Scottsdale Car Accident Lawyer
Car Accident Lawyer Scottsdale, AZ
As a car accident lawyer Scottsdale, AZ accident victims trust from SL Chapman Trial Lawyers has seen, car accidents can cause serious physical injury to any part of the body. In the aftermath of a car accident, it is important to get medical attention as soon as you can. Keep in mind that even if you don’t have symptoms of injury right away, it’s actually common for some to be delayed and you may not feel the extent of your injuries until days or weeks later. Unless your injuries were so severe that you had to go to the emergency room, it is important to have gathered evidence at the scene and exchanged information with the other driver. By getting medical care early on, you are starting a paper trail for your injuries that will support your claims.
People drive recklessly everyday, and those who drive without regard for others on the road should be held responsible for what they did. A few of the most common injuries that victims of car accidents may experience have been listed as follows.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Car collisions are a primary cause of traumatic brain injury, which happens when the brain is hit with a sudden blow or piercing by an object. Each year, thousands of people succumb to their traumatic brain injury, and many others suffer from long-term disability. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, trouble sleeping, sleeping too much, blurry vision, slurred speech, mood swings, and more.
Traumatic brain injuries can happen even if there is no external wound to the head, as the brain itself could have still sustained injury to some degree. Specifically in cases where there is brain inflammation or bleeding, a person’s life could be at stake. If you believe that you may have a traumatic brain injury after a car accident, a Scottsdale car accident lawyer urges you to visit the doctor immediately.
Broken Bones
In car accidents, it is often the ankles, wrists, arms, ribs, and legs that are vulnerable to being broken. Some victims of car accidents may also suffer from a broken pelvis. The severity of the break will range depending on the factors of the accident, such as how fast the cars were going and what side of the vehicle the person was hit, among other factors. When it comes to broken bones, medical treatment is needed to make sure that it heals properly. Symptoms of a broken bone include pain, swelling, misalignment of the bone, numbness, and difficulty moving.
Mental Anguish
The mental impacts of being in a serious car accident should not be undervalued, as these incidents are very scary things to go through, especially if it was a collision that resulted in substantial personal injury and property damage. Victims of car accidents must be transparent with their legal team about all the ways that they have been affected since, and that encompasses how their mental health has been. When pursuing damages for the car accident from the driver at fault, your lawyer can ensure that you get mental health support as well.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, we recommend contacting a Scottsdale car accident lawyer from the team at SL Chapman Trial Lawyers to learn about your options.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have sustained injuries in a car crash, you may want to discuss your case with a car accident lawyer Scottsdale, AZ residents trust, SL Chapman Trial Lawyers. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and other losses that resulted from the accident.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Although car accidents are a frequent occurrence in the U.S., not many people expect to be in one. In fact, being involved in a vehicle collision is quite shocking. However, it is important to remain calm and take the proper steps to improve your likelihood of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
- Pull over to a safe spot. First and foremost, you must get yourself and your passengers to safety. If your car is still working, move it off the road. If your car isn’t working, turn on your hazard lights and stay in your car until help arrives.
- Call the police. The next thing you should do is notify the police about the vehicle crash. They will come to the scene of the accident and file a police report. The report will include critical information about the accident, such as when, where and how it occurred. Do not forget to ask for a copy of this report for your records.
- Take photos. The old saying is true: a picture is worth 1,000 words. Your Scottsdale car accident lawyer may advise you to take several photos of the accident scene. Capture shots of all the vehicles involved in the accident, traffic signs, skid marks on the road and any visible injuries you have.
- Seek medical care. Even if you just have minor bruising, it is still a wise move to seek immediate medical care after a car accident. You may be more injured than you think, as some injuries don’t always present immediate symptoms. A doctor needs to properly assess your injuries and then advise on the appropriate treatment. If you wait too long to seek medical treatment, your injuries could worsen and may require more extensive treatment.
- Write down everything you remember about the accident. Since memories tend to fade over time, it is a wise move to write down details about the car accident as soon as possible. For example, if you noticed that the other driver was texting before the accident occurred, jot that information down in your notes.
- Be cautious when communicating with the insurance company. If the at-fault party’s insurance company contacts you after the accident, you should say as little as possible. If you prove too much information about your injuries or the accident, they may use that information against you and devalue your claim.
- Consult a lawyer. To improve your chances of winning your car accident claim, hire an experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you gather evidence and handle the negotiation process with the insurance company.
Schedule a meeting with a Scottsdale car accident lawyer from SL Chapman Trial Lawyers today.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT INFOGRAPHIC
Dealing with Emotional Trauma After a Car Accident
A Scottsdale, AZ car accident lawyer families recommend knows that car crashes can leave victims with more than just physical injuries. In fact, many victims experience emotional trauma in the weeks and months following an accident. Sadly, they may also face difficulty when trying to cope with heightened emotions amidst the physical ailments and financial troubles that may accompany an accident. Learn how you can deal with emotional trauma after an auto accident, and what it could mean for your personal injury case, with help from the following information, as well as where you can find legal assistance to help pursue your claim for damages.
Why Trauma May Occur
Most people assume that trauma is directly correlated with the severity of a crash or the injuries sustained. However, nothing could be further from reality. In fact, even minor accidents can cause heightened emotions and trauma. This is because trauma is often caused by fear, a lack of control, and a sudden or unexpected negative event. Car accidents contain all three elements.
Another reason that trauma is common after an accident is the speed at which the events occur. One minute, the light turns green and you are driving through an intersection, and the next, you are spinning in the middle of oncoming traffic because someone running a red light just slammed into your vehicle, sending it onto the other side of the road. Your brain may not fully process everything at the time, so it may attempt to do so afterward.
What Trauma Feels Like
A Scottsdale car accident lawyer knows that trauma is different for everyone. However, most people experience similar symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms someone experiencing trauma after an accident might experience:
- Sleeplessness
- Night terrors
- Excessive irritability
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Night sweats
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Inability to drive
- Excessive fatigue
- Difficulty relaxing
- Helplessness
- Social withdrawal or self-isolation
- Racing heartbeat
- Headaches or migraines
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Exaggerated startle response
- Forgetfulness
- Muscle tension or pain
- Crying spells
- Flashbacks
Please note that this list is, by no means, comprehensive. If you experience any strange or new symptoms after an accident, speak to your doctor to determine if it could be related.
How It Could Impact Your Case
If you are experiencing trauma after an auto accident, you may be entitled to additional compensation. Unfortunately, proving that the effect was, in fact, caused by the accident can be difficult. As such, victims are encouraged to seek legal assistance from an experienced attorney.
How an Attorney Can Help
If you have been injured in a car accident, Arizona law allows you to pursue legal action against the party or parties who were responsible for the accident. Car accident cases can be complex, especially when you are including emotional trauma as one of those damages. You want a seasoned Scottsdale car accident lawyer fighting for you to ensure you receive the best outcome for your case based on the circumstances. Call SL Chapman Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Managing Car Accident Cases
In the wake of a car collision that has resulted in accidents, victims should consider seeking guidance from an experienced Scottsdale, AZ car accident lawyer. When someone has been injured, the damages can range from minor to severe, and as a result, victims will experience losses. Because of this, victims can move forward by taking legal action against the responsible party to regain some of what they have lost in the form of compensation. Because of the complexities surrounding the law, help from a firm like SL Chapman Trial Lawyers will be necessary to provide guidance and answer questions during this unforeseen time.
Do the police need to be contacted after a car accident?
Yes, in most circumstances, those involved in the accident must contact law enforcement. Contacting the police after an accident is required by law regardless of how minimal the damage is. While some may not believe this is necessary, it’s essential for several reasons. Not only will the police investigate the scene and gather information, but they will also develop a police report. These documents serve as crucial evidence should those involved in the accident take legal action. It’s important to note that in some situations, the police may not be available to respond to the scene, especially when the accident is minor. Should this occur, it may be necessary to file a police report at the local police station.
How does a lawyer initiate the legal claims process?
Once a Scottsdale car accident lawyer has reviewed the details surrounding the accident and decided to seek damages for their client, they will initiate the process of obtaining compensation with the insurance company. Because Arizona operates on a fault-based system, those seeking damages must obtain compensation for their losses from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. To do so, the victim’s lawyer will gather all evidence supporting the case and put together a demand letter outlining the extent of the damages and a request for compensation.
What is the difference between a personal injury claim and a lawsuit?
While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are two very different concepts. Typically most cases involving car accidents are initiated by pursuing a personal injury claim with the insurance company. Personal injury claims are commenced by filing a demand letter with the insurance company. The assigned insurance adjuster will review the case and determine whether they will offer a settlement. Typically at this point, negotiations will begin. Know that the majority of cases are settled through the insurance claims process. This is advantageous as the claims process can still garner a fair settlement, typically resolves in a shorter period, and allows the victim to walk away with compensation. A lawsuit is far more litigious and is often the next step taken when parties cannot settle the claims process. It’s essential to consult with a lawyer when considering a lawsuit because the process can be risky. Cases can take longer to resolve, result in more costly legal fees, and put victims at risk of walking away with nothing if the court doesn’t rule in their favor.
What is the statute of limitations for car accident cases in Arizona?
The statute of limitations is the time from the accident date that victims have to pursue legal action. Once the timeframe has passed, victims can no longer take legal action; however, be aware that there are some exceptions to the law. The statute of limitations varies by state, depending upon the type of accident. The statute of limitations for car accident cases in Arizona is two years.
To learn more about the advantages of having a Scottsdale car accident lawyer represent you with your case, contact SL Chapman Trial Lawyers to schedule a consultation.
