Yuma Car Accident Lawyer

You Can Be Injured With Any Transportation: Our Yuma Auto Accident Attorneys Fight for Justice

Drivers in Yuma experience hundreds of car accidents a year, several of which lead to devastating injuries or premature death. In 2016, Arizona drivers were involved in 126,845 car accidents. Of these, 865 were fatal, and 38,544 resulted in at least one injury. Over 1,500 collisions took place in Yuma alone. Not one person is immune to the possibility of a car accident, for even if you opt for alternative methods of transportation like walking or riding the bus, you can still be hurt by a driver.

Injuries that come from a car accident range from minor to severe, with severe injuries being the most costly to treat. In the worst of cases, victims cannot fully recover causing them to rely on long-term treatment and care.

Some victims miss work for a few weeks, while others might need to be retrained in a completely different occupation or may not be able to return to work at all. If you find yourself in any of these unfortunate situations, it’s important to arm yourself with the representation of competent auto accident lawyers in Yuma.

What to Do After a Car Crash in Yuma, Arizona

Were you involved in a serious traffic collision in Yuma County? It is crucial that you understand the steps to take to protect your best interests. Too many people make avoidable mistakes in the chaos of the immediate aftermath of a collision that make it more challenging to get justice and compensation for their injuries. Here are four things to do after an accident in Yuma, AZ: 

1. Get Professional Medical Treatment: If you or any other person involved in the motor vehicle accident was injured, it is essential to seek medical attention right away. Do not wait. You need to protect your health and well-being—many of the most common car accident injuries are not always readily apparent, including whiplash, concussions, and back injuries.  
2. Report the Motor Vehicle Crash: In Arizona, all injury crashes must be reported. By reporting an accident, you will put yourself in the best position to bring a successful claim. If you were involved in an injury crash, report the accident to the Yuma Police Department, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety, or another state or local agency. 
3. Document Your Car Accident: After a car accident, it’s important to document as much information as possible. Documenting a crash includes taking pictures of the scene, securing the names and contact details of any witnesses, and recording a detailed (written) description of what happened. The more details that you have about the accident—and your injuries—the better position that you will be in to maximize your recovery.
4. Talk to a Yuma Car Crash Lawyer (Before an Insurer): Do not make the all-too-common mistake of speaking to the insurance company before consulting with a lawyer. An insurer will often try to minimize the amount they pay out—perhaps even deny your claim altogether. Consult with a Yuma, AZ car accident attorney as soon as possible after a serious accident. A lawyer will help you navigate the claims process.

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Common Injuries after Yuma Car Accidents

Yuma auto accidents frequently cause injuries that can take a long period to heal. In some cases, accident victims may take months or years to make a complete recovery. The most common injuries you can sustain from a car accident are:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Head trauma
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Knee injuries
• Concussions
• Facial disfigurement/ scarring
• Cuts, lacerations, bruises, and scrapes
• Broken bones

What Can I Lose after a Yuma Car Accident?

Injured parties of negligent car accidents in Yuma can suffer several damages. The most basic unexpected expenses that result from an injury accident include medical care and the costs to repair or replace your vehicle. Additionally, missing work to recover means that you stand to miss out on the wages that keep you and your loved ones afloat.

Accident victims in Yuma can receive compensation to help offset the long-lasting effects of the trauma they have endured. Some of these damages include:

• Past, present, and future medical expenses and treatment
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Medical Bills
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

By working with an experienced attorney, you can properly value these losses. In our experience, many people don’t seek enough compensation. For example, they might not value pain and suffering highly enough. As a result, they accept small settlements when they could have received much more. At Karnas Law Firm, our car accident attorney will carefully sift through the facts of your case to seek reasonable compensation.

An Overview of Car Accident Liability in Arizona

Were you or a close family member involved in a major car accident in Yuma, Arizona? If so, it’s essential to understand how the state determines liability for a crash. At The Karnas Law Firm, we know that every accident requires a thorough and detailed-driven investigation. Here are two of the most important things to know about motor vehicle accident liability in Arizona: 

1. Fault Determines Liability in Arizona: Arizona uses an at-fault standard to determine legal responsibility (liability) for the full range of motor vehicle wrecks, including car accidents. In effect, this means that the driver (or any other party) deemed responsible for causing the collision will be held liable for the damages. As Arizona is a fault-based auto accident jurisdiction, it is especially important that the crash is comprehensively investigated.
2. Arizona is a Comparative Negligence Jurisdiction: It is entirely possible that multiple parties will share the blame for a single car accident in Yuma. Indeed, it occurs in many cases. Under A.R.S. § 12-2505, liability is proportional to degree of fault. Here is an example: Imagine that a driver is found liable for 30 percent of their own crash in Yuma. They would also bear liability for 30 percent of the damages. Being found partially at fault on the grounds of comparative negligence could take thousands of dollars out of your settlement/verdict.

What You Must Prove to Receive Compensation In Car Accident Cases

Each car accident claim is a little different. But there are still certain requirements you must show to obtain a settlement or jury verdict in your favor.

One key fact is liability. No matter the car accident case, if a driver struck you, you will need to prove they were negligent or reckless. At base, this consists of explaining how and why the driver did not operate their vehicle safely. Many motorists are negligent for the following reasons:

• Failing to yield
• Driving while texting
• Drinking and driving
• Tailgating
• Making an illegal lane change
• Passing illegally
• Speeding
• Driving while distracted
• Driving while drowsy

In some other cases, a road defect or defective part on your car could be the culprit. You will also need to prove that these defects contributed to the crash. As an example, you might need to take a photograph of the giant pothole that caused you to lose control. If a defective part caused a crash, you should keep it for an attorney’s inspection.

You also need to prove your losses. This means gathering evidence of your medical bills and lost income. If you experience pain, depression, or anxiety, you will need proof as well. Speak with an experienced attorney at Karnas Law to go over your case.

Accidents with Uninsured Motorists

Too many drivers lack the necessary insurance from a car insurance company in Arizona. Nevertheless, they still go out and drive, getting into a crash and injuring innocent people in the process. The lack of insurance can make receiving compensation very challenging.

Our personal injury law firm can help you seek other available sources of funds, including:

• Medical payments coverage, which can pay medical care on a no-fault basis
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance, which can cover a collision where you are not at fault
• Collision coverage, which can pay to fix or replace your car
• You might also lean on the above sources if you are involved in a Yuma hit and run.

Deadlines for Bringing a Claim

If you’ve been hurt in an accident, it is critical to reach out to a lawyer quickly. You only get two years to bring a lawsuit in court to seek compensation. That’s the time limit set by the Arizona statute of limitations. This rule forces injured victims to promptly seek legal justice for their injuries.

In many situations, these two years will race by. People are very busy with rehabilitation, trying to return to work, and spending time with their families. Before they know it, two years have passed.

Unfortunately, if you miss the deadline, you can be prevented from bringing a lawsuit. This will mean you can’t hold the driver responsible for your crash and your compensation will be $0.

How Can a Yuma Car Accident Lawyer Help My Case? (Why Choose Karnas Law Firm)

Yuma auto accident lawyers with Karnas Law Firm are determined to make sure you are properly compensated after you have suffered from a negligent car accident. We have over 25 years of experience serving Yuma residents who have unfairly sustained trauma. We are proactive and justice-focused. When you reach out to our Yuma law office, you will have a chance to consult with an Arizona car accident attorney who is ready to: 

• Listen to your story and answer your questions during a free case evaluation;
• Investigate your Yuma motor vehicle crash, gathering the evidence to bring a claim;
• Handle the legal paperwork and settlement negotiations with the insurers; and 
• Develop a well-rounded strategy to help you maximize your financial recovery. 

You can always afford to hire a top-rated Yuma auto accident lawyer. Our law firm handles motor vehicle accident injury claims on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront fees for our services. Our Yuma car accident lawyers only get paid when you get paid. 

Call Our Yuma, AZ Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation

At The Karnas Law Firm, our Yuma car accident lawyers fight aggressively to protect the rights and interests of victims and families. Our personable personal injury attorneys are skilled in the art of negotiation so that you can focus on your recovery while we fight for your rights. Call (928) 323-0456 to discuss your case for free or contact us online. You will not pay us until you get paid! With an office in Yuma, we handle car accident injury claims throughout Southwest Arizona.