Every day there are highway car accidents throughout Arizona and the city of Phoenix. Many of these accidents are minor and barely result in any property damage. Unfortunately, there are also many that are serious. Vehicles are wrecked, other property is damaged, and people are injured. When this occurs, one of the most important things you can do is contact an attorney with experience in dealing with car accident claims.
Though your accident might seem simple, and your ability to recover what you deserve might appear to be cut and dry, people often find themselves re-victimized following an accident. Speaking to an attorney and having someone in your corner in the days, weeks, and months following a car accident ensures your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why is it so important to contact an attorney following a car accident in Phoenix?
Gathering Evidence
One of the first things your attorney will do following an accident is gathering information and evidence. He or she will collect police reports and other documents related to the incident. Attorneys are also familiar with what information insurance companies have and will request copies of your insurance policy and other important documents related to your coverage and the coverage of others involved in the accident.
It is important you have someone working with you who understands the process that follows a car accident in Phoenix. An attorney can anticipate problems and will know how to react when things occur. Your number one goal needs to be on recovering from your injuries and getting your life back to normal following the accident. Your attorney can deal with the administrative tasks and other issues that arise following your accident.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
It’s no secret: insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying accident victims what they deserve. Many are notorious for contacting accident victims immediately following an incident and offering them a seemingly generous compensation award. Unfortunately, these initial offers are rarely fair, even if they seem to be a great deal of money.
It can be tempting, especially if you’ve just been involved in a life-changing vehicle accident, to take a large lump sum of money offered to you. All too often, accident victims regret making rash decisions without first contacting an attorney. It can take months to determine the extent of your injuries following an accident. Doctors and health experts can estimate the long-term costs of your injuries and this information can be used to secure a fair amount from the insurance company. Your attorney will fight to protect your rights and get you what you deserve from the insurance companies following a car accident.
Fending Off Bill Collectors
Depending on the length of time it takes to resolve your accident claim, bill collectors working on behalf of healthcare providers might reach out to you. In some cases, these people are aggressive in demanding the money owed to them. This can be an intimidating experience, especially if you’ve never dealt with anything like this before.
When you are working with an attorney regarding your car accident, you’re able to refer these callers to the law firm, so you won’t need to deal with this stress. Your attorney will make sure the bill collectors understand the situation and leave you alone while you’re working on getting your life back together.
Negotiating a Settlement
Most vehicle accidents are resolved before litigation is necessary. Even if an insurance company’s first offer to settle is far below what you deserve, they realize it will cost them much more to continue fighting you. They reach a breaking point and agree to settle your case for what you deserve to avoid the expense of a long, drawn-out court battle they’re likely to lose.
The reason their initial settlement offers are low is because there are times when these low offers save them money. Insurance companies know there are people out there desperate for money and desperate to accept any amount offered in the short-term, even if it means missing out on money long-term.
Working with an attorney not only allows you to determine what a fair settlement is based on your injuries, but it also allows you to gain access to money in the interim. Your attorney will help you secure lost wages if you must miss work because of your accident injuries. He or she can also advise you regarding other financial issues and make it easier to “hold out” for the money you deserve.
And when the time comes to actually negotiate your settlement, your attorney will handle the negotiations for you. He or she has dealt with insurance companies in the past and understands how to communicate with insurance company representatives. The last thing you need to worry about after an accident is how to battle an insurance company. Your attorney will take over negotiations and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Representing You in Court
It’s rare, but there are cases when insurance companies refuse to meet your demands. If your accident case goes to court, your attorney will be at your side arguing your case. He or she will present information to the judge and jury and will ensure you are treated fairly by the justice system. You’ll also know exactly what to expect during the process.
Every accident case is unique, but personal injury attorneys deal with accident cases all the time. There are nuances in each case, but in general, the process remains the same. You’ll be able to take comfort in the fact you’re working with someone who has “seen it all before” and knows how to handle all of the things that might arise in the days, weeks, and months following a car accident in Phoenix.
Consult with an Arizona Car Accident Attorney
If you’re involved in a car accident, and you need someone to represent you and ensure you are treated fairly, we can help. Contact Warnock MacKinlay Law to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
