A motor vehicle accident in Peoria, Arizona can change the lives of those involved. A victim may suffer severe injuries, while family members may have to deal with the sudden death of a loved one. When someone else’s negligence causes a car accident, victims may be eligible to recover compensation from the at-fault party. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can maximize the odds of securing the financial recovery. If you have been in an auto accident, contact the Peoria car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of John Phebus. We can discuss your case during a free consultation at our local office.
Why choose us?
How our lawyers can help you
Common types of crashes
Common causes of car accidents
Who is at fault?
Fault laws in Arizona
Deadline to file a claim
What to do after an accident
Handling an auto collision claim in Peoria, AZ consists of seeing a reliable doctor, collecting crash evidence, identifying the at-fault party, contacting his or her insurance company, filing a claim, and negotiating a fair settlement. Unless you have a legal background, it can be difficult to take on these steps alone. Hiring a Peoria car accident attorney gives you peace of mind, so you can relax while your attorney handles the legwork of your case. A lawyer can also prevent an insurance company from taking advantage of you.
Our car accident lawyers have experience handling every type of auto accident, from crashes involving 18-wheelers to e-scooter and motorcycle wrecks. We are here to help victims of all types of vehicle collisions in Peoria. Call us to learn more about your particular case, and to find out how we can assist with your claim.
All car crashes share a common main cause: human error. Most wrecks are related to negligence in some way, driver mistakes, negligent auto manufacturing companies, defective vehicle parts, and more. When another individual or entity’s negligence causes a car accident, accident victims may have grounds for a personal injury claim in pursuit of financial recovery. We will move into action immediately after accepting your case to investigate your accident, interview witnesses and consult with your doctor regarding the extent of your injuries. We understand that numerous factors can lead to car accidents, such as:
This is a representative list, but it is far from complete. If you were injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact a knowledgeable car accident attorney in Peoria. Your consultation is free, and there are no attorneys fees unless we secure fair compensation for your injuries.
Liability for a car accident means financial responsibility as the party that caused the crash. Naming the party allegedly accountable for your accident may take an investigation and help from a lawyer. In Arizona, fault-based insurance laws mean crash victims will call the at-fault party’s insurance company to file a claim. In a no-fault state, on the other hand, victims seek benefits from their own insurers regardless of fault. It is necessary to identify the defendant before proceeding with a crash claim. The liable party could be the other driver, an auto part manufacturer, a trucking company, a construction company, a property owner, or a combination of parties. The victim must then prove liability by establishing duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages. An attorney can help with every phase of an injury claim, including the four elements needed for success.
During the negotiation of your car accident case, the defendant might try to use the comparative fault defense. Comparative fault claims that you are partially to blame for the car accident and should, therefore, receive less compensation from the defendant. Different states use either comparative fault or contributory negligence laws. In a comparative fault state, the plaintiff can still receive compensation despite partial fault. In contributory negligence states, any percentage of fault will bar the plaintiff from financial recovery.
Arizona is a comparative negligence state. Arizona Revised Statute 12-2505 states that a claimant’s partial fault for an accident will not bar his or her right to financial compensation. Instead, the courts will reduce the claimant’s damages in proportion to his or her degree of fault for the injury or death in question, if any. If the defendant can prove you were 20% at fault for your car accident, for example, you would receive $80,000 of a $100,000 award. A Peoria car accident lawyer from The Law Offices of John Phebus may be able to help you minimize your degree of fault to maximize your financial recovery.
Act quickly if you believe you have grounds for a car accident claim in Arizona. Arizona Revised Statute 12-542 imposes a strict two-year deadline on filing civil claims. The law states that no one may commence a cause of action after two years from the date of the incident in question. This includes car accident, property damage, personal injury and wrongful death claims. If you try to file a claim after your deadline expires, the county courts will most likely refuse to hear your case.
A few exceptions to the general time limit in Arizona exist. If you do not discover your injuries until days or weeks after the car accident, your deadline will not start until the date of discovery. If the victim in question was under the age of 18, he or she will have two years from his or her 18th birthday to file. In a wrongful death car accident case, the statute of limitations does not begin until the date of death. If you have a crash case against a government entity, you have only 180 days to file a formal claim and 1 year to file a lawsuit. Speak with a lawyer to ask about your specific time limit to file.
Stop your vehicle and remain inside until it is safe to exit. Any time you collide into anything, you legally must stop and make sure no one has any injuries or property damages. Fleeing the scene could lead to criminal charges against you for a hit-and-run. Exit the car and call 911 to report the wreck if it caused any deaths, personal injuries or at least $1,000 in vehicle damages. Request an ambulance if you or anyone else at the scene has serious injuries.
Document your auto accident as best you can from the scene. Obtain the other driver’s full name, license plate number and insurance information. Take photos of both vehicles and a few wide-lens shots of the entire crash. Ask for your police report number and the names of any eyewitnesses. Go to the emergency room right away and keep copies of all related medical records. Contact your insurance company to report the crash. Then, call a lawyer for a car accident case review in Peoria.
It is normal not to know what to do or expect after getting into a car accident in Arizona. The at-fault driver, his or her insurance company, the police, and the courts might not want what is best for you in the aftermath of a crash. Do not trust these parties with the fate of your lawsuit. Instead, contact a lawyer as soon as possible for advice you can trust about your case. At The Law Offices of John Phebus, our attorneys can guide you through the claims process, communicating with insurance adjusters and others on your behalf. We can protect your interest in compensation every step of the way.
If you have questions regarding car accidents, schedule a free consultation with our Peoria car accident attorney at The Law Offices of John Phebus. Our law firm can be reached by calling 623-847-7117 or by completing our online contact form. Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Evening and weekend appointments are available based on the needs of our clients. Call The Law Offices of John Phebus if you have been in a motor vehicle accident in Peoria, AZ, Glendale, or surrounding areas in Maricopa County. We can use our years of experience and significant personal injury resources to your advantage during a car accident claim. Our car accident lawyers may be able to help you secure fair compensation for your medical treatment, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Find out more about your case and contact us today.
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