Cottonwood Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident can happen at the most unexpected times and places, potentially putting you or loved ones in the hospital and causing expensive property damages. When your health, the health of your loved ones, and your financial stability are at risk, it can be challenging to think of anything else but getting better and through this situation. Fortunately, you don’t need to tackle the car accident claim process on your own.

After a car accident in Cottonwood, protect your rights as a driver or passenger by hiring an attorney. Jensen Phelan Law Firm represents car accident survivors throughout Northern and Central Arizona. We may be able to help you achieve a settlement or judgment award from an at-fault party. Partner with us for help during every stage of the legal process so that you can receive the compensation you deserve. 

How Can a Lawyer Help After a Cottonwood Car or Motorcycle Accident?

Do not make the mistake of trying to handle your car accident claim alone. Auto insurance companies and insurance adjusters are well-versed in how to take advantage of clients and get them to settle for low-ball amounts. The best way to hold your own during settlement negotiations is by hiring legal representation. 

Your Cottonwood personal injury attorney can use proven strategies to force the insurer to take your claim seriously and provide a fair settlement offer. A lawyer can also take care of other difficult tasks on your behalf, such as automobile accident investigations, evidence collection (e.g. medical records, police reports), eyewitness interviews, and insurance carrier negotiations.

Why Work With Jensen Phelan Law Firm?

For decades, our clients have trusted us to get them the injury claim results they deserve for decades. A few reasons why partnering with our firm can help you include:

• We were founded in 1974, and we have spent more than 65 combined years helping clients work through car accidents and other types of personal injury claims.
• We strive for the best possible results for each client by using tailored legal strategies. Client satisfaction and keeping your best interests in mind is our priority. Our track record speaks for itself.
• We will see your car accident case through to the end. Our personal injury attorneys can take a case to trial if necessary.
• Unlike some law firms, we will only bill you for our legal services if we win. Our Cottonwood car accident attorneys operate on a contingency (percentage) fee basis.

When you’re injured either in a car accident or motorcycle accident, you need high-quality representation from the start. Our attorneys will always meet with you face-to-face and get to know you and your family so we can provide the quality of service you deserve.

Arizona Fault Laws and Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents

Liability refers to a party’s legal responsibility for causing a victim’s accident and injuries. In no-fault car accident states, it is not necessary to determine liability before filing an insurance claim. Victims will file with their own providers regardless of fault. 

In Arizona and other fault-based states, however, car accident victims must identify fault before filing their insurance claims. Under your state’s tort laws, you will need to determine who caused your serious car accident before bringing a claim. These parties may include:

• Drivers: Drivers can cause auto accidents in Cottonwood through negligence or recklessness, such as driving drunk, distracted, or fatigued. Speeding, aggressive/reckless driving, and breaking roadway rules could also point to a reckless driver’s liability for a car accident.
• Companies: A company might owe you compensation for your car crash if one of its employees caused the crash, such as a commercial truck driver, USPS driver, or delivery person. An auto or motorcycle manufacturing company could also be liable if a defective vehicle part contributed to your crash or injuries.
• The city or state: Road defects in Cottonwood and elsewhere in the Verde Valley can cause serious collisions. Defects can include potholes, uneven shoulders, missing guardrails, loose gravel, debris on the road, and fallen tree limbs. If the entity in charge of road maintenance should have known of and warned of or repaired the defect, it could be liable for a car accident.

After a car accident, regardless of who is liable, it’s crucial to file your accident claim as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to compensation. Arizona has strict statutes of limitations that you must adhere to in order to recover fair compensation.

A statute of limitations is a legal deadline by which a plaintiff must bring a claim. While you should report a wreck to an insurance company as soon as possible, you have up to two years in Arizona to file a personal injury lawsuit against one or multiple defendants. If you wait longer than the two-year (or in some cases one-year) statute of limitations period to try to file, the courts will most likely deny your case. Contact an experienced car accident attorney at Jensen Phelan Law Firm right away to make sure you do not miss your deadline to file.

Liability in a Motorcycle Accident and the Statute of Limitations

In Arizona, liability for a motorcycle accident depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. The following parties may be held liable for a motorcycle accident:

• The other driver: If another driver causes a motorcycle accident due to negligent driving, they can be held liable for the accident.
• The motorcycle manufacturer: If a motorcycle accident was caused by a defect in the motorcycle, the manufacturer of the motorcycle can be held liable for the accident.
• The government: If a motorcycle accident was caused by a road hazard or poor road design or lack of warning, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable for the accident.
• The motorcycle rider: If the motorcycle rider was driving recklessly, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or violating traffic laws, they may be held liable for the accident.

Determining liability in a motorcycle accident can be complex and requires a thorough investigation of the accident. It is important to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to determine who may be liable for your accident and to pursue the compensation you deserve.

In Arizona, the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident is also two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in court. If you do not file a lawsuit within the two-year time frame, you may lose your right to pursue legal action and recover damages for your injuries.

It is important to act promptly after a motorcycle or car accident and contact an experienced motorcycle or car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Don’t wait until the last minute to take action, as gathering evidence and building a strong case can take time.

What Types of Damages Are Available in a Car and Motorcycle Accident Claim?

A victim could have many reasons for filing a car or motorcycle accident claim in Arizona. They may wish to hold a negligent party accountable or prove they did not cause the crash. Most victims, however, center their car accident cases on one main goal: to obtain compensation for their losses. A compensatory award in Cottonwood could replace several losses or damages that you incurred because of the car crash.

• Medical expenses: Past and future medical bills related to your auto accident injuries, including surgeries and long-term care.
• Lost wages: All past and present lost wages from missing work, as well as future income, and loss of capacity to earn due to a disability.
• Vehicle damages: The amount of money a mechanic estimates it will take to repair your wrecked vehicle or the pre-crash value of a totaled vehicle.
• Pain and suffering: A non-economic damage award that reimburses you for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of consortium.

The value of your car or motorcycle accident case will be unique from other victims. Every case is different. In general, however, the claimants who receive the highest compensatory awards have the most severe injuries. Disfigurement, disabilities, or permanent damages may entitle you to greater compensation than minor injuries. Discuss the potential worth of your claim with our Cottonwood car accident lawyers today.

Contact an Experienced Cottonwood Car Accident Lawyer

After being in a motor vehicle accident that gave you or a loved one personal injuries or resulted in a wrongful death, it’s essential to contact our personal injury law firm for a free initial consultation as soon as possible. Our Jensen Phelan Law Firm specialist auto accident lawyers not only accept personal injury cases involving passenger vehicles, but we also represent clients after truck, bus, motorcycle, e-scooter, bicycle, and pedestrian collisions in Cottonwood. 

At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, we may be able to help you and your family go through the claims process, take legal action, and fight for fair financial recovery. Discuss what your car accident case might be worth today. Contact us for a free assessment of your case and an explanation of your rights by calling us at (928) 778-2660 or contacting us through our online contact form to schedule a consultation today.