FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions of Our Injury Attorney's

An arrow pointing downward
What should I do immediately after an accident to improve the outcome of my case?
Following an accident, there are several crucial steps you can take to help protect your rights and improve the outcome of your case:
  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health should always be your top priority. Even if you don't think you've been seriously injured, getting checked out by a healthcare professional is important to prove you've sustained injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. If you don't immediately seek medical attention, the insurance company could use a delay to argue that your injuries were not serious or unrelated to the accident.
  2. Contact the Police: It's important to report the accident to law enforcement, mainly if it involves a motor vehicle. The police will create a report that documents the facts of the accident, which can be very important when it comes time to prove what happened.
  3. Collect Evidence: If safe, photograph the scene of the accident, your injuries, and any property damage. This can help build your case. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information.
  4. Be Careful What You Say: Be cautious not to admit fault or make statements that could be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking to law enforcement and insurance companies.
  5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. However, be cautious about what you say, and don't agree to a settlement or sign any documents without speaking to an attorney.
  6. Keep a Record: Document any expenses related to the accident and track how your injuries have affected your daily life.
  7. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: This is one of the most important steps. An experienced personal injury attorney in Phoenix, Arizona, can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation, help protect your rights, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They can handle communications with insurance companies, collect evidence, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if necessary.
An arrow pointing downward
What if the person who injured me doesn’t have insurance?
If the person who caused your injury in Phoenix, Arizona, doesn't have insurance, you still have a few options for seeking compensation.
  1. Your Own Insurance: Depending on the specifics of your insurance policy, you may be able to make a claim through your own coverage. This is particularly true for auto accidents where you may have uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. UM/UIM insurance is specifically designed to cover your damages when the at-fault party doesn't have adequate insurance.
  2. Personal Assets: If the person who caused the injury has sufficient personal assets, it might be possible to sue them directly and recover damages from their assets. However, this process can be complicated and time-consuming, and there's no guarantee of successful recovery.
  3. Third-Party Liability: In some cases, a third party may bear some responsibility for your injuries. For instance, if you were injured by a drunk driver, a business that over served alcohol to that driver might be held partially responsible under Arizona’s dram shop laws. Or if the accident happened due to a defect in the vehicle, the car manufacturer might be held responsible.
  4. MedPay (Medical Payments Coverage): If you have this type of coverage in your own insurance policy, it can cover your medical bills up to the limits of the policy, regardless of who was at fault.
  5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. However, be cautious about what you say, and don't agree to a settlement or sign any documents without speaking to an attorney.
It's essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in these situations. At Wyatt Injury Law we can evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the best course of action for obtaining the compensation you deserve.
An arrow pointing downward
What are some of the pitfalls or common mistakes to avoid when filing a personal injury claim?
Here are some common pitfalls or mistakes that people often make when filing a personal injury claim:
  1. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention: Not only is this vital for your health, but it also provides a medical record of your injuries. A delay can be used against you by the insurance company to argue that your injuries weren't serious or weren't related to the accident.
  2. Not Preserving Evidence: Evidence, including photographs of the accident scene and your injuries, property damage, witness information, and any relevant documents, can significantly impact your case. Failure to gather and preserve this evidence can hurt your claim.
  3. Admitting Fault or Apologizing: Even if you think you might be at fault, it's best not to admit blame or apologize at the scene. Fault is determined based on all the evidence, and you may not be fully aware of all the factors involved.
  4. Giving a Recorded Statement to the Other Party's Insurer: Be cautious about speaking with the other party's insurance company, as they might try to get you to say something that could harm your claim. It's usually best to consult with an attorney before giving any statements.
  5. Not Following Medical Advice: Failing to follow your doctor's treatment plan can hurt your claim, as it can be interpreted as a sign that your injuries aren't serious.
  6. Settling Too Quickly: Insurance companies often offer a quick, low settlement hoping you'll accept it before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages. It's crucial not to rush into a settlement.
  7. Posting on Social Media: Posting about your accident, injuries, or activities can potentially hurt your claim. Insurance companies may monitor your online presence and use any information against you.
  8. Not Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney: Personal injury law can be complex, and an experienced attorney can help you navigate the system, avoid pitfalls, and represent your interests to achieve the best possible outcome.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of a successful personal injury claim.
Rising Stars Badge
Trial University Badge
Justia Badge
Avvo Badge
Have A Case In Arizona?
Copyright © 2024 Wyatt Injury Law. All Rights Reserved.