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Car Accidents:

When to Seek Legal Help

Article by Kelley Durham

Photography by Kelley Durham

Car crashes can have devastating impacts on victims, affecting their quality of life and financial stability. Let's try to mitigate these effects by better understanding what constitutes a car accident case, look at real-world examples, and determine when seeking the expertise of a car accident attorney is essential.

Understanding Car Accident Cases and Personal Injury

A personal injury is a significant injury sustained during a moderate or severe accident, such as a car crash.

These injuries often impact the victim’s quality of life and their ability to provide for themselves or their loved ones during recovery.

As a result of this, a personal injury legal claim can sometimes occur, which can result in a settlement or judgment that addresses the needs of the crash victim or their dependents.

Real-world Examples of Car Accident Cases

At K Durham Law PLLC, we represent people who have been impacted by moderate or serious vehicle collisions. Here are some examples of cases we, and other law firms, handle:

  1. Car Wrecks: Standard car accidents where one vehicle collides with another, often due to driver negligence, distraction, or violation of traffic laws.

  2. Wrongful Death: Tragically, some car accidents result in fatalities. Wrongful death claims can be pursued by the deceased’s family to seek compensation for their loss.

  3. Motorcycle Collisions: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road. Collisions involving motorcycles often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protective barriers.

  4. Truck Wrecks: Accidents involving large trucks can be catastrophic due to their size and weight. These cases often involve complex regulations and multiple liable parties.

Understanding the At-Fault Model in Arizona

When we think about car accidents, it can be confusing to understand some essential factors at play. The first being that in the state of Arizona, we operate under an “at-fault” model. This means that the party deemed responsible for the accident bears the responsibility for covering the damages.

  • Negligent Driver’s Responsibility: If the negligent driver’s insurance accepts fault, they may cover car repairs, property damages, and even a rental car.

  • Non-Fault Driver’s Compensation: The driver not at fault in the car accident is entitled to compensation for various losses, including medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering.

  • Disputes and Mitigating Damages: If the other party does not accept fault, Arizona law mandates mitigating damages, possibly by using your own insurance, if you have collision coverage.

When to Seek Legal Help from an Attorney

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. That’s why having an experienced car accident attorney is crucial. Here’s when to seek legal help:

  1. Severe Injuries or Long-term Effects: If you’ve sustained significant injuries that require extensive medical treatment or have long-term consequences, a lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation.

  2. Disputed Liability: If there is a dispute about who is at fault, an attorney can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to prove the other party’s negligence.

  3. Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive adequate compensation for your losses.

  4. Legal Advice and Representation: Car accident cases involve complex legal procedures. An attorney provides valuable legal advice, helps with necessary paperwork, and represents you in court if needed.

Car accidents can profoundly impact your life, but you don't have to navigate the aftermath alone. At K Durham Law PLLC, our goal is to help clients receive the best possible outcome for their case. Our experienced attorneys are here to provide the support and legal expertise you need to secure fair compensation and move forward. To schedule your free consultation about your particular circumstance, visit our site at https://kndlegal.com/

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