Car Accident Lawyer in Tempe
A car accident in Tempe can upend your life in seconds leaving you with serious injuries, a pile of medical bills, missed work, and an insurance company already working to pay you as little as possible. At Runion Personal Injury Lawyers, our Tempe car accident lawyers have recovered over $50 million for Arizona families, and we are ready to put that experience to work for you. Without a skilled attorney in your corner, insurers will use every tactic available to minimize or deny your claim and the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to build a strong case. Call us today for a free case evaluation in English or Spanish, with no obligation and no upfront cost.
$50+ Million Recovered
Content Reviewed By: Derick Runion
Table of Contents
- Do You Have Grounds for a Car Accident Claim in Tempe?
- How Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Crash in Tempe?
- What is My Tempe Car Accident Case Worth?
- What Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Tempe, AZ?
- Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for the Accident?
- Car Accident Injuries We Fight to Compensate?
- Your Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Arizona?
- Our Process for Handling Your Tempe Car Accident Case
- Contact Our Tempe Car Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation
Do You Have Grounds for a Car Accident Claim in Tempe?
To pursue compensation after a car accident in Arizona, four legal elements must be established. Our team builds the evidence to prove each one:
- Duty of care: Every driver on Tempe roads — from Mill Avenue to the US-60 — is legally required to operate their vehicle safely and responsibly. This duty extends to all other road users, including drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
- Breach of duty: A breach occurs when a driver fails to meet that standard through speeding, running a red light, driving impaired, or texting at the wheel. We gather police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to demonstrate exactly how the at-fault party fell short.
- Causation: We must prove that the driver’s negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries — not a pre-existing condition or unrelated incident. Medical records, accident reconstruction, and expert testimony are the tools we use to establish this connection.
- Damages: You must have suffered real, compensable losses — physical injuries, financial harm, or emotional suffering. Our team meticulously documents every loss so nothing is left on the table.
If all four elements are present, you have grounds for a claim. Contact Runion Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free evaluation.
How Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Crash in Tempe?
With over 20 years of combined experience and a 99% success rate, our team has recovered more than $50 million for clients across Arizona. We know Tempe — the high-traffic corridors on Apache Boulevard and Rural Road, the congested intersections around Arizona State University, and the crash-prone stretches of the US-60 and Loop 101. Here is exactly what we do for you:
- Thorough investigation: We dig deep into the details of your accident — obtaining police reports, pulling surveillance footage from Tempe businesses and traffic cameras, consulting accident reconstruction experts, and locking in witness statements before memories fade.
- Skilled negotiation: We handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. Our founder, Derick Runion, has deep experience inside the insurance industry and knows precisely how adjusters evaluate and undervalue claims — and how to counter them.
- Connecting you with medical care: If you need treatment but lack immediate access, we connect you with Tempe-area providers who will treat you on a medical lien — meaning no out-of-pocket cost until your case resolves.
- Documenting your full damages: From emergency room bills and future rehabilitation to lost income and property damage, we ensure every loss is quantified, evidenced, and included in your demand.
- Courtroom representation: We prepare every case as if it will go before a Maricopa County Superior Court jury. Insurance companies know we litigate — and that alone often drives better settlement offers.
- Personalized legal strategy: No two Tempe car accident cases are alike. We tailor our approach to the specific facts of your case, your injuries, and your goals.
- Compassionate support: We keep you informed, involved, and never in the dark throughout every stage of the process.
Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
“Runion Personal Injury Lawyers has the experience to handle your case from the beginning according to best practices. That means that we’re gathering crucial evidence from the outset and ensuring that it’s preserved so that we can make a liability argument.”
Derick Runion
What is My Tempe Car Accident Case Worth?
Damages You Can Recover After a Tempe Car Accident
After a car accident in Tempe, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation. These fall into three primary categories:
- Economic damages: These are your concrete, measurable financial losses — medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket costs such as rental vehicles and transportation to medical appointments. Every bill and receipt matters, and we document them all. Arizona law does not cap economic damages in car accident cases.
- Non-economic damages: These compensate for losses that don’t come with a price tag but are no less real — pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. Arizona places no cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving particularly egregious conduct — such as a drunk driver or someone driving with extreme recklessness — a court may award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. These are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.
How Much Is My Tempe Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, the degree of the other party’s fault, available insurance coverage, and how thoroughly your damages are documented. The table below offers general settlement ranges by injury type — these are illustrative figures only, not a guarantee or prediction of your outcome.
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Minor soft tissue injuries | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Broken bones | $25,000 – $100,000 |
| Herniated or bulging disc | $50,000 – $350,000+ |
| Traumatic brain injury (TBI) | $100,000 – $500,000+ |
| Permanent disability | $500,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Wrongful death | $250,000 – $5,000,000+ |
Many of our cases have surpassed these averages significantly. Here are three examples from our own results:
- $1,250,000: Runion Personal Injury Lawyers filed suit against a company whose superintendent collided with our client’s vehicle, requiring neck and back surgery. We obtained the full $1.25 million policy limits.
- $600,000: Our client suffered head trauma in a serious collision. We presented scientific evidence linking her aneurysm to the crash and secured a $600,000 settlement.
- $130,000: We secured full policy limits for a client in a three-vehicle crash in Gilbert despite the at-fault insurer disputing causation on spinal and soft-tissue injuries.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Settlement ranges above are general estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.
Can I still file a claim if I didn't go to the hospital right after my Tempe accident?
Yes, but gaps in medical treatment give insurers grounds to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the crash. Seek care as soon as possible and explain the delay to your doctor — it can be documented. Courts and adjusters consider treatment timelines closely, so acting quickly, even belatedly, still strengthens your position considerably.
What if the at-fault driver in Tempe was driving a company vehicle?
If the driver was working at the time — making deliveries, running errands for their employer, or operating a company-owned vehicle — their employer may share legal liability under a doctrine called respondeat superior. This often means access to a commercial insurance policy with significantly higher limits than a personal auto policy, which can increase your potential recovery.
How long does a Tempe car accident settlement typically take?
Most straightforward claims resolve within three to six months. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or uncooperative insurers can take one to two years, particularly if litigation becomes necessary. The timeline also depends on how quickly your medical treatment concludes, since we typically wait for your condition to stabilize before submitting a final demand to the insurer.
Can passengers injured in a Tempe car accident file their own claim?
Yes. Passengers injured in a crash can file claims against the at-fault driver — whether that is the driver of the vehicle they were in, another driver, or both. Being a passenger typically simplifies liability since you bear no fault for the collision itself. You are entitled to the same categories of compensation as any other injured party.
Will my car accident case in Tempe go to the Maricopa County Superior Court?
Yes. Passengers injured in a crash can file claims against the at-fault driver — whether that is the driver of the vehicle they were in, another driver, or both. Being a passenger typically simplifies liability since you bear no fault for the collision itself. You are entitled to the same categories of compensation as any other injured party.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Tempe, AZ?
We understand that after a traffic accident, finances can be a major concern. That is why Runion Personal Injury Lawyers operates on a contingency fee basis backed by our Net Recovery Guarantee:
- No upfront costs: You pay nothing unless we win compensation for your case.
- We cover case expenses: We handle all costs of building and pursuing your claim.
- Our fee is a percentage: If we secure a settlement or judgment, our fee comes as a percentage of that amount — meaning our interests are directly aligned with yours.
This model ensures that any Tempe car accident victim, regardless of financial situation, can access experienced legal representation from day one with zero financial risk. We discuss all fee details during your free consultation.
Who Pays for My Medical Bills While My Case is Pending?
One of the most common concerns our clients have is how to cover ongoing treatment costs before a settlement arrives. Here are the main options available to Arizona car accident victims:
- MedPay (Medical Payments Coverage): If your auto policy includes MedPay, it covers your medical bills regardless of fault while your case is still pending. Arizona insurers are required to offer it, though not all drivers elect to carry it.
- Health insurance: Your personal health insurance will typically cover accident-related treatment, though your insurer may assert a lien against your settlement later. We manage these liens as part of your case.
- Medical treatment on a lien: For clients without adequate coverage, we connect you with Tempe-area providers who will treat you on a lien — deferring payment until your case resolves, with no cost to you upfront.
- Settlement proceeds: All past and future medical costs are accounted for in your settlement demand. Nothing reasonably necessary for your recovery should ultimately come out of your own pocket.
Can I Recover Compensation If I'm Being Blamed for the Accident?
Yes. Arizona follows a pure comparative fault system under A.R.S. § 12-2505, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the crash. Any damages awarded are simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000. Insurance companies frequently try to exaggerate your share of the blame to reduce their payout — it is one of their most common tactics. An experienced Tempe car accident attorney can protect your rights, push back on inflated fault assignments, and ensure the evidence tells the accurate story.
Car Accident Injuries We Fight to Compensate?
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from painful but temporary to catastrophic and life-altering. Each injury requires proper medical care and thorough documentation — and we are committed to ensuring every injury is fully accounted for in your claim. Here are the most common injury types we see in Tempe car accident cases:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: The most frequent injury in rear-end collisions, whiplash involves damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the neck and upper back. Though often dismissed as minor, untreated whiplash can develop into a chronic pain condition requiring years of ongoing treatment.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine ranges from herniated discs causing radiating nerve pain to catastrophic spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or full paralysis. These are among the most life-altering — and most expensive — outcomes of a car crash.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Ranging from mild concussions to severe TBIs requiring lifelong care, brain injuries affect cognitive function, memory, personality, and quality of life. They are frequently underdiagnosed in the immediate aftermath of a crash.
- Broken and fractured bones: High-impact collisions commonly produce fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and clavicle — injuries that may require surgery, hardware placement, and months of physical therapy.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from a seatbelt, steering wheel, or airbag can cause internal organ damage and internal bleeding that may not produce obvious symptoms at the scene but can be immediately life-threatening.
- Cuts and lacerations: Shattered glass and sharp interior surfaces can cause deep lacerations requiring surgery and leaving permanent scarring.
- Psychological injuries: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are recognized and compensable injuries following a serious accident. They are more common than most people realize and deserve to be fully included in your claim.
Common Injuries and Recovery Timelines
| Injury Type | Typical Recovery Time | Common Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Whiplash (mild to moderate) | 2–8 weeks | Rest, physical therapy, pain management |
| Broken bones (non-surgical) | 6–12 weeks | Casting, immobilization, physical therapy |
| Broken bones (surgical) | 3–6 months | Surgery, hardware placement, rehabilitation |
| Concussion (mild) | 7–21 days | Cognitive rest, gradual return to activity |
| Herniated disc | 3–6 months+ | Physical therapy, injections, possible surgery |
| Traumatic brain injury (moderate–severe) | 1 year to permanent | Neurological rehab, ongoing specialist care |
| Soft tissue injuries | 2–8 weeks | Ice, rest, anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy |
| Spinal cord injury | Lifelong management | Surgery, rehab, assistive technology, home care |
Your Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Arizona?
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542, injured parties have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. For wrongful death cases, the same two-year clock runs from the date of death rather than the date of the crash.
While two years may seem like ample time, waiting is dangerous. Surveillance footage is overwritten within days. Witnesses forget details. Physical evidence disappears. The sooner we begin building your case, the stronger it will be and the more leverage we have in negotiation.
Important exceptions that can shorten your window significantly:
- Claims against government entities: If the at-fault party is the City of Tempe, Maricopa County, or a state agency like ADOT, Arizona’s notice of claim statute may require you to file within just 180 days of the incident.
- Minors: The two-year clock generally does not begin until the injured minor turns 18.
- Discovery rule: If an injury is discovered later — which can occur with TBIs or internal injuries — the clock may start from the date of discovery rather than the date of the crash.
- Hit-and-run accidents: Different rules may apply depending on when and whether the at-fault driver is identified.
If you are uncertain how the deadline applies to your situation, contact us immediately. Acting early always produces stronger evidence and better outcomes.
Our Process for Handling Your Tempe Car Accident Case
From the moment you contact us to the day your settlement check arrives, here is exactly how we handle your case:
- Free case evaluation: We listen to your story, assess your claim, and explain your options — at no cost and with no obligation. You will get an honest assessment of your case from day one.
- Investigation and evidence preservation: Our team immediately begins collecting police reports, medical records, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. Acting fast preserves evidence that would otherwise disappear.
- Medical treatment coordination: If needed, we connect you with Tempe-area providers who will treat your injuries and document them properly — with no upfront cost to you.
- Demand letter preparation: Once your condition has stabilized and we have a complete picture of your damages, we prepare a comprehensive demand package for the at-fault insurer covering every loss.
- Insurance negotiations: We negotiate aggressively, using Derick Runion’s insider knowledge of how adjusters evaluate claims to push for the maximum possible recovery.
- Filing suit if necessary: If the insurer refuses a fair settlement, we file in Maricopa County Superior Court. We are fully prepared and willing to take your case to trial.
- Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and retain experts. Our team manages every aspect so you are never navigating the process alone.
- Mediation or trial: Most cases settle during or after discovery. If not, we present your case before a jury and fight for the strongest verdict available.
- Settlement disbursement: Once finalized, we resolve all outstanding liens, deduct our contingency fee, and ensure you receive the maximum net recovery possible.
Contact Our Tempe Car Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation
At Runion Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate the aftermath of a car crash. With our extensive experience and proven track record, you can trust us to handle your case with care and skill.
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let our Tempe car accident attorneys fight for you while you focus on your recovery.
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Case Results
Over $50 Million recovered
$1,250,000
- Car Accident
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers filed suit against a company whose superintendent collided with our client’s vehicle necessitating neck and back surgery. Our firm obtained policy limits in the amount of $1.25 million from the company and its superintendent.
$600,000
- Car Accident
Our client was involved in a serious collision while driving her vehicle, resulting in head trauma and other injuries. Runion Personal Injury Lawyers presented scientific evidence to link her aneurysm to the automobile collision and obtained a $600,000.00 settlement for the client.
What Our Clients Say
Hands down, these guys are the best! I was in a car accident, I got rear-ended. The staff and attorneys at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers took great care of me. They handled EVERYTHING from medical bills to fighting with the other guys insurance company who tried to claim their client wasn’t at fault. Aside from taking care of the medical bills, the settlement they got me was very good. I have been recommending Runion to everyone because I think they are the best accident attorneys around.
Dan C.
I’m incredibly grateful for Derick’s help with my daughter Emilia’s settlement after the car accident in her Nissan Versa. After her insurance company denied her claims for chiropractic care and physical therapy following her broken femur, Derick’s persistence and expertise were key in securing the compensation she deserved. I truly appreciate his dedication and excellent service throughout the process.
Lisa M.
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