Car Accident Attorney
Auto Accident Lawyer - What You Should Consider
What is an Auto Accident Lawyer?
Car accidents can leave victims facing serious injuries, lost income, and aggressive insurance companies. Accident Law Group’s Phoenix car accident lawyers represent injured drivers and passengers across Arizona. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
A Personal Injury Lawyer assists their clients in seeking fair compensation and economic damages from at-fault drivers. It can take years for victims of car accidents and distracted driving to recover from their injuries, and in some cases, they never will.
You should hire an auto accident lawyer if you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident injury that was not your fault.
The Accident Law Group can be reached at (602) 333-3333 in Arizona or (575) 333-3333 in New Mexico if further information is required.
An auto accident lawyer serves to get you financial compensation to cover things like:
- The Cost of Treatment
- Repair or replacement of the motor vehicle
- Lost wages
- Permanent disability
- Pain, grief, and distress
- Loss of consortium
Personal injury lawyer(s) who focus on car accident law are called “auto accident lawyers or a car accident attorney.” They can help car accident victims understand their options and pursue the compensation the law allows.
Different Types of Auto Accidents
The severity and diversity of a car accident victim’s wounds could vary. When certain kinds of accidents happen, people make assumptions about who might have been at fault. Be careful when someone describes your motor vehicle accident as a minor car accident. This is a general overview of the different types of auto accidents and their common causes.
- Chain Reaction Car Accidents
When two or more vehicles collide in a chain reaction of rear-end collisions, it is not uncommon for the resulting car wreck to involve multiple motor vehicles. “Chain reactions” are another term for these kinds of mishaps. - Head-On Collisions
When two cars traveling in opposite directions collide with each other, the resulting accident is known as a head-on collision. The effects on both parties can be catastrophic, and in extreme cases, fatalities can result from such incidents. Accidents like this can occur when someone makes a mistake, like driving on the wrong side of the road. Intoxicated drivers, distracted motorists, and faulty brakes increase the risk of such incidents. - Hit and Run Accidents
In Arizona, a driver involved in a crash that injures or kills someone must stop and stay at the scene, and leaving is a felony (A.R.S. 28-661). If you were hurt by a hit-and-run driver, you may be able to bring a civil claim against the driver if they are found, and your own uninsured motorist coverage may also apply, depending on your policy (A.R.S. 20-259.01). - Rollover Car Accidents
There are numerous causes of automobile rollovers. Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the resulting injuries are often catastrophic or fatal. Rollovers accounted for 28% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2024, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). - Side Impact Collisions
When a motor vehicle is struck at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, this is known as a side impact accident. The term “T-bone” is often used to describe these collisions. In a T-bone collision, the driver and passengers of the hit car have no protection from flying debris, so they are at high risk of serious injury. - Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions involve two vehicles and occur more frequently than any other type of collision. When compared to head-on and side-impact collisions, they are significantly less deadly. Usually, but not always, the driver in the back is to blame for a rear-end collision. - Teen Driver Car Accidents
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens in the United States. Drivers ages 16 to 19 have a higher crash risk than any other age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). - Elderly-Related Car Accidents
Drivers 70 and older tend to drive fewer miles than younger drivers. Per mile traveled, fatal crash rates start to rise at ages 70 to 74 and are highest for drivers 85 and older, mostly because older people are more easily injured in a crash, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Health issues are common among drivers of advanced age and can impair their judgment and reaction time. These include arthritis, dementia, and the need to take multiple medications that, when taken together, can cause drowsiness or other side effects that can make driving dangerous. - Parking Lot Car Accidents
Drivers may be easily distracted by what’s happening or have trouble seeing what’s ahead of them. Accidents in parking lots typically involve lower speeds, reducing the severity of any injuries sustained. - Rental Car Accidents
When renting a car, it’s important to understand who’s responsible in the event of an accident. Accidental damage or injuries might be covered by the rental agency’s insurance company and your own. Any damage done to the car during your rental period will be your financial responsibility. - Taxi Accidents
Taxi accidents can occur in two different ways. To start, a taxi could collide with the vehicle you’re in. The second possibility is that you are a passenger in a taxi involved in an accident that is the driver’s or another motorist’s fault. - Self-Driving Vehicle Accidents
The goal of developing autonomous vehicles is to make transportation more secure. When confronted with an unexpected threat, they are not always as secure as they appear. It can be difficult to determine who is at fault in a self-driving vehicle accident. - Employer Liability for Car Accidents
Many people on the road drive on their employer’s behalf rather than for their own purposes. When this type of accident happens, the employer may be liable to anyone injured in the accident under a theory of vicarious liability. Because companies typically have more insurance and assets than individual drivers, they are in a better position to compensate injury victims of car accidents.
Legal Options Available After a Car Accident
You might be able to settle your case with the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident, or you might have to go to court. In addition, you can file a lawsuit and go to court to argue your case or engage in alternative dispute resolution.
An auto accident attorney can review the issues that are unique to your case and explain your options. Contact the Accident Law Group at (602) 333-3333 in Arizona or (575) 333-3333 in New Mexico.
- Settling Your Car Accident Case
After a car crash, you might want to contact the insurance provider of the person who caused the accident. The case adjuster will then make a settlement offer. You or your attorney will send the insurance company a demand package consisting of your medical expenses, records, and bills.
Remember that most insurance companies’ first settlement offers are quite meager. For this reason, it could take several exchanges with the insurance company’s adjuster before making a fair and reasonable offer. - Bringing Legal Action and Pursuing Litigation Within the State Courts
Most cases involving injuries sustained in automobile accidents are settled well before trial. You might sue the negligent driver if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement offer. If you were hurt in a car crash, you can take your case to court and have a jury decide how much money you should get for your medical bills and other losses.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternate dispute resolution comes in many forms. Two common forms are mediation and arbitration. In mediation, a neutral mediator helps both sides try to reach a settlement, but the mediator does not decide the case. In arbitration, each side presents its case to a neutral arbitrator, who makes a decision that may be binding or non-binding, depending on the agreement or the rules that apply.
Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Accident Lawyer
When you talk to potential car accident lawyers, look for the following things to make sure you find a good one you can trust to handle your case to the best of their abilities:
- Has Vast Experience
Inquire about the attorney’s background and their personal injury law firm. Verify their track record of success with auto accident cases. You should also check their track record and ensure they have experience arguing cases in court.
- Engages with You
A competent legal representative will care about your situation. If your lawyer isn’t invested in your case, they’ll only do the bare minimum to make the grade. This could lead to a lower settlement amount for you. If a lawyer has been hired, how can you tell if they’re engaged? A good lawyer will want to know much about your situation and your objectives in court.
- Communicates Clearly
A competent legal representative will clarify how they intend to help you. You can expect transparent communication regarding their methodology, pricing, and other key aspects of their service. You should ask questions that get right to the point if you have any. In other words, you shouldn’t have more questions after leaving their office than when you entered. If they can’t answer your questions about their process clearly during the interview, you probably won’t be able to communicate effectively with them after you hire them.
- Willing to Provide References
You should always request a list of references from a prospective lawyer. References should attest to the lawyer’s standing in the community. You can trust their references even if you don’t actually call them. Avoid hiring a lawyer who can’t or won’t provide you with references.
- Has a Well-Organized Office Setting
If their office is neat and tidy, chances are they are, too. You should observe the lawyer’s staff and how they handle their work. It’s not a good sign that they’ll be able to help you with your case if they’re so disorganized that they have to dig through stacks of paperwork to find the necessary information and their staff has trouble keeping up with phone calls.
Have you been in a car accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you need a personal injury attorney who will look out for your interests. An auto accident attorney can help you handle your claim correctly and pursue a fair settlement. They can help you gather evidence for your personal injury claim case and negotiate with insurance adjusters so contact us, today!
Here at Accident Law Group, we represent victims of accidents and injuries. Our focus is on building and presenting your personal injury case. We have decided to specialize in one area of law and excel at it. We believe our clients deserve careful, attentive representation. Call us for a free consultation today!
Accident Law Group’s primary area of experience is Auto Accidents. Auto collisions can happen in a variety of ways, they are not always “cut and dry.” Even the participants in the accident can perceive the collision in different ways. This is why we will often have clients demonstrate with model vehicles how an accident occurred. If you needed these models to explain your accident to us, the insurance adjusters probably don’t fully understand how the accident occurred. It is our job to help navigate you through this difficult process.
The three main components of an automobile accident are injury, property damage, and liability.
Even if the circumstances of the accident are clear, the circumstances of the injuries are rarely clear. In extreme situations, we have seen what appeared to be a whiplash injury that turns into an issue that requires surgical repair. While we are not doctors, we are experienced at fighting with the insurance companies to make sure they understand your injuries were all caused by your accident. Additionally, because we are familiar with these injuries, we know what to look for when we review your medical records to help support why your injury has significantly affected your life.
Property damage entails both your vehicle and belongings. We will work to make sure that your vehicle repairs are appropriately taken care of, and if your vehicle is a total loss, you receive a fair payout. Additionally, we will help ensure that you are reimbursed for any property within your vehicle that may have been damaged. Many people fail to recognize a car seat should be replaced after an accident. We will make sure that the insurance company is considering your car seat as part of your property damage.
If your vehicle is repaired, it probably lost some value. Not every case is a candidate for a claim for diminished resale value, but we will be happy to discuss the possibility with you. Additionally, regardless of whether your car was totaled or repaired, we will fight for your right to a rental car or reimbursement for the loss of use of your vehicle.
Lastly, one of the most frustrating parts of a case to deal with can be liability. In Arizona, fault can be shared among the people involved in a crash. Under Arizona’s pure comparative fault rule, an injured person who was partly at fault can generally still recover, but the compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault (A.R.S. 12-2505).
This can become frustrating when you are not at fault.
Still, the insurance companies are fighting trying to determine how many other parties are at fault and their level of responsibility. Furthermore, the other driver’s insurance company will constantly look for a way to try and put some of the blame for the accident on you. This is especially prevalent with accidents involving one party making a left-hand turn. We have the experience and knowledge to fight for your rights against the insurance company.
Areas of Practice
Car Accident Lawyer: Fighting for Your Rights and Fair Compensation
When you’ve been involved in a car crash, it can be a distressing and overwhelming experience. In such challenging times, seeking the guidance of a skilled car accident attorney is crucial. At Accident Law Group, we specialize in providing dedicated legal representation to individuals injured in car accidents, and we work to protect their rights and pursue the compensation the law allows.
Car accidents can result in severe injuries, such as brain injury or catastrophic injuries, which require immediate medical attention and long-term medical treatment. Our team of experienced car accident attorneys understands the intricacies involved in navigating these complex cases. We have a deep understanding of the various factors that contribute to car accidents, including distracted driving, and we work to build your case carefully.
From the moment we take on your case, we conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene, gathering crucial evidence to support your claim. This evidence may include witness statements, police reports, and video footage. We handle all communication and negotiation with insurance adjusters, and we work to protect your rights when insurance companies try to minimize your compensation.
In addition to advocating for economic damages, which cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses resulting from the accident, we also fight for compensation for your pain and suffering. If the accident involves an uninsured motorist, we have the expertise to navigate these complex situations and explore all available avenues for recovering compensation.
At Accident Law Group, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a car accident can take on your life. Our dedicated team of car accident lawyers is committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation to help you rebuild and move forward. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us fight for your rights and fair compensation.
Car Accident Help in Tempe and the East Valley
Accident Law Group’s East Valley office is in Tempe, at 350 W. Washington St, Ste 213. Our car accident attorneys help people hurt in crashes in Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and nearby East Valley communities. The Arizona rules explained on this page, including fault, insurance minimums and filing deadlines, apply to crashes anywhere in the state.
To meet with us in Tempe, see our office locations and contact form or call (602) 333-3333. You can also read more about our East Valley accident lawyers.
Car Accident FAQ
Here are plain answers about car accident claims in Arizona, how insurance often works, and when it may help to talk with an Accident Law Group attorney.
Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Arizona law requires drivers in a crash that injures someone to stop, stay at the scene, share their name, address, and vehicle registration, and notify police right away. When it is safe, take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries, and write down the other driver’s insurance details and any witness names. Avoid admitting fault or guessing about what happened. Get medical care promptly, even if you feel okay, because some injuries show up later. Accident Law Group offers a free consultation — call (602) 333-3333 when you are ready.
Arizona uses a fault-based system, so the driver who caused the crash, through their liability insurance, is generally responsible for other people’s injuries and property damage. For policies issued or renewed since July 2020, Arizona requires at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. Those minimums can be far less than the cost of a serious injury. Your own policy may also help through coverages such as medical payments, collision, or uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, depending on what you bought. Bring your declarations page to a consultation and we can help you read it.
Often, yes. Arizona follows a pure comparative fault rule. If you are found partly at fault, your damages are generally reduced by your share of fault, but your claim is not automatically barred. For example, a driver found 20 percent at fault would generally see the recovery reduced by 20 percent. Insurers sometimes raise fault arguments early, especially in left-turn, lane-change, and chain-reaction crashes, so photos, witness names, and any video matter. This is general information only; how fault is assigned depends on the facts of each crash.
You generally do not have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer, and it is reasonable to wait until you understand your injuries and options. That adjuster works for the other company and its policyholder, and early statements are sometimes used to argue about fault or how serious an injury is. Your own insurer is different: your policy likely requires you to report the crash promptly and cooperate. Arizona’s insurance department suggests not admitting fault and keeping notes of every conversation with insurers. If you are unsure what to say, we can talk it through with you first.
The at-fault driver’s insurer usually does not pay bills as they come in; it generally pays when the claim is resolved. In the meantime, care is often paid through your health insurance or AHCCCS, through medical payments coverage on your auto policy if you have it, or by a provider who agrees to wait and be paid from a settlement through a lien, which Arizona law allows within limits. Health plans and AHCCCS may ask to be repaid from a recovery. Keep every bill, receipt, and explanation of benefits. We can help you sort out who pays first in your situation.
Arizona requires drivers to carry liability insurance, but not every driver does, and minimum limits can run out quickly. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can help when the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be identified, and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can help when their limits are too low for your injuries. Arizona insurers must offer both, but buying them is optional, so your declarations page controls what is available. In a hit-and-run with no physical contact, Arizona law requires corroborating evidence that the other vehicle caused the crash, so report it to police and save any video or witness names.
Many Arizona personal injury claims must be filed within two years, generally counted from the date of the crash. Claims against a city, county, the state, or another public entity — for example, a crash with a government vehicle or one blamed on a road condition — follow stricter rules: a written notice of claim is generally due within 180 days, and a lawsuit within one year. Rules for injured minors can change the timing, and crashes in New Mexico can have different deadlines. Because deadlines depend on the facts, it helps to review them early. Call (602) 333-3333 for a free consultation.
It can help to talk with us soon after you get medical care — especially if an adjuster asks for a recorded statement or offers a quick settlement, fault is disputed, a hit-and-run or low-limit policy is involved, a government vehicle or road condition played a part, or your injuries involve the head, neck, back, or a long recovery. Accident Law Group offers a free consultation so you can share what happened and ask questions before deciding anything. Call (602) 333-3333 in Arizona or (575) 333-3333 in New Mexico. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Related practice areas & car accident guides
Car crashes often overlap with other injury types. These pages may help you find the right starting point.
- Semi-truck accidents — when a commercial truck is involved
- Motorcycle accident lawyers — car–motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian accident lawyers — when a driver hits someone on foot
- Bicycle accident lawyer — car–bicycle crashes
- Traumatic brain injury lawyer — concussions and head injuries after a crash
- Wrongful death attorneys — when a loved one does not survive
- Scar compensation calculator — lasting scars from glass, airbags, or burns
- What to do after a car accident in Arizona — a step-by-step guide
- Hit-and-run accidents — holding a fleeing driver accountable
- Your rights after an auto accident — insurance, claims, and common mistakes
- Meet our attorneys — the Accident Law Group team
- Visit or contact us — offices in Arizona and New Mexico
Ready to talk? Call (602) 333-3333 in Arizona or (575) 333-3333 in New Mexico for a free consultation.
