What Is Personal Injury?

Personal injury law covers cases where an individual suffers harm due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. Common personal injury claims include:

• Car Accidents – Whether you were hit by a distracted driver or involved in a multi-vehicle crash, we can help.
• Motorcycle Accidents – Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road, and when accidents occur, the injuries can be severe.
• Truck Accidents – Collisions involving large commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries, making legal representation crucial.
• Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents – If you were struck by a vehicle while walking or biking, you may have a strong claim.
• Premises Liability – Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions. If you were injured due to unsafe premises, you could have a case.
• Dog Bites – Animal attacks can cause serious physical and emotional trauma. We help victims hold negligent pet owners accountable.
• Wrongful Death – If you lost a loved one due to another’s negligence, we provide compassionate legal support to help you seek justice.

Do I Have a Case?

To have a valid personal injury claim, you must prove:

1. Duty of Care – The responsible party had a legal obligation to act safely.
2. Breach of Duty – They failed to meet that obligation.
3. Causation – Their negligence directly caused your injuries.
4. Damages – You suffered financial, physical, or emotional harm as a result.

If you are unsure whether you have a case, Fielding Law offers free consultations to evaluate your situation.

What to Do After an Accident

Knowing what steps to take immediately after an accident is crucial for protecting your rights and strengthening your claim. By following these actions, you can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome:

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not show immediate symptoms. Therefore, early medical attention is vital for both your health and your case. Moreover, this helps establish a clear connection between the accident and your injuries.

Report the Incident

If you were in a car accident, call the police and file a report. This is important because an official record of the incident can support your case later. Additionally, in the case of injuries on private property, make sure to notify the property owner or manager right away. This ensures that your injury is officially documented.

Gather Evidence

Taking clear photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage is essential. Furthermore, speak with any witnesses and collect their contact information. The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be. Importantly, this documentation can be invaluable when proving fault.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting responsibility. Stick strictly to the facts when speaking to police, medical professionals, or insurance companies. This is crucial because any admission of fault can negatively impact your claim.

Keep Detailed Records

Save all medical bills, prescriptions, and receipts related to your injury. Furthermore, document how the injury is affecting your daily life. Keeping a detailed record will provide crucial support for your claim. In fact, detailed documentation can help ensure you are fully compensated for all damages.

Limit Communication with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. Before agreeing to any settlement offer, it is wise to consult a personal injury lawyer. An experienced personal injury lawyer will help ensure you receive fair compensation. In this way, you can avoid being taken advantage of during the negotiation process.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

A skilled personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Moreover, having a personal injury lawyer by your side increases the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome.

By following these steps promptly, you can better protect your rights and strengthen your claim. Do not hesitate to contact Fielding Law for expert legal guidance.

State-Specific Laws & Time Limits

Both California and Arizona have statutes of limitations, which set time limits for filing personal injury claims. Knowing these deadlines is essential, as missing them can prevent you from pursuing compensation:

• California: You typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. However, if your case involves a government entity, you must file a notice of claim within six months. In all cases, time is of the essence, so you must act quickly.

• Arizona: Arizona also has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Nevertheless, certain exceptions may apply. For example, if the injury is discovered at a later date, the time limit may be extended. It is important to understand these nuances so you do not miss your opportunity to seek compensation.

Understanding these time limits is crucial because failure to file within the prescribed time can result in losing the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. Therefore, it is wise to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.

Comparative Negligence in California & Arizona

Both California and Arizona apply comparative negligence principles. This means that if you are partially responsible for an accident, your compensation could be reduced based on the level of your fault. However, understanding how this works can help you better prepare for your case:

• California: California follows pure comparative negligence, which allows you to recover damages even if you are 99% at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced in proportion to your level of fault. For instance, if you are 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

• Arizona: Arizona uses modified comparative negligence. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you will not be entitled to compensation. On the other hand, if your fault is less than 50%, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. This system helps ensure fairness, but it is important to understand how your level of responsibility can affect your recovery.

Understanding how comparative negligence works can help you make informed decisions regarding your claim. Consequently, this knowledge can ensure you are fairly compensated, regardless of your degree of fault.

How Compensation Works

Victims may be eligible for:

• Economic damages – Medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and other financial losses.
• Non-economic damages – Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive damages – In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, additional compensation may be awarded.

Why Hire Fielding Law?

At Fielding Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that an injury can take. Our experienced attorneys provide compassionate legal support, aggressively negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. We are dedicated to keeping you informed and involved throughout the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way.

Get Started Today

If you or a loved one has sustained an injury due to someone else’s negligence, do not wait to seek legal representation. Contact Fielding Law, your personal injury lawyers, today for a free consultation. Call 833.88.SHARK or fill out our online form.

Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.