Personal Injury Lawyer Maricopa County, AZ

Personal Injury Lawyer Maricopa County, AZ

If you have been injured at the hands of another person’s negligent or careless actions, it may be in your best interest to consult a personal injury lawyer Maricopa County, AZ residents trust. Although you can technically file a claim on your own, doing so could harm your case. Personal injury cases can be quite complex, and many people struggle with understanding the legal terms and laws. The legal elements involved in these cases are both complicated and nuanced. Having a professional handle your case for you has many advantages. For this reason, you should work with an attorney (whether you’re filing an insurance claim and/or a lawsuit) to ensure the best possible results.

Personal injuries are a difficult thing to deal with. It can take ample time to heal from them and can make life harder on a daily basis. While many people like to avoid confrontation and may become afraid of hiring a lawyer or other legal counsel there are times when it is necessary for many to strongly consider seeking them out. That is because when an injury can be traced to the fault of someone else from a negligent act, a lawsuit or case may be brought against them. While some people may not enjoy the thought of leaving someone with hefty bills to cover, it’s critical to think of yourself in these moments. Injuries can change someone’s life forever either financially or physically. When someone is left to pay the doctor’s bills and injury-related expenses for said injury it can put a major strain on a person or their family. This is why many people decide to turn to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Maricopa County, AZ at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC. If you would like to learn more about what these lawyers do then keep reading.

What a Personal Injury Lawyer Does

A personal injury lawyer is someone who knows the ins and outs of all things personal injury. Many of these types of lawyers have worked on numerous cases and have experience with a variety of different injuries for their clients. What separates them from normal people is their vast knowledge and skill with lawsuits and cases. They know how to negotiate with other legal teams, and insurance companies and many times can also build a strong case to present in court. Many people also find them useful because of the guidance and confidence they can bring to a case. Another thing a personal injury lawyer in Maricopa County, Arizona can do is ensure that all the proper documents are completed on time and sent to the correct entities. Statutes of limitations also exist in these cases so having a lawyer on your side can help to ensure all deadlines are met.

Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

Finding the right questions to ask a prospective lawyer who specializes in personal injury doesn’t have to be difficult. Ask them questions that will reveal who they are as a person so you can see if you feel connected and personable with them. If you feel comfortable with them then move forward by asking them questions regarding personal injury cases or other cases they may have worked on in the past. It’s important to learn from them about the successes, failures, and difficulties they endured throughout the cases they have been on to. This will give a more clear picture of how successful they are as a lawyer and whether they can be trusted to give the results you desire. Having the right lawyer could bring about some positive results. That is why many people turn to them as they are often the difference between receiving a small or unfair financial package for injuries and a fair or substantial one.

What You Should Know About Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Filing a personal injury lawsuit isn’t something you’ll want to experiment with. For some accident victims, a personal injury lawsuit seems fairly straightforward. However, there are many more factors or hurdles that can impact your case. If a sudden issue comes up and you don’t have a lawyer to turn to, you may struggle to come up with a strategy or solution that could put your case back on track. There’s also something called the statute of limitations you need to be aware of, and beyond that, it’s just better if you have the knowledge and the assistance to get the job done right. Because of the many variables and complexity involved in a personal injury case, it’s best to not take your chances by attempting to handle it yourself. 

If you were injured in an accident and plan to file a lawsuit, the following are some things you should know.

You Should Seek Medical Treatment First

After an accident, one of the first things that you should do is seek medical treatment. IT doesn’t matter if you feel fine or if you believe you have only sustained minor injuries. Don’t wait to seek medical treatment until after you have filed your lawsuit. You want your claim to include every injury you sustained, including the doctor’s forecast for future treatment. If you haven’t discovered the extent of your injuries, there’s a chance you won’t be properly compensated. For example, if there are hidden injuries that you may have missed because you didn’t see a doctor to evaluate you, you may not be able to recover compensation for those specific injuries. When you do know as much as possible, it’s easier to get an expert opinion as a testimony on your behalf. A medical report is one of the most compelling pieces of evidence you can have in a personal injury case. Seeking medical treatment first is also a great way to ensure you are physically able to handle everything that comes with filing a lawsuit. This is also important to do right away to prevent insurance companies from questioning your claim.

You May Want to Pursue Insurance Money

After being injured, you don’t need to skip right to a lawsuit. Try to work something out with the insurance company of the at-fault party. They may be open to giving you a fair offer. However, it is best to have a lawyer at your side when you begin negotiations.It can be difficult to determine if a settlement offer is fair without a lawyer to examine it. In some cases, your lawyer can help you see why taking the insurance offer is a better solution than filing a lawsuit. In other cases, your lawyer can help you understand that you deserve more than the insurance company is willing to part with. In that case, you’d most likely decide to file a lawsuit.

Your Complaint Should Include As Many Details As Possible

To initiate your lawsuit, you’ll file a complaint for damages. Your lawyer can help you create this document, and it should include as many details as possible. This is why medical treatment is your first step. You’ll take all your medical bills, as well as prescribed future treatment documents from your doctor, and total the amounts to come up with the final amount you’re seeking. You’ll also need to include details such as lost income, pain and suffering, property loss, and a variety of other details that require compensation. The damages you list need to be as accurate as possible so that you recover the right compensation amount you need to cover all of your expenses. Don’t forget to include damages like future medical expenses tied to treatment. After the complaint is complete, you’ll take it to the court clerk, pay a fee and it will be officially filed.

Your Case May or May Not Go to Trial

Not every case goes to trial. Your lawyer and the judge will work hard to help you settle the personal injury case outside of court, but if that doesn’t happen, you may end up in court. Because there is the possibility of your case going to trial, you should prepare your case as if it will be. That way you have everything ready to go in the event that your case does go to trial. The last thing you want to do is to not have the right preparations or strategies because you made the wrong assumption. Whatever the outcome, your lawyer will be able to help you. Whether in front of a judge or jury, your lawyer will present your case, after which a decision will be made.

Why Schedule a Consultation with Our Firm?

When you first meet with the experienced Arizona legal team at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC, it will likely be in an initial consultation setting. There are times wherein our team is called to an accident scene or a hospital to meet with a client in the immediate aftermath of an accident. However, most prospective clients first develop a strong sense of our firm during the initial consultation process. To have the best chance of obtaining optimal results for your case, hiring a lawyer is highly recommended.

This free meeting won’t cost you anything and it won’t obligate you to work with our firm moving forward. Nor will it obligate you to file any kind of legal action in the wake of your accident. This risk-free, no-cost, no-obligation meeting will simply allow us to understand what has happened to you and will allow you to receive a free case assessment. You can explain your situation, and listen to the lawyer about their background and the services that they offer. During this meeting, you’ll be able to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have about your circumstances and the legal processes ahead.

Once our firm’s Maricopa County, Arizona personal injury lawyer has assessed your situation, our team will be able to advise you of the legal options available to you at this time. We will not pressure you to make any specific decision. We will simply ensure that you understand your options so that you can make whatever informed decision is best for you and your family. After learning more about the legal services you can use, you can decide whether you would like to work with a lawyer and they will advise you on your next steps.

Should you decide that you’d like to work with our firm to better ensure a fair insurance settlement and/or to file a personal injury lawsuit, we will treat your case with the attention, consideration, and dedication that it deserves. Our clients are our top priority and we will work tirelessly to do a thorough investigation and prepare the strongest possible case. 

Preparing for Your Consultation

There are a few things you can do to make your consultation an even more valuable use of your time and energy than it might otherwise be. First, make a list of questions you have and concerns you’d like to address. Whether they are related to your legal options or developing an attorney-client relationship, we’d like to make sure that you have as much information as you need to make decisions that are in your family’s interests.

Second, gather any documentation, photos, and files related to your case that will help our firm to get a clear picture of what you’re dealing with. The earlier we have these documents, the faster we can contextualize your case. If a police report has been filed, please bring a copy. If you have copies of hospital discharge instructions, workplace accident reports, complaints filed with government agencies, etc. please bring copies to your consultation so that we can look them over. Even if you don’t hire our firm to work with you moving forward, we will keep what we learn in the consultation setting confidential.

Finally, record or write down your memories of the “before, during, and aftermath” of your accident. Your memory will – through no fault of your own – fade over time. The sooner you write down your account of what happened, the more accurate your statement will be. It will be difficult to get clearer details as the days go by. Our firm will benefit from a complete accounting of your accident as your lawyer begins building your case.

Demonstrating Negligence Is a Key

To file a claim for damages, you must be able to demonstrate negligence, recklessness, or intentional behavior on the part of the party or parties that harmed you. In addition to this, there is a well-established legal process for recovering compensation, and this begins well before a case goes to court. Only by strictly following this process will you be able to maximize the chances of recovering maximum damages.

That said, a knowledgeable lawyer can be consulted to understand this process. If you have a case, our lawyers can walk you through each step of the case so you know what to expect. 

Beginning a Personal Injury Claim

As soon as a person has been injured by negligence, recklessness, or intentional action, they can initiate a claim. In fact, acting quickly is a good idea as evidence can disappear or fade over time. In other words, the sooner you get started, the better. Please do not wait until just before the statute of limitations runs out. 

Once you retain a lawyer, we will identify the alleged defendant. This person, company, or other legal entity could be the:

• The driver of another car
• A property owner 
• A hospital
• A medical doctor 
• A manufacturer
• + More

In most cases, the co-defendant will be an insurance company. For example, if you were injured in a car accident, the insurance company of the driver may act as the co-defendant. Usually, a claim is started by sending the insurance company a letter that states an accident has occurred, and they should accept liability. They will have so many days to respond and can choose to accept or deny what happened. This step can be relatively difficult which is another reason to have a qualified lawyer on your side.

What Training Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Go Through?

If you have been involved in a serious accident, the first thing you need to do is seek the care of a medical professional. Then, after you are confident in your recovery plan, you should reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Maricopa County, AZ, such as a member of the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC, who can review your case. A personal injury lawyer has a tremendous amount of experience that he or she can use to help you seek compensation for your injuries. What type of training does a personal injury lawyer have?

Three Years of Law School

The overwhelming majority of lawyers go to college, graduate with a bachelor’s degree, and take the LSAT before they are accepted into law school. Then, a lawyer goes through three years of law school to graduate with his or her law degree. Law school is a tremendous challenge that is not unlike drinking water from a fire hose. Lawyers learn the basics of the law, how to represent a client, and how to advocate for his or her best interests. This is one of the most important reasons why you should reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Maricopa County, AZ. 

Pass the Bar

After graduating from law school, a lawyer is not yet ready to practice law. Before a lawyer is allowed to set foot in a courtroom, he or she has to pass the bar. The bar is a standardized test that varies from state to state. It is a challenging exam that includes essays and multiple-choice questions that can give a lawyer an opportunity to demonstrate that he or she is ready to represent a client. Make sure the personal injury lawyer you hire has passed the bar. That way, he or she can represent you. 

A Wealth of Experience

Finally, you should hire a personal injury lawyer because he or she has a wealth of experience helping individuals who have been involved in serious accidents seek compensation that can replace lost income, cover their medical expenses, and pay for the cost of property damage. That is why you should work with a personal injury lawyer in Maricopa County, AZ, such as an attorney from the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC if you have been involved in a serious accident. This is not a situation you have to go through on your own. A lawyer can help you.

Common Examples of Personal Injury Cases

There are many different things that can fall under personal injury law. The main thing that needs to be in a personal injury case is some sort of negligence. If negligence occurred, you may be able to file to receive compensation from the at-fault party. Some of the most common examples of personal injury cases include:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Slip and falls 
• Construction site accidents
• Product defect injuries
• Medical malpractice

Even wrongful death cases fall under “personal injury law.” An experienced lawyer will be able to evaluate your case to see if it looks like what happened to you could be the fault of someone else. You will need some kind of evidence or explanation about how what happened could have been prevented if someone else had been more careful.

Compensation for Personal Injury Accidents

There are many different damages that can be filed in a personal injury case. After all, it is important that the accident victim is fairly compensated for anything that changed after the accident. The compensation given by the at-fault party is supposed to make the victim’s life as close to normal as possible. Some different damages that the victim may seek in order to do this include: 

• Compensation for all medical bills incurred because of the accident. This includes surgeries — both reconstructive for aesthetics or other surgeries for functionality — medication costs, doctor bills and costs for hospital stays, and any rehabilitation treatments such as chiropractic care or physical therapy. 
• Compensation for any damaged property in the accident. This often includes repairs or a replacement car in a vehicle accident, or damaged electronics from another type of injury. 
• Compensation for loss of consortium or pain and suffering. This is typically only something that lawyers seek if they think the judge who is presiding over your case may be likely to grant it. Damages like this can be difficult to calculate and hard to prove, so many judges do not like to award these damages. It will be important for your lawyer to figure out whether or not “emotional pain” is worth pursuing in your case. 
• Compensation for lost wages due to missed work. Your lawyer may also help you file a workers’ compensation case if you were injured on the job. It all depends on what you were doing, where you were injured, and what kind of negligence occurred. You also deserve to be compensated for any future lost wages, as you did not want to be injured in an accident that made it difficult — if not impossible — to return to work. 

Your lawyer can ultimately help you figure out the best way of moving forward and what to ask for in a case. Do not hesitate to reach out and set up a free consultation today. 

The Do’s and Don’ts of A Personal Injury Case

Following a personal injury, you may find yourself feeling confused and angry. You know that someone should be held accountable, but how do you go about making that happen? The legal team at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC can help you team up with a personal injury lawyer in Maricopa County, AZ to navigate this situation. Here are outlined some of the dos and don’ts of a personal injury case.

Do Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer

A personal injury lawyer is a highly trained professional who can help you evaluate the details of your injury to better understand if someone should be held accountable for what happened to you. There are often many layers and many details to a personal injury and you might feel overwhelmed trying to sift through all of this information by yourself. 

Many people simply give up because they do not feel qualified to navigate this information. A personal injury lawyer in Maricopa County, AZ can help you with this so that you can better understand your situation. 

Do Keep Track of Medical Records

Your medical records will be a key part of your personal injury case. It is imperative that you keep detailed medical records. You will want to stay in contact with your doctor or any medical professionals who have treated you following your accident or injury. It will be your responsibility to obtain and maintain medical records. This will be the only real evidence of your injuries. 

Do Prioritize Your Health

Even though you may feel very distracted by the possibility of a lawsuit, it is very important that you prioritize your health. Following your injury, you will need to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure that you recover properly from your injuries. 

You should also prioritize your mental health as well. A personal injury can be traumatizing and you will need to give yourself time to process this. Pursuing legal action against the responsible parties can also be stressful. Protecting your mental health will be of the utmost importance at this time. If you feel that you are struggling in this area, you may want to connect with a therapist or counselor to help. 

Don’t Discuss Your Case With The Responsible Party

If you are approached by the responsible party to discuss your case, you should contact a personal injury lawyer in Maricopa County, AZ immediately. The responsible party or their insurance company will rarely offer a fair and equitable settlement out of court. 

The legal team at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC can help you with your personal injury case in Arizona. 

Maricopa County Personal Injury Law Infographic

How Do Head Injuries Happen?

If you are involved in an accident, there are a number of serious injuries you might sustain. One of the most serious injuries is a head injury. A traumatic brain injury can lead to permanent complications that can make it difficult for someone to return to work or school. Therefore, if you have suffered a head injury, make sure you rely on a personal injury lawyer in Maricopa County, AZ, such as a lawyer from the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC. How do head injuries happen? 

Car Accidents

Many people suffered head injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Some of the most common situations where you might suffer a head injury in a car accident include striking your head on the dashboard, hitting your head on the steering wheel, or smashing the side of your head into the window. One of the most common head injuries that people suffer in a car accident is a concussion. 

Workplace Accidents

There is also a chance that you may suffer a serious head injury in the workplace. For example, you may fall down the stairs, hitting your head on the wall. Or, if you work in a construction zone, you may be struck by an object that was dropped from above. In some situations, you might even suffer a serious skull fracture. That is why you should reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Maricopa County, AZ if you have suffered a head injury at work. 

Slip and Fall Accidents

Unfortunately, there are some people who suffer serious head injuries in slip and fall accidents. For example, there might be a wet spot on the floor, causing you to slip and fall. As you fall backward, you may strike your head on the ground, leading to a cerebral contusion. You need to visit a doctor as quickly as possible. Then, make sure to call a lawyer who can review the circumstances of your accident. 

Trust a Personal Injury Lawyer Who Can Represent You

In the end, these are just a few of the many ways that a head injury might take place. If you have suffered a brain injury, you need to seek the care of a medical professional as quickly as possible. Then, make sure you contact a personal injury lawyer in Maricopa County, AZ, such as an attorney from the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC. You need to make sure that your rights are defended. 

If you have been injured in an accident in Arizona, you may be wondering if you are able to file a personal injury claim for compensation for those injuries. Under state law, if your injuries were caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party, then you may be entitled to file for damages. A seasoned personal injury lawyer in Maricopa County, AZ can explain all your options and help you decide which legal option may be the best one for your situation.

When do accidents in Arizona become personal injury claims?

There are several different types of accidents for which a victim may file a personal injury claim. These include motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and premises liability accidents.

In order to file a personal injury lawsuit against someone, you have to prove they were at fault. This is referred to as liability. A person is liable for an accident if they were negligent or careless. Your Maricopa County, AZ personal injury lawyer will gather evidence and investigate the accident to prove liability.

What does a victim need to prove in order to be successful in their claim or lawsuit?

In an accident claim, an insurance company will examine the following questions regarding the duty of care the person who is accused of being at fault had and what effect it had on causing the accident. Should the victim and the insurance company not come to a settlement agreement and the case goes to trial, then the jury would be the ones examining these questions when deciding if the victim is entitled to damages:

•     Did that person owe a duty of care to the victim?
•     Did that person break the duty of care agreement?
•     Did that person display unreasonable conduct which resulted in the injury?

Once liability has been established, the second part of a personal injury claim is establishing whether the victim has actually suffered injuries. This is usually done by presenting medical records, physicians’ statements, and medical bill receipts to show the extent and expense of the victim’s injuries. If the injuries have left long-term or permanent damage, the victim’s lawyer may also obtain statements from vocational experts to show the full impact the injury or injuries has had on the victim’s daily life.

What are the damages that a victim can pursue in a personal injury lawsuit?

Any loss the victim’s injuries have caused them to suffer can be included in the lawsuit. Some of the most common include:

•     All medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, medications, and medical devices.
•     Loss of income if the victim was unable to work while they recovered. This can also include loss of future income if the victim is left with permanent injuries.
•     Pain and suffering
•     Emotional anguish
•     Scarring
•     Disfigurement
•     Loss of life enjoyment

If you have been injured in an accident, you should contact Saavedra Law Firm, PLC to meet with a skilled Maricopa County, AZ personal injury lawyer to determine if you can pursue damages against the responsible party or parties. Your attorney can also explain to you what the statute of limitations is under the law for your particular type of accident claim.

Call a Leading Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer

The days that follow any accident can be overwhelming, upsetting, and painful. When an injury is severe, there is a high chance of needing extensive medical care. You might be unable to work, despite thousands of medical bills and related expenses piling up. Regardless of what you might have been told about your case, you should take time to explore your legal options. As you take the next steps, keep in mind that you should avoid speaking with the other side until you have gotten legal advice. 

Even though liability may be clear, the insurance company or defendant will likely fight tooth and nail to protect themselves. For this reason, you should hire a tenacious personal injury lawyer in Maricopa County, AZ to fight for your rights and interests. Call the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC.