Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Yuma

FAQs

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

  Call 928-783-4421 to report non-emergencies to the local police station in Yuma.

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

  Get a copy of the police report for incidents in Yuma at the Records Department located at 160 S. 3rd Avenue, Suite B. Requests may be sent in person, by email at SORec@ycso.yumacountyaz.gov, or by mail to the following: Yuma County Sheriff's Office Attention: Records Department 141 S. 3rd Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364 Access the request form and map here: https://www.yumacountysheriff.org/pdf/forms/Public-Records-Report-Request-Form-022020.pdf. Call (928) 329-2254 for further assistance.

• How much time does a person have to file a lawsuit against the responsible person for an accident in Yuma?

  A person has two years to file a lawsuit against the responsible person for an accident in Yuma. It can be extended if the injuries didn't appear until later or if the victim suffered mental instability as a result of the incident. For minor victims, the period starts when they reach 18 years old.

• Is there a compensation limit for damages in Yuma?

  In Yuma, there is no cap on the amount of compensation that can be awarded for both economic and non-economic damages resulting from an accident. Additionally, individuals may seek punitive damages, which are intended to deter the responsible party from engaging in future negligent behavior. These types of damages are commonly imposed on corporations and individuals with a history of repeated offenses.

• Can an injury victim in Yuma take legal action against the government?

  Yes, an injury victim in Yuma can take legal action against the government. He/she has only 180 days to do so. When filing a claim, one must have strong evidence to prove that a government agency failed to do its duty to prevent accidents. It is also necessary to include a specific request for compensation along with a clear justification for the amount sought.

• Do drunk drivers always have to pay for accidents in Yuma?

  No, drunk drivers don't always have to pay for accidents in Yuma. One can argue that the other party also bears some responsibility. However, the burden of proof falls on the drunk driver to demonstrate that the other party's actions were negligent. Nonetheless, it is generally more likely that the intoxicated driver will be deemed at fault in most cases.

• What should a person do if the insurance company offers an insufficient amount of compensation for injuries sustained in Yuma?

  If an insurance company offers an insufficient amount of compensation for injuries sustained, an individual in Yuma should seek the assistance of an attorney to negotiate with the insurance agent. To support the negotiation process, it is important to gather evidence to demonstrate that the offered amount is inadequate to cover the damages incurred.

• 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.