If you have been involved in a car accident in Phoenix, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a lawyer to help with your claim. The truth is that you might not always need a lawyer after a car accident. When an accident results in only property damage or very minor injuries, you can handle the claim on your own.
However, there are situations where hiring a lawyer is crucial to maximizing your financial recovery. Keep reading below to learn all the details about when you need to hire a Phoenix car accident lawyer.
When Should I Hire a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so there is never any risk associated with talking to a lawyer about your case. Whether you end up hiring a lawyer for your claim depends on the specifics of your case. If any of the following apply to your case, you should hire a car accident lawyer.
You Suffered Severe Injuries
Claims involving only minor injuries can often be settled without a lawyer. However, cases involving severe or catastrophic injuries are much more complex. The value of these claims can rise substantially, and trying to negotiate with the insurance company on your own could cost you.
If your injuries are severe, you could be owed substantial compensation for your non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. This includes severe injuries such as:
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Injuries requiring surgery
- Internal organ damage
- Head and neck injuries
- Back and spine injuries
- Severe burns
Additionally, the value of your future medical bills and lost wages could be large. Having a lawyer on your side can help ensure you receive fair compensation for all your damages and maximize your recovery.
There Are Questions of Liability
If there are questions about who was at fault for your accident, you need to hire a lawyer. The insurance company will try to protect its bottom line, often by blaming you for the accident. An experienced lawyer can help you gather all the necessary evidence to prove who was at fault so that liability can be established.
Under Arizona law, you may be entitled to recover compensation even if you share some of the fault for your accident. Your recovery will simply be reduced by your portion of the fault. A lawyer can help protect you against these “blame the victim” tactics and ensure you are pursuing all the compensation you are owed.
Multiple Defendants Share Liability
Some car accident claims involve multiple defendants. When this happens, the defendants may start to point fingers at each other. This can make it difficult for you to get compensation from any of them.
A lawyer can help you identify all potential defendants and help you hold them accountable. This includes parties such as:
- Vehicle driver
- Vehicle owner
- Equipment manufacturers
- Service or maintenance providers
- Negligent passengers
If your claim involves multiple defendants, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
The Insurance Company Wrongly Denied Your Claim or Won’t Respond at All
Some insurance companies may intentionally delay the processing of your claim. This is an unfair and illegal practice, and you should get help right away if the insurance adjuster is not responsive.
Insurance companies have a legal duty to act in good faith when handling your claim. This means that they must investigate your claim and respond to your communications within a reasonable timeframe. If you suspect they are acting in bad faith or are unwilling to negotiate, contact a lawyer for help.
How Soon Should I Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?
You should typically contact a car accident lawyer as soon after your accident as possible. The sooner you get a lawyer involved, the quicker they can get started on your claim. You should never give a statement to the insurance company or sign any paperwork until you have talked to a lawyer. Your attorneys will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
Additionally, your time to file a lawsuit after your accident is limited. Arizona law gives most car accident victims two years to file a lawsuit for their damages. Missing the deadline can completely bar you from recovering any compensation for your injuries. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is critical to ensuring that all applicable deadlines in your case are met.
Call the Phoenix Car Accident Lawyers at AJ Law, PLC, Today for Legal Assistance
If you have been hurt in a car accident in Phoenix, AZ, the experienced team at AJ Law, PLC is here for you. We have 20 years of experience helping accident and injury victims get the justice they deserve. Contact our Phoenix car accident attorneys today at (602) 237-5277 for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options and whether you really need legal representation for your claim.
