How to Get the Most Money From a Car Accident

Car accidents in Arizona can be debilitating and painful. You may suffer from serious injuries that lead to thousands of dollars in medical expenses and cause you to be in recovery for weeks or even months, leading you to lose significant wages. You can recover compensation for your losses through a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim. While obtaining the highest possible compensation can be a challenge, you can engage in a few actions to help increase your final settlement amount.

Potential Damages in Arizona Car Accident Cases

Under Arizona law, you can collect economic and non-economic damages following a car accident. Economic damages include tangible, out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages are difficult to quantify and could include emotional trauma, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and other physical and mental losses. If you choose to file an insurance claim instead of a lawsuit, the company could limit the type and the number of damages you could receive.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

The moments after a car accident are crucial to obtaining the highest amount of compensation possible. The evidence is fresh in these moments and obtaining a record of this evidence could help boost your final settlement amount. If you are able to walk and move without pain after a car accident, you should take the following actions as soon as possible.

• Call 911 to receive medical attention and bring a police officer to the scene. The police report that the officer will collect will be a crucial piece of evidence for your case. Before the officer leaves the scene, ask him or her for a badge number and contact information.
• Take photographs of the scene. Make sure to capture the state of all vehicles involved and any traffic signs or indicators in the area. If you can, take pictures of the license plates and the surrounding road as well.
• Collect the contact information of the other driver or drivers at the scene. Ask them for their insurance information, drivers’ licenses, names, phone numbers, and emails.
• Collect the contact information of any witnesses in the area. This action will help you craft a compelling case for a higher settlement amount.
• Receive medical attention as soon as possible. Along with the police report, your medical records will also become crucial pieces of evidence. Even if you feel as if you do not need to see a doctor, visiting one can help you document any potential or hidden injuries.
• Do not admit fault or state that you are okay after the accident. Any record of such statements could lower your settlement amount in the long run. Do not comment on the accident until after you receive medical attention and your attorney conducts an investigation into your case.

The Benefits of Arizona Car Accident Attorneys

Many Arizona residents choose to represent themselves in car accident lawsuits and insurance claims. However, doing so could reduce the amount of compensation that you could receive. Victims who have a Glendale car accident attorney by their side have a higher chance of receiving a greater settlement, as lawyers provide numerous benefits to these cases.

• Since insurance companies have to pay the settlement amount, it is not in their best interest to offer you a high settlement up front. If you do not have an attorney who can evaluate your offer, you may receive an amount insufficient to cover your losses.
• Proving negligence in a personal injury lawsuit can be difficult without legal training. With a car accident attorney, you have access to the resources and network necessary to collect and evaluate evidence and craft a compelling case in your favor.
• Filing an insurance claim may not be appropriate for all car accident victims. Insurance companies can limit their payouts to policy limits. Your attorney can provide advice on how to best proceed with your case.

For the best chance at an optimal payout, obtain the services of an Arizona car accident attorney.