Personal Injury FAQs

Answers to Common Questions about Personal Injury Claims in Phoenix

When you are injured in an unexpected accident or lose a loved one due to someone else’s careless or reckless actions, the future can feel overwhelming. Most people have a lot of questions about their legal rights and options in the wake of an accident. At Alex & Associates, we understand the challenges you are currently facing, which is why we’ve compiled answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about filing a personal injury claim in Phoenix and the nearby areas.

Browse our personal injury FAQs here or, for more detailed information regarding your specific case, call our Phoenix personal injury lawyers at (602) 483-6114 today for a free consultation.

Do I have a personal injury case?

Whether or not you have a personal injury case depends on the unique factors involved in your circumstance. Generally speaking, if someone else was at fault for your injuries or losses—even partially—you likely have a case. If another person, company, or party acted negligently or wrongfully, and this resulted in you suffering injuries or other damages, you should seek the counsel of an attorney as soon as possible. In order to determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim, reach out to an experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer at our firm. We can help you determine if you have a case and, if so, we can assist you with the next steps.

How much is my case worth?

Unfortunately, the answer to this is not simple. We understand why our clients are gravely concerned with the value of their cases; after all, you need to know that you will be able to afford your medical care and continue paying your bills while you’re unable to work. However, it is not possible to provide a clear overview of the potential value of your claim without first discussing the many variables involved. Contact Alex & Associates to request a completely free and confidential consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers. We’ll be able to go over the unique factors involved in your case and provide you with a clearer understanding of what to expect.

What are “damages?”

“Damages” is a legal term that describes any losses you sustained as a result of another party’s negligence. These losses can be either economic or non-economic in nature. Examples of economic damages include lost income/wages from being unable to work, medical bills, and property damage. Non-economic damages, meanwhile, include things like pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress/trauma. Our firm can help you seek fair compensation for all of your damages, whether they are financial, physical, or emotional in nature.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Arizona?

In the state of Arizona, you typically have two years from the date of the accident/injury to file a personal injury claim. There are certain exceptions, such as when an injury develops slowly over time. In such cases, the victim has two years from the date he/she knew of or reasonably should have known of the injury. Additionally, if you wish to pursue a claim against a governmental organization, including local and state entities, you have 180 days to file a formal claim and one year to file a lawsuit. Other exceptions exist; contact an attorney at our firm to learn more.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

At Alex & Associates, we operate on a contingency fee basis, and we typically cover all initial costs associated with your case. This means there are no upfront expenses for you when you work with us. Only at the successful resolution of your claim will we collect a percentage of your recovery to pay our attorneys’ fees. In the unlikely event that we do not secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf, you will not owe us a dime. There is virtually no risk in working with the Phoenix personal injury lawyers at our firm—call us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Even if you were partially at fault for the accident and/or your injuries, you may still be able to recover compensation. Arizona follows what is known as the “comparative negligence” rule. This means that you may recover compensation even if you were up to 99% at fault for the incident. If a jury or judge assigns you a certain degree of fault, however, your total award will be reduced by your at-fault percentage. In other words, if you are determined to be 30% at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, your total recovery will be reduced by 30%.

Do I have to pay my medical bills while my case is ongoing?

Yes, you must pay your medical bills and all costs associated with medical treatment even if you are in the process of seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. We understand that this can be difficult, particularly if you are also unable to work due to your injuries. Luckily, you may have options to assist with the cost of medical treatment. Your own health insurance may cover some or all of your costs, or you may even be able to receive some coverage through your auto insurance policy. In other cases, you may be able to work out a payment schedule with your medical provider to ease the burden of high medical costs. Remember, your health and well-being is the most important thing. Continue receiving proper medical treatment and paying your bills to the best of your ability. In the meantime, our lawyers can help you fight tirelessly for a fair settlement or jury verdict to reimburse you for your medical expenses and other damages.