Week one: preservation and documentation
Camera footage from intersections and nearby businesses is often overwritten within weeks. Vehicles get repaired. Witnesses move on. A lawyer's first job is to send written preservation requests, photograph both vehicles before repairs, gather witness contact information, and make sure medical evaluation is happening promptly — because gaps in treatment are a common point of dispute later.
Coverage review
Arizona insurers are required to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Many drivers carry it without knowing. A lawyer reviews every policy that may apply — the other driver's, yours, a household member's, an employer's, a rideshare company's — because when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, your own coverage can be central to the recovery.
Insurer communication
The other driver's insurer may ask for a recorded statement early. You are not required to give one, and it is reasonable to speak with a lawyer first. Once a lawyer is involved, communication runs through the firm, and the file is built with the full picture of treatment and losses before any number is discussed.
The settlement decision
When an offer is on the table, a lawyer explains what it covers, what it doesn't, and how it compares to what a complete claim looks like. The decision stays with the client. If the offer isn't fair, the case is prepared to move forward.
What it costs
Most Arizona car accident lawyers work on contingency: nothing upfront, nothing hourly, and a percentage of the recovery only if there is one. The percentage and how case costs are handled are set out in the written fee agreement, which is worth reading fully before signing.
Where to go from here
The law itself is covered in our Arizona car accident guide, how we handle Phoenix cases is on our Phoenix car accident lawyer page, and there's a full guide on how to choose a car accident lawyer in Phoenix. A free consultation is available any hour — in English or Spanish. (602) 217-0000.