Scottsdale Car Accident Attorney

Car Accident Attorney Scottsdale, AZ

Have you recently been in an Arizona car accident? Perhaps, in fact, it occurred several months ago and you already accepted a settlement, but now you’re in agonizing pain because you were misdiagnosed or poorly treated. Whether or not this happened to you, if negligence caused your car accident, please call the car accident lawyers Scottsdale has to offer from the Yearin Law Office today.

Before visiting your Scottsdale car accident attorney, take your time writing down all of the pain and injuries you have noticed following the crash. That way, you don’t forget about any symptoms or side effects.

What about pre-existing conditions from before the crash? If you’ve noticed that the pain is worse than before, make sure to write that down, too. It’s common for car accidents to make pre-existing conditions worse, and that’s something our team takes into account when preparing your case.

Why is this detailed information important? If we notice that you’re describing symptoms that haven’t been treated by a doctor, we may put you in touch with a trustworthy physician who can help you. Getting medical care is an important part of obtaining the compensation you need with your case.

The more detail you can provide your car accident attorney in Scottsdale, AZ, the stronger your case. Tell us everything you remember about the accident. This information can help us defend you effectively in court and negotiate with insurers.

What if you feel you’re partly to blame? That’s not at all surprising. Many car accidents involve more than one person responsible. You can still file a lawsuit or a compensation claim.

Remember: At Yearin Law Office, we’re here for your needs. We look out for your interests. You don’t have to feel ashamed to talk about the accident. We can help.

Table Of Contents

• What To Do After A Scottsdale Car Accident
• Common Car Accident Injuries
• Do’s and Don’ts After a Car Accident
• Scottsdale Car Accident Attorney FAQs
• Questions To Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer
• Scottsdale Car Accident Law Infographic
• Scottsdale Car Accident Statistics – 2022 Update
• Contact Our Scottsdale Car Accident Law Office
• Contact The Yearin Law Office

What To Do After A Scottsdale Car Accident

After the jolting impact of a car accident, you may not be thinking clearly, especially if you have been injured. You may be assessing the injuries to yourself and the damages to your vehicle. At the Yearin Law Office, we understand that the next steps you take can play a significant role in how you recover from this unfortunate situation. By following these steps, not only can you help to make sure your recovery is quick and complete, but you also give yourself the best chance of recovering damages from the other driver.

Call the Police

In order to have a record of the accident, you need a police report. The police report will usually not layout blame for the accident—that’s for the insurance companies to decide. A police officer can issue a citation to the at-fault driver, and that could help your case.

The importance of a police report is to provide your insurance company with documentation showing you did not cause the accident. Your insurance company will battle with the insurance company of the driver who hit you and will help to make sure your damages are covered. An experienced car accident attorney in Scottsdale, AZ will also fight to ensure you receive the best insurance settlement.

Seek Medical Attention

Regardless of how minor you think your injuries are, seek medical attention. Depending on the force of the impact, you may have internal injuries you’re not aware of yet. Plus, your adrenaline may be high and you’re not feeling any pain.

Just like a police report documents the facts of your car accident, a doctor will document your injuries. If you wait too long to go see a doctor, the other driver’s insurance company may argue that your injuries are not from the accident but from some other event. You don’t want to put yourself in this position. That’s why it’s so important to see a doctor as soon as you’re able.

Take Pictures

Once you assess your injuries if you’re able to take pictures, do so. But don’t post these pictures on social media.

Taking pictures gives you visible documentation. Make sure to get pictures of the other driver’s vehicle, in addition to your own. Don’t forget to take pictures of your injuries, as well.

Get Witness Information

If there were witnesses to your car accident, get their contact information. If they can stay at the scene to give police a statement, that is the best outcome.

Even if they can’t stay, your insurance company will want to speak with them later. By having their contact information, you can speed up the process of determining the other driver was at fault for your car accident. When you choose to work with a Scottsdale car accident attorney, he or she can also discuss the accident with the witnesses.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can happen so suddenly and result in all types of injuries. Some of these injuries are fairly minor while others can take months to recover from. Here are the most common injuries that result from motor vehicle crashes:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that car accident victims frequently suffer. During a car accident, your head can suddenly move backward and forward, injuring your neck. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, dizziness, headaches, and shoulder pain. However, these symptoms might not be present right away. It’s still important to seek medical care right away so that the injury doesn’t get worse.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most severe injuries you can endure during a car accident and typically happen when drivers and passengers hit their heads against the steering wheel, windows, or dashboard. They can result in long-term complications, such as cognitive difficulties, hearing loss, and vision problems, if not treated properly. Immediate symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty concentrating, and confusion. Treatments for brain injuries may include medication, rest, or surgery.
• Broken Bones: Car accidents can also result in broken arms, legs, or hips. These injuries are most common during side-impact and rear-end collisions and can cause severe pain. If a bone is broken in more than one place, surgery may be required.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Car accidents can also cause spinal cord injuries, which may result in reduced sensation and control over their arms, legs, and other body parts. Very severe spinal cord injuries can even result in paralysis.
• Scrapes and Cuts: It’s possible to suffer scrapes and cuts if you get hit by loose projectiles during a car accident. While these might not seem as severe as other injuries, they still need to be treated by a medical professional promptly. They can be quite painful and put you at risk of infection.
• Chest Injuries: Drivers are in danger of suffering chest injuries during car accidents because they don’t have much room to move before their chest hits the steering wheel. These injuries can cause severe bruising and even broken ribs.

Yearin Law Office – Don Yearin – Scottsdale Personal Injury Attorney

Do’s and Don’ts After a Car Accident

Do Seek Medical Attention

No matter how you feel, you should always seek medical attention after a car accident. Your health should be your number one priority. If you aren’t sure how injured you or other people are, call 911 and request an ambulance be dispatched to the scene so paramedics can check everyone out. 

Do Contact the Police

On that same 911 call, request the police to come, too. Your car accident attorney in Scottsdale, AZ, from Yearin Law Office can use their report as evidence in your claim against the other party’s insurance company. 

Do Exchange Information

Get detailed information from the other driver. Make sure you include:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Make, model, and year of the other party’s car
• Insurance company
• Insurance policy number
• Insurance company’s phone number

You should also get contact information for any witnesses who may have seen what happened. Your car accident attorney in Scottsdale, AZ will want to speak with them to support your claim.

Do Take Photos

Take as many photos as you can of the damage to both cars, the way the cars are sitting in the road, the other car’s license plate, any visible injuries you or your passengers may have, and the surrounding area, including any street signs.

Do Report It

Once everyone is safe and sound, call your insurance company to report the accident. Keep it to the bare minimum facts. You were in an accident, you were treated for these injuries and your car was towed to that mechanic’s shop. Don’t say anything else, agree to give a recorded statement or sign anything without talking to your Yearin Law Office Scottsdale car accident attorney.

Don’t Panic

Stay as calm as you can. Coming apart at the seams may feel like the right thing to do in the moment, as car accidents can be frightening. However, the calmer you remain, the better able you’ll be to gather the information you need for your claim.

Don’t Discuss

Don’t share all the details of your accident on your blog, your email, or social media. Don’t tell your friends about it. Insurance company adjusters can send private investigators to see if you’re really as injured as you claim to be. It would be easy for a friend to innocently say “Oh, she’s fine,” and for that to be misconstrued as “Oh, she’s not injured at all.”

Don’t Accept Blame

Don’t say “I’m sorry.” Not to the other driver, not to your passengers, not to anybody. “I’m sorry” is easily twisted into “It’s my fault.” Never admit fault. There may be circumstances at play you have no knowledge of. 

Scottsdale Car Accident Attorney FAQs

Should I seek medical attention after my car accident?

Yes. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention following a car accident because your body process shock differently and sometimes injuries or complications are not going to surface right away. A doctor’s visit is going to get you urgent treatment and serve as documentation when you file a claim.

If I need medical attention after a car accident will I need to use my health insurance up front?

Your health is going to be of the utmost importance after every car accident, if you need immediate treatment the services are going to be covered by your health insurance. And in most cases after filing a claim you can be entitled to reimbursement by another party if they are found to be at fault for the accident. This means that you will receive the amount of money that you paid for your medical care or the insurance paid for medical care if not more.

How much evidence should I gather before filing a car accident claim?

You should collect as much evidence from the scene as possible. Photographs of your injury, property damage, and the accident scene even including skid marks may be able to help your snow injury lawyer build a case. You should not forget to exchange information with other parties involved, request police reports and hospital records, and contact your insurance to begin the claims process.

What compensation are you entitled to if I am not at fault for the accident?

There are various ways that damages are assessed, and every accident case is going to be different. Typically you’ll be able to recover monetary losses, this is especially true if the accident is someone else’s fault, monetary losses can be found in property damage, medical damages, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain-and-suffering, towing, storage, and even car repairs.

Who pays for the damages if the at-fault driver is uninsured?

If the Apple driver is uninsured and you may be able to recover compensation from your insurance or a third party such as the driver’s employer was on the clock at the time of the accident. Claiming damages after an auto accident is a complex process, so knowing your rights in Arizona means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

What if the at-fault driver is insured but lacks enough progress to take all of my damages?

You may have to turn in your own insurance for compensation if the at-fault driver is insured and lacks enough coverage to take care of all of your damages. Some policies offer UIM coverage just for situations like this but not all companies. This type of coverage is also used in the event of a hit-and-run accident.

Are Psychological Injuries Common?

Psychological injuries may not be visible like physical injuries, but they are very real. A Scottsdale car accident attorney has witnessed car accident victims develop anxiety and depression following a collision. They may lose interest in their favorite activities and isolate themselves from others. Some car accident victims may also develop post-traumatic stress disorder and are afraid to get into a vehicle again. Car accident victims who suffer emotional injuries shouldn’t hesitate to see a professional therapist. A licensed therapist can help them come to terms with the accident and move on with their lives.

Can I Sue the Other Motorist Involved in My Accident?

Generally speaking, when an individual is hurt due to another’s negligent, reckless, or intentional behavior, they are permitted – by law – to seek compensation from the responsible party. In a car accident scenario, there could be one responsible party or multiple responsible parties. You could have been harmed by another motorist or several motorists. It may come to light that one or more of the vehicles involved in the accident was impacted by defective auto parts – in this scenario, you’d be able to sue the manufacturer of those auto parts. Similarly, it may be discovered that hazardous, ill-maintained roads contributed to the collision that harmed you – in this scenario, you’d be able to sue the government responsible for maintaining those roads.

If you were hurt in a car accident and others were responsible for at least 50 percent of the fault for that accident, you may have strong grounds to file legal action. You may settle your case by receiving an insurance settlement or you may choose to file an actual personal injury lawsuit against those involved. In either scenario, our Scottsdale, AZ car accident attorney and support team can help you to obtain the maximum amount of compensation to which you’re entitled.

What Do I Do About Calls from Insurance Claims Adjusters?

It isn’t a good idea to speak with insurance claims adjusters until you’ve spoken with the experienced Arizona legal team at Yearin Law Office. Why? Insurance companies are private businesses. They are legally bound to seek profits on behalf of their shareholders. As a result, they tend to work hard to protect their bottom line. When you speak with an insurance claims adjuster – whether you have a policy with that company or not – they are going to look for any excuse to pay you less than the full amount that you deserve. When you work with our firm, we will negotiate with your best interests at the forefront of our approach. The insurance companies serve their own interests – we will serve yours.

It is also worth noting that anything you say to an insurance claims adjuster will be noted in the file concerning your accident. Even the most seemingly innocuous comments could be used as an excuse to either underpay your claim or blame you for the accident itself. We know how these companies work and we know how to communicate with them effectively. Let us do the “heavy lifting” with insurers on your behalf. If a claims adjuster calls you before you’ve met with our firm, consider letting that call go to voicemail until we’ve formulated a plan of action on your behalf.

What if my car accident injury worsens after I receive a settlement?

As leading car accident lawyers in Scottsdale, AZ, we have seen many injury victims receive far less compensation than they deserved because they wanted to save money from hiring a lawyer. As a result, their settlement is much less than they would have taken home, even after lawyer fees.

Another important thing to consider is that unless you are a medical professional or are experienced in representing injury victims, you probably do not have a full understanding of compensable damages. For an experienced Scottsdale car accident lawyer provides, building a full and comprehensive claim is second nature. It will also include future damages as warranted. In some cases, this represents many thousands of dollars. However, the injured car accident victim cannot simply add a line item in a claim and call it future medical treatment; it must be backed up with proof, and more, or else the insurance company will disregard it and possibly deny the claim altogether. This is where it can be beneficial to retain the right car accident lawyers Scottsdale, AZ drivers trust. We understand the legal and medical process and because of this, we can protect our clients’ best interests. To learn how this can work in your case, give us a call and request a free consultation.

What is a settlement?

Usually, our client’s primary goal is to negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The negotiation process begins after the Brookhaven car accident lawyers file a claim with the carrier that provides documentation to prove liability and the resulting damages on a cost-by-cost basis. Many people mistakenly believe that the first step is a lawsuit, but this is much less common than filing a claim. (If the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith with a lawyer, at that point a lawsuit against them is more likely.

What are my options in case my injury worsens later?

Your legal options will depend on where in the claims process you are in regard to your injury. If in doubt, contact the car accident lawyers Scottsdale, AZ community members recommend for a free consultation to discuss your case and gain clarity about your options.

What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents?

Car accidents occur every day in Arizona and vary in severity. It is wise to be aware of the most common types of car accidents so that you can be alert on the road. Rear-end collisions, which result from one vehicle colliding into the back end of another vehicle, are the most common type of vehicle accident. T-bone accidents, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle collisions, and vehicle rollovers can also occur.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Car accidents happen for many different reasons, but they are mostly the result of driver error. The most common causes of vehicle collisions in Arizona are speeding, drunk driving (Per Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 28-1381, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any drugs to drive.), distracted driving, tailgating, fatigued driving, and reckless driving.

Should I Obtain a Copy of the Police Report?

After a car accident, one of the first things you should do is call the police. They will come to the scene of the accident and file a report. The report will include critical information about the accident, like the time and location of the collision and identifying information for witnesses, and be helpful for your claim. Therefore, it is wise to ask for a copy of the police report as soon as possible.

Why Should I Hire an Attorney?

If you plan to pursue compensation after a vehicle crash, it’s important to have an experienced car accident attorney in Scottsdale, AZ on your side. A skilled attorney will handle all negotiations with the insurance company and work tirelessly to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. 

How Long After a Car Accident Can You File a Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations in your state will determine how long after a car accident you can pursue damages. In Arizona, the deadline to file a lawsuit is two years after an accident. After that deadline has passed, you will no longer be eligible for compensation. That is why it is critical to take action promptly.

Questions To Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer

You want to ensure that any car accident attorney in Scottsdale, AZ, you work with is professional, experienced, and has your best interest at heart. This means you need to ask the right questions when deciding who it is that you want to represent you.

Are You the Attorney Who Will Work on My Case?

In large law firms, you’ll often have a consultation with one attorney but may not see that person again when it comes time to work on your case. Unfortunately, the way that people do their work and communicate varies, which means you may mesh well with the lawyer at your consultation but not with the person who works on your case. To prevent this from happening, always ask your potential lawyer if he or she is the one who will help you with your case for the duration of it.

Do You Think I Have a Strong Case?

A good Scottsdale car accident attorney will be honest with you about the strength of your case. Ask your potential lawyer what he or she thinks of your auto accident case. You must be able to prove that the other driver we negligent during an accident, so be sure to ask what your attorney will do to make that happen. Typically, it involves expert witnesses, forensics specialists, talking to eyewitnesses, or even recreating the accident scene. 

How Many Cases Like Mine Have You Taken On?

Some law firms work on a wide range of cases that include everything in the personal injury, family law, and criminal law scope. Other law firms specialize in one area, such as car accidents. You don’t necessarily need an attorney that specializes in a specific type of case, but you do want to work with a lawyer who has taken cases like yours to trial before. Ask a potential lawyer whether he or she has tried cases like yours before, how many of them have gone in front of the judge, and what the rate of success was.

How Much Will You Charge Me?

Ask upfront about how much your car accident attorney in Scottsdale, AZ, will charge to avoid being shocked at the end of your case. Typically, car accident lawyers take anywhere from 20-40 percent of what you receive in your settlement. On the upside, though, they do not take any money upfront and instead take it from the settlement check, which means you don’t need to worry about paying out of pocket while you’re trying to recover financial losses. 

Scottsdale Car Accident Law Infographic

Scottsdale Car Accident Statistics – 2022 Update

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (Arizona Crash Facts Summary Report)

Contact Our Scottsdale Car Accident Law Office

8961 E. Bell Road, Suite 201 A Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Contact The Yearin Law Office

You deserve the skilled and trusted representation of the Yearin Law Office to help you recover compensation for your injuries. Our clients have trusted us for more than 25 years to help them recover damages from the at-fault driver.

We can help you recover damages that will get you back on your feet. We will try to collect for:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Vehicle repairs

If you’re looking for a car accident attorney then contact us today for your consultation. The experienced team at the Yearin Law Office looks forward to helping you.

Don’t Waste Time, Call Yearin Law Office Now

To provide you with the best chance for a positive outcome, contact our car accident lawyer immediately after the collision. Do not agree to any settlement offered by the other driver’s insurance company until your lawyer has reviewed it and offered you legal guidance. In many cases, your car accident lawyer from Yearin Law Office will be able to negotiate a higher settlement amount and take into consideration your future damages. This process will include medical consultations to determine what treatment you may need and the costs associated with it.

Should you accept a settlement offer from the insurance carrier and later develop a condition as a direct result of your accident injury, or if your original injury worsens, you cannot get more compensation. Do not take the chance—consult our car accident lawyers Scottsdale, AZ respects immediately.

If you endured an injury in a car crash caused by another motorist, you may want to consult a Scottsdale car accident attorney. You could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other losses. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about car accidents.

Scottsdale Car Accident Injury Lawyer Google Reviews

Client Review

“Was extremely pleased working with Yearin Law Office. Don Yearin has a high personal sense of integrity. The settlement of my personal Injury case unfolded timely and as expected. I recommend Don Yearin to anyone in need of legal representation for a personal injury case.”
Terry Floyd