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After a car accident, many people are left wondering whether they really need a lawyer and what a car accident lawyer actually does. Medical bills start piling up, insurance adjusters begin calling, and questions about fault and compensation can quickly become overwhelming. Understanding the role of a car accident lawyer in Arizona can help you make informed decisions and protect your rights during a stressful time.
At Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC, our Mesa car accident lawyers help injured victims navigate Arizona’s legal system, deal with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation. Knowing what a lawyer does and when to hire one can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
A car accident lawyer serves as your advocate from the moment you seek legal help. Their role goes far beyond filing paperwork. A lawyer works to protect your interests, build a strong case, and push back against insurance tactics designed to minimize your claim.
One of the first things a car accident lawyer does is investigate the accident. This includes gathering evidence such as police reports, photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and available video footage. Lawyers also interview witnesses, review traffic laws, and analyze how the crash occurred to determine who was at fault.
Another critical role involves dealing with insurance companies. Insurers often try to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. A car accident lawyer handles all communication with adjusters, submits required documentation, and negotiates aggressively to prevent low settlement offers that fail to cover your losses.
If negotiations do not result in a fair resolution, a car accident lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf. This includes preparing legal filings, meeting court deadlines, engaging in discovery, and presenting your case in court if necessary. In Arizona, meeting procedural requirements and deadlines is essential to keeping your claim alive.
Not every accident requires legal representation, but many situations benefit significantly from having a lawyer involved. You should consider hiring a car accident lawyer if you suffered serious injuries, face long-term medical treatment, or missed time from work. Disputed fault, uninsured or underinsured drivers, and insurance delays or denials are also strong indicators that legal help is needed.
You may need to hire a car accident lawyer if you were the victim of a negligent driving situation such as:
Building a successful car accident claim requires detailed preparation and a clear understanding of how injuries and losses affect your life. A lawyer begins by collecting and organizing key evidence, including accident reports, medical records, photographs, and witness statements. This documentation helps establish fault and demonstrate the extent of your injuries.
In more complex cases, lawyers may consult experts. Accident reconstruction specialists can analyze how a crash happened, while medical experts can explain the severity of injuries and the need for future treatment. These expert opinions often strengthen a claim and counter arguments made by insurance companies.
Another important step is calculating damages. A car accident lawyer looks beyond immediate medical bills to account for future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Accurately valuing damages ensures that any settlement or verdict reflects the full impact of the accident on your life.
Arizona follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means the at-fault party is responsible for paying damages. Unlike no-fault states, Arizona requires injured victims to prove that another driver’s negligence caused the crash in order to recover compensation.
Arizona law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims involving government entities may have much shorter notice deadlines. Arizona also applies pure comparative negligence rules, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, although your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Understanding these Arizona-specific rules is essential. A local car accident lawyer ensures that your case complies with state laws and deadlines while protecting your ability to pursue compensation.
Many people hesitate to contact a lawyer because they worry about the cost. Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC lawyers in Arizona work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront legal fees. Instead, our lawyers only get paid if we recover compensation for you through a settlement or court award.
Hiring a car accident lawyer offers several important advantages, especially in cases involving injuries or disputed liability. A lawyer can help secure compensation by identifying all available damages and negotiating effectively with insurers. Legal representation also reduces stress by handling paperwork, deadlines, and communications on your behalf.
Car accident lawyers understand the tactics insurance companies use and know how to counter them. They also have access to legal resources, experts, and investigative tools that are difficult for individuals to obtain on their own. Having an experienced advocate levels the playing field and allows you to focus on recovery.
Many misconceptions prevent people from seeking legal help. Common myths include:
At Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC, our lawyers provide personalized, hands-on representation for injured clients throughout Arizona. We understand that no two accidents are the same, which is why we take the time to listen to your story, evaluate the unique circumstances of your case, and explain your legal options in plain language. From the beginning, our goal is to give you clarity, confidence, and a legal strategy tailored to your specific needs and goals.
When you work with Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC, you can expect:
Our Mesa car accident lawyers are dedicated to standing by your side from start to finish, providing experienced advocacy and personalized support as you pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured in a car accident, understanding what a car accident lawyer does can help you take the next step with confidence. Arizona’s deadlines and fault-based rules make it important to act quickly and protect your rights from the start.
Contact us today at (480) 833-8800 to schedule your free, confidential consultation. Our Mesa car accident lawyers are ready to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.