Mesa Car Accident Lawyer

Mesa Car Accident Attorney

A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance claims, and the pain of recovery. A Mesa car accident lawyer understands the emotional and financial toll these unforeseen circumstances can have on victims and their families. With years of experience guiding clients through the aftermath of Auto accidents, Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., is here to offer the kind of compassionate support that you need to get through this difficult time.

Our goal is to relentlessly advocate for your rights and help you secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Let us handle the complexities of your case while you focus on healing.

Understanding Car Accidents in Mesa, Arizona

Car accidents happen unexpectedly, often leaving victims with serious injuries, mounting bills, and many questions about their rights. Arizona holds negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause. Whether your crash involved a distracted driver, speeding, or hazardous road conditions, understanding the legal process can be crucial to recovering the compensation you need.

At Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., we aim to educate clients about their rights and responsibilities following an auto accident. Whether it’s gathering evidence, handling insurance claims, or pursuing legal action, our team is committed to ensuring that you are not alone during this challenging time.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents

Understanding the reasons behind a crush can be essential when determining liability and building a strong case. Some common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using a GPS while driving is a leading cause of crashes.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time, making collisions more likely.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and coordination, leading to serious accidents.
• Rear-End Collisions: These frequently occur when drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance.
• Hazardous Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, or poor weather can contribute to accidents.

By identifying the cause of your accident, our personal injury attorneys can craft a strategy that demonstrates fault, establish liability, and seek the compensation that you deserve.

Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents and Their Long-Term Effects

Car accidents can lead to a broad range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. While the severity depends on factors like vehicle speeds, the angle of impact, and the use of safety devices, even seemingly minor accidents can cause significant harm. Understanding these common injuries – and their long-term implications – can highlight why seeking proper medical assistance and legal counsel are crucial first steps after an accident.

• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash is extremely common, especially when cars are struck from the rear. Whiplash results when the neck is forcefully jerked back and forth, damaging the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
  While some individuals recover in weeks, others may experience chronic pain, reduced mobility, or recurring flare-ups for years to come. Soft tissue injuries to other parts of the body, for example, bruises or sprains, can also have lingering effects, particularly if untreated.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries, ranging from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries, are another frequent result of car accidents. Even a mild TBI can affect memory, concentration, mood, and overall cognitive function.
  Severe cases may leave victims with permanent impairments, including difficulties with speech, movement, and self-care. These injuries often require extensive and ongoing medical care, including rehabilitation, which can strain emotional and financial resources.
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Back Pain: The impact of a car accident can severely damage the spine, leading to conditions like herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or even paralysis. Chronic back pain is a common outcome, reducing a victim’s ability to work or engage in everyday activities.

Spinal cord injuries can also cause secondary complications, such as nerve damage or loss of sensation, significantly diminishing the quality of life.

• Broken Bones and Fractures: Fractures are a common outcome, particularly in collisions that involve significant force. Victims may suffer broken bones, requiring surgeries, physical therapy, and months of recovery. For some, improperly healed bones or complications from these injuries can lead to long-term mobility issues or chronic pain.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a crash can also cause internal injuries like punctured lungs, organ damage, and internal bleeding. These injuries can take time to develop and may not immediately be apparent to you. Even after recovery, victims may face reduced organ function, increased vulnerability to illness, or ongoing medical challenges.
• Psychological Injuries: In addition to physical harm, car accidents can leave deep emotional scars. Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, affecting their ability to drive, work, or maintain relationships. Psychological injuries often require therapy or counseling and can take years to overcome fully.

Impact on Victims’ Futures

The effects of car accident injuries are not just limited to the immediate aftermath. Physical disabilities may prevent victims from returning to work or participating in activities they once enjoyed. Emotional trauma can disrupt personal relationships and overall well-being. Additionally, medical costs, therapy, and long-term care can create a financial burden, especially if the victim is unable to work.

That’s why the Bleaman Law Firm, P.C. diligently pursues every available avenue of compensation. It’s not just about today, but about what could happen tomorrow. We ensure that your future medical needs, lost earning potential, and diminished quality of life are calculated fairly, and we go after every penny that you deserve.

Determining Liability in Arizona Auto Accidents

In order to determine liability in a car accident, our team launches a detailed investigation in order to identify which party was at fault. We do this by:

Reviewing Police Reports

The police report is a foundational document, often containing crucial details about the crash, including the officer’s observations, citations issued, and a preliminary determination of fault.

Examining Traffic Laws

We can assess whether any traffic laws were violated, for example, speeding, failure to yield, or running a red light. Arizona’s laws governing driver conduct play a significant role in attributing liability.

Gathering Witness Testimonies

Witnesses who saw the accident can provide valuable insights. Their statements help clarify the sequence of events and substantiate claims of negligence.

Analyzing Physical Evidence

Physical evidence from the crash scene, for example, skid marks, vehicle damage, and debris can help reconstruct how the accident occurred and which party’s actions likely caused it.

Reviewing Surveillance or Dashcam Footage

If available, video footage from nearby security cameras or vehicular dashcams can provide an unbiased account of the collision.

Consulting Accident Reconstruction Experts

In complex cases, we may work with accident reconstruction specialists who use physics and engineering principles to determine how the crash occurred and who was at fault.

Considering Comparative Fault

Arizona follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning that multiple parties can share liability. Our lawyers evaluate the extent to which each party’s actions contributed to the accident.

Evaluating Medical Records

Medical records are analyzed to link injuries to the crash and explain how the dynamics of the collision caused harm, further supporting liability claims.

By gathering and analyzing this evidence, the team at Bleaman Law Firm, P.C. can build a case that demonstrates fault, which is the first step toward seeking the appropriate compensation for our clients.

Working with Insurance Companies

After a crash, victims are often required to deal with insurance companies. While insurance is intended to provide financial relief, companies often prioritize their bottom line over your recovery. In fact, adjusters may offer lowball settlements, or even attempt to shift blame onto you.

On your behalf, Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., can handle all communication with insurers. Our attorneys are familiar with the tactics that these companies use, and we can work to ensure that your rights are protected. From negotiating settlements to litigating in court, we pursue every path to secure the compensation you need.

What Kind of Compensation Might I Be Entitled to After a Car Accident?

If you have been involved in a car accident in Mesa, Arizona, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the circumstances of your case and the extent of your injuries or losses. Compensation, often referred to as damages, aims to help victims recover financially, physically, and emotionally from the accident’s impact. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the types of compensation you might pursue:

1. Medical Expenses. This is one of the most common forms of compensation. It covers the costs of diagnosing and treating your injuries, including:
   • Emergency room visits
   • Surgeries
   • Hospital stays
   • Rehabilitation and physical therapy
   • Prescription medications
   • Medical devices like crutches or wheelchairs
   • Future medical care for long-term or chronic conditions

Even if you have health insurance, out-of-pocket expenses and co-pays can add up. That’s why this form of compensation is meant to cover these gaps, as well as secure compensation for any future medical needs.

2. Lost Wages. If you are prevented from working by your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes:
   • Earnings you missed while recovering
   • Lost bonuses, commissions, or other work benefits

For those who suffer long-term disabilities, compensation may also include loss of earning capacity, which accounts for any future income you potentially would have earned if not for the accident.

3. Pain and Suffering. This refers to the physical pain and psychological turmoil caused by the accident. These damages aim to compensate for:
   • Physical pain resulting from injuries
   • Emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
   • Loss of enjoyment of life due to an inability to engage in hobbies, social activities, or family events

Determining the value of pain and suffering can be subjective and often depends on factors like the severity of the injuries and their long-term impact.

4. Property Damage. Most car accidents result in some level of property damage, typically to your vehicle. Compensation may cover:
   • Repairs to your car
   • Replacement costs if your vehicle is totaled
   • Damage to personal belongings inside the vehicle, such as electronics or child car seats

This type of compensation ensures you’re not left covering the cost of restoring or replacing damaged property.

5. Punitive Damages. In cases involving careless or malicious behavior, such as driving under the influence or intentional harm, courts may require the negligent party to pay damages. These are not meant to compensate the victim directly but to reprimand the at-fault driver in order to deter similar behavior in the future. While less common, punitive damages can significantly increase the total compensation.
6. Wrongful Death Damages. If a car accident results in the death of a loved one, certain family members may be eligible for wrongful death compensation, which can cover:
   • Funeral and burial expenses
   • Loss of financial support and benefits
   • Loss of companionship and emotional support

This form of compensation aims to provide surviving family members with financial stability after their loss.

7. Loss of Consortium. For spouses or close family members, loss of consortium compensation addresses the impact of the victim’s injuries on their relationships. This includes loss of companionship, affection, or intimacy due to the physical or emotional changes caused by the accident.
8. Out-of-Pocket Expenses. Beyond the obvious costs, car accidents often result in smaller, incidental expenses that add up over time. These might include:
   • Travel costs to and from medical appointments
   • Childcare expenses while recovering
   • Home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps or stair lifts

These costs are recoverable if directly related to the accident.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating the aftermath of a car crash can be daunting, especially when dealing with injuries and financial uncertainty. Our experienced attorneys can investigate the accident and gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement, represent you in court if the case proceeds to trial, and advocate for your rights every step of the way.

At Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., our team is dedicated to providing the support and advocacy you need to move forward.

FAQs

Q: Can I File a Claim if the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?

A: Yes. There are many different options to consider if you find yourself in this situation. One option is to dig into your own policy. If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your insurance policy, you can file a claim with your own insurer. Our attorneys can help you navigate this process and explore other options for recovering damages.

Q: Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault for the Crash?

A: Yes. The State of Arizona follows a comparative fault system, which allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, depending on your percentage of fault, your total awarded compensation is reduced by the determined percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages. To minimize this impact, reach out to Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., as soon as possible.

Q: Do I Need to Go to Court to Resolve My Car Accident Claim?

A: Not necessarily. Many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. These negotiations take place between your attorney and the insurance company. settlement negotiations can also occur between the at-fault driver and your attorney. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking the case to court may be necessary to secure the compensation you deserve. Our team can better advise you after fully reviewing your case.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Car Accident Case?

A: The timeline for resolving a case can vary based on its complexity. Some cases can settle within months, while others may take years if they proceed to trial. Many factors can influence the timeframe, such as the severity of the sustained injuries, the availability of evidence, and the success (or failure) of insurance company negotiations. In order to better advise you on the timeframe, our attorneys can review your case and determine which path is ideal for your circumstances.

At Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., we have the tools to guide you through this complicated legal process so that you can focus on healing. With a focus on fighting not only for your current rights, but for your future financial stability, our team is dedicated to being the advocate you need during this tumultuous time.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and together we can fight for the compensation that you deserve.