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Navigating life after a car accident is challenging. You’re dealing with physical pain, medical bills, loss of work, and the emotional distress that accompanies such an event. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey; we understand what you’re going through. Our experienced Phoenix car accident lawyers have assisted countless victims down this challenging road to secure fair compensation for their losses. Let us help you so you can focus primarily on your recovery while we fight for justice.
Below are a few results from successful cases we’ve handled.
Attorney David G. Hastings founded Hastings and Hastings in 1981. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting and Economics from the University of Arizona, and he graduated with distinction from the University of Arizona law school. Mr. Hastings is known for giving back to his alma mater by awarding an annual scholarship to a deserving law student and pioneering a Bachelor of Laws undergraduate scholarship, the first of its kind in the country.
Admitted to practice by the State Bar of Arizona in 1979 and licensed in the United States Federal District Court of Arizona, Mr. Hastings is a past Sustaining Member of the Arizona Association for Justice (formerly the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association). He initially represented major insurance companies at Gust Rosenfeld, Arizona’s oldest law firm, but in 1981, he transitioned to representing injury victims. David and his family are very involved with Special Olympics Arizona, Phoenix Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Clinic, Down Syndrome Network Arizona, The Salvation Army, St. Vincent De Paul and numerous other charitable causes.
“I would highly recommend Hastings and Hastings to anyone I know.
I was in a car accident a few months ago and could not be happier with the outcome. Sean Hennick, my attorney, along with all the other staff at Hastings and Hastings, were extremely professional and helpful. Having Hastings and Hastings by my side made this process seem easy.” -A.L.
If you’ve been injured in a Phoenix car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s important that you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible about your legal rights and options moving forward. Here’s why you should work with Hastings and Hastings:
When it comes to choosing a law firm, experience should be one of your top criteria. The reason is simple – an experienced car accident lawyer in Mesa knows the ins and outs of the legal system and is more likely to get you the outcome you deserve.
At our firm, we have more than 90 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases. We have also been dedicated to helping accident victims across Arizona for over 40 years. This means that when you hire us, you can rest assured knowing that your case is in good hands.
Many law firms will try to pass you off to a paralegal or salesperson during the initial consultation. This is not only misleading, but it can also jeopardize your case if you decide to hire them. That’s because only an attorney is licensed to practice law and give legal advice.
So, if you want to know if you have a case, make sure to ask if you will be meeting with a car accident attorney during the consultation. At our firm, we believe that every potential client deserves to meet with an attorney so they can get the answers they need about their case.
Our firm has 10 offices across the Valley, which means we are conveniently located no matter where you live. If you can’t come to us, we will send a licensed attorney to come to you – whether you are at the hospital or your home.
When it comes to hiring a lawyer, cost is always a concern. Many people avoid hiring a car accident attorney because they think they can’t afford it, but that’s not always the case. At our firm, we offer free case evaluations so that potential clients can find out about their legal options without having to worry about how much it will cost. During your free evaluation, one of our experienced car accident attorneys will sit down with you and review the facts of your case at no cost or obligation on your part.
Over the years, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients through settlements and verdicts, and we are ready to put our experience and resources to work for you as well.
Contact the Phoenix car accident lawyers at Hastings and Hastings today to schedule a free consultation.
If you’ve been in a car accident or motorcycle accident in Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Casa Grande or anywhere in Arizona, you may need to file a personal injury claim to recover medical costs and other expenses related to the incident. You may not even realize you’ve been injured until days after the accident occurs. Insurance companies want to pay you as little as possible for your injury claims, and fighting them yourself usually does not result in maximum compensation.
Hiring an experienced and aggressive injury law firm that only fights for accident victims will ensure you get all of the compensation you deserve. When your case settles, our Discount Fee puts more money in your pocket. That’s the Hastings and Hastings difference.
No one wants to be in an accident. They usually happen fast and without warning. Many victims are in shock, and when you’re not thinking clearly, it can be easy to make simple mistakes. At Hastings and Hastings, we have seen virtually everything in our 40 years of serving Arizona accident victims, and we do not want you to make the same mistakes we have seen others make.
When the police arrive at the accident scene, they create an official report that preserves valuable evidence of your car accident and injury claim. This report is one of the most basic pieces of evidence in a personal injury claim. You may feel confused at the scene and the other party may not want to involve the police, but it is always the best idea to call 911 and have an official report made. The police can also help summon medical attention. The officers are experienced in looking for the common signs of fault in an accident, and will typically ticket or cite the at-fault driver. Often, police in Arizona are wearing cameras that can also preserve valuable evidence of your injury and property damage claims.
Bottom Line: Always call the police following any car, truck, or motorcycle accident to create an official report to document your accident.
When you are in shock, it’s hard to realize you are in shock, let alone feel the full extent of what has happened to your body following an accident. Seeking proper medical care as quickly as possible after an accident is essential for both your health and a your personal injury claim.
Bottom Line: Always seek medical treatment following a Phoenix car accident.
Posting about your life on social media is commonplace in our world today. You may feel protected because your accounts are set to private. However, once you’ve been in a car, motorcycle, or truck accident, insurance companies can gain access to your social media accounts, including your private posts, as they are still considered public under the law. No matter how harmless the post may seem to you, it’s essential that you do not post anything about your car accident on social media. However, it is important to take photos at the accident scene to help preserve valuable evidence for your car accident claim, just do not post these photos on your social media.
Bottom Line: Do not post about your car accident on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media channel. Try to take photographs on your phone if it safe to do so, and only share them with your attorney.
Consulting a personal injury attorney in Phoenix after an auto accident is the best way to successfully file and win a personal injury case. You’ve been through enough stress with the accident and everything that has followed. Our team of accident lawyers have over 90 years of combined experienced. We have been serving Arizona for over 40 years and fighting aggressively for accident victims just like you. Having someone you trust on your side removes the stress and ensures you have the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve.
At Hastings and Hastings, helping accident injury victims is all we do. Your initial consultation is always with an experienced, Arizona licensed attorney. Call our accident and injury law firm today for a free consultation to see if you have a case. When your case settles, our discount fee puts more money in your pocket. Most car accident attorneys charge 33.3%-45% of your settlement, which we don’t think is fair. Don’t settle for anything less: call Hastings and Hastings today at 480-706-1100 if you have been injured in an accident.
If you’ve been injured in a Phoenix car accident, it’s important to be aware of the time limit for filing a claim in Arizona. In most cases, you will have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action.
However, there are some situations in which the deadline may be extended. For example, if the injured person was under 18 years old at the time, the statute of limitations may be not being to run until they turn 18.
Alternatively, in some cases, the statute of limitations may be reduced to a mere few months. If you need to file a claim against a public entity like the state, city, or state agency, you have 180 days (about 6 months) to do so.
If you’re not sure whether an exception applies or how much time you have left to take action, speak with an experienced Phoenix car accident attorney today.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are considering taking legal action, it’s important to call as soon as possible. The longer you wait to file a claim, the harder it can be to collect evidence and identify witnesses that can help prove your case, so don’t wait.
Additionally, it often takes some time to gather all the evidence needed to build a strong case. This includes things like medical records, police reports, witness statements, and more. The sooner you start working on your case, the easier it will be to get everything together before the deadline passes.
Once the statute of limitations expires, you will no longer be able to file a claim seeking compensation for your injuries. While two years may seem like plenty of time, it can go by quickly, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and other aftermath of the car accident.
While a personal injury settlement is separate from a property damage settlement (fixing your car), they are very much related. Getting a proper estimate and returning your vehicle to a pre-accident state is essential to demonstrate how much true damage was done to a vehicle. This also aids in showing how you were injured, and the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies often “lowball” a client’s property damage in an effort to try to minimize and even eliminate a client’s personal injury claim. This is why at Hastings and Hastings, we always recommend that you speak to a car accident attorney before dealing with any insurance company, including your own.
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be wondering who is liable for the damages. The answer to this question depends on many factors. The following are some of the parties that could be liable for a car accident:
If another driver caused your accident, their insurance company should cover the damages. In some cases, the other driver may not have insurance or their insurance may not be enough to cover the damages.
If this is the case, you may need to file a lawsuit against the other driver to get the money you deserve. You should also check your own insurance policy to see if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which would kick in if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.
In some cases, both drivers may be found at fault for an accident. In Arizona, this situation is governed by something called comparative negligence.
For example, let’s say that you were hit by a drunk driver in an intersection, but you also ran a red light. In this case, you would likely be found partially at fault for the accident because you were not paying attention and ran a red light.
However, the other driver would also be found at fault because they were drinking and driving. The amount of money you can recover from the other driver will be reduced by the percentage that you are at fault. So, if you are 20% at fault and the total damages are $10,000, you can only recover $8,000 – 80% – from the other driver.
In some cases, an accident may be caused by a defective part. For example, if your brakes fail and you rear-end another car, it’s possible that the brake manufacturer is at fault for the accident. If this is the case, you can file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer to recover damages.
If you were involved in a truck accident, the trucking company might be held liable. Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure that their drivers are properly trained and that their vehicles are well-maintained. If a truck accident is caused by a poorly maintained vehicle or an overworked driver, the trucking company could be held responsible for the damages. A Phoenix truck accident attorney from our firm can help you determine liability.
Here are some of the most common types of compensation you may be entitled to after a car accident in Phoenix, AZ:
One of the main types of compensation you can recover after a car accident is medical expenses. This includes both past and future expenses related to your injuries. Your medical expenses may include hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any other treatment recommended by your doctor.
If your injuries are expected to have long-term effects, your Phoenix car accident lawyer will also take into account long-term future medical costs when negotiating with the insurance company.
If you miss time from work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover lost income as part of your compensation. This includes not only wages lost while you are out of work but also any reduction in earnings capacity due to the long-term effects of your injuries.
For example, if you can no longer work full-time or perform the same job duties as before the car accident, you may be able to recover damages for lost earning capacity.
In addition to medical expenses and lost income, there are other out-of-pocket expenses that can be included in your compensation. These may include the cost of renting a car while yours is being repaired, childcare expenses while you are receiving medical treatment, and help around the house if you are unable to perform all your usual activities.
If any property was damaged or destroyed in the accident, you may also be able to recover the cost of replacing it.
Finally, if you file a personal injury claim, you may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering caused by your injuries. This type of damage is intended to compensate you for the physical and emotional anguish caused by the crash, which is often still felt long after the accident is over. Some examples of pain and suffering after a car accident include:
Documentation is important because it provides evidence of the injuries you sustained in the accident. This evidence can be used to support your claim for damages. For example, if you go to the emergency room after the accident, the doctors will document your injuries in your medical records. These records can then be used to show the severity of your injuries and the treatment you require.
If you wait to seek medical treatment, it may be more difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. Therefore, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. In addition to medical records, other forms of documentation that can be used to support your claim include police reports, witness statements, and photographs of the scene of the accident and your injuries.
Car accidents are unfortunately common and can result in a range of physical injuries. Each injury is unique and comes with its own set of challenges. Some of the most common ones include the following:
Whiplash: This is a neck injury caused by sudden movement of the head forward, backward, or side to side. It can damage muscles and ligaments in the neck.
Spinal Injuries: Frequently caused by high-impact collisions, spinal injuries can leave victims with nagging pain or even life-long paralysis. If you experience back pain, numbness, or weakness, seek medical attention immediately.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A TBI usually results from a blow to the head. This can lead to long-term cognitive issues, memory loss, and changes in personality, among other symptoms.
Internal Injuries: If blunt force trauma occurs, internal damages like punctured lungs or ruptured spleens can occur, requiring prompt medical intervention to prevent further complications.
Burns: Victims might suffer burns if the car crash causes vehicle damage triggering a fire.
Wrongful death: If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, our team can help you file a Phoenix wrongful death lawsuit.
There are several common causes of car accidents. Understanding them can help safeguard against potential risks. Common causes include the following:
Distracted Driving: When drivers aren’t entirely focused on the road, accidents can occur. Common distractions include texting, eating, or talking with passengers.
Drunk Driving: Drunk driving is among the most common and dangerous causes of car accidents today. Consuming alcohol impairs your senses and judgment, leading to a greater risk of collisions. It is crucial for individuals to understand that even if they’re not legally intoxicated, consuming any amount of alcohol may still impair their driving abilities.
Speeding: Speeding is another leading cause of car accidents. The faster you drive, the less time you have to react to unforeseen obstacles, increasing the likelihood of a car crash.
Auto Part Failure: Even when drivers are cautious, accidents may still occur due to mechanical issues or auto part failure. From faulty brakes and steering systems to defective airbags and tires, auto part failures can lead to catastrophic accidents and injuries. It is important to note that in these cases, the vehicle manufacturer or the auto parts maker might be liable for the crash under product liability law.
Fatigued Driving: Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, impairing reaction time and decision-making. Ensure you are well-rested before driving, and if you begin to feel fatigued, take breaks or switch drivers whenever possible.
Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and sudden lane changes, pose a significant risk to everyone on the road. Practicing patience, giving other drivers space, and remaining respectful when navigating through traffic are essential.
Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen. If you are involved in a Phoenix car accident and it was someone else’s fault, you should speak with one of our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible.
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The length of time it takes to settle a car accident case can vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your case, and the willingness of the other driver’s insurance company to settle.
In general, most car accident cases settle within a few months to a year. However, there are some cases that can take longer, especially if the case is complex or if the other driver’s insurance company is not willing to cooperate.
Here are some factors that can affect how long your car accident case takes to settle:
If you are concerned about how long your car accident case will take to settle, it is important to speak with your accident attorney. They can help you understand the factors that may affect the length of your case and can help you negotiate a fair settlement.
Whether or not your car accident case will go to trial depends on a number of factors, including the strength of your case, the willingness of the other driver’s insurance company to settle, and your own personal preferences.
In general, most car accident cases are settled before they go to trial. This is because it is often in the best interests of both parties to avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial. However, there are some cases that do go to trial, especially if the parties are unable to agree on a settlement amount or if the case involves complex legal issues.
If your case does go to trial, there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of success. First, you should hire an experienced attorney who is familiar with car accident law and who has a track record of success in trials. Second, you should gather all of the evidence that supports your case, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements. Third, you should be prepared to testify in court and to answer questions from the other side’s attorney.
Going to trial can be a daunting prospect, but it can also be the best way to get the compensation you deserve. Your Phoenix car accident attorney will be able to determine what’s best for your case.
During a free legal consultation about your car accident claim, you can expect the attorney to:
You can also expect to ask the attorney questions about your case.
At Hastings and Hastings in Arizona, we understand that car accidents can cause all types of injuries. These injuries can range from neck and back pain, to much more severe and permanent injuries, or in the worst case — a fatality. Hastings and Hastings offers over 90 years of combined legal experience in handling all types of accident injuries and we urge you to call now. Schedule an appointment to meet with an experienced Phoenix car accident attorney and get more information on how we can help with your case.