What Should You Do After a Scottsdale Personal Injury Accident?
The steps you take immediately following a personal injury accident in Scottsdale can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Here’s what you should do:
Receive Medical Care
Your health should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, seeing a doctor as soon as possible is essential. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, and a medical professional can assess your condition thoroughly.
Document the Scene
If you can, take pictures or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. This evidence preserves the collision site as it was, which can support a future claim.
Collect Contact Information
Be sure to get contact information from any witnesses, including names, phone numbers, and insurance information from all parties involved in the accident.
Contact a Scottsdale Personal Injury Lawyer
Call a personal injury attorney in Scottsdale to discuss the accident and a potential claim before speaking with insurance companies or signing any documents.
What Is Necessary to Prove Fault in a Scottsdale Personal Injury Claim?
Proving fault usually involves providing compelling evidence and documentation to support your claim and demonstrate the impact the accident and injury have on your life. Key types of evidence that can strengthen your claim include:
- Photos and videos – Visual evidence of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage can be consequential, especially when proving liability. This evidence can show hazardous conditions, vehicle positions, or the severity of your injuries.
- Police report – If law enforcement responded to the accident site, the police report can be critical evidence. These reports often include the responding officer’s observations, any citations issued, and witness information.
- Eyewitness statements – Firsthand accounts from witnesses who saw the accident can corroborate your account of what happened. Witnesses can provide unbiased perspectives on the events immediately following and during the accident.
- Medical records – Comprehensive medical documentation is crucial, especially when dealing with an injury. This includes emergency room records, doctor’s notes, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans. These records establish the extent of your injuries and the necessary treatment.
- Accident reports – If the injury occurred in a workplace, store, or other location, an incident report filed at the time can provide insight into the circumstances of the accident and any immediate actions taken.
What Types of Compensation Could Be Recovered in a Scottsdale Personal Injury Claim?
Depending on the specifics of your case and injury, you can pursue various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses – This includes all medical costs related to your injury, including hospital bills, medications, surgeries, physical or occupational therapy, assistive aids, rehabilitation, and future medical care if needed.
- Lost wages – This compensates you for the income lost due to the injury, including any time off work. You can calculate your missed income and include it in your claim.
- Loss of future earning potential – You can pursue compensation for reduced earning capacity if your injury impacts your ability to work long-term by estimating what you would’ve made if the injury hadn’t occurred.
- Pain and suffering – This compensation addresses the impact of your injury’s physical pain and emotional distress, which may be significant, especially if it’s a long-lasting injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Your injury may prevent you from enjoying hobbies or activities you previously enjoyed, causing sadness and hopelessness. You can pursue compensation in your claim to address this loss.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Arizona?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. You must file your claim within the required time frame to pursue financial recovery. Filing after the deadline passes can result in losing your ability to seek compensation for your losses.
How Can a Scottsdale Personal Injury Attorney Help?
A personal injury lawyer can provide crucial assistance throughout the entire claims process. They can help by:
- Collecting evidence – Attorneys can gather and preserve proof, such as accident reports or surveillance footage, to avoid losing essential evidence. They can also engage experts, such as medical professionals or accident reconstructionists, to provide insight or testimony to support your claim.
- Assessing losses – Personal injury lawyers deal with these cases daily, giving them firsthand insight into the full effect of an accident. They can evaluate the current and future impacts of your injury so that your claim accurately covers all potential losses.
- Negotiating with insurance companies – Lawyers can handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement. They know the nefarious tactics adjusters use to avoid covering all losses and won’t let these strategies get in the way of pursuing the compensation you need.
- Pursuing litigation – An attorney can file a lawsuit If both sides cannot agree on a fair settlement and take your claim to court. They’ll handle all components of litigation, from depositions to closing statements.
Contact a Scottsdale Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’re dealing with a painful injury, you shouldn’t have to worry about pursuing a personal injury claim. Your primary focus should be on your health and recovery. Let the experienced Scottsdale personal injury attorneys at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. take care of the rest. Call us today for a no-obligation consultation, and let us thoroughly address your legal concerns and support you at every step as you heal.
Visit Our Scottdale Personal Injury Law Offices
About the Author
Zachary Mushkatel discovered his affinity for the law by chance. As a political science major at the University of Arizona, he first aspired to become a professor. But an unexpected invitation to participate on a mock trial team at the university encouraged him to turn his competitive spirit and drive…
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