Surprise Car Accident Attorney

Arizona is notorious for its wide-open spaces and sun, but if you’re from the Surprise area, you know the roadways are just as dangerous as anywhere else. Traffic accidents range from routine to severe in nature and can involve any number of cars, pedestrians, or larger vehicles. Victims often incur hefty physical and emotional damages, and a lawyer is necessary in some cases to handle the complicated aftermath and claims process. Even the simplest of accidents can have delayed and complicated effects and should always be reported to the proper authorities. For help after a car accident, contact Hastings & Hastings to schedule a free consultation.

Why Hire Hastings & Hastings For Your Car Accident Case?

Traffic accidents often involve multiple parties and liability can be difficult to determine. A Surprise personal injury lawyer is vital and helpful at every stage of the claims process, from determining liability to negotiating on your behalf. Hastings & Hastings is the ideal choice for legal representation after an accident in Surprise, Arizona for the following reasons:

• We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients during the claims process.
• Our legal team combines over 90 years of experience in personal injury and car accident law.
• Our free consultation is always with an experienced, licensed personal injury attorney rather than a paralegal.

If you have recently been involved in a traffic accident, contact us now for a free consultation. Our team will determine if you have a case and which party is most likely to be liable while handling your case with the care and attention it deserves.  

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help With Your Claim

The claims process after an accident is highly regulated and often involves dealing with multiple parties, all of whom are generally trying to deny liability and minimize their payout. An experienced lawyer will ensure that your claims are submitted properly and assist at every stage of the process. Here’s how:

• A personal injury lawyer will determine who is most likely to have been at fault for the accident and whether you have a case.
• Liability has to be demonstrated, and a lawyer will aid in identifying and gathering the appropriate evidence to do this so you know who to seek compensation from.
• Your legal team will negotiate on your behalf with all other parties and ensure that paperwork is submitted accurately and timely.

For simple accidents, many people choose to let their insurance company handle all claims. However, this isn’t always the best idea. When injuries or multiple parties are involved, a lawyer is often necessary to ensure your interests are not neglected. An experienced and skilled lawyer can make the difference between having your case dismissed and having your damages compensated appropriately. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Every car accident is unique and there are an almost infinite number of causes, but most accidents are caused by one or more of the following:

• Driver Negligence: Most accidents are caused by simple negligence or disregard for safety. This can include aggressive driving, speeding, or distracted driving. In such cases, liability is usually simple to assign if it can be demonstrated that one of the drivers was at fault. 
• Defective Parts: Vehicles are complicated machines and need to be regularly inspected and maintained. While all parts of a car are critical, failures in the brake system and tires are a very common cause of accidents. 
• Substance Use: Another common cause of accidents is driving while intoxicated. Intoxication often leads to speeding and reckless driving, including swerving and losing control of the vehicle. It also prevents a person from using appropriate judgment, which can lead to accidents.
• Extreme Weather Conditions: Many drivers underestimate the risk of driving in rain, snow, and decreased visibility, which can easily lead to accidents.

There is no one way to limit the risk of accidents, but overall awareness and vehicle maintenance are the best ways to remain prepared. All drivers should have their cars inspected annually and abide by all traffic laws. 

Potential Liability in Car Accident Claims

Assigning liability is often the first step in obtaining the damages you’re entitled to after an accident occurs. Usually, liability is assigned to one of the following parties:

• Driver: In most cases, liability is assigned to one of the involved drivers due to negligence, improper driving, or violation of another traffic law. 
• Driver’s Employer: Through vicarious liability, a driver’s employer may be on the hook for damages caused by their employee while they were working. 
• Pedestrian/Bicyclist: Occasionally, accidents occur because a pedestrian or bicyclist causes a distraction or interrupts the flow of traffic. In some cases, they may be liable for damages incurred. 
• Car Manufacturer: If it can be demonstrated that faulty equipment or parts caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held accountable in product liability claims.

In many cases, a personal injury lawyer is necessary to identify the appropriate party for damages. 

Recoverable Damages in Car Accident Claims

Accidents cause many forms of harm and compensation can be rewarded for many different types of damages, including:

• Economic: Economic damages include property damage, lost wages, and medical expenses. Documentation is vital beginning in the moments after the accident to link costs to the accident. 
• Non-economic: Accidents often cause damage beyond easily billable medical expenses. In some cases, damages may be awarded for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. 
• Punitive: In cases where the accident was caused due to egregious misconduct, damages can be awarded to punish the culprit. In Arizona specifically, these damages are awarded when the defendant acted with “an evil hand and an evil mind.”

If you have been impacted by an accident, keep documentation and consult with a personal injury lawyer. Your health, life satisfaction, and cost of repairs are worth seeking compensation for. 

Contact Hastings & Hastings to Schedule Your Free Consultation

Accidents can lead to serious injuries, and even when they do not leave physical marks, they often cause stress and psychological distress. Our team is uniquely positioned to handle your case and your needs with grace. We will ensure that any damages are compensated fairly and swiftly. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.