Have you ever been injured due to someone else’s negligence? If so, you know how
frustrating and overwhelming it can be to deal with medical bills, insurance companies,
and legal proceedings. That’s where a personal injury lawyer can remove stress and be
your advocate. In Phoenix, AZ, there are many attorneys who specialize in helping
clients navigate the legal system and recover compensation for their injuries but, if
you’ve never hired a lawyer before; you may not know what to expect. In this article,
we’ll break down the legal process of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix AZ,
step-by-step, so you can feel confident and informed throughout your case. From the
initial consultation to the settlement negotiation, we’ll cover everything you need to know
to make the best decisions for your situation. So, whether you’ve been in a car accident,
slip and fall, been bitten by a dog or other pet, or any other type of personal injury case,
read on to learn how a skilled lawyer can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
When to hire a personal injury lawyer
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering if you need to hire a personal injury lawyer. In Arizona, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases are two years from the date of the injury. However, there are instances where the statute is modified and made shorter. Some cases require a lawsuit to be filed or the case settled within one year, and other instances where an additional notice of claim must be filed within 180 days or the claim is forever barred. Early representation is the key to making sure your rights are protected. If you’ve been in a car accident, slip and fall, or any other type of personal injury case, you should hire a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the better chance you have of preserving evidence, building a strong case and getting the compensation you deserve. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies and represent you in court if necessary.
The legal process for personal injury cases
The legal process for personal injury cases can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been through it before. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect when you hire a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix, AZ.
Step 1: Finding the right personal injury lawyer in Phoenix AZ
The first step in the legal process is finding the right personal injury lawyer to represent you. There are many attorneys in the Phoenix metro who specialize in personal injury cases, so it’s important to do your research and find a lawyer licensed to practice law in Arizona, which is located in Arizona, and who has experience and a track record of success in cases similar to yours. Ideally, you should think about what characteristics you feel are important. Some examples are: are they local only or a national firm, how long have they been doing business in Arizona, what is their staff turn-over rate (so you don’t have to re-educate people every time you call, are their online reviews personal, reasonable and reliable, etc. Next, ask for recommendations from friends and family, or by searching online for personal injury lawyers in your local area. Friends, family and co-workers are often the best resource for referrals as they’ve actually utilized the attorney they are sending you to consult. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential lawyers, develop a list of questions to ask the attorney about their experience, fees, and approach to your case. Also, gather all documentation you’ve received since the incident and from your personal records.
These should include: medical documentation (names and phone numbers of providers or their business cards, paperwork, etc.), police agency exchange slips, photographs, receipts for any special equipment on your vehicle or for damaged personal items, your health insurance card, your driver’s license, your auto insurance card, if applicable, etc.
Step 2: Initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer
Once you’ve found a lawyer or two you feel comfortable with, the next step is to schedule an initial consultation. During this meeting, the lawyer will ask you questions about your case and your injuries and will explain the legal process and your options for pursuing compensation.
It’s important to be honest and upfront with your lawyer during the initial consultation. The more information you can provide, the better chance your lawyer will have of building a strong case and getting you the compensation you deserve. Ask your questions and think about the responses. If you find one of the attorney’s to be a good fit, call them back and schedule to sign the contract and any other documents.
Step 3: Investigation and gathering evidence
After you have made your decision and hired your attorney, your legal team will begin investigating your case and gathering evidence to support your claim. This may include interviewing witnesses, obtaining police and other agency reports, locating photographs, reviewing medical records, and other documentation related to your claim.
It’s important to cooperate fully with your lawyer during the investigation process. Provide any information or documentation requested and be available to answer questions or provide additional information as needed. Keep your lawyer updated if you receive anything from an insurance company, a hospital or surgical center, a doctor’s office, or any other receipt, make sure to send them a copy. It’s better that the lawyer has something they don’t need than to need something they didn’t get.
Step 4: Getting treatment
Medical treatment is the most important phase of your personal injury claim. To an insurance company Medical Treatment = Proof of Injury. They only pay when injuries can be proven by medical treatment so be certain to keep your appointments, follow through with instructions by your providers, and only get treatment for conditions related to your injury claim. Don’t mix appointments for your injury claim with your medical maintenance. For example, if you have high blood pressure, don’t mix the appointment for a medication referral and evaluation for this condition with an appointment for your injury claim. Doing so may cause the insurance company to devalue this appointment even if it was just a quick statement that you need your prescription refilled.
Step 5: Negotiating a settlement or going to trial
Once your lawyer has gathered all the necessary evidence, a demand package is submitted to the insurance company so negotiations can begin. The goal of these negotiations is to reach a settlement that is fair where you are compensated for your injuries and other damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit which can mean arbitration and/or trial depending on the value of your case. In this case, your
lawyer will represent you in court and argue your case before the arbitrator, judge and/or jury.
Step 6: The role of insurance companies in personal injury cases
Insurance companies play a significant role in personal injury cases, as they are often responsible for paying out compensation to injured parties. However, insurance companies are also motivated to pay out as little as possible, which means they may try to deny your claim or offer you a low settlement. Compensation includes reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Loefgren Law we will work to negotiate with insurance companies and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. We will advocate for you by negotiating with medical providers and other parties to reduce your portion of medical expenses and related costs so you can receive the full compensation to which you are entitled.
Step 7: Understanding compensation in a personal injury case
Compensation in a personal injury case may include a variety of damages, including out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The amount of compensation you are entitled to will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. In Arizona, medical expenses are your responsibility. The way our law looks at them is that you received the medical care so you are responsible to pay for it. However, with that in mind, medical treatment and the cost for medical treatment are the basis for building your claim as they prove the injury damages. Many providers will wait for payment until your claim settles but it is best to process medical expenses through your health insurance whenever possible. Your personal injury lawyer will work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all of your damages. They may also help you negotiate with medical providers and other parties to reduce your medical expenses and other costs associated with your injuries.
Conclusion and final thoughts
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix, AZ can be a daunting task, but it’s an important step in getting the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries. By understanding the legal process and working with a skilled lawyer, you can navigate the complex system and ensure that your rights are protected. Remember to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after your injury and be honest and upfront with them throughout the process. With the right legal representation, you can recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.