If someone else’s careless driving left you injured, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next, and we’re here to help. At Esquire Law, our Arizona car accident lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
We know how much a car accident can disrupt your world from painful injuries and hospital bills to missed work and daily stress. That’s why we step in to handle the legal pressure for you, so you can focus on healing. Call us now for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here for you 24/7. Ready to help you move forward.
What to Do After an Arizona Car Accident
Immediately after a car accident, your safety and well-being become the paramount concern for everyone involved. The shock and confusion of the situation can be overwhelming, making it essential to take decisive actions to protect yourself and others. Here are a set of crucial steps that you should promptly undertake to ensure your safety and to lay the groundwork for any potential legal and insurance claims:
- Call the Police and File a Report: Contact the police to report the accident, even if it seems minor. A police report is crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. The details captured in the report can serve as valuable evidence later on.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. If you or anyone involved in the accident has injuries, seek medical attention promptly. Go to the ER or urgent care and tell the doctor about every symptom, even the small ones. These early medical records help connect your injuries directly to the crash.
- Collect Information and Evidence: Gather information from all parties involved, including names, contact details, license plate numbers, and insurance information. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. These pieces of evidence can significantly strengthen your case.
- Call an auto accident lawyer: Insurance companies move fast after a crash—but their goal is to protect their bottom line, not yours. Before giving a recorded statement or signing anything, call us. We’ll help you avoid common traps like lowball offers or admitting fault unintentionally.
At Esquire Law, we deal with Arizona car crash cases every day. We know what evidence matters, how insurance companies think, and what it takes to get full compensation for your injuries, time off work, and pain.
Damages After a Car Accident in Phoenix
After a car accident in Phoenix, Arizona law entitles you to pursue several types of compensation, covering both economic and non-economic damages that reflect the impact of the accident on your life. Navigating these categories with the help of an experienced attorney ensures you seek the full scope of compensation owed to you.
- Medical Expenses: Arizona car accident law allows you to claim the full range of medical costs linked to your accident, including emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatments. It’s essential to document every medical appointment and keep all records, as this will substantiate your claim and ensure you are fully reimbursed for current and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages and Future Income: If the accident has caused you to miss work or affects your future earning potential, Arizona’s compensation structure includes lost wages and potential future income loss. Whether you need short-term recovery or face long-term disability, you have the right to recover what you would have earned if the accident had not impacted your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: While difficult to measure, Arizona courts recognize the physical pain and emotional distress caused by an accident. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical and emotional toll on your life, helping you recover for both immediate suffering and the potential long-term effects of your injuries. An attorney skilled in personal injury law can help determine an appropriate claim for these non-economic damages.
- Property Damage: You are entitled to seek compensation for any vehicle damage or personal property lost in the accident. The law mandates that at-fault drivers cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, so be sure to document all repairs and get estimates from reliable mechanics to strengthen your claim.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, Arizona courts award punitive damages to penalize especially reckless or malicious behavior by the at-fault driver. While these damages are awarded less frequently, they serve to punish extreme negligence, such as DUI-related accidents, and act as a deterrent. Your auto accident attorney can evaluate whether your case may qualify for punitive damages based on the specifics of the other party’s actions.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Arizona recognizes that severe injuries may prevent you from engaging in hobbies, social activities, and other daily joys. Compensation for loss of enjoyment covers the impact on your quality of life, factoring in the activities you can no longer enjoy due to the accident.
Arizona’s personal injury laws are designed to support accident victims and ensure that you’re compensated not just for your physical injuries but for the lasting effects on your life. Working closely with a legal advocate allows you to calculate the full extent of your losses and seek compensation that truly reflects your experience.
Navigating Insurance Company Tactics After a Phoenix Car Accident
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as their primary goal is to protect their interests and minimize payouts. Here are some essential tips for handling insurance company tactics:
- Insurance Adjuster Works for Insurance, Not You. Remember that the insurance adjuster represents the interests of the insurance company, not yours. Be cautious about what you share with them and avoid discussing details that could be used against you later on if you file a claim.
- What to Avoid Discussing with At-Fault Driver’s Insurance. Refrain from discussing your injuries or making statements that could be used against you. It’s best to consult an Arizona car accident lawyer before providing any detailed statements to ensure that you do not inadvertently compromise your case.
- Statute ARS 28-4009. This statute requires drivers to show proof of financial responsibility after an accident. If the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance coverage, this statute may come into play. Our legal team is well-versed in Arizona’s insurance laws and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Arizona’s Car Accident Laws
Becoming familiar with Arizona’s car accident laws can help you protect your rights and make informed decisions about your case. Key laws to be aware of include:
- Pure Comparative Negligence. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning that your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault in the accident. Having a knowledgeable Arizona car accident lawyer on your side can help demonstrate the other party’s higher degree of negligence and maximize your potential compensation.
- Statute of Limitations. Arizona has a statute of limitations that restricts the time you have to file a personal injury case. It’s crucial to take prompt action after an accident to ensure that you do not miss the window of opportunity to seek compensation.
- Mandatory Auto Insurance Requirement: Arizona law requires that all drivers maintain a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage to protect themselves and others on the road. This includes $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and $15,000 for property damage. The law imposes penalties, such as fines and license suspension, for drivers without this mandatory coverage.
- Duty to Report. If the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding a certain threshold, you must report the accident to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Our team can assist you in fulfilling all necessary reporting requirements and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Determining Liability in a Car Accident Claim
Establishing liability in a car accident claim can be pivotal to securing fair compensation, and Arizona injury law provides clear guidelines for determining fault. Arizona uses a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning each party’s level of responsibility directly affects their compensation. Here’s how liability is typically assessed and proven in Arizona:
- Gathering Evidence of Fault: Evidence is key in building a strong liability case. Photos of the accident scene, witness statements, police reports, and any surveillance footage can all support a claim of negligence against the other driver. In Arizona, each piece of evidence is valuable for demonstrating exactly how the other party’s actions caused or contributed to the accident.
- Role of Traffic Laws: Arizona courts consider violations of traffic laws, such as running red lights or speeding, as strong indicators of negligence. When an at-fault driver violates these laws, they are often held liable for resulting damages. Documentation of these violations, through traffic tickets or witness accounts, strengthens your case.
- Pure Comparative Negligence in Arizona: As we’ve mentioned, under Arizona’s comparative negligence rule, if you are partially responsible, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your level of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, your total recovery will be reduced by 20%. This rule ensures that even those with partial liability have a path to recovery, but it’s essential to minimize any perceived fault through clear, documented evidence.
- Expert Testimony and Accident Reconstruction: In complex cases, expert witnesses and accident reconstruction specialists can be invaluable. These professionals can help recreate the accident dynamics, establishing how the crash occurred and clarifying each party’s role. In Arizona, their analyses can play a critical role in swaying a case by providing an objective account that supports your claim.
- Insurance Company’s Tactics: Insurance adjusters often seek to shift blame to minimize payouts. In Arizona, the law obliges adjusters to act in good faith, but it’s common for them to attempt to place more responsibility on accident victims. It’s wise to consult with a seasoned attorney before discussing details with insurers, ensuring you avoid any statements that could unintentionally imply liability.
- Police Reports and Immediate Statements: Police reports often carry significant weight in determining liability. Officers at the scene document crucial details and may note if one party appeared at fault due to traffic violations, impairment, or other factors. When possible, providing a clear and detailed account to police officers can strengthen your case. However, it’s best to avoid admitting fault at the scene, as liability can be complex and is best determined with legal guidance.
Types of Car Accidents We Can Help With
Injured in a car accident? We handle all types — and every situation comes with its own challenges.
At Esquire Law, we help crash victims in Phoenix navigate claims involving different vehicles, drivers, and causes — because every detail matters when it comes to getting full compensation. Whether it was a rideshare accident, a left-turn crash, or a collision with a rental car, we know the specifics of each one and how to protect your rights.
Uber & Lyft Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare companies have layered insurance policies that change depending on whether the driver was on the app, en route, or had a passenger. We’ll help you figure out whose coverage applies and make sure you don’t get pushed into a lowball settlement.
Commercial Vehicle Crashes
Accidents with delivery trucks, utility vehicles, or company cars often involve corporate insurers and complex liability. These cases require immediate evidence gathering. We’ll move fast to protect your claim and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Rental Car Accidents
Whether you were driving a rental or hit by someone in one, liability can be tricky. We’ll break down who’s at fault, how rental insurance works, and how to file against all available policies.
Uninsured & Underinsured Drivers
If the other driver had no insurance or not enough your own policy may offer coverage. But that doesn’t mean your insurer will pay easily. We fight to make sure you get every dollar you’re owed.
Rear-End Collisions
These may seem straightforward, but insurance companies still try to downplay injuries like whiplash or back trauma. We build strong medical documentation and push back on delays and denials.
Head-On Crashes
These are often severe and life-altering. Our team coordinates with medical experts and accident reconstructionists to prove fault and fight for long-term damages.
Left-Turn & Intersection Accidents
Who had the right of way? Did someone run a red light or fail to yield? We investigate quickly, secure traffic camera footage, and handle disputes over fault that could reduce your payout.
Sideswipes & Lane-Change Crashes
These cases often come down to word vs. word, but we know how to collect the right witness statements, vehicle data, and crash scene photos to strengthen your side.
Hit-and-Runs
Don’t assume you’re out of options. We help hit-and-run victims use their uninsured motorist coverage or explore other legal routes to seek compensation and peace of mind.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
With multiple drivers and insurers involved, everyone tries to shift blame. We dig into every angle to identify all liable parties and fight for your fair share of compensation.
Every crash is different, but one thing stays the same — you deserve strong legal support close to home.
Serving Car Accident Victims Throughout Arizona
No matter where your accident happened in Arizona, Esquire Law is here for you. We proudly represent clients across the state—from Phoenix and Tucson to Mesa, Chandler, and beyond. Our local experience and statewide reach mean we’re always nearby when you need legal help the most.
What to Expect When You Start Your Claim With Esquire Law
We know dealing with a car accident is overwhelming, especially when you’re in pain, missing work, and unsure what to do next. That’s why we’ve made our process simple, transparent, and focused on one thing: helping you get the compensation you deserve with as little stress as possible.
- Step 1: Free Consultation With a Legal Team
When you reach out, you’ll speak with a trained legal team member who listens, not rushes. We’ll hear your story, explain your options, and let you know right away if we can help. There’s no pressure—just answers. We’ll also explain what your claim might include: medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. - Step 2: Immediate Case Assignment
Once you’re ready to move forward, your case is assigned to a dedicated attorney and legal team right away. From there, we begin gathering the evidence that will drive your case, including police reports, medical records, insurance details, and anything else that supports your claim. - Step 3: Investigation and Documentation
This is where we build your claim. We document your injuries, your treatment, how the crash affected your life, and all costs you’ve faced or expect to face. We also deal directly with insurance companies, so you don’t have to—and we protect you from lowball settlement tactics. - Step 4: Updates, Negotiation, and Results
As your case progresses, we keep you updated. You’ll always know what’s happening and why. When it’s time to negotiate, we fight for full compensation, not just quick payouts. And if the insurance company won’t do what’s right, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court.
At Esquire Law, personal injury law firm, we are passionate about helping accident victims seek justice and fair compensation. Our skilled team of Phoenix car accident lawyers are experienced specialists in personal injury and wrongful death cases. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Arizona, contact us today for a free consultation or visit us in person at the office at the address: 4747 N 22nd St, Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Our office is conveniently located near the Biltmore area in Central Phoenix, just off the 51 Freeway and Camelback Road. Get directions to it.
Let us put our experience to work for you and help you navigate the complexities of your car accident claim.
FAQs
What is the most important thing to do after you’ve been in an accident? The first thing that you should always do is call the police. If they’re not willing to make a report, then you want to make sure that you document everything. Take photos of the vehicles, the insurance cards, the license plates, and the scene. Look around for witnesses—did anyone see the accident who can help you? Are there any cameras nearby where you can collect footage?
After that, the most important thing is to get medical treatment. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, you should still get checked out. Often, adrenaline masks pain at the scene, and injuries can show up later. Documenting your injuries and symptoms early is one of the most important parts of bringing a successful claim.
A lot of times, when you’re in a car accident, you don’t feel symptoms right away because your adrenaline is running high and you’re nervous and scared. Then later, you go home, and your symptoms start to develop, and they may develop slowly over time.
But the longer you wait to see a doctor, the more likely it is that the insurance company is going to say that something happened between the car accident and the doctor’s visit that caused your injuries. They’re not going to believe that you were just at home, hoping you would get better.
The insurance company is always looking for someone else to blame for your injuries, whether they say it’s pre-existing or caused by something after the accident.
If you don’t go to the doctor right away, document your symptoms, and treat as your doctors tell you to until you feel better, the insurance company is going to argue that the car accident wasn’t the cause of your injuries, and they won’t pay you for them.
Unless you receive a policy limits offer, you should never accept the first settlement offer. Insurance companies live by under-settling your claims. They want to pay you the least amount of money so that they can increase their profits.
That is why we always advise clients never to accept the first settlement offer, and talk with an attorney about your options and what steps to take next. You would be surprised how beneficial it is to hire an attorney and how they could increase that offer from what the insurance company has already presented you with.
Insurance companies offer fast money for one sneaky reason.
What do you do if, after a car accident, the insurance company is all over it? They’ve got someone evaluating your car, they’re offering you a check, maybe $5,000, and they’re ready to pay you right now.
Why do you think they’re so eager to get this done so quickly? They want you to take it and sign away your rights before you have the opportunity to speak with a lawyer.
Don’t fall for that trick.
The biggest red flag from an insurance company:
– You’re not at fault for the accident, and the insurance company tries to blame you? Huge red flag.
– You were in a big accident, and the insurance company tries to get you to sign a document for a small amount of money? Huge red flag.
– You’re trying to make a claim, and the insurance company is giving you the runaround and delaying your claim? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company is trying to get you to sign a release immediately? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company is offering you pennies on the dollar? Huge red flag.
– Insurance adjuster is not returning your calls? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company isn’t answering the phone? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company telling you that you can resolve it with them, and you don’t need representation? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company telling you not to worry about it, and they’ll pay for your medical bills? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company telling you, “Oh, don’t worry about it, just take this money and if you need treatment later, call us back”? Huge red flag.
– Insurance company treating you like a number, not a human being? Huge red flag.
One of the most common questions we get from clients is, what is my case worth? And here’s how we break it down. There’s honestly no way to know what your case is worth at the very beginning. And I generally tell clients—any lawyer that’s giving you a concrete amount or telling you what your case is worth is lying to you. There are so many factors that go into the value of your case.
Those factors include:
Applicable insurance coverage:
– How much coverage is there?
– What are the policy limits?
– Does the person at fault have insurance coverage?
– Does the person at fault have assets?
– Do you have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage?
That’s the beginning. What also goes into how much your case is worth would be your damages—so the question becomes, what are your injuries? What is it going to take to get you better? And what does your future look like?
Another thing that goes into how much your case is worth is whether or not you have lost wages, pain and suffering. There are so many factors, and there’s no way to know right away the value of your claim. It takes time.
If I am partially at fault for the accident, how does the percentage of fault get calculated? There’s no real formula. It’s really a back-and-forth argument between the insurance company and you or your attorney.
The more evidence your attorney can collect to place blame on the other driver, the less fault percentage will be placed on you. It’s really just kind of a battle.
The only way that fault percentage is truly calculated is if your case goes to trial, and a jury decides the percentage based on the evidence presented.
You were just in a car accident. Who do you think is responsible for paying for your damages? The answer might surprise you. You might think that when you’re in an accident that the only person responsible for paying for your damages is the other driver.
In reality, there are a lot more options that we can look into for you. A lot of people can be responsible for your damages, whether that be:
– The driver
– Another passenger in the vehicle
– The owner of the vehicle, if it’s a different person from the driver
– A company that owns the vehicle
– Your insurance company, if you have the right insurance
– Maintenance workers
– Negligent HOAs
Really, there’s a whole list of possibilities for you, depending on your case, that you can recover money from.
Some people might think that we are just passive on cases. That’s all we do is wait for you to finish with the doctor’s appointments, then tell the insurance company you’re done treating, and get an offer for you. That is not the case at all.
A good personal injury attorney will hire experts to review everything. They’ll be in contact with:
The police department
Any witnesses
Any medical providers
The hospitals
The ambulances
Lawyers want to understand every detail of your case possible. And that does not come without lots of phone calls, lots of hard work, lots of emails, and lots of time. We research all the case law that’s available. We research the conditions of the road. We go to the scene of the accident. We go to the scene of the slip and fall and take pictures, ask people if they saw anything—all for you. You might think that we are only talking a little bit back and forth with the insurance company, but it is so much more than that.