Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Scottsdale

How We Picked

We started with firms in the Scottsdale Scoop injury lawyers directory and added one firm that ranks for Scottsdale searches. We checked published firm information for offices, practice areas and fee descriptions. We didn't rank firms on reviews, case results or settlement figures and nothing here predicts how your case would go.

This guide is for general information only and isn't legal advice. Talk with a licensed Arizona attorney about your situation. Every crash is different and the right firm for one case may not fit another.

What to Do After a Scottsdale Crash

• Call 911 if anyone's hurt and get medical care.
• Photograph the vehicles, the scene and any injuries.
• Swap insurance and contact details with the other driver.
• Get names and numbers of witnesses.
• Keep medical records, bills and repair estimates.
• Be careful what you say to another driver's insurer before you get advice.

Arizona's 2-Year Deadline

Under A.R.S. §12-542 most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. The same statute covers wrongful death claims and says they accrue at the death. The statute opens with an exception tied to another section and other laws can change the timeline in some situations. Don't assume the default applies to you. Talk to a lawyer early.

Comparative Fault Explained

Arizona uses comparative negligence. Under A.R.S. §12-2505 your own share of fault doesn't bar your claim. It reduces your damages in proportion to that share. That rule doesn't help a claimant who caused the injury intentionally, willfully or wantonly. Under A.R.S. §12-2506 each defendant is generally liable only for its own share of fault, with exceptions listed in that statute.

Questions to Ask at a Consultation

A first meeting is a chance to interview the firm. These questions can help you compare offices on equal terms.

• Who'll handle my case day to day and how will you keep me updated?
• How many cases like mine does your office handle?
• What percentage is the fee and does it change if the case goes to trial?
• Who pays case costs like records and expert fees if there's no recovery?
• What deadlines apply to my claim and when do you need my documents?
• How do you handle medical liens or bills that come out of a settlement?

Bring your crash report number, photos, insurance letters and a list of the doctors you've seen. Write down the answers so you can compare firms later.

Contingency Fees

Many injury lawyers work on contingency. That generally means the fee is a percentage of any recovery instead of an hourly bill. Terms differ from firm to firm. Some agreements set one percentage for a settlement and a higher one if the case goes to trial. Case costs such as filing fees, records and expert witnesses may be handled separately from the fee. Ask for the agreement in writing and ask how those costs are handled if there's no recovery. If anything in the agreement is unclear, ask before you sign it.