Phoenix Area Personal Injury Attorney Amy Hamilton
After a car accident it is critical to contact a Scottsdale car accident lawyer right away in order to protect your legal rights and seek the compensation you may be entitled to. At Hamilton Law Firm, PLLC we provide Scottsdale and Phoenix clients with outstanding legal guidance, helping you navigate through what is often a confusing situation – especially if you or a loved one sustains injuries. Regardless of whether another motorist is at fault or you believe you may be partially at fault, you must have experienced legal counsel on your side.
A seasoned car accident attorney knows all too well that insurance companies generally offer low-ball settlements. Initially it may seem to be a sizeable payout, however you must consider not only the expenses you face now, but those you may potentially incur in the future. Insurance companies are just like all businesses, they are profit central. They accomplish this by denying claims or paying out far less than what clients should be entitled to.
The most common causes of car accidents in Arizona include:
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, or engaging in any activity that takes attention away from the road)
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Tailgating
- Failure to stop or yield at signs or traffic lights
- Improper lane changes
- Driving when fatigued or sleep deprived
- Roadway defects or other hazards
It is also important to keep in mind that a car accident may not necessarily be attributed to the negligence of another driver, but defective vehicle components not properly tested by the manufacturer. This is why it is so important to work with a car accident lawyer with the skill and knowledge to carefully analyze all aspects of your situation.
What should you do after a car accident?
- Check yourself and passengers for injuries; if in doubt about the seriousness of any injuries, call an ambulance.
- Call police, regardless of whether the accident is minor. It is critical to determine all parties at fault, and a police report is often very important in the claim process.
- Gather vital information such as descriptions of all vehicles involved, names/contact information of all drivers and passengers as well as any eyewitnesses, license plate/driver’s license numbers, insurance information and policy numbers, etc.
- Take photos of the accident scene and all involved vehicles when possible; this can be extremely invaluable to your claim.
- The only time you should sign a document is if it is for your insurance agent/company, or for the police. Never sign anything for others involved in the accident.
- Contact a trusted Scottsdale car accident attorney.
Keep in mind you don’t have an unlimited window of time in which to file a claim following a car accident. If you sustain a personal injury, you have two years to file according to Arizona Statute Section 12-542. Navigating a car accident or personal injury claim can be extremely complex and time consuming, something many victims cannot deal with considering their pain, injuries, medical treatment, and the impact to their employment and everyday lives. A dedicated car accident lawyer will handle all aspects of your case including evidence gathering, investigating the facts, evaluating and filing your claims, and more so that you can focus on healing.
At Hamilton Law Firm, PLLC in Scottsdale we want our clients to understand that it isn’t always necessary to proceed forth with litigation when injured in a car accident. In many cases a skilled attorney can negotiate a fair settlement outside of the courtroom, one that will help cover medical costs, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment/therapy for injuries sustained in the accident. If you are in the Phoenix area and need legal guidance and support you can trust, contact our firm today at 480-221-0000.