Peoria Car Accident Lawyer

Peoria Car Accident Lawyer

Before you speak with insurance claims adjusters in the wake of an Arizona auto accident, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer Peoria, AZ residents trust at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC. You may not yet have all the facts about your accident and anything you say that could be interpreted as assuming the blame for your collision could be used as an excuse to deny you a fair settlement. Because of the difficulty in going through the claims process alone and the potential obstacles you may face, it would be beneficial that you hire a lawyer to assist you. In the event that another motorist involved in the accident was affected by any of the “Four Ds” or was otherwise negligent or reckless in their driving behavior, you may be entitled to sue them for damages related to the injuries and property damage you sustained in the crash. A skilled car accident lawyer will be able to help you with every stage of the process.

• Our Car Accident Lawyer Gets Results
• Peoria Car Accident Law Infographic
• If You’ve Been Injured by a Drunk, Drugged, Drowsy, or Distracted Driver
• What To Do After a Car Accident
• After the Crash: Car Accident Dos and Don’ts
• When a Car Insurance Company Does Not Act in Good Faith
• Pain and Suffering in a Car Accident Claim
• Different Types of Compensation in a Car Accident Case
• How To Prevent Car Accidents During the Winter
• How a Car Accident Lawyer Provides Support
• What To Ask a Possible Car Accident Lawyer
• Peoria Car Accident Law FAQs
• Call Saavedra Law Firm, PLC Today

Our Car Accident Lawyer Gets Results

Proof of liability is essential in order to get compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. Having focused on liability and personal injury law for many years, our team knows how to build a compelling claim. In many instances, it is necessary to provide proof of liability and documentation of a client’s damages.

Without both, it is very likely the claim will be denied, or in the best-case scenario, a paltry settlement will be offered by the insurance company. To avoid these scenarios, it’s often necessary to hire a skilled lawyer such as one from our law firm, to build and submit the claim, then follow it up with a tough negotiating stance. After conducting a thorough investigation of your accident, they will assemble the information and evidence to build a persuasive argument. Insurance companies are often difficult to negotiate with if you lack the legal experience or are not familiar with how to approach the situation. Having a lawyer fighting by your side will ensure that you have the highest chances of success.

Peoria Car Accident Law Infographic

If You’ve Been Injured by a Drunk, Drugged, Drowsy, or Distracted Driver

Many of the “everyday” car accidents that occur on American roads are caused (at least in part) by drivers who are affected by a behavior known as “The Four Ds.” These drivers are distracted, drowsy, drunk, and/or drugged as a result of either medication or illicit substances. It isn’t always easy to know whether other drivers who were involved in your accident were affected by any of the Four Ds at the time of your crash. That’s where we come in. With a seasoned car accident lawyer who has handled many different types of cases, you can gain a better understanding of how your accident occurred with our help. We will examine all the factors at play so we can prepare your case using the most appropriate legal strategies. We will work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome so you can move on from this incident and accelerate your recovery. 

A car accident lawyer in Peoria, Arizona has experience dealing with all kinds of auto accidents. From drunk driving cases to street racing, we can help you recover compensation and fight for your rights as a victim. Having helped many clients over the years, we know how difficult and overwhelming it can be to have to go through the complex legal process as a car accident victim. As an experienced legal team, we can build the strongest case for you.  We know how to obtain the evidence we need to determine what really happened and who was to blame for the harm that was caused by the collision in question. You don’t have to know “what happened” for sure to explore your legal options. We will take on the work to fill in the gaps and get to the bottom of your case. Our firm’s experienced team can help to uncover the truth and advise you of your legal options accordingly.

Legal Assistance Is Available

No two car accidents unfold in the exact same way. It’s important to remember that when it comes to auto accidents, things aren’t always as they seem. What may seem obvious on the surface may just be one part of a bigger explanation. Even if you believe that you may have been at fault for your accident, you may not truly know what factors led to injuries and property damage until you’ve spoken with the experienced Arizona legal team at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC.

Oftentimes, it comes to light that even if one driver was briefly distracted, the other driver involved in the accident was far more distracted, drowsy, drunk, high, enraged, or engaged in other conduct that contributed to the crash in question far more than the driver who was distracted for an instant.

What To Do After a Car Accident

When you get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, you probably put safety at the top of your priority list. Unfortunately, other drivers do not necessarily do the same thing. If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision, you will probably have a lot of thoughts and emotions going through your head. What should you do after a motor vehicle accident? Do not forget to reach out to a car accident lawyer in Peoria, AZ, such as a member of the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC, who can assist you. 

Call 911

Following a car accident, the first thing you need to do is call 911. Even if you feel like your car didn’t suffer any damage at all, you cannot see underneath the surface. You always need to get a police report describing what happened in the accident. If people have suffered serious injuries, you also need to ask for emergency medical personnel to respond to the scene. The top priority should be making sure everyone is safe. Then, be honest with the police officer about what happened. Ask for a copy of the police report when he or she is done, as you might need this to support your version of the events.

See a Doctor

Next, you need to see a doctor. Even if you feel fine, you probably have a lot of adrenaline going through your system. It can cover up some serious injuries. Make sure the doctor is thorough with his or her exam the doctor may also order an X-ray or an MRI to take a closer look at what might have happened. Ask for a copy of your medical records when the visit is done. You might need this if you want to pursue compensation for your injuries. Your medical bills could be expensive even if you have health coverage.

Call a Lawyer

After you have sought appropriate medical care, you need to reach out to a personal injury lawyer who can assist you. Property damage can be expensive, and your medical injuries may cost even more money. That is where a car accident lawyer in Peoria, AZ, such as a lawyer from the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC, can assist you. Even though it can be stressful to be involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is not something you need to face on your own. An attorney can guide the way.

After the Crash: Car Accident Dos and Don’ts

It happened. Despite your best efforts, you’ve been in a car accident. Now you’re left to deal with the aftermath and wonder if you should call a car accident lawyer in Peoria, AZ. After handling immediate needs at the scene of the accident, you may become overwhelmed and overlook important next steps that protect your interests. Here’s a helpful guide to dos and don’ts after a car accident. 

Do Call a Car Accident Lawyer

Navigating the insurance claims process and seeking a fair settlement on your own can be daunting. If missteps are made, your financial security could be at stake. Having a trusted car accident lawyer in Peoria, AZ, on your side, such as the team at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC, can make all the difference. Arizona has laws to protect accident victims, and hiring a skilled attorney gives you a chance to receive full compensation.

Don’t Admit Fault

Even if you feel you may be to blame, avoid admissions of fault. You may not understand all the factors that contributed to the accident, and misinformed statements can limit your access to the compensation you deserve. An experienced car accident lawyer in Peoria, AZ, can help you determine what really happened.

Don’t Skip a Medical Checkup

Many car accident victims who are fortunate enough to walk away afterward initially feel fine. Shock can sometimes mask symptoms, causing many injuries to be slow to manifest. Even if you’re not sure you were hurt, see a doctor promptly for a thorough post-accident checkup. These medical records also provide important evidence to help you obtain compensation. 

Don’t Engage With Insurance Adjusters

You may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company soon after the accident. Wait to return these calls and let your attorney handle insurance adjusters on your behalf. This can help you avoid hurting your chances of receiving full compensation for the accident. 

Don’t Make Assumptions About the Merits of Your Case

A car accident can happen in an instant. Don’t assume you completely understand what caused the incident or what compensation you may deserve. Trust an experienced attorney to assess what happened, advise you of your options and advocate on your behalf. 

The aftermath of a car accident is stressful and overwhelming. You may have lingering questions about how to proceed. Here’s one more don’t: Don’t wait to contact an attorney. Let a skilled car accident lawyer in Peoria, AZ, like the team at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC, help you relieve stress and uncertainty, secure a favorable outcome and move forward with your life.

When a Car Insurance Company Does Not Act in Good Faith

Rarely does a serious injury not result in costly medical bills following treatment. Whether the individual has their own insurance or is relying on the insurance company of another (such as the at-fault driver following a car accident), they have a reasonable expectation that their medical bills will be paid in full and on time.

By law, an insurance company must “act in good faith” in fulfilling its obligation to pay out on legitimate claims. If they do not, they can be held liable and taken to court. The claimant has the right to hire a lawyer to hold the insurance company responsible. Unpaid medical claims can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars, and claims of nearly one million dollars are not that unusual.

Unfortunately, when someone is suffering from a terrible injury, they may be hospitalized or bedridden at home. Their energy level and ability to focus on complicated issues may be severely impacted. Filing court papers or negotiating with the insurance company may be out of the question. This is when turning the matter over to an experienced lawyer can make all the difference.

Otherwise, the insurance company is more than likely going to take a hardline position and not be fair in its dealings with the claimant. The company may fail to act reasonably when processing the claim, investigating it, or paying it out. Meanwhile, the individual is left holding the medical bills and hoping their treatment is not halted for non-payment.

Understanding the Laws Regarding Acting in Bad Faith

The laws that focus on acts of bad faith on the part of insurance companies vary somewhat from state to state. Some are stricter than others. The claim may have to be based on torts law, or it may be considered a civil matter. With the help of a legal professional, you can establish how your state’s laws apply to the actions and/or inaction of the insurance company. You may have a valid case if any of the following are true:

• The insurance company misrepresented relevant facts regarding their coverage or with regard to the provisions in their policy.
• The insurance company failed to acknowledge an injury claim and subsequently failed to act within a reasonable time period after receiving a said claim.
• The insurance company did not consider industry-standard investigation methods after receiving the injury claim.
• The insurance company did not process the injury claim or else did not approve or deny the claim after receiving the claimant’s proof of loss within a reasonable time period after receiving it.
• The insurance company failed to offer the claimant a reasonable explanation for why they denied the injury claim.

Fighting an Insurance Company that Acts in Bad Faith

While it may be tempting to walk away from an injury claim that has been rejected or ignored by the insurance company, in many cases, this is not practical or possible. When an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement to a claimant who sustained a serious and costly injury, it may be time to call a lawyer.

Pain and Suffering in a Car Accident Claim

One of the unfortunate things that go along with many car accident injuries is the amount of pain a victim must deal with. A car accident lawyer in Peoria, AZ  understands that even a minor injury that will heal quickly can still cause victims days of discomfort. When an injury is more serious, the pain can be long-term and in some cases even turn into chronic or permanent pain.

In Arizona, victims of car accidents are able to pursue damages for the losses their injuries have caused by the at-fault driver. These losses include medical expenses for treatment of their injuries and loss of income and benefits if they are unable to work while they recover. Accident victims are also allowed to collect for non-economic damages, as well. These are losses the victim sustains that do not have an actual dollar value, such as a doctor’s bill or a month’s salary. One of the most common of these non-economic losses is pain and suffering.

Pain and suffering is defined as any negative effect that the victim’s injuries have that impacts their quality of life. Some of the common types of pain and suffering damages a Peoria, AZ car accident lawyer can help you obtain include the following:

• Physical pain: While the cost of medications and other pain management expenses are included under medical expenses, a victim can also receive compensation for the actual physical pain they endure from their injuries.
• Emotional anguish: Many car accident victims suffer emotional trauma from the experience of being involved in an accident. If they have suffered serious injuries, they may also suffer emotional issues over the impact the injuries and pain are having on their lives, such as anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and more.
• Impact on daily life: Serious injuries can make it difficult to impossible for a victim to perform even the simplest of daily tasks, such as caring for their children, taking care of their home, or even their own personal hygiene.
• Loss of enjoyment: If a victim’s injuries have left them unable to participate in any of the activities they enjoyed prior to the accident, they can be compensated for that loss in a car accident claim.
• Loss of consortium: Serious to severe car accident injuries can also have a significant impact on a victim’s relationships with their loved ones and affect the quality of those relationships.

Different Types of Compensation in a Car Accident Case

There are many different things you may want to file for in regard to compensation in a car accident case. The most obvious include anything related to your medical bills. It will be easy for your lawyer to calculate what you have already paid and how much the injuries sustained have cost you so far. It will be more difficult to come up with a projected number on how much you may owe in the future. A good way to come up with a reasonable amount will be by speaking to expert witnesses about this. A doctor who has treated others for injuries similar to your own would be a great person to speak with to determine what he or she thinks your future medical care will look like. Then, your lawyer can project an amount that you may expect to pay in future damages. 

Another thing you may want to consider is pain management. If you have extensive injuries that cause you pain, you need to be compensated enough to treat this. Living in constant pain is exhausting and draining on both the person who is in pain and their family. It is important to be able to manage it as best as possible. This could include physical therapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic care. It may also include medications or a specific diet. You should not have to pay for all of this on your own. Since the accident was not your fault, the at fault party should be the one to pay to get your life as close to normal as possible. 

Finally, you need to file for all of the property damage incurred in the accident. This will obviously cover your vehicle, but may also cover personal belongings that were damaged or destroyed. These should be fairly easy to calculate, as there are very specific amounts that are assigned to personal property to replace the items. You need to look at everything of value that was inside your vehicle carefully so that you get the right amount of compensation for everything. You deserve to have your life as close to normal as possible after the accident. It was not your fault that someone else was being careless. The at-fault party needs to pay to make things right again. 

How To Prevent Car Accidents During the Winter

As the temperature continues to get colder outside, it is important for everyone to be safe on the roads. It gets dark earlier, there could be winter weather in the area, and you may have a difficult time navigating the roads. You need to do everything you can to prevent a car accident this winter. If you are involved in a car accident, you should rely on a car accident lawyer in Peoria, AZ for help, such as a lawyer from the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC. 

Make Sure Your Tires Are Safe

First, you need to make sure your tires are safe. If there is precipitation on the road, you need to have tires that can increase the attraction between your car and the pavement. You may want to go to a local tire shop to make sure your tires are still safe for use during the winter. You might even want to get a new set of tires that have been specifically designed for winter weather. 

Try To Avoid Driving at Night

Next, you should try to avoid driving at night. The sun sets earlier during the winter, so it may be dark when you are driving home from work. You may have a difficult time seeing hazards and obstacles in the road, so you need to make sure you use your headlights. If you are still having a difficult time seeing the road, you might want to invest in some nighttime glasses. If you are involved in a car accident, reach out to a car accident lawyer in Peoria, AZ. 

Slow Down and Increase Your Follow Distance

Lastly, you should slow down when you drive during the winter. It may take you longer to come to a complete stop, particularly if there is ice on the road, so you should increase the distance you leave between yourself and the car in front of you. This can go a long way toward helping you prevent a car accident this winter.

A car accident lawyer in Peoria, AZ from Saavedra Law Firm, PLC can be a vital source of information and support. The information they provide can oftentimes help clients with whatever car accident-related issue they are facing. Their support and guidance are also something that can be exemplary and overly beneficial. This support and guidance can provide a client with much-needed information about their car accident case and how to proceed forward with it. Car accident cases may be worth quite a bit of money. This is a culmination of the property damages and potential injuries that a victim received from the crash and a set amount that can be compensated to them for those injuries and damages. If you would like to learn more about car accidents then reach out today for help.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Provides Support

What separates a car accident lawyer from other lawyers is their knowledge of car accidents. This encompasses a few different things. Personal injuries, property damage, dealing with insurance companies, and negotiating with other lawyers are all things that should be a part of their skill set. Their experience with different cases is something they can also use to their advantage. That experience generally means they have worked on a multitude of different cases that have had many different issues arise. Those issues and nuances that arise in cases are also something they know how to navigate through. For those who have never been through the car accident insurance or legal process before it can be rather difficult to overcome. That is why many people turn to the services of legal counsel to get through it. Many times it can be the difference between receiving an unfair offer and a generous one.

What To Ask a Possible Car Accident Lawyer

Finding the right questions to ask a car accident lawyer in Peoria, Arizona doesn’t have to be difficult. Ask them questions to better gauge their personality and personal experiences as a person and as a lawyer. That way you can see if they are trustworthy and are willing to help with your possible case. Ask them other questions too that relate directly to your case and circumstance. Some of these questions could involve:

• What compensation is available in a case?
• What are the difficulties of a car accident case?
• How many different things may be compensated?
• How is pain and suffering calculated financially?
• What were the lawyer’s past experiences with these types of cases and how difficult are they to finish?
• And other similar questions.

If you, a loved one, a friend or someone you know has been in a car accident recently then there is no need to panic. Utilizing legal counsel can make these cases much easier and help to smooth the case over. If you are in need of some assistance legally or with dealing with the different insurance companies that may be involved with a case then consider reaching out to a car accident lawyer Peoria, AZ from our firm, Saavedra Law Firm, PLC.

Peoria Car Accident Law FAQs

What is considered compelling proof of liability?

As a car accident lawyer from our law firm knows very well, the more evidence the better when it comes to building a strong claim. It is crucial that you have strong evidence, such as photos, documents, medical reports, and eyewitness statements to present a compelling case. Should the claim be denied and the client decides to escalate the matter to a lawsuit, the same evidence may be used in court. Therefore, it’s important to get it right the first time and put in the necessary due diligence. A lawyer can do this on your behalf so that you can focus on recovering from your injury. 

Here are two types of evidence that can help establish proof of liability:

1. The accident report from the responding law enforcement officer. The officer will take into account all available evidence at the accident scene. They will interview the drivers involved (if possible, at the scene, or else later if they were taken to the hospital), witnesses, and anyone else who may have relevant information to offer. They will put the pieces of evidence together to create an accurate and detailed police report that describes how the accident occurred and which parties were involved.
   
   With a copy of the police report, your lawyer can gain critical insight into what happened. They will be able to understand the chain of events that led to the accident. The witnesses can also be interviewed by your lawyer and their testimony included in your claim. If the claim is escalated to a lawsuit, your lawyer can subpoena their testimony and call them to the witness stand.
2. The damage to the vehicles involved can provide physical evidence. A car accident lawyer will review all relevant evidence. They will look at all the details of an accident, including debris, any CCTV footage available, and the extent of damage on the vehicle. It may reveal if it was a rear-end collision and which driver was the offender. Skid marks, damaged road signs, and other evidence may also be documented by your lawyer as appropriate. If your conditions enable you, after an accident, it is best to take photos of the evidence at the scene yourself. While you can have someone else take them for you, whenever you can you should take the photos because there may be details that other people miss. 

How Much Is Pain and Suffering Worth?

Unlike the economic damages in a car accident lawsuit that can be added up and totaled, pain and suffering damages are much harder to calculate. Your Peoria, AZ car accident lawyer will determine what you are entitled to based on the extent of your injuries and your future prognosis. To prove pain and suffering, a lawyer will often use testimony from the victim’s doctors, family, and friends.

How do I prove who was at fault for my car accident?

In the aftermath of a serious car accident that results in injuries, it’s not unusual for the person who caused it to deny that they’re responsible for paying the damages. The other party may even try to deflect blame and say that you were at fault. Even their insurance carrier may deny liability because they do not want to pay out a costly claim. And the more costly the damages, the more likely these scenarios are to occur. Don’t fall for this trap and accept blame at any point after a car accident, even if you do have a partial fault. Rely on a car accident lawyer to conduct an investigation and advocate on your behalf. They know exactly what strategies to use in order to combat challenging cases like this. Our team at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC focuses on cases of this nature, and they are all too common in Arizona.

However, the law is on the side of the victims and once proof of liability is made available to those concerned, the victims can expect to get the compensation they deserve. A car accident lawyer who has had a record of successfully recovering compensation for their clients can deliver the results you need. We can help you get the maximum settlement possible. Call us without delay to speak with a respected lawyer to learn more. 

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for Help

These are a few of the most important steps you need to take if you would like to prevent a car accident from taking place. If you have been involved in a car accident, you should seek the care of a medical professional as quickly as possible. Then, make sure you call a car accident lawyer in Peoria, AZ, such as an attorney from Saavedra Law Firm, PLC, who can review your case.

Call Saavedra Law Firm, PLC Today

Try not to make too many assumptions about the relative strengths and weaknesses of your case until you’ve spoken with our firm. Similarly, try not to admit any blame before we’re had a chance to assess the situation and wait to return calls from insurance claims adjusters until we can speak with them on your behalf. Assuming and admitting blame now can compromise your ability to obtain the maximum amount of compensation to which you’re entitled.

Our firm is here to help. Please connect with our team’s experienced Peoria, AZ car accident lawyer now by calling the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC today. You do not want to wait. You need to make sure you do not miss the statute of limitations for filing a case. If you do not file on time, your car accident case will be completely thrown out and you will not have a chance to gain compensation for all of your expenses.