Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Goodyear, AZ

FAQs

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

  623-932-1220 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Goodyear.

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

  You can obtain a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case in Goodyear, Arizona, by visiting the Goodyear Police Department's Records Division located at 11 N. 145th Ave. Goodyear 85338. The Records Division is open from Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays and scheduled employee in-service days. You can also make a request for records by calling 623-882-7670 or emailing gypdrecords@goodyearaz.gov. To process the request, fill out a records request form online at https://www.goodyearaz.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/29649/638139510655270000.

• What types of evidence are used to support a Goodyear personal injury case?

  The types of evidence used to support a Goodyear personal injury case may include a police report, testimony from witnesses, expert testimony, medical reports, photographs, videos, and other evidence collected at the accident scene. These forms of evidence can be used to demonstrate the negligence of the other party, establish the extent of the injuries, and support the amount of financial compensation the claimant is seeking.

• What are the common types of injury cases in Goodyear?

  In Goodyear, some of the common types of injury cases that can be pursued for compensation include auto collisions, truck crashes, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, product-related injuries, premises liability cases, dog bites, and motorcycle wrecks. If you have suffered an injury due to the fault of another party, it is important to seek the guidance of a Goodyear injury attorney to determine if you have a valid claim and what steps should be taken to recover damages.

• What is the process of negotiating a settlement in a Goodyear personal injury case?

  Negotiating a settlement is a process in which the involved parties, such as the victim or the insurance company, arrive at an agreement in regard to the compensation for the losses incurred in the Goodyear accident. Compared to a traditional hearing, negotiation is a much quicker and less expensive option, but it requires a thorough investigation and strong evidence to ensure that a fair settlement is reached.

• What if the person who caused your injuries in Goodyear doesn't have insurance?

  If the individual responsible for your injuries in Goodyear doesn't have insurance, there may still be a chance to receive compensation. A possible alternative is to make a claim against your own insurance policy's uninsured/underinsured motorist (UI/UIM) coverage, which provides coverage in case the other driver is uninsured. Alternatively, you can pursue legal action against the negligent driver in court. However, if they lack the necessary assets to pay for the damages, this course of action may be challenging.

• When should you file a lawsuit for your Goodyear personal injury case?

  The time limit for filing a lawsuit against the defendant or their insurance company in Goodyear is two years from the date of your injury; if you miss the deadline, then there is no possibility of you obtaining compensation. Consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to make sure your rights are protected.

• 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.