A car accident can shatter your sense of safety and leave you facing mounting bills, lost wages and overwhelming pain. In the moments after a crash, you may feel rattled and confused about what steps to take next.
Fortunately, Arizona provides you with legal options to help you recover and achieve justice. Hence, understanding what your rights are under the law is the first step toward getting the compensation you need to heal.
What is a personal injury claim?
A personal injury claim is your legal pathway to recover losses after a car accident. Arizona operates under an at-fault system, which means that the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for your damages.
This allows you to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or pursue a lawsuit if necessary. Thus, understanding what you can claim helps you protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. These damages fall into two main categories that address different aspects of your losses.
Economic damages after a crash
The first category covers the concrete financial costs you’ve incurred because of the accident. Economic damages represent the expenses you can calculate and prove with documentation. These damages form the foundation of most car accident claims in Arizona. You can recover compensation for several types of economic losses such as:
- Medical expenses: You can claim costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy and future medical care.
- Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover both past and future lost wages.
- Property damages: This covers repairs to your vehicle and personal belongings damaged in the crash.
Keep all your bills, receipts and employment records as proof of these expenses. While economic damages address your financial losses, they don’t account for everything you’ve suffered.
Non-economic damages you can claim
Beyond the bills and paychecks, your accident has also taken a personal toll that deserves recognition. This is where non-economic damages compensate you for losses that don’t have a clear dollar value. Arizona law allows you to seek compensation for various forms of intangible harm such as:
- Pain and suffering: This addresses the physical discomfort and limitations you experience from your car accident injuries.
- Emotional distress: You can recover damages for anxiety, depression and psychological trauma resulting from the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: This provides compensation if your injuries stop you from engaging in activities you previously enjoyed.
- Loss of consortium: This applies when your injuries harm your relationship with your spouse.
- Disfigurement and scarring: You can claim damages for permanent physical changes that affect your appearance and self-esteem.
These damages recognize that your losses extend far beyond what appears on paper. Together with economic damages, they form a complete picture of your personal injury claim.
Securing fair compensation after a crash
A car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. While you’re dealing with injuries and stress, protecting your legal rights might feel overwhelming.
But you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Contact an experienced car accident attorney who can manage your claim while you focus on healing. They can help document your damages, negotiate with insurance companies and fight for the full compensation you deserve.