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After a car accident, many Arizona drivers focus on getting their vehicle repaired and dealing with insurance companies. But according to Phoenix personal injury attorney Jose Leon, some of the most important decisions happen in the days immediately following a crash.
Mr. Leon, founder of Leon Law in central Phoenix, said one of the biggest misconceptions accident victims have is believing the insurance company will automatically take care of everything.
“Many people think the insurance company pays for things directly,” Mr. Leon points out. “In reality, medical providers still expect payment, and unpaid bills can affect your credit.”
For more than a decade, Leon Law and its dedicated staff have taken on the mantra of education first — no matter the case, client or circumstance.
Mr. Leon has called the Phoenix metropolitan area home since 1998, after growing up in Nogales, Ariz. He was born in Sinaloa, Mexico, and came to the United States when he was 6 years old.
Among the rights he believes every Arizona resident should understand: accident victims do not have to immediately speak with an insurance company, they should not feel pressured to settle before completing medical treatment, and they have the right to consult an attorney before providing statements.
Mr, Leon advises accident victims to use their health insurance when possible while their claim is pending. He also urges caution when dealing with insurance adjusters.
“A lot of times they’ll try to convince you that they’re offering the right amount of money early on,” Leon said. “But at that point, you may not know the full extent of your injuries or future medical costs.”
Five rights every Arizona resident should know
Mr. Leon says there are several fundamental rights that accident victims often overlook:
- You do not have to speak to the insurance company immediately. Adjusters may attempt to obtain statements that minimize injuries or suggest that a victim was not seriously hurt.
- You should not feel pressured to settle early. While there are deadlines for filing claims, victims should prioritize receiving proper medical care and understanding the scope of their injuries before resolving a case.
- You have the right to consult an attorney. Although hiring a lawyer is not required, Leon encourages injured individuals to seek legal guidance as early as possible to avoid costly mistakes.
- Health insurance matters. Using available health insurance can help manage treatment costs and may ultimately leave more of a settlement in the injured person’s pocket.
Even minor injuries should be documented
A police report can be critical evidence. Police investigations often identify witnesses, document fault and create records that strengthen a claim.
“Witnesses can make or break a case,” Mr. Leon said. “A police report often contains information that helps establish exactly what happened.”
One common mistake, Mr. Leon contends, is giving too much information to insurance adjusters, particularly through recorded statements.
“Recorded statements can be used as evidence,” he said. “People should understand what they’re being asked before giving any statement.”
Mr. Leon says he encourages accident victims to seek medical attention even when injuries initially appear minor.
“There are times we don’t realize how affected we are until we get a medical evaluation,” he explains.
Arizona’s comparative negligence law also surprises many people, according to Mr. Leon.
Under the system, an injured person may still recover damages even if they share some responsibility for a crash, though any award can be reduced based on their percentage of fault. Mr. Leon points out police reports remain another important tool for establishing what happened in a collision.
“A police report often contains important information connecting an injury to the accident,” he said.
For drivers looking to protect themselves before a crash occurs, Mr. Leon recommends carrying uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in addition to the minimum insurance required by law.
Ultimately, Mr. Leon says understanding your rights means making informed decisions from the outset and seeking guidance before taking actions that could affect a claim.
“The most important thing is making sure you’re protecting yourself from the beginning,” he said.
You can learn more about Leon Law HERE. Today, the local law firm has three locations in Arizona:
- Phoenix: 20 E. Thomas Rd, Suite 2200, Phoenix AZ 85012
- Peoria: 16165 N. 83rd Ave, Suite 200, Peoria, AZ 85382
- Tucson: 1 South Church Ave Suite 1200 Tucson AZ 85701
