Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Chandler

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Chandler, Arizona?

  You may contact the non-emergency phone number of the Chandler Police Department at 480-782-4130.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Chandler, Arizona?

  You may submit a request personally to the main station of the Chandler Police Department, located at 250 E. Chicago St. in the metro. Fill out the Request for Police Record form which can be downloaded from www.chandlerazpd.gov/forms/request-report or obtained at the station when you make a request. Should there be questions, call the records unit at 480-782-4001.

• Can you bring a personal injury lawsuit against the City of Chandler?

  Yes. If you got injured in a car accident caused by a government-owned vehicle or slipped and got injured on government premises in Chandler, you can sue the local government. First, you must file a Notice of Claim against the city within 180 days following the date of the incident. Should your claim get denied or if the settlement offered to you is not fair, you can take the matter to court.

• When creating a demand letter for a personal injury claim in Chandler, should you get a lawyer?

  It is up to you if you would like to get a lawyer, but it would be in your best interest to consult with a legal expert first before creating a demand letter, whether for a minor or major accident in Chandler. The letter contains the most important information about the claim, which is how much compensation the claimant demands. Through the services of a lawyer, the demand letter will have a thorough calculation of the compensation amount and convincing supporting legal documents.

• What should you do once you receive the police report of your incident in Chandler?

  Carefully look through the entire police report of your incident and see if there is any missing or incorrect information. It is possible to change or amend a police report if proof or documentation of factual information can be provided. Call the police officer responsible for your report through the Chandler Police Department's main station number at 480-782-4200 or visit the station at 250 E Chicago Street.

• Does a personal injury case in Chandler go through compulsory arbitration?

  It depends. If the personal injury case in Chandler is seeking damages less than $50,000, parties have to undergo compulsory arbitration. During the arbitration process, a court-appointed arbitrator, usually a lawyer, will assess the case and determine the resolution. It is also possible to appeal the judgment of the arbitrator. Once the appeal is granted, a new judge will be assigned to the case for a new trial. After the trial, the newly assigned judge's decision will be considered binding.

• How are families compensated in a wrongful death case in Chandler?

  When a family member dies in an accident in Chandler, surviving members can seek compensation for the death of their loved ones by filing a wrongful death claim. The compensation amount will depend on factors such as the value of the loss of companionship, the mental suffering of the family, funeral expenses, and medical costs incurred before the deceased's demise. It is important to take note that wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of death.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.