Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Phoenix, AZ

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency line in Phoenix is (602)262-6151.

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

  The Phoenix Police's public records may be requested from the Public Records and Services Unit at 1717 E. Grant St., Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85034.

• If a toddler wanders within the property line of a dog owner in Phoenix and is bitten by the house's feisty Chihuahua, is there a cause of action for damages?

  Possibly, if a toddler walks within the property line of a dog owner in Phoenix and there is a dog attack, there may be a liability for the dog bite. While trespassers usually have no claim against an animal owner whose pet attacks to defend the premises, the rule is different for young kids. The house's owner must fence off the canine and place ample signs warning children that there is a chihuahua in the area.

• Who are the parties in Phoenix who are allowed to file a wrongful death suit?

  The parties in Phoenix who may file a wrongful death suit are essentially those who would have an interest under inheritance law. These include close relatives like the surviving spouse and the remaining children. If the victim is a minor, the parents or guardians may sue. Legal representatives might also be allowed to go to court, as is the estate of the departed.

• Why is advantageous to secure the services of a lawyer before talking to insurance companies following an accident in Phoenix?

  It is advantageous in Phoenix to have a lawyer around when dealing with insurers because the latter are interested in releasing as little money as possible. They will look for every little excuse to deny an entire claim, and if no loopholes can be found, the company will dilly-dally until the victim's willpower breaks. Lawyers are adept at countering these tactics with threats of suit.

• Should a cash-strapped victim in Phoenix just accept the insurance company's offer instead of lawyering up?

  No, a cash-strapped victim in Phoenix must resist accepting any early offers from insurance companies and instead secure a lawyer. It is possible to obtain an attorney who is willing to work on a contingency basis, meaning that no upfront fees are charged, but the counsel gets a cut of any settlement or award. The insurer's initial offer will likely be small, so it's best to have legal protection.

• If a family in Phoenix loses its breadwinner because of a crashed plane that had a factory defect, do they need to prove negligence on the part of the airline?

  No, there is no need in Phoenix to show proof of negligence in an aviation tort case. Federal laws that apply to flights only require proof that the aircraft was defective and that a plane-related disaster caused the injury. There is no need to show that the airline company specifically did anything wrong; liability is presumed if the two elements in the previous sentence are established.

• 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.