If you were injured in Arizona because of another person’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation for any sudden expenses you have accrued such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost income. However, insurance companies may dispute liability or argue that you share responsibility in an effort to reduce what they pay.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Arizona personal injury lawyers represent accident victims throughout the state, including people injured in Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities. Whether your accident occurred in a major metropolitan area or a smaller community within the state, our attorneys can investigate what happened, identify potentially responsible parties, preserve evidence, and pursue compensation for the losses you suffered.
We also handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay upfront attorney fees unless we win. Call us today at (602) 783-8755 or use our online contact form for a free consultation.
Why Hire an Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer?
No matter what kind of accident you have been involved in, an insurance company may begin investigating your accident before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and who is even responsible for it. In fact, an adjuster may request various forms of evidence like medical records and recorded statements to try to dispute how the accident occurred or attempt to assign you a larger share of fault.
These disputes can directly affect how much compensation an insurer ultimately agrees to pay which can be troubling if you require extensive medical care. However, by hiring an Arizona personal injury lawyer for your case, it gives you someone responsible for protecting the legal side of your recovery and ensures your chances of recovering what you need to move on.
Why Choose West Coast Trial Lawyers for an Arizona Personal Injury Case?
Choosing the right law firm can make a significant difference in how a personal injury claim is investigated, documented, negotiated, and litigated. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, the firm is led by former federal prosecutor, Neama Rahmani, and Managing Partner, Allen Patatanyan, and together they have gathered a team of attorneys with extensive litigation experience handling serious injury claims.
As a result of the firm’s dedication to helping injured victims in need, the firm has recovered more than $2 billion in settlements and verdicts. On top of it all, the firm’s legal team is determined to provide strategic and personalized services while helping clients go through every phase of the legal process.
What You Get When You Hire West Coast Trial Lawyers
- An In-House Trial Team– Our attorneys prepare cases with litigation in mind and are ready to take a claim further when a reasonable settlement cannot be reached.
- Direct Access to Your Legal Team– Clients receive access to the attorneys and legal professionals responsible for handling their case.
- Experience Handling Complex Injury Claims– Our team has experience handling serious personal injury cases involving major insurers, corporations, commercial defendants, and other well-resourced parties.
- Arizona Representation– Our Arizona team serves injured clients in Phoenix, Tucson, and communities throughout the state.
- Track Record of Success- Our firm has earned notable recognition for legal excellence, receiving more than 1,000 five-star reviews across multiple social platforms.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
As personal injury claims vary widely from car accidents to dog bites, our firm handles a wide range of claims to ensure clients get the legal representation they need to make a full recovery. We represent clients in personal injury matters involving:
- Car Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Premises Liability Claims
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Uber and Lyft Accidents
- Wrongful Death Claims
- Bus Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Scooter Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Catastrophic Injury Claims (Brain, Spinal Cord, Burns)
- Food Delivery Accidents
If you do not see a type of accident you have been involved in, our firm may be able to provide legal assistance to point you in the right direction.
What Should You Do After an Accident in Arizona?
Whether you have been involved in a serious motorcycle crash or sexual assault, your health and safety should come first. As such, try to seek appropriate medical treatment even if your symptoms initially appear minor, because some injuries may become more noticeable after the initial shock of an accident subsides.
If you are physically able, try to document what happened or obtain evidence like medical records, video footage, police reports, and receipts that show how the accident affected your life. Furthermore, it is best to be cautious when speaking with another party’s insurance company. Statements made shortly after an accident may later be compared with medical records, photographs, witness accounts, or testimony when liability or damages are disputed.
How Do You Prove an Arizona Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim generally requires evidence showing that another party’s negligence caused or contributed to your injuries and damages. This will often involve acquiring evidence such as:
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Surveillance footage
- Photographs of your injuries and surrounding conditions
For example, a car accident may require vehicle photographs and dashcam footage to prove another driver acted negligently, while a pedestrian accident may depend on surveillance footage and witness statements. While the type of evidence will vary on a case-by-case basis, the strength of a personal injury claim depends on connecting how another party’s conduct to the harm suffered.
How Common Are Serious Traffic Accidents in Arizona?
Traffic collisions are without a doubt, one of the most common reasons that people suffer serious injuries and deaths throughout Arizona. According to Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) data, the state recorded 121,107 motor vehicle crashes and 1,228 traffic fatalities in 2024.
While traffic deaths reduced by 6.12% compared to 2023, the amount of fatal collisions is still a serious concern with many cases connected to preventable driver behaviors, like speeding, distracted driving, and impairment. These statistics demonstrate how frequent serious traffic accidents affect drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists throughout Arizona and how they should seek legal representation to ensure their injuries are taken care of.
What if Road Debris Causes an Accident on I-10, Loop 101, or Another Arizona Highway?
Road debris can create a complicated personal injury claim because responsibility often depends on where the debris came from and who was responsible for it. A driver or commercial vehicle operator may potentially be responsible if unsecured cargo falls from a vehicle and causes another motorist to crash.
However, a construction company or contractor could also become involved if improperly secured work materials enter the roadway. In some cases, a public entity may be relevant when a dangerous roadway condition contributed to the accident and determining where the debris originated can become especially important if there are multiple liable parties.
What if the Driver Who Hit You Was Driving Someone Else’s Car?
If the driver was using someone else’s car in the event of an accident, the same rules of negligence will apply, however, there will be an extra layer of liability and coverage discussions that will need to be addressed.
The person driving the vehicle may not be the only relevant source of insurance coverage, because if a driver was using another person’s vehicle with permission, the vehicle owner’s automobile policy may provide coverage depending on the policy terms, exclusions, and limits. Furthermore, the owner of the vehicle is held liable for negligent entrustment and the only scenario that makes them not liable is unless the car was used without their permission.
What if Your Accident Happens on Tribal Land in Arizona?
Arizona contains extensive tribal lands, so some accidents can raise jurisdictional questions that do not arise in an ordinary Phoenix or Tucson personal injury case. ADOT specifically identifies crashes on tribal lands as one of its statewide highway-safety emphasis areas and notes that the proportion of fatal crashes compared with overall crashes on tribal lands is substantially higher than the statewide average.
As such, the exact location of the accident and identity of the parties can matter because tribal, state, and federal jurisdiction may intersect. The Bureau of Indian Affairs explains that tribal courts generally exercise civil jurisdiction in various disputes involving tribal members and certain non-Indians who reside or do business on reservations.
What if a Dust Storm or Monsoon Causes Your Arizona Car Accident?
Dust storms and monsoon weather can create dangerous driving conditions throughout Arizona, particularly when visibility suddenly drops. The Arizona Department of Transportation warns drivers not to enter a dust storm and try to utilize the specialized dust-detection and warning signs along a 10-mile section of Interstate 10 near Eloy between Phoenix and Tucson to make informed driving decisions.
However, dangerous weather does not automatically determine who is responsible for a collision, because the question of liability is going to be dependent on whether the driver responded reasonably once visibility began deteriorating.
How Are Personal Injury Claims Handled in Arizona?
The personal injury claims process in Arizona begins with filing a complaint that outlines the facts of the case and is served to the defendant. This step is important because it officially starts the case, and delays can impact your ability to recover compensation due to statutes of limitations.
Next, the discovery phase allows both sides to gather evidence through written questions, document requests, and depositions. This phase is essential for building the case and supporting your claim. Once claims are fully built out, settlement conferences are usually held before trial as an attempt to resolve the case without going to court.
Negotiations during this stage may be influenced by the at fault party’s insurance policy limits, which can affect the amount available for recovery. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome. Some cases may also be resolved through arbitration or other court programs before trial.
What Compensation Can You Recover After an Arizona Personal Injury Claim?
In Arizona, a personal injury claim may allow you to recover compensatory damages for losses resulting from your injury, including economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages may include medical costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage whereas noneconomic damages may compensate for losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In certain cases involving particularly wrongful or egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. This is made to punish the wrongdoer and to deter similar conduct in the future.
How Much Is an Arizona Personal Injury Case Worth?
When it comes to determining the value of a personal injury claim, it will always vary on a case-by-case basis, because there is no reliable average settlement and two people with similar accidents can experience different injuries and financial consequences. While there are personal injury settlement calculators that can give injury victims a rough estimation of their claim, other factors that can affect a case’s value include the severity of the injury, the strength of available evidence, and the effect on everyday life.
A claim should therefore be evaluated according to its specific medical evidence, financial losses, insurance coverage, and liability evidence rather than a generalized settlement average. An attorney can evaluate your losses and determine whether punitive damages may apply to help you pursue the largest compensation available under the circumstances of your claim.
What if You Were Partially Responsible for Your Arizona Accident?
Being partially responsible does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. Arizona also follows a pure comparative negligence system under A.R.S. § 12-2505, meaning that compensation may be adjusted if you are found partially at fault. For example, if your damages were valued at $100,000 but you were determined to be 30% responsible for the accident, your recovery could potentially be reduced to $70,000.
This makes disputes over fault particularly important because assigning a greater percentage of responsibility to the injured person can reduce the amount another party may ultimately owe. Ultimately, each case depends on whether the parties involved did not fulfill their duty of care, and how that conduct contributed to the injuries sustained.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Arizona?
Under Arizona’s statute of limitations, personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the incident (A.R.S. § 12-542). If a lawsuit is not filed within the given deadline, the victim’s damages will no longer be recovered even if a strong basis for the case has been established.
Claims against public entities may have additional notice requirements. A notice of claim generally must be filed within 180 days after the cause of action accrues (A.R.S. § 12-821.01). The notice must include facts that support the claim and a specific amount for which the claim can be settled.
Once filed, the public entity generally has 60 days to accept the settlement offer or issue a written denial. If they do not respond, the claim is deemed denied by operation of law under A.R.S. § 12-821.01(E). A lawsuit against the public entity or employee generally must then be filed within one year (A.R.S. § 12-821).
Speak With an Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney will help you understand the legal options you have available and determine the next effective steps to take in your case. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we offer a FREE, initial consultation to assess your situation, answer any questions you have in mind, and help you decide how to proceed after an accident.
Our Arizona legal team represents clients throughout the state, including individuals residing in Phoenix, AZ and Tucson, AZ, who are seeking guidance and support after serious accidents. Whether your situation involves a car crash, slip and fall, or other types of personal injury-related matters, we are prepared to help you pursue compensation for your losses.
To get started on the legal process, we invite you to connect with us by calling (602) 783-8755 or filling out our quick online contact form to get started on your case.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Personal Injury Claims
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Slip and Fall Claim?
While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer for a slip and fall claim, working with someone that is experienced in these matters can greatly impact the value of your case. These claims are generally based on premises liability principles, which require you to show that a property owner did not take reasonable steps to address a dangerous condition. Keep in mind that slip and fall accidents account for 24% of preventable U.S. deaths, highlighting the potentially serious consequences for such accidents.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Arizona?
After a car accident, taking the right steps can help protect your health and any potential personal injury claim you plan to pursue in the future. Whether the incident took place near intersections, like 7th Ave & Thomas Rd or 19th Ave & Camelback Rd, or in areas such as Downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tempe, it is important to keep yourself calm and act promptly:
- Call 911- Emergency responders and the Phoenix Police Department (PPD) or Tucson Police Department (TPD), depending on where the situation happened, will arrive and provide assistance to affected individuals. An official police report will be created, which you can request a copy of to use in your claim.
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible- This applies even if you did not notice immediate symptoms. Prompt evaluation at facilities, like Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix or St. Joseph’s Hospital, can help identify bodily harm that may not appear soon after an accident.
- Document the accident scene by taking photographs or video footage of your injury and the surrounding conditions.
- Gather witness information- These can help strengthen your claim against the opposing counsel.
- Speak to an Arizona car accident lawyer- They will look into matters pertaining to the incident and determine what effective approach to take to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Taking these steps can help you gather valuable evidence, support your recovery, and put you in a good position should you decide to take legal action in the aftermath of a car accident.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take?
The duration of a personal injury claim will depend on the complications surrounding the case, the extent of harm you suffered, and whether liability is being disputed. Some cases may settle within a few months or so, whereas others could take a year or longer if negotiations are unsuccessful or the case leads to litigation.
Situations in which a person suffers catastrophic injuries or a permanent disability will often require more time since they involve extensive treatment and a more comprehensive analysis of long-term damages. But keep in mind that every case is different and some may resolve quicker than others. Just be sure to give yourself enough time to fully go through the factors surrounding your situation to ensure any settlement properly reflects the full amount of your damages.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in Arizona?
Most personal injury lawyers in Arizona operate under a contingency-fee basis. This means that you do not pay any upfront attorney’s fees. Your legal representative will, instead, get a percentage of the settlement or court award only if your case is successful.
Attorneys should outline how litigation costs are handled in contingency agreements, because clear communication is essential in the attorney-client relationship. Ultimately, this fee structure gives injured victims the opportunity to find an excellent lawyer to stand by their side without having to pay out-of-pocket expenses while their case is ongoing.
Can I Sue for Emotional Distress in Arizona?
You can sue for emotional distress in Arizona and this is recoverable in cases where it was caused by someone else’s negligence. Rather than being a separate claim, emotional distress is often included as part of a claim for non-economic damages alongside loss of enjoyment of life and pain and suffering.
Emotional distress can come from traumatic events that trigger severe injuries, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To support these damages, you will need to gather evidence, like medical records, mental health treatment documentation, and expert testimony that can be used to prove how it has affected your daily life.
What If the Other Driver Was Driving Someone Else’s Car?
If the at fault driver was operating another person’s car with the owner’s permission, the vehicle owner’s auto insurance may provide coverage (A.R.S. § 28-4009). Arizona law generally requires an owner’s policy to cover a person using the vehicle with the owner’s express or implied permission (subject to the policy’s terms and coverage limits).
Can a Passenger Be Liable for Distracting a Driver?
In Arizona, passengers are not automatically liable for a driver’s negligence and usually do not have a duty to monitor the road or tell the driver how to operate the vehicle. However, a passenger may potentially be liable if their own careless or intentional actions contribute to the crash.
For instance, liability may arise if a passenger grabs the steering wheel, blocks the driver’s vision, interferes with the vehicle’s controls, intentionally creates a dangerous distraction, or encourages the driver to drive recklessly. A passenger who owns the vehicle or has a specific duty to supervise the driver may also face different legal consequences.
Who Is Liable for an Accident Caused by Road Debris?
Liability for an accident caused by road debris depends on where the debris came from and who was responsible for it. A driver may be held liable if unsecured cargo fell from their vehicle whereas construction companies or other parties could be held potentially responsible if debris was caused by improperly secured work materials. In some situations, a government entity may be responsible if a dangerous road condition was known or should have been discovered and addressed.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Dog Bite?
Dog bites constitute a significant percentage of homeowners’ insurance claims. Homeowners insurance may provide liability coverage when a policyholder’s dog bites or injures another person, potentially covering medical bills, legal fees, and other damages (subject to the policy’s terms and limits). Coverage will vary based on the insurance policy, the circumstances leading up to the bite, and whether the policy contains exclusions for certain dogs or situations.
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If you’ve been injured in an accident, know your rights before evidence disappears and insurance companies build their case against you. Speak to one of our attorneys today free of charge and find out what your case is worth.
