Can I Sue After a Car Accident If I Was Not Hurt?

Did you know that you can sue for compensation after a car accident in Arizona, even if you have not been injured? Arizona law allows for the victim to hold the at-fault party accountable for all damages related to the collision – including the costs of property damage and emotional trauma.

Nevertheless, the liable party’s insurance company may refuse to accept your property damage claim or offer you an unfair settlement. Either way, you could choose to pursue a lawsuit.

A personal injury lawyer can assist you in filing your lawsuit so you can receive fair compensation. Please get in touch with the personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Group.

You can call us at (800) 706-3000 or fill out our online form to speak with one of our attorneys.

Can You Pursue Compensation for Property Damage in a Car Accident Claim?

In the case of a collision caused by a negligent or reckless driver, the liable party’s insurance company should pay for the cost of damages to the victim’s vehicle. Arizona state law requires all drivers to carry liability coverage. 

The at-fault party‘s liability insurance can pay the cost of repairs to the victim’s vehicle and property. If the insurer decides the car is totaled, liability insurance will be used to compensate for the vehicle’s replacement value.

Additionally, other personal property may be damaged or destroyed in the collision. Such items could include things like smartphones, eyeglasses, jewelry, etc. The cost to repair or replace these and similar items can also be obtained in the compensation amount awarded to the victim.

What Additional Damages Can You Recover in a Car Accident Case When You Are Uninjured?

Although you may not have to recover from injuries in a hospital or pay for medical visits to a doctor, you might have other car accident-related losses and expenses. As an example, if you are without a vehicle following the collision, you could lose time at work simply because of transportation difficulties. 

Your time missed at work could result in losses such as:

• Salary
• Wages
• Commission
• Tips
• Bonuses
• Benefits

As a consequence of missing out on such income and perks, it may be possible to recover compensation for these damages from the at-fault driver. You may also qualify to receive reimbursement for the amount spent on a car rental and public transportation that was necessary for you to use while your vehicle was being repaired or replaced.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Car Accident Case

Car accident victims can use the legal means of a lawsuit to receive restitution for their injuries and costs related to the collision. However, the valuable assistance of a personal injury attorney does not end only if a person is physically hurt. A personal injury attorney can assist any victim who has suffered both financial and psychological harm because of another party’s negligence. 

However, just because you may not have been physically hurt, this does not automatically make recovering compensation straightforward and effortless. The insurer of the at-fault party can still attempt to reject or minimize the property damage you have experienced. When this happens, the help of a personal injury attorney is crucial. 

A personal injury attorney working on your car accident case can help you with critical tasks such as:

• Conducting a thorough investigation of the collision
• Collecting evidence that establishes the fault and liability of the other driver
• Analyzing and calculating the costs and value of your property damages
• Evaluating and determining the costs of necessary expenses caused by or related to the property damage from the accident
• Negotiating with the insurance company an accurate and fair settlement
• Appraising settlement offers presented to you and determining whether these are fair 
• Representing you at trial, if needed
• Managing the communications, paperwork, and legal deadlines of your case

Fighting a difficult at-fault party or insurance company can be draining and frustrating. You will be busy enough just reorganizing your life after a car accident. Having a personal injury attorney supporting you can significantly minimize your stress and anxiety.

Can You Sue for Emotional Distress After a Car Accident If You Were Not Injured?

Psychological and emotional trauma can be common effects of a car accident. While it may be true that you escaped with few physical injuries, there may be psychological conditions that a doctor can diagnose.

The car accident may also cause you to suffer anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These serious conditions can interfere with your ability to perform essential daily activities and diminish your quality of life.

According to National Library of Medicine studies, the post-traumatic stress associated with a motor vehicle collision can continue for a considerable time, even months. Consequently, accident victims can require visits with a therapist or a psychiatrist. The costs for help from these sources can become expensive.

Due to the intense suffering experienced and the high costs of treatment, you can sue for emotional distress after an accident.

For example, suppose you are experiencing post-accident anxiety and have bills related to your means of coping. In that case, your bills may qualify as medical expenses covered by your compensation.

Why Your Injuries Might Not Be Evident Immediately After the Crash

It is our sincere desire that you escaped your collision without any physical or emotional injuries. However, in many cases, car accident victims can suffer injuries that take time to show up.

Even hidden or delayed injuries can be serious. When a person feels fine after a collision, this does not mean he or she has no injuries at all. Rather, a car accident victim may have injuries to the neck, back, internal organs, and brain, or he or she could experience psychological difficulties down the road.

Although you may not be feeling pain or see visible bruises yet, seek medical attention right away. Doing so as soon as possible is in your best interests. A doctor can examine you and discern whether you sustained any injuries that are not easily recognized.

A medical record of your exam can be essential to your receiving compensation later if you do have injuries that were not immediately apparent. Additionally, a copy of your bill and related documentation can be used when you seek restitution for damages related to your accident.

You Can Sue After a Car Accident – We Can Help

Even if you were not physically hurt in your car accident, you can sue the liable party for the collision. You likely have damage to your vehicle and other personal property that you can obtain financial compensation for from the liable party in your accident. You may have even suffered emotional distress and trauma that can be eligible for compensation as well.

In this type of legal endeavor, it will be necessary to establish that the other driver is responsible for the collision. Also, the damages must be clearly linked to the car accident. A personal injury attorney can help you seek fair compensation for your car accident case.

Let a personal injury attorney at Phillips Law Group help you get the financial restitution you deserve. You can call us at (800) 706-3000 or fill out our online form to speak with one of our attorneys.