Personal Injury FAQ

All attorneys in our network work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, nothing out of pocket, and nothing for the attorney's time unless they successfully recover compensation for you. If they win your case (through settlement or trial verdict), they take a percentage of the recovery—typically 33-40% depending on the complexity and stage of the case. If they don't win, you owe them nothing. There are no hidden fees or surprise bills.

Arizona's statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident or injury. However, there are important exceptions: claims against government entities (cities, counties, state agencies) often have much shorter notice requirements—sometimes as little as 180 days. Additionally, even though you have two years, critical evidence like surveillance footage and witness memories fade quickly. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your injury to preserve your legal rights and ensure evidence is collected while it's still available.

You may be entitled to economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, future medical care, lost earning capacity) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent scarring or disfigurement, loss of consortium). In cases involving gross negligence or intentional conduct, Arizona law also allows punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer. An experienced attorney will calculate the full value of your claim including long-term costs that many victims don't initially consider.

Arizona follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident—your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. An experienced attorney will fight to minimize any fault assigned to you and maximize your total recovery. Never assume you can't recover just because you share some fault—consult with an attorney to understand your options.

The vast majority of personal injury cases (over 90%) settle out of court through negotiation with insurance companies. However, your attorney should always be fully prepared to take your case to trial in Maricopa County Superior Court if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. In fact, having an attorney with proven trial experience often motivates insurers to settle for higher amounts rather than risk losing at trial. Your attorney will advise you on whether settlement offers are fair and whether proceeding to trial is in your best interest.

Timelines vary significantly based on case complexity, injury severity, and insurance company cooperation. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle in 3-6 months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, multiple parties, or disputed liability may take 12-24 months or longer. Cases that go to trial can take even longer due to court scheduling. Your attorney will work as efficiently as possible while not rushing to settle for less than you deserve. It's important to reach "maximum medical improvement" before settling so the full extent of your injuries and future care needs can be assessed.

No. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to make statements that can be used against you later. They may ask leading questions designed to get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries. They may offer quick, lowball settlements before you even know the full extent of your injuries. Politely decline to give a recorded statement and immediately contact a personal injury attorney. Your attorney will handle all communication with insurance companies, protecting your rights while you focus on recovery.

Arizona requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but many drivers violate this law. If you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This is why it's critical to review your own auto insurance policy and carry adequate UM/UIM coverage. An experienced attorney will explore all available sources of compensation including UM/UIM coverage, personal assets of the at-fault driver, and any other potentially liable parties.

Studies consistently show that injury victims represented by attorneys recover significantly more compensation—even after legal fees—than those who handle claims alone. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests; you should have someone protecting yours. Attorneys know how to properly value claims, gather necessary evidence, negotiate effectively, and litigate when necessary. They also understand legal deadlines, procedural requirements, and how to avoid common mistakes that can destroy your claim. For any case involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or substantial damages, attorney representation is essential.

(1) Seek medical attention immediately—even if you feel fine. Some injuries don't show symptoms for hours or days. (2) Call police and file an official report. (3) Document everything: take photos of vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and the scene. Get contact information from witnesses. (4) Do NOT admit fault or apologize. (5) Report the accident to your own insurance company, but don't give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first. (6) Contact Desert Justice Lawyers at (928) 538-9508 to be connected with an experienced attorney who can protect your rights from day one.

Desert Justice Lawyers is not a law firm—we're a legal connection and marketing service. We don't provide legal advice or represent clients in court. Instead, we connect injury victims with independent, experienced personal injury attorneys in our carefully vetted network. Think of us as a trusted matchmaker that saves you the time and stress of searching for the right attorney. Our service is completely free to injury victims. The attorney-client relationship is formed directly between you and the attorney you choose to hire, not with Desert Justice Lawyers.

Our goal is to connect you with an attorney within minutes to a few hours of your initial contact, depending on time of day and case specifics. For emergency situations (serious injuries, hit-and-run accidents requiring immediate investigation), we prioritize urgent cases and often connect clients with attorneys immediately—even in the middle of the night. Once matched, the attorney will contact you directly to schedule a free consultation at your convenience. We understand that timing is critical in personal injury cases, and we work quickly to ensure evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.

You are under no obligation to hire any attorney we connect you with. The initial consultation is free and allows you to ask questions, discuss your case, and determine if the attorney is a good fit. If for any reason you're not comfortable with the attorney, simply let us know and we can connect you with another attorney from our network when possible. Your comfort and confidence in your legal representation is paramount. We want you to feel completely satisfied with the attorney handling your case.

Yes, as long as you're within Arizona's two-year statute of limitations (or shorter deadlines for government claims). However, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, surveillance footage is erased, and insurance companies become more difficult to negotiate with as time passes. Some injuries also develop complications weeks or months after an accident. Even if weeks have passed, contact us immediately to be connected with an attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you on next steps.

We connect injury victims throughout the greater Phoenix metropolitan area including Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Goodyear, Avondale, Tolleson, Buckeye, El Mirage, Youngtown, and surrounding West Valley communities. Our attorney network serves all of Maricopa County. If you're unsure whether your location is covered, simply call us at (928) 538-9508 and we'll let you know immediately—usually in under a minute.