When you get into an accident, you file a claim for your losses with the responsible driver’s insurance company. The company then investigates the claim to evaluate evidence of fault before paying it.
Collecting evidence in Phoenix, AZ car accident claims is an essential part of the claims settlement process. The insurance company will have professionals gathering proof of liability and other critical information. You should have a trusted legal professional advocating for your position.
How the Vehicle Accident Claims Process Works
Arizona follows a fault-based system for car accident claims. This means the driver who is liable for the crash is responsible for covering the losses others experience due to the collision.
Arizona Revised Statute § 28-4009 requires everyone who registers a vehicle to insure it. Minimum coverage requirements are $25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for death or bodily injury to multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
People who suffer losses in the accident file a claim for damages with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, the insurer might dispute that their insured was at fault or try to hold the claimant partially responsible for their injuries. An injured person could ensure they receive appropriate compensation by working with an experienced Phoenix accident attorney who could collect and present the appropriate evidence clearly showcasing who is at fault.
Claimants Must Show Proof of Fault
When someone wants compensation after a vehicle accident, they must show that another driver was responsible for the crash. Police reports, photographs of the accident scene, and damage to the vehicle can all help fill in the picture of what happened. Witness reports and the drivers’ and vehicle occupants’ statements at the scene are also important evidence.
A Phoenix attorney could seek out other evidence of liability for an auto collision. On-board camera footage from the involved vehicles and electronic data recorders can provide useful information. Video from traffic cams and security cameras sometimes record an accident, and a legal professional could explore that possibility and secure copies of any video that exists. Additionally, drivers’ cell phone records can establish whether a driver might have been distracted when the accident occurred.
An insurance company for an at-fault driver is likely to try to shift blame to the injured person. When an injured motorist’s legal representative is compiling proof of the other driver’s negligence, they will also assemble evidence showing the claimant is not responsible for the incident.
Documentation to Prove Losses
An injured person can get their out-of-pocket losses reimbursed, but they must have documentation. Medical records prove they sustained an injury. Invoices, health insurance explanation of benefits statements, pharmacy receipts, and similar documents prove how much the treatment cost. Employment records and tax returns can prove how much income the motorist lost due to their injury.
A Phoenix, AZ attorney could also compile and present evidence of a claimant’s pain and suffering damages. Sometimes paper records can prove these losses, such as prescription records showing a doctor prescribed painkillers or therapy records for counseling to manage the trauma of the accident. Photographs can show scarring and video can demonstrate how severely an injury impacts a claimant’s physical functioning.
Work With a Phoenix, AZ Attorney to Collect Evidence for a Car Accident Claim
Insurance companies strive to pay out as little as possible. If you do not work with an accident attorney, the at-fault driver’s insurer might question whether the losses you claim are legitimate or even shift the blame for the crash onto you. You need evidence supporting your position.
Collecting evidence in Phoenix, AZ car accident claims requires experience and skill. Get the help you need to prove your claim by working with a local accident attorney. Get started today by calling the Phillips Law Group who has served as an advocate for residents in the area for over three decades.
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