CALL NOW

Call 24/7 for a FREE case evaluation

Call now (866) 393-4334

$100,000,000

in California case results

$20,000,000

in California jury verdicts

14

award-winning attorneys in network

Hiring a Car Accident Attorney in Catalina Foothills

You may have many questions when you are involved in a car wreck, we are here to help! We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions by car accident victims in the city of Catalina Foothills.

What Is The Average Car Accident Settlement In Arizona?

The average settlement amount for a car accident in Arizona is $7,500 to $25,000. However, this amount can be much lower or significantly higher.

The amount of a settlement depends on numerous factors, including the extent of any damage or injuries incurred, as well as which driver or drivers are found to be at fault.

What Kind Of Lawyer Do I Need For A Car Accident?

If you have recently incurred any damages or injuries from an auto accident, the type of lawyer that you would need to speak with and hire is one who works in personal injury law.

More specifically, a personal injury lawyer who specializes in the practice area of car accidents is called a car accident lawyer or auto accident lawyer.

Can You Sue Someone For A Car Accident In Arizona?

You can sue someone for a car accident in Arizona, but generally this is only done after the personal injury claims process fails to produce an agreed-upon settlement.

Most personal injury claims are settled outside of court.

What Are The Fees For A Personal Injury Lawyer In Arizona?

The fees for a personal injury lawyer in Arizona will vary from law firm to law firm, but most work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if a settlement is reached.

Once a settlement is reached, lawyers who work on a contingency basis will then take a certain percentage of the settlement, usually around 30-40%.

After a car accident, you may find yourself injured and with extensive damage to your vehicle, unsure of your next steps.

By hiring an auto accident lawyer with years of experience in personal injury claims, you can rest assured that you will get the compensation you deserve. LegalFinders can help you find a top-quality car accident lawyer in Catalina Foothills, AZ.

A man making a phone call after car crash accident on street

A car accident is a terrifying experience, especially if you or one of your loved ones has been severely injured and are facing high medical bills in addition to physical and emotional pain.

Without legal guidance from a personal injury lawyer or an excellent understanding of Arizona car accident law, you may end up with a settlement that is much less than you deserve.

By working with a lawyer from a notable law firm, you will have someone with you every step of the way, including to fight for you in court if your claim does not reach a settlement.

If you are looking for a lawyer in Catalina Foothills, AZ with years of experience in auto accident claims, LegalFinders can help.

 

How Do You Determine Fault For A Car Accident In Catalina Foothills?

One of the biggest factors that will affect any auto accident claim is which of the motorists is found to be the at-fault driver.

The at-fault motorist is the one whose actions resulted in the accident, though in order to be found liable for damages they must also be found negligent.

Negligence must be present for a motorist to be found liable, and it is possible that multiple motorists can be found negligent and liable.

It is important to remember that the motorist that is initially found to be at fault may not also be found liable.

Is The At-Fault Driver Always Liable In An Arizona Car Accident?

Fault does not always guarantee liability in a car accident case, as there are certain instances when the at-fault motorist is not also found to be negligent.

For instance, an at-fault driver cannot be found liable for an accident if the accident was caused by a design error or manufacturing mistake.

It is also possible for multiple motorists or parties to be found liable in a car accident, even when fault can be placed on only one of the parties.

An example of this occurs when the victim of the accident is found to have not been wearing their seatbelt when the accident occurred.

While the at-fault driver was responsible for the accident occurring, the injured motorist is also partly responsible for the severity of their injuries by choosing not to wear their seatbelt.

 

What Are Your Legal Options After A Car Crash In Catalina Foothills, AZ?

Your first legal option after finding yourself the victim of a car accident in Catalina Foothills, AZ is to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault motorist.

By filing a claim against the at-fault party, this means you are seeking financial compensation to help cover the costs of your medical bills or vehicle repairs.

In addition to obvious damages, like medical and vehicle costs, there are also damages which are more abstract, such as loss of consortium or loss of enjoyment in life.

In the event that both parties are unable to agree on a settlement amount, your next legal step would be to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party that was negligent.

This can be done with the assistance of a quality car accident lawyer, one who can also stand for you in court and serve as a confident and knowledgeable legal representative.

 

Steps To Take After A Car Accident In Catalina Foothills, AZ

The following are some steps that you can take immediately after a car accident in Catalina Foothills, AZ and in the days and weeks afterwards.

1. Gather Documents

While some documents, such as medical records and vehicle repair estimates, won’t be available right away, there is some important information you can collect immediately.

Important documents and information to collect after an auto accident may include:

  • Names and phone numbers for all motorists involved in the accident
  • Drivers license numbers for all drivers
  • License plate numbers for all vehicles
  • Insurance information for all drivers and vehicles
  • Good-quality photos of all vehicles involved in the accident, from multiple angles
  • Photos of the environment around the accident
  • Photos of any injuries that resulted from the accident
  • Official police report from the accident along with eyewitness testimony

Depending on the severity of the accident, it may not always be possible to gather all of this information before leaving the scene, especially if you need medical attention.

Focus on gathering the information that you are able to, and your personal injury attorney can help you gather the rest.

2. Consult A Car Accident Attorney

To ensure that you do not say or do anything after a car accident that could potentially hurt your claim, it is a good idea to speak with an attorney as soon as you are able to.

Your car accident lawyer can provide you with legal guidance every step of the way, helping to build a strong case and ensure that you receive the highest compensation amount possible.

3. File A Car Accident Claim

Your car accident lawyer can help you file your claim and help you gather and submit all required documents and evidence.

They can also help ensure that this is all done in a timely manner, so as not to miss any important deadlines or interfere with the statute of limitations.

4. Work Toward A Fair Settlement Amount

At this point, the lawyers for both parties will go back and forth until a fair settlement is reached and compensation is determined for the party who filed the claim.

In some instances, the parties involved are not able to agree upon a settlement amount. When this happens, a lawsuit may follow.

5. File A Personal Injury Lawsuit If Necessary

In the rare instance that both parties in a car accident are not able to reach a settlement, the next step would be to file a personal injury lawsuit.

By hiring a top-quality car accident lawyer, you will have someone to speak for you and fight for you in court, helping you to secure the highest amount of compensation possible.

Damages You Can Claim For A Personal Injury Case

Some of the damages from a car accident are clear and obvious, such as physical injuries and vehicle damage. Others are less direct.

Common damages that can be claimed by injury victims of an auto accident include:

  • Medical bills: costs related to physical injuries resulting from the accident
  • Pain and suffering: costs related to mental and emotional injuries, such as trauma and grief
  • Loss of wages: loss of wages or benefits during recovery
  • Loss of earning capacity: loss of future wages or benefits as a result of being unable to continue working
  • Loss of consortium: loss of companionship and the benefits of a relationship
  • Wrongful death: loss of a loved one

 

What Injuries Can You List In Car Accident Cases?

There are numerous types of injuries you can list on car accident claims, ranging from minor injuries to catastrophic injuries and even wrongful death.

A successful settlement can cover any medical costs you incurred as a result of your accident, no matter how large or small.

Common injuries listed on car accident claims in Catalina Foothills include:

  • Broken bones
  • Limb loss
  • Burns
  • Lacerations
  • Facial injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries (paralysis)
  • Concussions and other head injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Brain injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Wrongful death

 

Why Do Car Accidents Happen?

There is no one single cause or situation that results in an auto accident, however, most accidents can be blamed on the negligence of one or more parties involved.

Someone who is negligent most likely did not intend to cause the accident, but their actions were found to be careless, thoughtless, or unreasonable given the situation that occurred.

Common causes of auto accidents in Catalina Foothills, AZ can include:

  • Bad weather that results in slippery roads or poor visibility
  • Aggressive driving, such as speeding or tailgating
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
  • Distracted driving, such as texting while driving
  • Vehicle manufacturing errors, such as faulty brakes or lights

 

What Factors Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim In Arizona?

Arizona has a number of laws which could affect your personal injury claim and the amount of your compensation.

At-Fault State

Arizona is an at-fault state, so motorists may file claims against the insurance company of the motorist who is found to be at fault for the accident.

In states which are considered no-fault for car insurance, motorists instead file claims with their own insurance companies in order to collect compensation for damages and costs.

Arizona Personal Injury Statute Of Limitations

A personal injury claim must always be filed on time and before the statute of limitations runs out.

In Arizona, a person has up to two years after the date of an accident to file a personal injury claim, according to the Arizona State Legislature, section 12-542.

Two years may seem like a lot of time, but it is not uncommon for insurance companies to drag out the process in order to avoid paying compensation to the injured party.

Arizona’s Comparative Negligence Principle

Arizona applies a comparative negligence principle when it comes to car accident claims, according to Arizona State Legislature section 12-2505.

This means that each motorist in an accident is assigned a percentage of fault for the accident, and the damages they can collect are based on these percentages.

Under the principle of comparative negligence, a person may file a claim for damages even if they are found to be up to 99% at fault for the accident.

 

Motor Vehicle Accident Rates In Catalina Foothills, Arizona

Catalina Foothills is located in Pima County, which, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation, has the second-highest number of car crashes across Arizona in a typical year. 

Car accident rates in 2021 for Catalina Foothills, AZ include:

Total automobile crashes

10,782

Total injuries from car crashes

5,432

Total fatalities from car crashes

161

 

Find The Best Car Accident Attorneys Serving Catalina Foothills, AZ

By hiring a quality car accident lawyer in Catalina Foothills, AZ, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.

The right lawyer can make all the difference when it comes to securing the highest amount of compensation possible for your damages. They can also fight confidently on your behalf in court in the event that you have to file a lawsuit.

To learn more about your legal options following a car accident or to request a free consultation or case evaluation, contact LegalFinders today.

WE’RE OPEN NOW

Our staff are standing by to help you find the perfect attorney for your case.

Image of the lawyer

Published: 20 December 2022

ARTICLE SOURCES

Arizona Department of Transportation — Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts 2021

Arizona State Legislature — Section 12-545

Arizona State Legislature — Section 12-2505

ON THIS PAGE