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Mesa Personal Injury Attorney

Whether due to a car accident, a pedestrian accident, a dog bite, or a slip and fall incident, being injured due to another person or company’s negligence is a horrible experience for any person. When these unfortunate events occur, the law affords victims an opportunity to be compensated for their injuries. 

Our team at Hastings and Hastings in Mesa, Arizona routinely assists accident victims of all types, and seeking justice is our top priority.

Why Choose Hastings and Hastings?

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Hastings and Hastings is a Phoenix and Mesa personal injury law firm with the experience and knowledge to effectively advocate for you and your family. We’ve been serving Arizona accident victims and their families for more than 40 years, and our Mesa injury lawyers have almost 100 years of combined experience handling personal injury lawsuits. 

Proven Track Record from Real Clients

Our track record is evident not only through the cases that we’ve won, but in the reviews and referrals that we receive from our clients. We have more than 600 real, handwritten reviews and more than 500 five-star Google reviews from verified, actual past clients. In this business, we hope that we don’t see our clients more than once – as accidents are an unwelcome occurrence to anyone – but most of our business comes from word of mouth, through referrals from past clients who have been satisfied with our team’s work and our representation.

Innovative Discount Fee Structure

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Otherwise, our fee structure sets Hastings and Hastings apart from other personal injury law firms. Usually, a personal injury lawyer charges clients a flat percentage rate of one-third, regardless of the amount of compensation their clients receive. At Hastings and Hastings, we realized that this traditional arrangement benefits lawyers more than it benefits clients, and so we pioneered Discount Fees for our clients. Under our Discount Fee arrangement, we prioritize putting the most amount of money possible back into our clients’ pockets – not our own. 

Licensed Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys Handling Your Case

Hastings and Hastings also prioritizes getting our clients face-to-face with an actual, licensed Arizona attorney from the very start of our representation. At some personal injury law firms, prospective clients may not speak to a licensed attorney until after their representation has begun. But at Hastings and Hastings, we guarantee that you will speak to a licensed attorney at your free initial consultation – at the very first contact you have with our law firm. These initial consultations with our attorneys are always offered at no cost and with absolutely no risk to our prospective clients. 

Our Mesa personal injury attorneys are ready to listen to your story, be honest with you about whether you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, and if we’re able, work hard to represent you and your family.  

Case Results

We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients. You can see more of our case results here.

  • $1,050,000 recovered for a car accident with serious injuries. We saved our client $35,000.
  • $300,000 recovered for a motorcycle accident. We saved our client $10,000.
  • $1,687,682 recovered in a wrongful death settlement. We saved our client $73,133.

Client Testimonial: 5/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Hastings and Hastings handled my claim after I had tried to deal with insurance company myself. Erwin explained the whole process to me at the initial consultation and I was very happy with the result!” – Nicole

Mesa Personal Injury Lawyers

How Can Our Mesa Personal Injury Lawyers Help?

In the moments immediately following an accident, your legal options likely aren’t the first thing on your mind, and for obvious reasons. Instead, you’re likely thinking of the most important things – the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones. But in the days, months, and weeks following an accident, you will likely quickly realize that the accident’s aftereffects are much larger than you might have planned for. 

Accidents are expensive. In obtaining medical treatment, victims rack up significant expenses in hospital bills, insurance copays, medication, transportation, and doctor office visits. Additionally, many victims are unable to work, leading to lost wages and in some cases, loss of employment entirely. Victims may have suffered property damage, as well, in the form of a totaled car, damage to their home, or loss of belongings. 

Long story short, accidents are incredibly expensive for victims. Lawsuits allow victims to recover the money they’ve lost due to the negligence or carelessness of another person or company. A personal injury lawyer’s entire purpose is assisting victims in accessing the funds to which they are legally entitled, so a victim is fully and fairly compensated for the injuries they have suffered. 

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Mesa Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Our team at Hastings and Hastings has extensive experience handling personal injury lawsuits of every type and scope. While each Mesa injury case is different and presents its own set of facts, Arizona law underpinning personal injury cases is often the same across each case. Over the course of the last 40 years, our Mesa car accident attorneys have built a proven track record of success in representing Arizona personal injury victims, and our familiarity with the law of personal injuries speaks for itself. 

The types of personal injury cases we handle include the following:

In addition to these types of cases, our team is willing to consider any type of personal injury lawsuit. In other words, if you have found yourself injured due to the wrongful acts or omissions of another person, company, or group of people, we want to hear from you. Our free consultations are offered at no cost and no risk to prospective clients, and our team is ready to listen to your story. 

Determining Fault for Your Mesa, AZ Accident

Oftentimes, accidents are not simple matters. Things can quickly become complicated when the question arises of who is truly responsible for an accident that occurred. Making matters worse, a significant amount of misinformation exists about how the specific circumstances of an accident may affect liability. No matter what you may have heard, speaking to a licensed Arizona attorney is the only way to know for sure if you may be entitled to compensation, and if so, in what amount. 

Comparative Negligence Laws in Arizona Accidents

Arizona is a “comparative negligence” state, which means that even plaintiffs who were slightly negligent themselves may be able to recover compensation for injuries they suffered in an accident. Comparative negligence is a complicated legal doctrine, and speaking to an experienced Mesa personal injury attorney is the best way to ensure that the law is most effectively being applied to your injury case. But the following example provides a basic hypothetical to illustrate how competitive negligence works: 

Imagine that you are driving on the highway in Mesa, and the speed limit is 75 miles per hour. You are in the left lane with your cruise control set to 80 miles per hour, or five miles per hour over the speed limit. You are passing a car in the middle lane, when at once, the car veers into the left lane, striking your car. 

The driver of the other vehicle was using FaceTime while driving, listening to the radio at high volume, eating a burger, and their side mirror was broken, hanging off the side of their car with no possible use. The other driver, obviously driving distracted, came into your lane without checking to see whether it was clear. 

Your car is totaled in the accident, and you suffered significant injuries. 

After filing a lawsuit, the other driver claims that you caused the accident by speeding. What happens next? 

In this hypothetical injury case, while the other driver may be partially correct in noting that you were speeding, it is clear that the other driver was significantly more negligent in their own actions, driving while extremely distracted, and without a working side mirror. 

Comparative negligence allows a jury to determine exactly what percentage of fault can be apportioned to each party involved in a lawsuit and determine how to award damages accordingly. In this case, a jury might say that the plaintiff’s speeding contributed to 10 percent of the accident’s occurrence. Thus, if the same jury awarded the plaintiff damages, those damages would be reduced by 10 percent – allowing them to still recover, but in an amount reduced by their own contributions to the accident. 

What does this mean for Mesa accident victims? It means that even if you believe you may have contributed to an accident occurring, you should still consult a Mesa injury attorney. Arizona’s comparative negligence law may still allow you to recover for your injuries, and our team at Hastings and Hastings has extensive experience in handling these complicated matters. 

Recovering Compensation After an Injury

Recovering Compensation After an Injury 

The types of damages that are available to Mesa accident victims depend on the specific facts of each individual case. But in general, under Arizona law, accident victims are able to recover damages that are both economic and non-economic in nature. 

Economic damages are any costs that are paid out of your own pocket, or that represent monetary loss in the future. Most commonly, these are the straightforward damages requested in a lawsuit — medical bills and expenses, lost wages, property damages, loss of earning potential, and insurance monies. In short, any damage that can be assigned a fixed dollar amount is an economic damage. 

Non-economic damages are amounts that represent non-monetary compensation. While these damages can be more difficult to prove, they provide opportunities for significant compensation to victims, and an effective attorney will ensure that non-economic damages are adequately accounted for. Non-economic damages most often include pain and suffering, emotional damages, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment, and punitive damages in severe cases. 

Important Steps for Your Mesa Injury Case

Being involved in an accident often leaves victims unsure about how to move forward. In the unfortunate event that you find yourself or a loved one injured due to another person’s negligence, you should think about these steps: 

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you think you don’t need it, you should immediately seek medical attention after being involved in an accident. Some injuries don’t immediately present symptoms, and you may be injured without knowing it. Otherwise, seeking medical attention allows you to obtain important documentation that could be vital in seeking future compensation.

2. Gather Evidence and Documentation

After ensuring your physical safety, you should take as much documentation as possible about your accident. Take photos and videos to the fullest extent possible. Record or write a narrative of your memories as soon as you can after the accident. This step is important because memories fade very fast, and you may be surprised about the details you begin to forget as time goes on after your accident.  

3. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer As Soon As Possible

Contact an attorney as soon as possible after you seek medical attention, and avoid speaking to anyone about your personal injury case until you have retained an attorney. Before you have a lawyer, you may be contacted by insurance companies or other representatives of the defendant seeking statements from you. You should avoid providing any such statements before you have a lawyer – as your own words can be used against you in the future. Consulting with a Mesa personal injury attorney ensures that you are fully protecting your rights and your ability to recover compensation in the future. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Arizona? 

One of the biggest reasons that it is imperative you speak to a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident occurs is because of the statute of limitations. 

The statute of limitations is a law that places a deadline on the amount of time for filing a lawsuit after an incident occurs. In personal injury cases, Arizona’s statute of limitations is two years from the date of an accident. 

While two years sounds like plenty of time, it’s important to note that the deadline applies to the actual filing of a lawsuit in court. Background work, investigation, and preliminary negotiations must occur before a lawsuit is filed, and in some cases, these processes can take months to begin and end. For that reason, it is essential that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident occurs – the clock is ticking. 

FAQ: Arizona Personal Injury Claims

Below we address some of the common questions that we receive about personal injury claims.

How Do I Know If I Have a Personal Injury Case?

To determine if you have a personal injury case, consider the following factors:

  • Injury or Harm: You must have suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm due to the actions or negligence of another party. This harm could result from accidents, intentional acts, or even defective products.
  • Fault or Negligence: You need to establish that someone else’s actions or negligence caused or contributed to your injury. Negligence refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm to others.
  • Duty of Care: The at-fault party must have owed you a duty of care. For example, in a car accident, drivers have a duty to follow traffic rules and drive safely.
  • Breach of Duty: You must show that the at-fault party breached their duty of care. In other words, they failed to act in a manner expected under the circumstances.
  • Causation: You need to demonstrate a direct link between the at-fault party’s breach of duty and your injury. The breach must be the cause of your harm.
  • Damages: You must have suffered quantifiable damages due to the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or property damage.
  • Time Limit: Personal injury cases have a statute of limitations, which is the time frame within which you must file your claim. In Arizona, this time limit can vary depending on the type of case.

If you believe that the above criteria apply to your situation, it’s essential to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney. They can evaluate the details of your case, assess its strengths and weaknesses, and advise you on the best course of action. Personal injury attorneys are experienced in handling such cases and can guide you through the legal process to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries and losses. Keep in mind that each case is unique, so seeking professional legal advice is crucial to understanding your specific circumstances.

Will My Personal Injury Case Be Settled Out of Court?

Whether your personal injury case will go to trial or not depends on several factors. In many personal injury cases, the majority are settled out of court through negotiations between the parties involved. However, some cases may proceed to trial if a settlement cannot be reached or if it is deemed necessary for various reasons. Here are some factors that can influence whether your case will go to trial:

  • Liability Dispute: If there is a dispute over who is at fault for the accident or injury, it may be difficult to reach a settlement. In such cases, going to trial may be necessary to determine liability.
  • Severe Injuries or High Damages: Cases involving severe injuries or high financial losses may be more likely to go to trial, as the stakes are higher, and both parties may be less willing to compromise.
  • Uncooperative Insurance Company: If the insurance company of the at-fault party is uncooperative or offers an inadequate settlement, your attorney may recommend taking the case to trial to pursue fair compensation.
  • Legal Strategy: Some personal injury attorneys may prefer to take certain cases to trial as part of their legal strategy, especially if they believe they can achieve better results for their clients in front of a jury.
  • Claim Complexity: Complex cases with multiple parties, intricate legal issues, or difficult-to-prove damages may be more likely to go to trial.
  • Plaintiff’s Preference: Ultimately, it is your decision as the plaintiff to accept a settlement offer or proceed to trial. Your attorney can advise you on the potential risks and benefits of each option.

It’s important to remember that going to trial can be time-consuming and may involve higher costs and uncertainties. Settlement negotiations can be a faster and more predictable way to resolve a personal injury case. However, if a trial becomes necessary, having a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney on your side is crucial to present your case effectively in court and protect your rights. Your attorney will work with you to determine the best course of action based on the specific circumstances of your case.

What Evidence Will I Need For My Personal Injury Case?

In a personal injury case, various types of evidence may be used to support your claim and establish liability. The specific evidence required will depend on the circumstances of your case, the type of accident or injury involved, and the legal issues at hand. Here are common types of evidence that could be used:

  • Medical Records: Your medical records, including doctor’s notes, hospital reports, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans, will provide evidence of the extent and nature of your injuries.
  • Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence such as photographs and videos of the accident scene, property damage, or your injuries can be compelling and help recreate the events.
  • Witness Statements: Statements from eyewitnesses who saw the accident happen or who can testify about the conditions leading to the injury are valuable evidence.
  • Expert Witness Testimony: Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists or medical professionals, may be called upon to provide specialized knowledge and opinions related to your case.
  • Employment Records: If the injury affects your ability to work, employment records can show lost wages and future earning capacity.
  • Police Reports: If law enforcement responded to the accident, their official report can be important evidence in determining liability.
  • Surveillance Footage: In some cases, surveillance footage from nearby cameras may capture the accident or events leading up to it.
  • Accident Reports: If the incident occurred on someone else’s property, incident reports filed by the property owner or manager may contain valuable information.
  • Expert Reports: If your attorney hires experts to evaluate the case, their reports can provide valuable insights and opinions.
  • Financial Records: Records of your expenses related to medical treatment, property damage, and other accident-related costs can demonstrate the financial impact of the injury.
  • Communication Records: Emails, text messages, and other communication between parties may reveal important details about the accident or liability.
  • Diaries or Journals: Personal accounts of the accident or the impact of the injury on your daily life can be helpful in demonstrating the extent of your suffering.

Collecting and presenting strong evidence is crucial to building a successful personal injury case. Your attorney will help gather and analyze the evidence relevant to your situation, ensuring that it supports your claim and strengthens your position in negotiations or at trial.

Contact a Mesa Personal Injury Attorney Today

Our team at Hastings and Hastings is ready to hear from you today. Our free case consultations are always offered at no cost and no risk to prospective clients, and we’re committed to ensuring that your injury case is handled by a licensed attorney from the very beginning. We guarantee that you will speak with a licensed Arizona attorney at your initial consultation. 

If we’re able to take your case, we’ll pursue compensation on your behalf in the maximum amount possible, and our experience and client testimonials make that clear. Our Discount Fee arrangement demonstrates our clear commitment to putting our clients first. Let us help you or your loved one with a personal injury case.

Contact us today to set up your free consultation – our team is looking forward to hearing from you.

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