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Wickenburg Car Accident Attorney

If you are injured in a car accident in Wickenburg due to another party’s negligence, your life may change instantly as you struggle with pain and associated losses. The loss of property, pain and suffering, disruption of daily routines, and potential loss of income present overwhelming challenges. At this time, you need to focus on healing and reclaiming your life.

At the Law Offices of John Phebus, we understand what victims go through in the event of auto accidents in Wickenburg. Our Car Accident Attorney in Wickenburg can offer a compassionate representation to secure damages. The law allows you to recover damages from the negligent party, and we will be sure to safeguard your interests throughout the process.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Wickenburg, Arizona?

Experiencing a car accident can greatly shock and frighten the victims. If there are injuries or fatalities, it can even be difficult to figure out the next steps. However, you should try to calm down and take steps that will lay the basis for legal action and safeguard your health.

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Here is what the legal team at the Law Offices of John Phebus recommends:

Seek Medical Attention

The first step should be seeking immediate medical attention. This is very important because, at this time, the accident shock may mask some injuries and assume that you are okay.

For instance, internal bleeding might not manifest right away but can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Immediate medical attention ensures such injuries are identified and treated before they escalate.

Also, seeking prompt medical attention will help link your injuries to the crash. This is a very key element in proving your claim to seek damages. This is because medical records are undeniable evidence in most personal injury claims.

Additionally, your medical records can help thwart negative claims from the insurance adjuster. For example, they may argue that you failed to mitigate your injuries and, therefore, end up challenging your claim. To protect your legal position, get a doctor’s evaluation quickly and give defendants no grounds to question your claim due to the timing of your medical treatment.

Make reports

In Arizona, there are specific reporting requirements to follow after a car accident. The law requires you to report a car accident of any type.

To report the crash, you will need to call 911, and the local police will get in touch and arrive at the scene. The Arizona Revised Statutes §28-667 requires any police officer who investigates a car accident to turn in a written police report within 24 hours for auto accidents that involve:

  • The loss of life
  • Property damages exceeding $2,000
  • Injuries to people
  • A citation issued to a driver

If you didn’t sustain serious injuries, don’t be in a hurry to leave the scene. Leaving prematurely can lead to accusations of fleeing the scene, which can have serious legal consequences. Remaining at the scene allows you to provide accurate information to the police and ensures that all accident details are correctly documented.

Hire a Wickenburg Car Accident Lawyer

The next step involves informing your attorney. This is because, at this time, your legal standing may be challenged by the insurance companies, and you need to protect it.

At the Law Offices of John Phebus, we can manage your case and oversee all subsequent steps in the process, including notifying your insurance company and compiling evidence to fortify your claim. Hence, it’s advisable to engage your lawyer early on to ensure all legal actions are taken on time.

How Can a Wickenburg Car Crash Attorney Help Determine Fault in a Car Accident?

Having a car accident attorney in Wickenburg is instrumental in determining fault. They usually do this by gathering and analyzing evidence from various sources, including obtaining police reports and securing photographs and videos of the accident scene.

Additionally, the attorney may interview eyewitnesses and engage experts for professional insights into the incident. They also may scrutinize vehicle damage patterns and repair estimates to understand the impact dynamics and support claims about the actions of the drivers involved.

Moreover, an attorney is key in challenging insurance companies that may assign fault based on biased interests. They will negotiate the insurance company’s assessment to ensure a fair determination of fault.

Car accident lawyers in Wickenburg have a deep understanding of Arizona traffic laws and legal implications. Therefore, your lawyer can develop a strong case that accurately establishes fault and positions you to receive rightful compensation.

What Evidence Is Crucial for a Car Accident Claim in Wickenburg, Arizona?

In the event of a car accident in Wickenburg, Arizona, solid evidence is paramount in supporting your claim and securing sufficient compensation. To build a strong case and prove the other driver’s liability, you will need to present this evidence effectively. Also, the evidence is an important defense when facing disputes from the other driver in an attempt to shift blame.

Here are the types of evidence that can support your car accident claim in Wickenburg, which we regularly collect at the Law Offices of John Phebus:

Physical Evidence

Physical evidence includes any tangible items that can demonstrate the details of the accident. This might include:

  • Damage to property. Photographs and repair estimates show the severity of the crash.
  • Skid marks. These can indicate the speed and actions of the vehicles involved before the collision.
  • Debris. Pieces of the vehicles or other objects from the scene can help reconstruct the accident.

Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness statements can offer an unbiased look at what went down during the accident. This could come from:

  • Those within the vehicles involved.
  • Motorists who were in the vicinity.
  • Pedestrians or nearby residents who witnessed the incident.

Police Reports

Official reports from law enforcement officers who responded to the accident scene are invaluable evidence. They typically include:

  • Officer’s account of how the accident occurred.
  • Citations of any traffic violations issued to the drivers involved.
  • Diagrams and notes as observed by the officer.

Medical Records

Documentation of injuries sustained in the accident assists in providing the extent of your damages. This includes:

  • Admission and treatment details.
  • Observations and prognoses related to your injuries.
  • Invoices and bills for medical care received.

Expert Testimony

Sometimes, lawyers may involve specialists for insights that can help elucidate complex aspects of the accident. Experts might include:

  • Accident reconstructionists. Professionals who can recreate the accident scenario based on the available evidence.
  • Medical experts. Doctors who can explain the nature and implications of the injuries sustained.
  • Economic experts. Analysts who can calculate lost wages and future earning potential.

Electronic Evidence

Modern technology may also be used to provide additional evidence. These include the following:

  • Dashcam footage from vehicles involved.
  • GPS Data for location and movement data from devices in the vehicles.
  • Cell phone records to prove distractions at the time of the accident.

Your car accident attorney can handle the process of gathering and utilizing this evidence to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Wickenburg, Arizona?

The reasons behind car accidents in Wickenburg mirror those found elsewhere. Your lawyer will dive deep to uncover the causes, often in the process of determining fault. Top causes of Wickenburg car accidents include:

  • Distracted driving. Accidents caused by distractions are usually very severe. This is because distractions, such as texting or using GPS while driving take off attention from the road, increasing the risk of a serious crash.
  • Speeding. Driving at excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
  • Driving under the influence. Alcohol and drug use while driving caused 4.57% of traffic crashes in 2022. 
  • Reckless driving. Aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating, can lead to serious crashes. Around 1.7 million rear-end crashes occur in the United States every year due to practices such as distracted driving and ignoring traffic signals.
  • Weather conditions. Poor weather can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, leading to accidents. The American Meteorological Society reports that over 418,000 injuries from vehicular accidents are attributed to weather conditions.
  • Vehicle failure. Vehicle failures, often from poor maintenance or manufacturing defects, can lead to serious collisions. Common accident causes include brake failure, steering issues, faulty lights, and tire defects.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Wickenburg Car Accidents?

Sadly, injuries from car accidents are too common. According to injury facts, in 2022 alone, there were 5.2 million injuries from car crashes that needed medical attention. Here are the common injuries that one may sustain in a Wickenburg car accident:

  • Broken bones: Severe car collisions often result in fractures in the arms, legs, and ribs.
  • Whiplash: A common injury caused by abnormal sudden neck movement, leading to pain and stiffness.
  • Head injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries may occur due to trauma or violent jolts of the head. The steering wheel, dashboard, windows, or airbags are all known to cause head injuries in car accidents.
  • Internal injuries: Impact can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, requiring immediate medical attention.
  • Spinal injuries: Sometimes, car crashes may damage the spinal cord, sometimes leading to paralysis.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Wickenburg, Arizona?

In Wickenburg, Arizona, the statute of limitations sets the time frame for bringing a car accident claim to two years from the date of the accident. This time frame applies to personal injury claims and allows victims time to build their claim to seek justice. However, filing after the deadline will most likely result in losing your right to pursue compensation.

Note that this statute may allow victims to pursue compensation after the filing deadline in specific situations. For example, claims against government entities in Arizona have different timeframes. You have only one year to bring a lawsuit against a government entity. Therefore, you should consult our Wickenburg car accident attorneys from the Law Offices of John Phebus quickly to ensure your case meets the applicable deadlines.

How Long Does It Typically Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Wickenburg?

Settling a car accident claim in Wickenburg, Arizona, involves several steps and can vary in duration. On average, the settlement process can range from a few months to over a year.

The process of seeking medical care and obtaining a diagnosis for any injuries sustained can take anywhere from one month to a year. However, this may be prolonged if there is a need to wait and reach maximum medical improvement.

Also, gathering evidence is a critical part of the claim process and can take between two to over six months. Once all evidence is collected, your attorney will help estimate the worth of your claim. A demand letter detailing your claim is then sent to the insurer to trigger the negotiations.

If an agreeable settlement is reached, the negotiation phase could conclude relatively quickly. If not, the rest of the process may depend on the complexity of the case and the court schedules.

Get In Touch With Us

If you would like to discuss options on your case and how we can provide legal help, contact The Law Offices of John Phebus Glendale Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer today and connect with one of our highly experienced Glendale criminal defense attorneys.

What Types of Compensation Can I Seek After a Car Accident in Wickenburg?

Victims of car accidents in Wickenburg are entitled to various types of compensation. These include the following:

  • Past, current, and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages due to the inability to work following the accident.
  • Pain and suffering which affected the victim’s quality of life.
  • Property damage, such as replacement of your vehicle
  • Compensation for the impact on your relationship with a departed family member due to the crash

It is the responsibility of your Car Injury Attorney in Wickenburg from the Law Offices of John Phebus to evaluate the impact the accident has had on your life. They will factor all your losses and suffering into calculating the recoverable damages to be sure the potential compensation can help restore your life.

How Does Arizona’s Comparative Negligence Law Affect My Car Accident Case in Wickenburg?

In Arizona, personal injury cases are subjected to a comparative negligence system. This means if you are partially at fault for the accident, you will be able to get compensation. However, the available recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and your total damages amount to $100,000, you would receive $80,000.

Unlike other states, Arizona adopts a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you are able to receive damages regardless of the level of fault. Even if the other party was 1% at fault, you still may be able to seek compensation.

How Do Insurance Companies Evaluate Car Accident Claims in Wickenburg, Arizona?

When you file a car accident claim in Wickenburg, Arizona, the insurance company assigns a claims adjuster to oversee the investigation and settlement process. The objective of this investigation is to determine who is at fault based on negligence.

The investigation involves several steps:

  • Visiting the scene to gather contextual information.
  • Reviewing photos taken at the scene to understand the accident’s dynamics.
  • Speaking with witnesses for valuable perspectives on how the accident occurred.
  • Evaluating medical records to assess the extent and cause of injuries.
  • Examining vehicle damage to help understand how the impact occurred and why.
  • Consulting experts for clarification on complex aspects of the collision.

Despite these procedures, it is important to remember that insurance companies prioritize minimizing their payouts. They will look for ways to reduce the compensation owed to claimants, which may often lead to biased determinations of fault. An attorney can collect more evidence, contest the insurer’s conclusions, and negotiate a fair settlement.

What Should I Avoid Saying to Insurance Adjusters After a Car Accident in Wickenburg?

Interactions with insurance adjusters require careful consideration. Since they are looking to use your statements against you, here is what you should not say:

  • Refrain from admitting fault for the accident, as this can significantly impact your compensation. Determining fault should be left to the investigation process.
  • Avoid making any guesses about how the accident happened. Informal or “off-the-record” comments can be used against you.
  • Do not sign a medical release form without consulting your lawyer first. Granting unrestricted access to your medical history can lead to the insurer using unrelated conditions to minimize your claim.
  • Avoid discussing your injuries in detail. Detailed descriptions can be used to claim that your injuries aren’t that bad or not connected to the accident.
  • Don’t agree to the first settlement offer which will likely be very low and not cover all your damages. Let an attorney from the Law Offices of John Phebus handle the negotiations to ensure the offer is fair and adequate.
  • Decline requests for recorded statements until you have legal representation. These statements can be manipulated to find inconsistencies and weaken your claim.

Resources for Car Injury Victims

Car Accident Claim Process

Do I Have to Go to Court After a Car Accident in Arizona?

Arizona Car Accident Laws

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Headache After a Car Accident

What Is a Staged Car Accident?

What to Know About Back and Neck Pain After a Car Accident

Other Areas Our Car Accident Lawyers Serve in Arizona:

John Allen Phebus – Experienced Car Accident Lawyer With More Than 30 Years of Serving Arizona

John Phebus is a seasoned attorney specializing in car accidents, winning complex motor vehicle accident cases throughout Arizona. John has been fiercely advocating for his clients, ensuring they receive the representation and compensation they deserve. His expertise and dedication have led to numerous successful outcomes. If you’re seeking a knowledgeable and passionate attorney who will fight for your rights, John Phebus is here to help.

Years of experience: +30 years

Frequently Asked Questions

Claims involving ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft can be complex because of different legal considerations at various stages of the App’s operation. Also, the presence of multiple insurance policies may make the claims challenging. However, your car accident lawyer in Wickenburg can determine whether the driver, the ride-sharing company, or another party is liable. They will also leverage their resources and experience to negotiate with the different insurance policies that may apply, such as the ride-sharing company’s liability coverage.

In the event of a fatal car accident, the following legal steps are to be observed:

  • Report the accident to the police immediately.
  • Keep all evidence related to the accident intact.
  • Consult a wrongful death attorney to guide you through the legal process.
  • Eligible family members may bring a wrongful death claim to seek damages for emotional distress, funeral costs, and lost financial benefits they enjoyed before the accident.

Under Arizona’s comparative negligence law, you can still obtain damages even if you were partially at fault. Note that though the law allows compensation, the final payout will be reduced according to your level of fault in the accident.

If you find yourself involved in a car accident in Wickenburg, Arizona, the first line of defense is your own insurance policy. If you have added uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to your auto insurance policy, you may claim compensation for your losses from your insurance provider. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may also come in to cater for the difference between the at-fault driver’s insurance limits and your actual damages. You may also pursue legal action against the uninsured driver. If the court rules in your favor, the driver will be ordered to pay for your damages.

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