Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I really need a lawyer?
You would expect a lawyer to answer this question with "Absolutely!". Clearly, if you have sustained injuries or are not satisfied with how the insurance company is treating you, you need an attorney to protect your rights.

What about before any problems occur, do you need a lawyer then? Only you can answer that question. But consider this, the insurance company is a business. Their job is to resolve your claim for as few dollars as possible. Doesn't it make sense to have someone on your side whose job is to protect your rights and make sure you receive every dollar you deserve?

The insurance company deals with accident victims everyday. We deal with insurance companies everyday. We know what's fair and reasonable and what's not. We'll make sure that you're treated fairly. We can also assist with the property damage claim; make sure you have access to treatment by a doctor who will wait for payment until the claim is settled; and attempt to recover every dollar to which you are legally entitled.

2. If I hire you as my lawyer, what are your goals for me?
Our first goal is to address the injuries you have suffered in the accident by getting you to see a doctor. We can normally get you in to see a doctor the same or next day we meet with you. All doctors we suggest will wait for payment until your case settles.

Our next goal for you is to take away the burden and stress of the process. Insurance companies are big and bureaucratic. They can be difficult to work with. We can fight for your rights while you concentrate on getting better.

Our final goal is to maximize the amount of the settlement of your claim and minimize the time required to receive it.

3. My car is not drivable,what do I do?
If your car is repairable, check your automobile policy for rental car coverage. Your insurance company may direct you to a rental car company they work with immediately. We can suggest a repair shop that may be able to arrange for a rental or loaner car for you.

If you were hit by another vehicle, and the driver has insurance, it is possible the driver's policy may cover rental car costs for you. However, this can take 30 days or more. If your car is being held in a storage yard, it is important that you make arrangements to get it to a repair shop within a reasonable time period.

If the insurance company declares your car a total loss the same basic advice applies.

4. What's my case worth?
We cannot value your case accurately until your medical treatment is complete, your condition has stabilized and all of the medical evidence is available for review. Soreness or stiffness in the neck, shoulders or back that sometimes accompanies auto accidents is normally caused by soft tissue injuries and will heal with proper treatment. Yet, sometimes it is the first symptom of other injuries that can lead to serious damage or disability. If anyone is trying to place a value on your case before all the medical evidence is in, be very, very cautious.

5. Will it cost me any money to get you started?
No. We work on a contingent fee. This means we only receive payment for our services if we successfully collect on your claim for you. The normal contingent fee in Arizona is 33.33% of the total sum collected. We offer a 25% discount fee on all cases not requiring litigation (the filing of a lawsuit). Our fee is 33.33% if the case requires litigation.
We pay all up front; including but not limited to costs for police reports, medical records and medical bills, postage and photocopies. We are reimbursed for these costs at the time of settlement. Clients are responsible for costs, regardless of the outcome of the case. The fee is calculated on the total sum collected and before costs or medical bills are deducted.

6. How long will the process take?
Vehicle damage claims are normally settled before bodily injury claims. Settlement of bodily injury claims depends on how serious your injuries are and how quickly your body responds to treatment. We cannot make a demand on the insurance company until your condition has stabilized and all the medical evidence is collected. Cases that require a lawsuit be filed take longer than cases that are settled. There is no average amount of time it takes to settle a claim. We do everything we can to move your case toward settlement as fast as is reasonable and prudent.

7. Will we have to go to court?
If the insurance company does not deal with your case in a reasonable manner we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit on your behalf. However, the majority of cases we handle are successfully settled and DO NOT require a lawsuit.

If we feel it is necessary to go to court we will recommend that we do so. It is your ultimate decision whether a lawsuit is filed. We are well prepared to represent you in court and have in-house lawyers who are aggressive, full-time litigators. For more information about litigation, click here.

8. What if I need medical treatment but can't afford it?
We can refer you to a number of doctors throughout the Valley who will wait for payment until the case settles. In most cases we can find you a doctor who is close to your home and who can see you quickly - often in just a few hours.

9. Should my insurance company get involved?
It was the other driver's fault.  When dealing with the property damage claim it is often preferable to file a claim with your insurance company if you have collision coverage rather than relying on the other driver's insurance company. The main advantage is speed. Your insurance company will normally pay the claim sooner.

Additionally, if you have medical payments coverage on your policy, your insurance company is legally responsible to pay the medical bills incurred as a result of your accident. If you do not have this coverage, it is advisable that you add it to your insurance policy.

Many people believe their premium will increase if they file a claim with their insurance company. If the accident was not your fault your insurance company cannot increase your premium simply because you filed a claim.

We advise everyone to add what is called "uninsured motorist coverage" to their policy. This coverage protects you if your accident was caused by someone without insurance. Even though it is mandatory in the State of Arizona to have auto insurance, many people still don't have coverage. The cost of this additional coverage is small and well worth the extra protection.

10. What should I do if the insurance company contacts me after I have retained Petersen Johnson?
Do not discuss the accident or your medical condition with the insurance company. Refer them to us for all matters, with one exception; they will need to inspect your damaged vehicle. You can answer their questions regarding where your damaged vehicle is and make an appointment (at your convenience) for them to view the vehicle. Beyond that, have them call us.

11. Do I need to get copies of the police report and my medical records?
No, we handle that for you.

12. Are there two settlements, one for my pain and suffering and one for my medical bills?
No, there is only one settlement that covers both as well as any loss of earnings.