Mesa Car Accident Lawyer

Although some car accidents are simple, such as a fender bender resulting in minor cosmetic damage, not all accidents leave the driver or passengers unscathed. Car accidents can result in lifelong injuries that drastically impact a victim’s life. In cases such as these, those involved and injured should seek the help of a car accident lawyer to explore their legal options for financial recovery. 

Common Car Accidents in Mesa, Arizona

Vehicle accidents vary in severity which can result in serious or fatal injuries to occupants of the vehicle. Some of the common types of accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions
• Head-on collisions
• Rollover
• Sideswipe collisions
• Multiple vehicle pile-up collisions
• Single-vehicle collisions

Each of these accident types can result in both occupant and vehicle damage, which can vary in extremity. If these accidents result in severe injuries, victims may face income loss, transportation loss, staggering medical bills, and bills associated with the vehicle involved in the accident. This is where a talented lawyer, such as the team at Feller & Wendt, comes in to help. 

What to Do After a Car Accident in Mesa, Arizona

A Mesa car accident may be a high-stress situation, and when adrenaline is running high, knowing what to do may be challenging. If you have been in an accident due to the negligence of another driver, they may be liable for damages associated with your collision. When this is the case, it is important to follow specific steps in order to protect yourself from liability in case the at-fault party denies responsibility. 

The following are best practices to ensure your safety after a Mesa car accident and also bolster your chances of recovering necessary compensation following the accident: 

Move Out of Traffic or the Roadway 

After the collision, you may be in the line of oncoming traffic or on a busy roadway. Your most important step is to ensure your safety and move off to the shoulder, out of harm’s way. If possible, move your disabled vehicle into the nearest shoulder or parking lot to avoid any other collisions. Assess yourself for any injuries and report them to law enforcement.

Call Law Enforcement 

In Arizona, it is required by law to call 911 and report the accident to a law enforcement officer if the accident results in any injuries, death, or property damage over $2,000. In the cases of minor collisions, it is still advisable to call the police in order to document the accident. The police report may provide essential evidence in out-of-court settlements because they record necessary details, such as date, time, driver information, description of the accident, and injuries. Additionally, the police officer may also cite the driver for a moving violation, which can serve as evidence of fault. 

Gather Valuable Evidence at the Accident Scene 

In order to have a strong case, evidence is needed to prove fault in a Mesa car accident. Evidence may include the following: 

• Pictures and videos of damage to property and accident scene
• Eyewitness statements 
• Police reports 
• Documentation of your own injuries 
• Written account of the accident 

Collecting valuable evidence can bolster your car accident claim down the line and help you recover the maximum compensation you are owed. If you are badly injured and need prompt medical attention, ask a trusted individual to obtain the evidence for you. 

Be Mindful of What You Say 

Anything you say following the accident can be used to diminish or negate your case. It is essential to exercise caution in what you say to the other driver, the police officer, the insurance company, or others involved in your case. For example, it is extremely important to avoid apologizing after the accident because that could be seen as an admission of fault. 

Seek Prompt Medical Care 

Even if you don’t think you are injured following your Mesa car accident, it is essential to obtain medical care and evaluation from a medical professional. Injuries may be latent or may be unseen. Records of your injuries will also assist you in obtaining compensation for necessary medical treatment and full recovery after your accident. Request a copy of any diagnoses, treatment plan, or other details related to your injuries to serve as evidence in your claim. 

Seek Skilled Guidance From a Mesa Car Accident Lawyer 

You may call your insurance company in order to initiate the claims process and may even obtain benefits immediately in order to pay for necessary medical treatment or other losses. Speak to a skilled Mesa car accident lawyer to avoid paying damages for losses related to medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, and other losses. You should not have to pay for damages sustained due to another individual’s negligence. We fiercely advocate for you so you may recover the maximum settlement you are entitled to.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident? 

A car accident can be a traumatic, stressful event. It may be severe enough that you incur costly medical expenses, sustain extensive property damage, and experience emotional suffering following the accident. You may be able to recover necessary damages in a successful car accident claim. A seasoned car accident lawyer can assist you in evaluating the potential damages you may be owed. The settlement value may vary depending on the circumstances of your accident.

Working with an experienced car accident lawyer can bolster your chances of obtaining the maximum compensation you are lawfully owed for your injuries and other losses. At Feller & Wendt, we are seasoned negotiators and understand the legal complexities that may impact the success of your claim. We work diligently alongside you every step of the process, from conducting a comprehensive investigation, obtaining key evidence to prove liability, and building a solid case on your behalf. 

The damages you may be able to recover in a successful car accident claim include: 

Medical Expenses 

After experiencing a substantial car accident, you may sustain bodily injuries. Injuries may range depending on the severity of the car accident but may require extensive medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and sometimes assisted care. These costs add up, and with a severe injury, it may be difficult to pay for care if you are out of work. To prove the extent of your injuries, you must provide documentation of your treatment plan, injuries, imaging tests, and statements from your medical providers.  

Property Damages

Property damage is inevitable in a car accident but may be expensive depending on the impact in which the collision occurred. Personal possessions inside the vehicle may also be damaged as a result of the impact. If you experienced extensive damage due to a car accident caused by another person’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for the costs associated with the accident. 

This type of settlement is typically awarded through the liable party’s insurance company and covers the cost of the repairs or the fair market value of the totaled vehicle. Proving property damage is done through physical evidence like pictures of the vehicle at the scene of the accident, photographs, or videos of other types of property damage and witness testimony. 

In order to recover damages for repairs in a vehicle accident claim, you must provide the receipt from the autobody shop that serviced your car following the accident. Without a record of the cost of repairs, an accurate compensation settlement cannot be calculated. 

Lost Wages 

When you suffer a substantial injury due to the negligence of another individual and, in turn, cannot work because of the recovery or physical limitations of your injury, you may be able to recover compensation for the wages lost during your recovery period. During this time, you may be eligible to recover both wages for lost work time and missed career opportunities. 

For this type of compensation to be awarded, it is required that you provide a pay stub to prove your income. If lost career opportunities are part of your claim, you must also prove that promotion or another type of advancement was affected by your car accident. This may include documentation, a copy of any recommendations for promotion, or a copy of your company’s advancement schedule.  

Emotional Damages 

Emotional damages refer to the non-economic losses experienced due to your car accident. This may include PTSD from accident trauma, anxiety, and other psychological conditions. Emotional damages are calculated in conjunction with the severity of the injuries you have suffered and the nature of the accident. 

How Can a Mesa Car Accident Lawyer Help?

Enlisting the help of an experienced legal professional following the unfortunate events of a car accident is a wise idea on the part of those involved. A lawyer will help victims by building a case through gathering evidence. Evidence gathered may include:

• Witness testimonies
• Photos from the scene
• Documentation of injuries sustained
• Skid or tire marks

After gathering as much information as possible, your lawyer will build a case to help you receive the recovery for damages that resulted due to the accident. Determining who is at fault for the accident may be determined, allowing for victims to pursue action via a personal injury lawsuit or insurance settlement.

What Kind of Damages May Be Recovered?

Victims may be entitled to receive compensation for damages resulting from the accident. Your lawyer will seek recovery for the damages that are applicable and associated with your case. These damages may include:

• Income loss
• Occupational therapy
• Hospitalization
• Medication
• Medical expenses
• Repairs or replacement of your vehicle

When it comes to serious vehicle accidents, damages extend far beyond the vehicle. Your car accident lawyer can help seek recovery for damages regarding both your vehicle and the injuries you have experienced as the result of the accident. 

Talk To a Car Accident Lawyer in Mesa, AZ Today

In the event of substantial injury after a car accident, the last thing victims want to worry about is the legal aspect of said accident. However, between all of the various factors, such as income loss, medical bills, and vehicle damage expenses, stress levels can skyrocket, leaving the victim overwhelmed and feeling helpless. 

Seeking the help of a trained legal professional who can help navigate the legal aspects of your case can help alleviate stress. The personal injury attorneys with Feller & Wendt help citizens in Mesa, Arizona prepare claims and assert their rights. Call (480) 702-2277 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.