If you or a loved one were injured due to someone else’s negligence and are unsure of how to proceed, let our team of Glendale personal injury lawyers at National Injury Help guide you towards recovery. Contact us by calling 1 (800) 214-1010 today.
Accidents can happen anywhere, on the bustling streets of Grand Avenue, inside busy retail stores near Arrowhead Towne Center, or even while walking along Glendale Avenue. When they do, victims are often left with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty.
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, understanding the process of filing a personal injury claim in Glendale is essential to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. With the guidance of a skilled Glendale personal injury lawyer, you can take action confidently and effectively.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process through which an injured person seeks compensation from the party responsible for causing their harm. These claims can arise from various incidents, such as:
- Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall or other premises liability accidents
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Workplace injuries or construction accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle collisions
The goal of a personal injury claim is to make the injured party “whole” again by covering financial losses and intangible harms like pain and suffering. In Arizona, personal injury law is designed to hold negligent individuals or entities accountable for the damage they cause.
When Should You File a Personal Injury Claim?
In Arizona, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations under A.R.S. § 12-542. Waiting too long could result in the court dismissing your case entirely, even if you have strong evidence of negligence.
There are exceptions, including:
- For minors, the two-year window begins when the child turns 18
- If your injury wasn’t discovered immediately, the clock may start from the date of discovery
Because timing can be critical, contacting a Glendale personal injury lawyer as soon as possible ensures your rights are preserved and your case is filed correctly.
Steps to Take Before Filing Your Injury Claim
Before formally filing a claim, it’s important to take certain steps to strengthen your case. These actions help establish liability, demonstrate the extent of your injuries, and create a clear record of events.
Key pre-filing steps include:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Documentation of your injuries is crucial to linking them to the incident
- Report the incident: File a police report for car crashes or an incident report for accidents on private property
- Collect evidence: Take photos of the scene, gather witness contact information, and keep all related documents
- Avoid early settlement offers: Insurance companies may try to get you to settle before you know the full extent of your injuries
Your personal injury lawyer in Glendale can also begin an investigation at this stage, identifying negligent parties and preserving evidence before it’s lost.
The Personal Injury Filing Process in Arizona
Once your case is ready, your attorney will help you initiate the formal process. Here’s a general overview of how personal injury claims in Glendale unfold:
Demand Letter
Your lawyer will often begin by sending a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This letter outlines the facts of the case, the damages you’ve suffered, and the amount you’re seeking in compensation. This step may lead to early settlement negotiations.
Filing a Complaint
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a civil complaint in Maricopa County Superior Court. This document initiates the Arizona injury lawsuit and includes:
- A summary of your injuries
- The defendant’s negligent actions
- The legal basis for your claim
- The damages you’re requesting
The defendant will then be served with a copy of the complaint and given a deadline to respond.
Discovery Phase
Both sides exchange evidence and conduct investigations. This phase may include:
- Written questions (interrogatories)
- Requests for documents
- Depositions (recorded interviews under oath)
The discovery process helps both parties better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the case.
Settlement Negotiations and Mediation
Most personal injury cases in Glendale settle before reaching trial. Your attorney will continue negotiating with the insurance company throughout the process. In some cases, mediation, a structured meeting with a neutral third party, may be used to help both sides reach an agreement.
Trial (If Necessary)
If no settlement can be reached, your case may go to trial. A judge or jury will hear the facts, determine liability, and decide how much compensation you should receive. Trials are less common, but your attorney will be fully prepared to present a compelling case in court if needed.
What Damages Can You Recover?
In an Arizona personal injury lawsuit, you may be entitled to several types of compensation depending on the circumstances of your case:
- Medical expenses: ER visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future care
- Lost wages: Time missed from work and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement of vehicles or personal items
In some cases involving extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
Why Legal Representation Makes a Difference
Navigating the filing process in Arizona on your own can be daunting, especially when you’re recovering from injuries. A skilled Glendale personal injury lawyer brings essential legal knowledge, negotiation experience, and familiarity with local courts to your case. They can:
- Ensure your claim is filed before the statute of limitations expires
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Accurately assess the value of your claim
- Gather and preserve strong evidence
- Advocate for your best interests during every phase of the process
Without legal support, you risk accepting a lowball settlement or making procedural mistakes that can hurt your case.
Contact a Trusted Glendale Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. At National Injury Help, our experienced team understands the complexities of personal injury claims in Glendale and has helped countless clients successfully navigate the filing process in Arizona. We are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve, whether through settlement or trial.
Call us today at 1 (800) 214-1010 for a free consultation with a trusted Glendale personal injury lawyer. We’re here to protect your rights, pursue justice, and help you move forward with confidence.