Arizona is quite well-known for its dangerous drivers. Each year, there are thousands of motor vehicle accidents recorded on the highways in Arizona. Also, all major cities and towns in Arizona have severe traffic congestion. Speeding drivers further multiply the problem of overcrowded roads. Drivers in Phoenix, AZ are always in a rush to get somewhere and this inevitably leads to car accidents. If you have been in an auto accident in Phoenix, Arizona, you should consult an auto accident attorney immediately to discuss the potential for any auto accident settlements.
All drivers in Phoenix, AZ are required to carry minimum liability coverage as follows:
- Minimum coverage of $15,000 per person for bodily injury
- Minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage
- Minimum coverage of $30,000 per accident if more than one person is injured
If you ever get involved in a motor vehicle accident in Phoenix, AZ, this liability insurance will help cover the cost of any damage. If you or the other driver is at fault, and this results in a lawsuit, then part of the automobile liability insurance will cover the cost of the legal defense. An auto accident attorney will be able to tell you more about auto accident settlements in Phoenix, Arizona.
When you are involved in an automobile accident and suffer injuries, the money you recover to pay for these damages is known as a settlement. Auto accident settlements are usually negotiated and mutually agreed on by both parties involved in the car accident. However, determining the settlement amount is a complex process and takes into account many other factors. If you want to maximize the chances of a good settlement, you should consult an auto accident attorney.
Determining Auto Accident Settlements in Phoenix, AZ
Auto accidents vary a great deal in their severity, scope, and damage. The actual cost of the damage depends on many factors, some of which may not even be directly related to the accident. Factors that are looked at when evaluating auto accident settlements include:
- The amount of car repair required
- The amount of insurance coverage
- Lost wages as a result of the accident
- Immediate medical bills and future cost of any rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
Future medical bills, pain and suffering, and cost of rehabilitation are subjective assessments and usually require experts to calculate the exact amount for any auto accident settlements. The eventual sum depends on the severity of the injuries. Insurance agents often use the help of adjusters and actuarial experts to come up with a reasonable figure when considering a potential settlement. However, you should never rely on an insurance company, as their goal is to minimize their financial loss. Speak to an auto accident attorney to find out your options and how you should proceed.
When it comes to medical bills, the insurance adjuster will total all the current medical bills. That includes the cost of the ambulance, emergency care, and cost for any surgery, medications, hospital stay, and doctor visits. Depending on the severity of the injury, they may use a multiplier that ranges anywhere from 1.0- 5.0. For example, if the total medical bill was $2,000 for a minor injury like a laceration, then the multiplier will be 1.
When calculating the pain and suffering damages, one can seek compensation for the acute injury and all future discomfort associated with the injury as a result of the accident.
Once all the medical care and treatment is completed, and the victim is released from care, a claim is prepared and submitted to the insurance company. If the healthcare provider believes that the injury is permanent and chances of improvement are fairly unlikely, then in such cases, auto accident settlements may include a finite amount of damages. If the doctor believes that the injuries will require more treatment, then auto accident settlements will consider the estimated future healthcare costs.
Always remember that there is only one final settlement. Therefore, auto accident settlements should not be rushed and should not be handled without consulting an auto accident attorney. Keep in mind that if you settle prematurely, you waive rights to future compensation.
It is important to keep all your bills and invoices because you might need these in future. You should also work with an auto accident attorney so that your chances of getting the maximum of settlement increase. Irrespective of whether you were to be blamed for the accident, auto accident settlements can be negotiated. However, the best person to do so is an auto accident attorney.
Consult with an Arizona Attorney About Auto Accident Settlements
If you have been involved in an auto accident in Phoenix, Arizona and need help in recovering damages, you should contact our auto accident attorney at Warnock Mackinlay Law. We have been serving this region for many years, and our goal is to ensure our clients get the compensation they deserve. Call us today at 602-600-6427 for more information or to schedule a consultation.
