Car Accident Lawyers - Why You Need One By Kay Zeeh

Being in a car accident is always an unfortunate situation.
After an accident, it can be both confusing and upsetting
navigating your way through the resulting complications.

If you are involved in an auto accident, be sure to
contact the police so you will have an accident report
for insurance purposes. The police will facilitate the
appropriate exchange of information and insurance so that
you can file a claim for your damage.

When you are involved in an auto accident,
two claims usually result. One claim is for the
damage to your property, the vehicle, and the second
claim is for the damage to your person, any injuries
you sustained. Generally, these two claims are handled
separately.

Most people are initially concerned with resolving
the vehicle damage. In order to make the necessary
repairs your vehicle, you may have the option of
making a claim with the at-fault party's insurance
carrier or, if you have collision coverage on your
policy, your own carrier.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each
option, so the best choice will depend on the
specifics of your accident. The initial step in
the repair process is to obtain an estimate for
the cost of fixing the damage. Based on this
estimate, an insurance company will usually either
authorize the repairs or declare the vehicle a total
loss. If the vehicle is a total loss it means the
cost of repair is too great in proportion to the
vehicle's fair market value. When a vehicle is a
total loss the insurance company will usually make
two compensatory offers. If you relinquish title to
the vehicle to the insurance company and give it up,
the offer will be for the fair market value of the
vehicle.

If you wish to retain the vehicle and obtain a salvage
title, the offer will be for the fair market value
less the salvage value. In addition to the property
damage, many people are injured in auto accidents.
If you are injured, you may be entitled to recover
for the cost of the medical care necessaryto treat
your injuries and to compensation for your pain and
suffering.

If your injuries are permanent or will leave lingering
effects, additional compensation may be appropriate.
Also, if you are forced to miss work due to the
injuries you sustained in the accident, your lost
wages may be compensated as well.

It can be helpful to consult an attorney after an auto
accident. An attorney can look at all the parts of
your particular auto accident and provide advice
about what sort of compensation is available in your
jurisdiction, explain what types of applicable insurance
coverage the at-fault party and you have, advise how to
keep track of your claim related expenses, research
whether or not your health insurance is entitled to
reimbursement for any medical care they may have paid
for, and tell you the specific statute of limitations
during which you may pursue your claim.

All of this information is necessary for you to
evaluate how to pursue your claim for auto accident
damages, and it will be beneficial for the layperson
to seek the professional advice of an attorney
regarding these factors.

If you've been involved in an auto accident in Arizona,
contact an attorney at Petersen Johnson Law Firm.
Experienced car accident lawyers, they will
make sure you are compensated for your property damage
and injuries. If you live on the west side, be sure to
contact their Phoenix west valley law office at
602-650-1200. Hablamos espanol.