If you’ve been hurt in an accident like a slip and fall, car crash, motorcycle accident, or dog bite, you’re likely experiencing pain, fear, and stress about how you will obtain the money you need to pay medical bills and cover lost wages. You may be thinking that you’ll be able to get the compensation you deserve by talking to the party at fault’s insurance agency, but this is rarely the case. In most instances, you’ll need to have an experienced accident lawyer in your corner to represent you and ensure justice is served.
Here is how a Phoenix accident lawyer can help secure the best possible outcome for your case.
They Will Determine Damages
There are two types of damages in injury cases: compensatory and punitive. Compensatory damages include—but are not limited to—wage loss, medical expenses, mental and physical suffering, loss of future earnings, and loss of life enjoyment. Compensation for these damages are meant to help cover your bills and pay for the help needed to get you on the road to recovery.
Punitive damages, which are sometimes awarded in cases where the party at fault acted willfully or maliciously, are meant to punish the at-fault party and discourage future similar behavior. In the state of Arizona, punitive damages can multiply compensatory damages by up to nine times.
Your accident lawyer will be able to determine your compensatory damages and make a decision on whether or not punitive damages are appropriate.
They Will Get the Evidence You Need
You cannot prove your case—either to an insurance agency or to a judge—without proper evidence. Though you may have been able to gather some photos or other evidence at the scene of the crime, your attorney will be thorough and help bolster your case with medical or police reports, eyewitness testimonials, security camera footage, and possibly the opinions of various experts. This evidence will help prove that you were not at fault and that you deserve compensation for your damages.
They Will Handle All Negotiations
You do not have the time, energy, or expertise to negotiate with an insurance agency and arrive at the best possible outcome for your compensatory needs. Your attorney does. He or she has years of experience negotiating and knows that evidence is needed and what approach is best to secure you the compensation you deserve.
They Will Represent You in Court
It’s very unlikely that your case will not settle with an insurance agency. However, in the unlikely event it goes to court, your attorney will be in your corner to present your case to the judge. He or she will walk you through this potentially stressful process to put your mind at ease and ensure you get a verdict in your favor.
Working with a Phoenix Accident Lawyer
Your best bet after an accident is to call an experienced Phoenix accident lawyer to represent you and ensure you get what you are entitled to. Your attorney will determine a fair settlement, produce needed evidence, and help reduce stress while you go through the steps needed to arrive at the best possible outcome.