Personal Injury Attorney In Yuma, AZ

Car Accidents

Vehicle collisions are the most common cause of personal injury claims in Yuma. Intersection accidents, rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, T-bone impacts and multi-vehicle pile-ups can result in serious injuries including whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. We investigate liability, document your injuries, and negotiate with insurance companies to recover full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists face unique dangers on Arizona roads. Drivers who fail to see motorcycles or who violate right-of-way laws cause devastating crashes. Motorcycle accident injuries are often catastrophic, including road rash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries and permanent disability. Arizona law protects motorcyclists' rights, and we fight to hold negligent drivers accountable for the full extent of your injuries.

Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers and large delivery vehicles result in some of the most serious personal injury cases. These accidents often involve multiple liable parties including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders and maintenance contractors. Federal regulations govern trucking operations, and violations of these rules can establish liability. We investigate black box data, driver logs, maintenance records and company policies to build strong truck accident cases.

Premises Liability

Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Slip and fall accidents, trip and fall injuries, inadequate security leading to assault, dog bites, swimming pool accidents and other dangerous property conditions can result in serious injuries. Establishing premises liability requires proof that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition. We investigate maintenance records, incident reports and property inspection history to hold negligent property owners accountable.

1. Free Consultation And Case Evaluation

We start with a detailed consultation to understand what happened, who was at fault, the extent of your injuries, and what insurance coverage applies. We review accident reports, medical records, insurance policies and any other documentation you have. This consultation is confidential and helps us determine the value of your case and the best strategy moving forward.

2. Investigation And Evidence Collection

We immediately begin investigating your case. This includes collecting police reports, accident scene photos, witness statements, surveillance footage, medical records and employment records showing lost wages. For complex cases, we work with accident reconstruction experts, medical experts and vocational experts. Early investigation is critical because evidence can be lost or destroyed over time.

3. Medical Treatment Documentation

Your health comes first. We help you find medical providers who will treat you on a lien basis if needed, meaning they agree to wait for payment until your case settles. We work closely with your doctors to document all injuries, treatment, prognosis and future medical needs. Complete medical documentation is essential to maximizing your compensation.

4. Demand Letter And Negotiation

Once you've completed treatment or reached maximum medical improvement, we prepare a comprehensive demand package documenting all damages including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and any permanent impairment. We submit this demand to the insurance company and negotiate for full compensation. Many cases settle at this stage without the need for a lawsuit.

5. Filing A Lawsuit If Necessary

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we file a personal injury lawsuit in Yuma County Superior Court. Filing a lawsuit shows the insurance company we're serious and willing to take the case to trial. Many cases settle after a lawsuit is filed but before trial, as the insurance company realizes the strength of your case and the risk of a jury verdict.

6. Settlement Or Trial

We continue negotiating throughout the litigation process. If a fair settlement can be reached, we advise you and help you make an informed decision. If the insurance company won't offer fair value, we're prepared to take your case to trial before a jury. Mr. Cordova has extensive trial experience and will fight for you in court if that's what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.

Economic Damages

These are financial losses with specific dollar amounts:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgery costs, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment and future medical treatment
• Lost Wages: Income lost while recovering from injuries, including sick leave, vacation time used and self-employment income
• Lost Earning Capacity: Reduced ability to earn income in the future due to permanent injuries or disability
• Property Damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement, damaged personal property
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications for disability, household help during recovery

Non-Economic Damages

These are subjective losses without specific dollar amounts:

• Pain And Suffering: Physical pain, discomfort and suffering caused by injuries
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, fear and mental anguish resulting from the accident and injuries
• Loss Of Enjoyment Of Life: Inability to participate in activities, hobbies and daily activities you enjoyed before the injury
• Disfigurement And Scarring: Permanent visible scars or disfigurement affecting appearance and self-esteem
• Loss Of Consortium: Impact on your relationship with your spouse due to injuries

Two-Year Statute Of Limitations

Arizona law gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation forever, no matter how serious your injuries or how clear the other party's fault. This deadline is strict with very few exceptions. Starting your case early gives us time to investigate, negotiate and file a lawsuit if needed before the deadline expires.

Comparative Negligence Rules

Arizona follows pure comparative negligence. If you're found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you receive $80,000. Insurance companies try to shift blame to injury victims to reduce payouts. We fight these arguments and present evidence that the other party was fully responsible for the accident.

Insurance Coverage Limits

The amount of compensation available is often limited by the at-fault party's insurance policy limits. Arizona requires minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. These minimums are often inadequate for serious injuries. We investigate all available insurance coverage including the at-fault party's policy, your own underinsured motorist coverage, and any umbrella policies that may apply.

Government Liability Claims

If your injury was caused by a government entity or employee, special notice requirements apply. You must file a notice of claim with the government within 180 days of the injury. Failure to provide this notice can bar your claim entirely. Government liability cases have shorter deadlines and different rules, requiring immediate legal assistance.