Lake Havasu City Car Accident Lawyers

Drivers are entitled to safety on the road, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, over 122,000 crashes occurred in 2023. Of these traffic collisions, injury was reported in around 37,000 accidents and over 1,100 people tragically lost their lives. When a motor vehicle crash occurs, the injured party or the surviving family members of those who died may have the right to compensation from the negligent driver.

At Southwest Injury Law, our Lake Havasu City auto accident attorneys have the skills and resources necessary to seek full compensation in your case.

Steps to Take After a Motor Vehicle Crash

Getting into a traffic collision in Lake Havasu City can be overwhelming, and you may feel unsure about what to do next. However, it is important to stay calm and take the right steps to protect your health and the right to a claim for damages. Here are the steps you should take after a car wreck:

• Pull over to a safe location near the crash site
• Report the incident to local law enforcement
• Check yourself and others for injuries
• Seek immediate treatment if you are injured
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene before leaving
• Request copies of the police report and your medical records
• Report the incident to your insurance carrier
• Avoid providing a recorded statement to the insurance company
• Do not rush into accepting a quick settlement from the insurance adjuster
• Avoid posting on social media until your bodily injury claim has resolved

If you are unsure of how to proceed in your situation, do not worry. Retaining legal counsel can protect your rights after a car wreck. Your Lake Havasu City auto accident attorney can handle your case on your behalf while you focus on your recovery.

Filing a Bodily Injury Claim for a Car Crash in Lake Havasu City

When you file an auto accident claim, a representative known as a claims adjuster will be assigned to your case. This individual will be your primary point of contact throughout the process. It is important to understand that the insurance adjuster is not your friend and is not working for you. The claims adjuster represents the insurance company, and their goal is to minimize the payout. To protect yourself when dealing with an insurance adjuster, consider the following advice:

• Decline Recorded Statements: Insurance companies may request a recorded statement, hoping to catch inconsistencies that may justify devaluing or denying your bodily injury claim. Politely decline and have the insurance representative contact your injury attorney if you have one.
• Do Not Sign Anything: If you receive documents such as a medical authorization release form, do not sign them. Always consult with an experienced attorney first. Such forms may seek access to your entire medical history, which may be used against you and your personal injury claim.
• Avoid Quick Settlements: Although you may want to resolve your claim quickly, avoid accepting the first settlement offer. Initial offers are often low in an effort to protect the insurance company’s profit margins.

The unfortunate reality about motor vehicle collisions is that insurers often take advantage of injured parties during the claims process. The best way to protect your rights and interests after a crash is to retain legal counsel. An experienced auto accident attorney serving Lake Havasu City can handle discussions and negotiations with insurance carriers and opposing counsel to obtain the best case result possible.

Auto Accident Laws in Arizona

Bringing a successful bodily injury claim requires at least a basic understanding of Arizona’s relevant laws. Without this knowledge, you may make a mistake that may affect your claim. An experienced accident attorney can clarify the laws that may impact your case, such as:

• Fault-Based Insurance Law: Under Arizona’s fault-based system, the insurance company representing the individual responsible for the traffic collision is typically liable for covering economic and non-economic damages.
• Auto Insurance Requirements: Arizona law mandates that all drivers carry minimum liability insurance coverage. These minimums include $25,000 per individual and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury liability, as well as $15,000 for property damage liability.
• Comparative Fault: Under Arizona’s comparative fault system, an injured party may still receive compensation even if they are partially at fault for the collision. However, the amount of compensation will be reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault.
• Statute of Limitations: The Arizona statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is just two years from the date of loss. If the accident case is against a public agency the time limit is 180 days from the date of the accident to file a notice of claim.

These are just a few examples of the many laws that may influence a personal injury case for a Lake Havasu City car accident. The legal team at Southwest Injury Law can guide you through the process and seek maximum compensation on your behalf.

How Will Losses Be Covered in a Hit-and-Run Crash?

Bringing a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage can help cover losses if you have been injured in a crash caused by a hit-and-run driver, even if they are unidentified. There must be sufficient and clear evidence showing that the injuries sustained were the direct result of the hit-and-run and not from another cause. This includes police reports, property damage, medical records, eyewitness statements, and viable description of the suspect vehicle.

Why You Need an Attorney for Your Lake Havasu City Car Accident Case

Handling a bodily injury claim for a motor vehicle collision in Lake Havasu City on your own may lead to accepting a settlement offer that falls short of covering all your losses. Insurance companies often undervalue claims to minimize their payouts. The best way to protect your rights and interests is to retain experienced legal counsel to represent you throughout the personal injury claims process.

A skilled auto accident attorney serving Lake Havasu City and surrounding areas knows how to challenge difficult insurers by presenting strong evidence to support your claim. This includes working with expert witnesses like medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists. If necessary, your lawyer can take your case to court to seek maximum compensation, although most personal injury cases for traffic collisions are resolved through insurance settlements.

With an attorney handling the independent investigation, interviewing witnesses, consulting with expert witnesses, and collecting evidence, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while your lawyer works to achieve the best possible outcome for your bodily injury claim. For information on how our legal team from Southwest Injury Law can assist you with your case, call us or fill out an online contact form for your free consultation today.

Contact an Auto Accident Attorney Serving Lake Havasu City

Schedule a free consultation with our skilled Lake Havasu City auto accident attorneys to learn how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Get started by giving our law office a call at (602) 777-3300 or submit an online contact form today. Let us guide you throughout the personal injury claims process and help you share your story together. We represent clients whose crashes occurred in Mohave County and across Arizona.