options. An attorney can examine the victim’s total costs, future costs, and use a multiplier for pain and suffering to ensure their client receives the best compensation amount for their injuries.
3. How Much Do Car Accident Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ Cost?
Most attorneys in Phoenix, AZ that specialize in personal injury will get paid through a contingency fee. This fee means that the victim does not pay the attorney up front. Instead, the attorney takes a percentage of the settlement to cover their fee and costs associated with the lawsuit.
Attorneys all have different scales for how they will charge injury victims, and sometimes this fee is negotiable depending on the victim’s circumstance. Therefore, it is best that a victim speaks with an attorney and request information about the contingency fee and other associated fees during their consultation appointment.
4. How Soon After the Accident Should a Victim Contact an Attorney?
It is in a victim’s best interest to contact an attorney as soon as possible. If injuries are severe enough or death occurs after the accident, enlisting the help of a lawyer as soon as possible can contribute to improving the chances of a good settlement.
Often evidence is lost, witnesses move away or forget details, or a plaintiff’s ability to prove their case slowly dwindles. The less evidence that is available, the less convincing the case is, and the less of a settlement the victim could receive.
5. Should a Victim Settle with the Insurance Company?
While most personal injury cases settle out of court and long before their trial date, that does not mean a victim should take the first offer they receive from an insurer. Instead, they should consult with an attorney. An attorney can assess what a fair settlement for the victim may be, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure their client receives that settlement.
Most importantly, a victim should never attempt to negotiate on their own. Victims that work with an attorney are more likely to receive top value settlements than if they negotiate with the insurance claims adjuster by themselves.
6. Should a Victim Provide a Statement to the Insurance Company?
Not without speaking to an attorney first.
While a victim can give the facts (i.e. date and time of the accident, license information, and the name of those involved), they must refrain from giving a recorded statement or any official statement to the insurer until they have consulted an attorney.
An insurance company often requests a recorded statement, but they will use these comments to improve their case against giving the plaintiff a fair settlement. Also, there is no legal requirement for a victim to provide a recorded statement, even if the insurance company attempts to say otherwise.
Injured in an Accident? Consult with Top Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ
Before speaking to insurance adjusters, accepting settlement offers, or negotiating, victims should consult with an injury attorney in Phoenix, AZ to explore their options.
An accident attorney from Tobler Law can help victims receive the compensation they deserve for their car crash, slip and fall, product defect, and more. The attorneys at Tobler Law work as victim advocates and they will aggressively protect a victim’s right to compensation.
Schedule a consultation with an attorney at Tobler Law today at 480-898-9700 or request more information online.