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Originally Posted On: https://www.davidklink.com/personal-injury/glendale-car-accident-attorney/

 

When you or a loved one is injured in a car accident in Phoenix, the last thing on your mind may be consulting with an attorney. However, it should be one of the first things you do. Before you hire just any car accident lawyer in Glendale, make sure you work with one that has the right experience with these types of accidents. They will understand the situation and help you get the compensation you deserve. With our law firm, you can expect compassionate, knowledgeable attorneys who will work hard for you, treating you like family.

It doesn’t matter how severe your injuries are or what type of vehicle accident you were in, you can count on us to work hard to get the results you’re looking for. We are confident our team will be able to provide the high level of service you require to get the compensation to which you are entitled. Our Glendale car accident attorney will work closely with you to take the stress off handling this type of case and ensure you get what you deserve.

Filing A Car Accident Claim In Arizona

Vehicle accidents can cause a lot of problems, not just physical injuries. Emotional and mental trauma can often be severe as well. If you have been injured in this type of case, you may need to take time off work to recover from your injuries. This means you may lose out on some of your regular pay. You will also have to deal with repairing any physical damage to your vehicle and paying for other expenses, such as a rental car and medical bills. When you are ready to file your car accident claim in Arizona, the following information is critical.

• There is a statute of limitations for filing cases regarding auto accidents. This varies depending on the type and severity of the accident. In most cases, this is two years from the date of the crash. However, if you are dealing with an underinsured or uninsured driver, you could have up to three years.
• Every case is different and various factors go into determining the value of the accident. When you work with an experienced Glendale car accident attorney, you will gain insight into what factors are used to determine the appropriate compensation so you know what to expect. For instance, your medical expenses directly related to the accident will play a key role in how much money you can expect to receive. This will vary depending on the severity of your injuries and how long they must be treated.
• Some of the other factors that can contribute to the monetary compensation you receive include any wages you lost due to being unable to work, loss of future earnings because of a long-term or permanent injury, property damage costs, and how much your future medical expenses are predicted to cost.

When it comes to auto accidents, there are few absolutes. In general, these are guidelines that are used to evaluate each individual case. This is why it’s so important to talk to a qualified car accident lawyer in Glendale, AZ before you proceed with your case. Contact Klink Law, PLLC as soon as possible after your accident to avoid making costly mistakes that could lead to a lower settlement.

 

Common Types of Car Accidents

The type of car accident you were involved in is a crucial detail for your personal injury claim. Various different kinds of car accidents occur in Arizona; however, there are a select few types of car accidents we frequently see and represent. Our experienced Glendale car accident attorney at Klink Law, PLLC has a proven track record of winning injury cases for clients injured in these types of accidents, as well as many others.

Head-on Collision

Head-on collisions are often the most serious type of car accident. Thankfully, this horrendous type of accident only represents a slim percentage of total auto accidents in Arizona. However, head-on collisions are the most dangerous type of accident and account for more fatalities than any other type of car accident, in large part due to the fierce velocity at which the vehicles collide with one another. The impact of a head-on collision is twice as powerful as a collision between a moving and stationary car.

Rear-End Accident

Roughly one-third of all rear-end accidents occur when one car follows another car too closely while not paying attention. These accidents are often caused by distracted driving like rubbernecking, talking with passengers, or texting while driving. Although rear-end accidents in Phoenix are the most common car accident, they can also be the most damaging. In some cases, rear-end accidents can cause serious injuries such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. Due to the sudden and unforeseen clash, many rear-end accident injuries can be significant and require extensive medical attention.

Side-Impact Collision (T-Bone)

Side-impact collisions are often referred to as “T-bone” accidents. These types of car accidents usually happen at intersections when one car runs a red light or does not yield the right of way to another vehicle. It’s common for those hit on the side of their vehicle to suffer severe injuries or even wrongful death.

Vehicle Rollover

There are commonly two types of rollover car accidents: tripped and untripped. The bulk of vehicle rollovers are tripped accidents that occur when a vehicle slides sideways, and collides with another object, causing it to flip. Conversely, untripped rollovers are more common in truck accidents. These accidents often involve top-heavy vehicles such as semi-trucks or other commercial vehicles. These accidents usually occur when the driver swerves to avoid a collision, and their top-heavy body combined with the vehicle’s momentum causes the driver to lose control and rollover.

Common Injuries From Phoenix Car Accidents

As you may know, the brute force that a car accident exerts can cause a combination of different injuries and create lasting effects for the victims involved. Although more intense auto accidents tend to be the source of more painful injuries, even low-impact collisions, like rear-end accidents, can significantly injure motorists. Being able to understand the different types of car accident injuries can help you and your Glendale car accident attorney when determining the damages and compensation you are entitled to. Some of the most common types of car accident injuries include the following:

• Whiplash
• Internal Injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Broken Bones
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Concussions
• Deep tissue injuries

 

Statute Of Limitations For Car Accidents In Arizona

For all personal injuries in Arizona, there is a time limit when it comes to filing a lawsuit, also known as the statute of limitations. Although most accident and injury claims can settle relatively quickly, there are a number of factors that could delay settlement negotiations and force you to file a complaint to avoid missing a deadline. For example, extensive medical treatment, delayed injuries, and unreasonable settlement offers by insurance adjusters are a few reasons that could create a late filing deadline. Missing your personal injury deadline can be devastating, so it’s always recommended to work with a qualified car accident attorney in Glendale, AZ to help you throughout the process.

According to ARS § 12-542, the Arizona statute of limitations for a car accident injury claim is two years after the accident occurred. In most cases, this two-year time window begins on the day of the accident. Therefore, if you were injured in a car accident on January 1, 2022, then the deadline to file your car accident injury claim would be January 1, 2024.

Exceptions To The Statute of Limitations For Car Accidents

Although the 2-year time frame is standard for most car accident cases in Arizona, there are a handful of exceptions that can alter the statute of limitations deadline. However, it’s important to understand that there are a lot of nuances to these exceptions and it’s highly recommended to not rely on one of these to extend your deadline. If you believe that your personal injury case may be eligible for a time extension, contact our Glendale car accident attorney today for a free case evaluation. Together we can discuss your case and determine the best path forward to help you obtain the best possible outcome.

Injuries To Children

Like most states, Arizona law protects the rights of children and minors who are injured in a car accident. According to ARS § 12-502, the two-year statute of limitations is paused until the minor reaches the age of 18. Essentially, a minor who was involved in a car accident has two years after their 18th birthday to file a personal injury claim. Therefore, if a child suffers injuries in an auto accident at age 14, the statute of limitations on their potential personal injury claim would not expire until they turn 20-years-old.

Claims Against The Government

A claim against the government or a municipality will also affect the statute of limitations in your personal injury case. According to ARS § 12-821, personal injury actions against public entities are required to be filed within one year of the accident. Not to mention, this statute also mandates that the plaintiff file a “Notice of Claim” on the public entity within 180 days after the date of loss. For example, if you suffered a broken leg from a car crash caused by a careless bus driver who was working for the City of Phoenix bus on January 1, 2022, you would have 180 days to notify the City of Phoenix of the facts of your claim and the specific dollar amount needed to settle the claim. If the City of Phoenix refuses to settle, you have until January 1, 2023, to file a personal injury lawsuit under the applicable statute of limitations.

Rule Of Discovery

The standard two-year statute of limitations for car accidents may be extended if the injury is delayed or not discovered directly after the collision. In these unique cases, the clock for the statute of limitations does not begin to tick until the victim discovers the injury, rather than when the injury originally occurred. Extensions for delayed injuries can be especially difficult to prove, so you will need a skilled and aggressive car accident lawyer in Glendale to help support your claim and prove that the extension is justified.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do After A Car Accident?

After a car accident in Phoenix, it’s critical that you first determine the extent of your injuries. If you or anyone else in the accident was injured, no matter how minimal, you should call 911 immediately and request medical and police assistance right away. Assessing your injuries directly after a motor vehicle accident can be challenging, especially when adrenaline is coursing through your body. This is why we recommend calling an ambulance any time you’re involved in a car accident, even if it does not first appear serious. Let the professionals determine the extent of your injuries. Once you have taken all safety precautions and have been medically evaluated, you should then do the following:

• Seek and accept medical treatment
• Report the crash
• Exchange information with the other driver(s)
• Stay safe at the scene
• Cooperate with law enforcement
• Document accident information
• Notify your insurance company
• Contact a Glendale auto accident attorney

What Type of Compensation Can Car Accident Victims Recover?

If a negligent driver or someone else caused your car accident in Phoenix, you may be eligible for financial compensation to cover the damages you have suffered. A settlement from a car accident may not erase the pain and suffering you had to go through, but it could allow you and your family to pay off related expenses and move on with financial peace of mind. Although circumstances will vary, car accident cases could result in the following types of compensation:

• Medical bills
• Disability costs
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional injuries
• Lost quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• Death benefits
• Punitive damages

How Much Does A Car Accident Attorney Cost?

Instead of an hourly fee charged by other law firms that take on different types of cases, Klink Law, PLLC works on a contingency fee basis. Essentially, this means you don’t pay us a dime unless we win and recover money for you through your case. Call us today for a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help.

Contact A Glendale Car Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in the Phoenix area, it’s vital to protect your legal rights as soon as possible. Important evidence that shows who was at fault may be lost if immediate action is not taken, as photographs can disappear and memories can fade over time. Additionally, statements made to the other driver or insurance companies can limit the recovery you might otherwise receive without proper guidance from a legal professional. If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident, contact our experienced Glendale car accident attorney at Klink Law, PLLC today for a free consultation and to discuss your case further.