Frequently Asked Questions about Car Accidents in Arizona
Call a Gilbert attorney who gets straight to the point
You’ve been hurt in a car accident. What should you do next? Dealing with insurance companies can be confusing and frustrating. You probably have a lot of questions but aren’t sure where to get the answers you need. Contact Browne Law Group. We will answer all of your questions so you have the information you need before making a decision.
Arizona car accident attorney Byron Browne knows how injuries from a crash can affect your life. You’re dealing with physical pain and need medical treatment. Medical expenses are adding up and you may not be able to work. Things are getting stressful. You need an attorney who is not afraid to stand up to insurance companies to recover the compensation you deserve.
Here are some common questions people have after a car accident:
- Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?
- How much compensation can I get for my car accident?
- What if I was partly at fault in the accident?
- Do I have to talk to the insurance company?
- Should I accept a settlement offer from the insurance company?
- Can I file a lawsuit?
- How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
- How long will it take to resolve my case?
- Will my case go to trial?
- How can I prove the other driver caused the accident?
Attorney Byron Browne can guide you through the legal process every step of the way. You won’t get any bull or any nonsense here. He’ll give you an honest assessment of your case. Then he will build a strong case and fight until you get results. Contact us to schedule a free consultation at our Gilbert office.
Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer when dealing with insurance companies after an accident. But the insurance companies DO have lawyers. They handle claims every day and have the advantage when you’ve been hurt in an accident. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, and they use many different tactics to do that. Getting an experienced lawyer on your side gives you a much better chance of recovering fair compensation. When faced with legal action, insurance companies often agree to negotiate a more favorable settlement.
How much compensation can I get for my car accident?
That’s not an easy question to answer. There are many different factors that can affect how much compensation you receive. These include the type and severity of your injuries, the strength of your case, and insurance policy limits. When you meet with us, Byron Browne can give you a better idea of how much you can realistically expect to recover. In general, you can seek compensation for current and future medical expenses related to your injury, lost wages if you were unable to work, and other compensation such as pain and suffering.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Under Arizona’s pure comparative negligence system, you are able to recover financial compensation whether an accident was partially or even mostly your fault. However, the amount of compensation you can receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in financial compensation, but your percentage of fault was 40%, you would recover $60,000. That’s why the insurance company may try to blame you for what happened. That’s also why you need an experienced attorney who will fight back.
Do I have to talk to the insurance company?
If you were in a car accident, you are required to report it to your own insurance company. Just tell them you were involved in a crash and stick to the basic facts. You are NOT required to talk to the other driver’s insurance company. An adjuster from that insurance company may call you. The adjuster may request that you answer some questions or give a recorded statement. Their real goal is to try to get you to say something that can be used against you. Politely decline their request. Then call a car accident lawyer.
Should I accept a settlement from the insurance company?
It’s fairly common for insurance companies to make a settlement offer soon after a car accident. As your bills are starting to pile up, their offer may sound tempting. You may just want to get things settled and move on with your life. The problem is that their offer won’t even come close to covering all of the damages you suffered. This is just a way for them to save money. We believe any settlement you get from the insurance company should be fair. That’s why we encourage you to get legal advice before accepting any settlement offer.
Can I file a lawsuit?
If you were hurt in a car accident in Arizona that was caused by a negligent party, you have the right to sue that party for the damages you suffered. Those damages may include current and future medical expenses related to your injury, as well as lost wages, property damage, and other damages such as pain and suffering. A lawyer can investigate your accident to gather evidence that proves a negligent driver caused the crash that left you injured.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
This is a common concern. We know that the last thing you need is another bill right now. At Browne Law Group, we have a no-fee policy. This ensures that you can afford legal representation. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront fees or other charges that you need to pay. We will cover all of the costs of moving your case forward. You don’t pay us unless we win. Your fee is a percentage of the total recovery. If we don’t recover compensation in your case, you owe us nothing.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
This will depend on many factors. Each case is different. If your claim is fairly straightforward, it may be possible to reach a settlement in a matter of months. But other cases are more complicated, and it may take a year or more to reach a resolution. If there is a lot of money at stake, the insurance company will likely be aggressive in fighting your claim. Cases involving multiple parties may also take longer to resolve. Byron Browne can review details of your case and give you an honest assessment about what to expect in your situation.
Will my case go to trial?
Most car accident cases are resolved through a settlement. However, it is possible that your case could go to trial. If so, you may be required to appear in court. Byron Browne can discuss your legal options for recovering compensation. You will get regular updates on the progress of your case. If it looks like your case will be headed to court, he will let you know what to expect and explain how the trial process works.
How can I prove the other driver caused the accident?
Strong cases are built on facts. That’s why our legal team investigates your car accident. We gather evidence, including evidence from any traffic or security cameras. We’ll carefully review accident reports and other documentation, and interview witnesses. If needed, we can consult accident reconstruction experts. Byron Browne knows how to build a case that proves the other driver’s negligence caused the accident that left you hurt. Then he fights for the compensation you deserve.