If you were injured in a car accident in Marana, Arizona law gives you the right to seek compensation from the person responsible. Recovering payment for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses is a fundamental part of making things right. However, the process can be difficult when you are also trying to recover from your injuries.
You do not have to handle the legal complexities on your own. While you focus on your health, we connect you with a local, vetted lawyer in your area that manages the entire claims process. They gather evidence, document your losses, and handle all communications with insurance companies to build a strong case on your behalf.
At Law Bear, we are ready to provide the support and guidance you need. To discuss your case in a free, no-obligation consultation, call us today at (309) 365-6510.
The Law Bear Advantage
At Law Bear, we see our role as protective guardians for the injured-like a mama bear watching over her cubs-ensuring your rights are defended throughout the entire journey back to wellness.
Here's what sets us apart:
- Free Den Visit: We'll examine your case at no cost in our secure cave and explain your legal pathways through the legal forest in simple, easy-to-understand terms. You're not obligated to join our pack; instead, you'll walk away with clarity on how to move forward.
- Access to Our Elite Pack: We've spent years sniffing out, tracking, and testing the most formidable legal predators in the region. Our network contains only the fiercest attorneys who have proven their hunting skills in the courtroom wilderness.
- No Victory, No Honey Guarantee: Our "hunt first, feast later" structure means our appetites are perfectly aligned with yours-we only eat when you win.
- Direct & Personal Pack Protection: Your case will receive devoted attention from our experienced family of legal guardians.
What Compensation Is Available in an Arizona Car Accident Claim?
The goal of a personal injury claim is to restore you to the financial position you were in before the accident. This compensation, legally known as "damages," is designed to cover every loss you have suffered. These damages fall into three main categories.
Economic Damages: Covering Your Financial Costs
This category includes all the specific, calculable expenses resulting from your accident. We will meticulously track these costs to form a solid basis for your claim.
- Medical Bills: All expenses from emergency responders, hospital stays, surgical procedures, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may require.
- Lost Wages: The income you lost while you were unable to work.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to earn the same level of income in the future.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
Non-Economic Damages: The Personal Impact
These damages compensate you for harms that do not have a direct price tag but have a significant impact on your life. Placing a value on these requires a thorough understanding of how the accident has affected you personally.
- Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional distress your injuries have caused.
- Emotional Anguish: This can include anxiety, depression, or PTSD that stems from the trauma of the crash.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for being unable to take part in hobbies and activities you previously enjoyed.
Punitive Damages: Punishing Gross Negligence
In some situations, if the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness or a conscious disregard for the safety of others, Arizona law may permit an award of punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. It is important to know that under A.R.S. § 12-820.04, punitive damages cannot be awarded against government entities.
Where Do Car Accidents Happen Most in Marana?
While a crash can occur on any road, certain areas are more prone to collisions because of high traffic volume or challenging layouts.
High-Risk Locations in the Marana Area
Our team is familiar with the roadways in Pima County and Marana, and we consistently see accidents occur at several key locations.
- Interstate 10 (I-10): A primary travel corridor, the sections of I-10 near the Tangerine Road and Cortaro Road exits are frequent sites for high-speed collisions and accidents involving commercial trucks.
- W Tangerine Road & N Thornydale Road: This busy and expanding area experiences heavy traffic, making intersection-related accidents common.
- W Cortaro Farms Road: Congestion from commercial developments and shopping centers, including Arizona Pavilions, raises the risk of crashes.
- N Sandario Road: This rural, high-speed road can pose unique dangers, particularly at its intersections.
Common Factors in Local Crashes
- Impaired Driving: In a recent year, there were 51 alcohol-related crashes in Marana, which resulted in one death and 32 injuries. Statewide in the following year, alcohol was a factor in over 25% of all fatal crashes.
- Peak Traffic: Collisions are more frequent during peak commuter times, especially between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Growth and Construction: Marana is a growing community, and ongoing road work can create temporary hazards and confusing traffic patterns.
What Types of Accident Cases Do You Handle?
Our firm has deep experience handling a wide range of car accident claims, including:
- Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by distracted driving or following too closely.
- Head-On Crashes: These are among the most destructive accidents and frequently lead to severe injuries.
- T-Bone (Side-Impact) Accidents: Common at intersections, these crashes can cause serious harm because the sides of a vehicle offer less protection.
- Rollover Accidents: These may result from high-speed maneuvers or when a vehicle is "tripped" by an obstacle or uneven surface.
- Accidents Involving Commercial Trucks: These cases are often more complex due to federal regulations and the multiple parties that may be liable.
What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?
Injuries from a car accident can range from moderate to life-altering. We handle claims involving:
- Soft Tissue Injuries: One of the most common injuries is whiplash, which is damage to neck muscles and ligaments from the sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head.
- Head and Brain Injuries: These can vary from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) with long-term cognitive and physical effects.
- Broken Bones: The powerful forces in a collision often cause fractures of the arms, legs, hips, and ribs.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: These can include herniated discs or, in the most severe cases, result in paralysis.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs requires immediate medical care and can be life-threatening.
How Does Arizona Law Affect Your Claim?
Several state laws directly impact your ability to recover compensation.
- The At-Fault System: Arizona is an "at-fault" state, which means the person who caused the accident is responsible for the damages. This is different from "no-fault" states, where your own insurance policy covers your initial medical costs no matter who was at fault.
- Statute of Limitations: In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under A.R.S. § 12-542. However, if your claim is against a government body like the Town of Marana, you have only 180 days to file a formal Notice of Claim, as mandated by A.R.S. § 12-821.01. Missing these deadlines can bar you from ever recovering compensation.
- Pure Comparative Negligence: Under A.R.S. § 12-2505, you can still recover damages even if you were partially to blame for the crash. Your compensation award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found 20% at fault, your final recovery is reduced by 20%.
How Do You Handle Insurance Companies?
Shortly after an accident, you will likely be contacted by the other driver's insurance adjuster. It is important to remember their role. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their objective is to minimize the amount they pay on claims.
Tactics Your Lawyer Anticipates and Counters
- Requesting a Recorded Statement: Adjusters may ask you to give a recorded statement, hoping you might say something that could be interpreted to hurt your claim. You have the right to decline until you have spoken with an attorney.
- Offering a Quick, Low Settlement: A fast settlement offer may seem appealing, but it is typically far less than what your claim is truly worth and likely will not cover your long-term needs.
- Disputing Injury Severity: An adjuster might scrutinize your medical records to argue your injuries were pre-existing or are not as serious as you claim.
- Shifting the Blame: Due to Arizona's comparative negligence rule, insurers will try to assign as much fault to you as possible to reduce what they have to pay.
What Can You Do to Strengthen Your Case?
While our team builds your case, there are several steps you can take to protect your right to fair compensation.
- Follow All Medical Advice: Adhere strictly to your doctor's treatment plan. Any gaps in treatment may be used by an insurer to argue your injuries were not serious.
- Keep a Recovery Journal: Document your daily pain levels, the challenges you face with daily activities, and your emotional state. This can serve as powerful evidence of your non-economic damages.
- Save All Documents: Maintain a file with all bills, receipts, and correspondence related to the accident.
- Obtain the Police Report: The official police report contains important initial details about the crash.
- Avoid Social Media: Do not post information or photos about the accident, your injuries, or your daily activities. Insurers can take your posts out of context to undermine your claim.
- Direct All Insurer Communications to Us: Let your lawyer's office handle all calls and correspondence from the at-fault party's insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions for Our Marana Car Accident Team
Do I really need a lawyer if the other driver was clearly at fault?
Yes. Even when fault seems obvious, an insurance company may still attempt to minimize what they pay you. They will scrutinize every last detail, and may try to assign you even a little bit of the blame. A lawyer ensures all your damages are accurately calculated, negotiates for a fair settlement, and manages all legal procedures and deadlines, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
The timeline can differ significantly based on the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and whether a lawsuit is required. Some cases are resolved in a few months, while more complicated ones may take longer. Your legal team's focus is on achieving the best possible outcome for you, not just the fastest one.
What if I can't afford medical treatment right now?
Don't let financial concerns prevent you from getting necessary medical care. Many healthcare providers will treat car accident victims on a "lien" basis, agreeing to wait for payment until your case settles. Your health insurance should also cover immediate treatment. Additionally, emergency rooms cannot refuse treatment for serious injuries. Your eventual settlement should cover all medical expenses, so prioritize your health and get the treatment you need.
What if the accident happened while I was working or running errands for my job?
If you were injured in a car accident while working, you might have both a workers' compensation claim and a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. These are separate claims with different benefits. Workers' comp typically covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault, while a personal injury claim against the other driver can provide full compensation including pain and suffering. Your lawyer will help you navigate both systems to maximize your total recovery.
Contact Our Marana Guardian Pack
While you're healing, we're hunting. While you're resting, we're roaring. Your recovery is our mission, and your compensation is our obsession.
Don't hibernate on this decision-the deadlines for staking your claim are very strict. Contact our pack today for a free, no-strings-attached consultation in our secure cave. Call us at (309) 365-6510.