Gilbert Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Lawyer

Pedestrian accident wrongful death cases in Gilbert, Arizona arise when a person walking, jogging, running, or standing near roadways is struck and killed by a vehicle due to driver negligence. These cases allow surviving family members to pursue compensation for their loss through Arizona’s wrongful death statute, which recognizes the profound financial and emotional harm caused when a loved one dies due to another party’s careless actions.

Unlike most personal injury claims where the injured person files the lawsuit, wrongful death cases require specific family members to act as representatives of the deceased person’s estate. The legal process demands quick action because evidence fades, witnesses forget details, and Arizona’s strict filing deadlines create pressure on grieving families. A Gilbert pedestrian accident wrongful death lawyer guides families through this process while they focus on healing, handling all legal procedures from evidence collection through trial if necessary.

Wrongful Death Trial Attorney LLC represents families throughout Gilbert who have lost loved ones in pedestrian accidents. Our firm handles every aspect of wrongful death claims including investigating the accident scene, negotiating with insurance companies, and litigating cases that don’t settle fairly. Call (480) 420-0500 to schedule a free consultation where we’ll review your case details and explain your legal options, or complete our online form to receive a response within 24 hours.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Pedestrian Accidents

A wrongful death claim under Arizona law allows certain family members to seek compensation when someone dies due to another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. In pedestrian accident cases, these claims most commonly arise when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, drive while distracted or impaired, speed through crosswalks, or violate traffic laws designed to protect people on foot. The legal foundation for these claims rests on proving that the driver’s actions directly caused the death and that surviving family members suffered measurable harm as a result.

These cases differ fundamentally from criminal prosecutions that the state might pursue against the driver. Criminal cases focus on punishment and require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while wrongful death claims focus on financial compensation for survivors and require proof by a preponderance of the evidence, which is a lower standard. Families can pursue a wrongful death claim regardless of whether criminal charges are filed, and the outcome of any criminal case does not determine the outcome of the civil wrongful death lawsuit.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Arizona

Arizona law strictly defines who has legal standing to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Under A.R.S. § 12-612, only specific family members can bring these claims, and the law establishes a clear order of priority that determines who files the lawsuit on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. Understanding this hierarchy matters because it affects how quickly a claim can be initiated and who controls decisions about settlement offers or trial strategy.

The surviving spouse holds the first right to file a wrongful death claim in Arizona. If the deceased person was married at the time of death, the spouse has exclusive authority to file the lawsuit during the first six months after the death occurs. This period gives the spouse time to grieve and consult with attorneys without pressure from other family members who might want to pursue the claim differently.

If no spouse exists or if the spouse does not file within six months, the right to file passes to the deceased person’s children. Adult children and minor children represented by a guardian can initiate the wrongful death lawsuit if the spouse either does not exist or chooses not to act within the designated timeframe. When multiple children exist, they typically must agree on legal representation and case strategy, though one child can file on behalf of all siblings.

When the deceased person leaves no spouse or children, the parents of the deceased hold the right to file the wrongful death claim. This situation commonly arises when an adult child without a family of their own dies in a pedestrian accident. Both parents typically participate in the lawsuit jointly, though one parent can file alone if the other is deceased or cannot be located.

The Two-Year Statute of Limitations Deadline

Arizona imposes a strict two-year deadline for filing wrongful death lawsuits, codified in A.R.S. § 12-542. This statute of limitations begins on the date of death, not the date of the accident, though these dates are often the same in pedestrian accident cases. If the authorized family member does not file the lawsuit within two years, Arizona courts will dismiss the case regardless of how strong the evidence might be or how clearly the driver was at fault.

This deadline creates real pressure on grieving families who may not feel ready to engage with legal proceedings soon after losing a loved one. However, waiting too long carries serious risks beyond just missing the filing deadline. Evidence degrades over time as accident scene conditions change, witnesses relocate or forget details, and surveillance footage gets deleted. Insurance companies also become less willing to settle cases as the deadline approaches because they know families lose all leverage once the statute of limitations expires.

Common Causes of Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Gilbert

Gilbert pedestrian accident wrongful death cases arise from numerous driver behaviors, but certain patterns appear repeatedly in fatal collisions. Distracted driving ranks among the most common causes, with drivers texting, adjusting navigation systems, eating, or engaging with passengers instead of watching for pedestrians in crosswalks or along roadways. Even a momentary glance away from the road leaves drivers unable to react when a pedestrian enters their path, and the results are often fatal given the vulnerability of people on foot.

Speeding dramatically increases both the likelihood of hitting a pedestrian and the severity of injuries when impact occurs. Drivers traveling above posted speed limits have less time to perceive pedestrians and longer stopping distances once they brake. Gilbert’s expanding population has created more traffic on roads that were originally designed for smaller volumes, increasing the risk that speeding drivers will encounter pedestrians in areas where sidewalks end or crossing infrastructure is inadequate.

Impaired driving from alcohol or drugs eliminates the judgment and reaction time drivers need to avoid pedestrians. Arizona law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher under A.R.S. § 28-1381, but even lower levels of impairment affect a driver’s ability to notice and respond to pedestrians. Drug impairment, whether from illegal substances or prescription medications that cause drowsiness, creates similar dangers. When impaired drivers strike and kill pedestrians, families often face both wrongful death claims and potential criminal proceedings against the driver.

Failure to yield the right-of-way violates Arizona traffic laws designed specifically to protect pedestrians. A.R.S. § 28-792 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, while A.R.S. § 28-793 addresses unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Drivers who roll through stop signs, make right turns on red without checking for pedestrians, or accelerate through yellow lights frequently strike people lawfully crossing streets. These violations establish clear liability in wrongful death cases because they demonstrate the driver breached a specific duty created by statute.

Investigating the Pedestrian Accident

A thorough investigation forms the foundation of every successful wrongful death claim. This process begins immediately after the accident when evidence is freshest and witnesses are most accessible. Attorneys working on these cases visit the accident scene to document road conditions, visibility factors, traffic control devices, and any environmental issues that might have contributed to the collision. Photographs and measurements taken at the scene can later prove crucial when reconstructing how the accident occurred.

Police reports provide essential initial information including the investigating officer’s findings, witness statements collected at the scene, citations issued to the driver, and preliminary determinations about fault. However, police reports sometimes contain errors or incomplete information because officers must process accident scenes quickly and may not have the specialized training needed to identify all contributing factors in pedestrian collisions. Attorneys review these reports carefully and conduct independent investigations to fill gaps or correct mistakes.

Witness testimony offers critical perspectives on how the accident unfolded. People who saw the collision from different vantage points can confirm details about vehicle speed, traffic signals, whether the driver braked or swerved, and where the pedestrian was located when impact occurred. Attorneys interview witnesses promptly before memories fade and obtain written or recorded statements that can be used later in settlement negotiations or at trial.

Surveillance footage from businesses, traffic cameras, or residential security systems often captures the moments before, during, and after the collision. This video evidence can definitively establish facts that might otherwise be disputed, such as whether the pedestrian was in a crosswalk, whether traffic signals were functioning properly, or whether the driver was speeding. Attorneys must act quickly to preserve this footage because many systems automatically delete recordings after 30-90 days.

Accident reconstruction specialists analyze physical evidence, vehicle damage, pedestrian injuries, and scene characteristics to determine exactly how the collision occurred. These experts use principles of physics, engineering, and biomechanics to calculate vehicle speeds, reaction times, braking distances, and impact forces. Their reports often become essential evidence in wrongful death cases, particularly when the driver disputes liability or claims the pedestrian suddenly entered the roadway without warning.

Proving Negligence in Wrongful Death Cases

Establishing negligence requires proving four distinct elements that connect the driver’s conduct to the pedestrian’s death. First, the plaintiff must show the driver owed a duty of care to the deceased pedestrian. This duty exists automatically under Arizona law, which requires all drivers to operate vehicles safely and follow traffic regulations designed to protect other road users including pedestrians.

Second, the plaintiff must demonstrate the driver breached this duty through action or inaction that fell below the standard of a reasonable, prudent driver. Common breaches include violating traffic laws, driving while distracted or impaired, speeding, or failing to maintain proper lookout for pedestrians. Evidence of breach might include traffic citations issued at the scene, witness testimony about the driver’s behavior, or expert opinions about how a reasonable driver should have acted under the circumstances.

Third, the plaintiff must prove causation by showing the driver’s breach directly caused the pedestrian’s death. This element requires medical evidence linking the collision injuries to the death, often through autopsy reports, medical examiner findings, and expert testimony from physicians. Causation can become complicated when the pedestrian had pre-existing health conditions or when death occurred days or weeks after the collision due to injuries sustained in the accident.

Fourth, the plaintiff must show damages resulted from the death. These damages include both economic losses like funeral expenses and lost financial support, and non-economic losses like loss of companionship, guidance, and the relationship itself. Documenting damages requires gathering financial records, testimony from family members about the deceased person’s role in their lives, and sometimes expert testimony about the economic value of household services and parental guidance the deceased would have provided.

Types of Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Claims

Economic damages compensate survivors for measurable financial losses caused by the death. These include medical expenses incurred for treatment of the fatal injuries before death occurred, even if the deceased survived only briefly after the accident. Families can also recover funeral and burial costs, which often exceed $10,000 and create immediate financial strain. Lost financial support represents another major component of economic damages, calculated by determining what income and benefits the deceased would have earned and contributed to family members over their expected remaining working life.

Loss of household services includes the economic value of work the deceased performed for the family such as childcare, home maintenance, financial management, transportation, and other contributions that surviving family members must now hire others to perform or sacrifice their own time to complete. Economists often testify about the market value of these services to help juries understand their significant economic worth.

Non-economic damages address the intangible harm survivors suffer when a family member dies. Loss of companionship, also called loss of consortium, compensates for the destruction of the relationship between the deceased and surviving family members. For spouses, this includes the loss of emotional support, intimacy, partnership, and shared life experiences. For children who lose parents, it includes the loss of guidance, nurture, training, and the parent-child bond itself. For parents who lose children, it compensates for the profound grief of outliving a child and losing the future relationship they expected to have as the child grew into adulthood.

Loss of guidance and care particularly matters in cases where children lose parents who provided direction, discipline, education support, and preparation for adult life. Arizona law recognizes that these parental contributions have real value separate from pure financial support because they shape children’s development and future success. Courts allow substantial compensation for this loss, particularly when young children lose parents and will grow up without that guidance for many years.

How Insurance Companies Respond to Wrongful Death Claims

Insurance adjusters typically contact families within days of a fatal pedestrian accident to offer condolences and request recorded statements about the incident. While adjusters may seem sympathetic, their primary job is protecting the insurance company’s financial interests by minimizing claim payments. Families should politely decline to give recorded statements without first consulting an attorney because these statements can be used to undermine the claim later, particularly if grief and shock cause the family member to misstate facts or express uncertainty about details.

Early settlement offers frequently arrive before families have consulted attorneys or fully understood the value of their claim. These offers are almost always far below what the claim is actually worth because insurance companies hope grieving families will accept quick money to cover immediate expenses without recognizing the long-term financial impact of losing a family member. Once a family accepts a settlement and signs a release, they permanently give up the right to seek additional compensation even if they later discover the true value of their losses was much higher.

Liability disputes commonly arise when insurance companies argue the pedestrian was partially at fault for the accident by jaywalking, crossing against signals, or wearing dark clothing at night. Under Arizona’s pure comparative negligence rule, A.R.S. § 12-2505, a plaintiff’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault but not eliminated entirely. Insurance companies exploit this rule by exaggerating pedestrian fault to reduce their payout obligations, even in cases where driver negligence clearly caused the collision.

Compensation disputes focus on disagreements about the value of damages, particularly non-economic damages like loss of companionship where no clear market value exists. Insurance companies often argue these damages should be minimal, especially if the deceased was elderly, had health problems, or had a complicated relationship with surviving family members. Experienced attorneys counter these arguments with evidence showing the true depth of the loss and the ongoing impact on survivors’ lives.

The Legal Process After Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Filing the complaint initiates the formal legal process and stops the statute of limitations from expiring. The complaint is a legal document that identifies the parties, describes how the accident occurred, explains why the defendant is liable, and specifies the damages the plaintiff seeks. After filing with the court, the defendant must be formally served with the complaint and has a limited time to file a response, usually 20 days under Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure.

Discovery is the phase where both sides exchange information and evidence relevant to the case. This process includes interrogatories, which are written questions the opposing party must answer under oath, requests for production of documents like medical records, employment records, and financial statements, and depositions where witnesses and parties give sworn testimony before a court reporter. Discovery can last several months or longer depending on case complexity and the number of witnesses involved.

Settlement negotiations occur throughout the litigation process but often intensify after discovery reveals the strength of each side’s case. Most wrongful death claims settle before trial because both sides recognize the unpredictability of jury verdicts and the expense of trial. Settlements require agreement from all parties with an interest in the claim, and in cases involving minor children, court approval of the settlement terms to ensure the children’s interests are protected.

If settlement negotiations fail, the case proceeds to trial where a jury hears evidence from both sides and determines liability and damages. Trials in wrongful death cases typically last several days to two weeks depending on the number of witnesses and complexity of the evidence. The plaintiff bears the burden of proving the case by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the jury must find it more likely than not that the defendant’s negligence caused the death. After hearing all evidence and receiving instructions on the law, the jury deliberates and returns a verdict specifying the amount of damages awarded to each family member.

How Arizona’s Comparative Negligence Law Affects Recovery

Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system under A.R.S. § 12-2505, which allows plaintiffs to recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the accident, with their recovery reduced by their percentage of fault. In pedestrian accident wrongful death cases, this means families can still recover compensation even if the deceased pedestrian contributed to causing the collision, though the total award will be proportionally reduced.

For example, if a jury determines total damages are $2 million but the deceased pedestrian was 20% at fault for crossing outside a marked crosswalk, the family’s recovery would be reduced by 20% to $1.6 million. This differs from modified comparative negligence systems used in some states, where plaintiffs recover nothing if their fault exceeds a certain threshold, typically 50% or 51%. Arizona’s pure comparative negligence rule means families can potentially recover compensation even if the deceased was 60%, 70%, or even 90% at fault, though their recovery will be dramatically reduced by such high fault percentages.

Defense attorneys routinely try to shift as much fault as possible onto the deceased pedestrian to reduce their client’s liability. Common arguments include claims that the pedestrian was intoxicated, distracted by a phone, wearing dark clothing at night, or crossed the street illegally. Plaintiffs counter these arguments by showing how the driver’s conduct was the primary cause of the collision regardless of any minor pedestrian fault, often using accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate that a prudent driver would have avoided the collision even if the pedestrian’s behavior was imperfect.

Challenges Unique to Pedestrian Wrongful Death Cases

Pedestrian visibility often becomes a contested issue, particularly in accidents occurring at dawn, dusk, or night. Defense attorneys argue that drivers cannot avoid pedestrians they cannot see, especially if the pedestrian wore dark clothing or crossed in areas without streetlights. Plaintiffs respond with evidence showing drivers have a duty to adjust their speed and attention based on visibility conditions, and that pedestrians are not required to wear reflective clothing or only walk in well-lit areas. Traffic engineering experts sometimes testify about whether lighting was adequate at the accident location and whether roadway design contributed to the collision.

Mixed-use areas where commercial and residential properties create complex pedestrian traffic patterns present unique challenges. These locations often have high vehicle and pedestrian volumes, multiple driveways and curb cuts, and frequent conflicts between drivers focused on parking and pedestrians crossing through lots or along sidewalks. Accidents in these areas require careful investigation to determine whether property owners maintained safe conditions or whether drivers failed to watch for predictable pedestrian traffic.

Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure such as missing sidewalks, faded crosswalk markings, or broken traffic signals sometimes contributes to fatal accidents. In these cases, plaintiffs may have claims not only against the driver but also against the municipality or other entity responsible for maintaining safe roadways. Government liability claims are subject to special notice requirements and shorter deadlines under Arizona law, requiring prompt action by attorneys to preserve all potential claims.

Delayed death complicates causation analysis when the pedestrian survives the initial collision but dies days or weeks later from injuries sustained in the accident. Defense attorneys may argue that intervening factors such as hospital errors, infections, or pre-existing conditions caused the death rather than the accident itself. Plaintiffs must present clear medical evidence linking the initial collision injuries to the eventual death, often requiring expert testimony from treating physicians and independent medical experts.

The Role of Expert Witnesses

Accident reconstruction specialists analyze physical evidence to determine how the collision occurred and what actions could have prevented it. These experts examine vehicle damage, pedestrian injuries, skid marks, road conditions, traffic control devices, and sight lines to calculate speeds, reaction times, and impact forces. Their reports often include computer simulations or diagrams that help juries visualize the accident sequence, making complex technical information accessible to lay jurors who must decide fault.

Medical experts explain the nature and extent of fatal injuries, connecting the collision to the death through autopsy findings and analysis of medical treatment records. These experts may testify about what the deceased experienced, whether death was instantaneous or the deceased suffered before dying, and whether any medical interventions could have prevented death. This testimony helps juries understand both causation and the full extent of harm when determining damages.

Economic experts calculate the financial value of lost income, benefits, and household services the deceased would have provided over their lifetime. These calculations account for factors like expected work life, career advancement potential, inflation, and the time value of money. Economic experts may also calculate the cost of replacing household services like childcare or home maintenance that the deceased performed, helping juries understand the full economic impact of the death on surviving family members.

Mental health professionals sometimes testify about the psychological impact of sudden, traumatic loss on surviving family members, particularly children who lose parents. While these experts cannot put a dollar value on loss of companionship, they can explain the depth and duration of grief, the disruption to family functioning, and the long-term developmental impact on children who grow up without a deceased parent. This testimony helps juries appreciate the magnitude of non-economic damages when determining appropriate compensation.

What to Do Immediately After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident

Preserve all evidence related to the deceased person including their clothing, personal belongings, phones, and any items damaged in the accident. These items may contain crucial evidence about what happened, such as fitness tracker data showing walking speed or phone records indicating the pedestrian was not distracted at the time of impact. Do not wash clothing or repair damaged items before consulting with an attorney who can determine their evidentiary value.

Obtain a copy of the police report by contacting the law enforcement agency that investigated the accident. In Gilbert, this is typically the Gilbert Police Department. The report should be available within a few days to a few weeks of the accident. Review the report carefully for errors and note any discrepancies with your understanding of events, then discuss these with an attorney who can investigate further.

Document the family’s relationship with the deceased through photographs, videos, text messages, emails, social media posts, and other evidence showing the closeness of the bond and the deceased’s role in family life. This evidence becomes critical when proving loss of companionship and other non-economic damages. Collect birthday cards, letters, school records showing parental involvement, and any other items demonstrating the deceased’s active presence in survivors’ lives.

Avoid discussing the accident on social media or with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney. Insurance companies monitor social media for statements they can use to undermine claims, such as posts suggesting the family is coping well or enjoying activities. These posts can be taken out of context to argue that loss of companionship damages should be minimal. Similarly, statements to insurance adjusters can be used against the family later, particularly if grief causes someone to misspeak about accident details or the deceased’s condition.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Wrongful Death Cases

Knowledge of Arizona wrongful death law ensures the case is filed properly, within deadlines, and by the correct party with legal standing. Attorneys familiar with A.R.S. § 12-612 and related statutes know how to navigate the technical requirements that can derail claims if mishandled. They also understand how Arizona courts interpret wrongful death laws and can anticipate defense arguments based on case precedent.

Investigation capabilities allow attorneys to gather evidence that grieving families cannot obtain on their own. Attorneys have relationships with accident reconstruction experts, access to databases for locating witnesses, and the legal authority to subpoena surveillance footage, employment records, and other evidence that private individuals cannot compel. This comprehensive evidence gathering builds the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.

Negotiation experience helps attorneys recognize when settlement offers are inadequate and when accepting a settlement serves the family’s best interests. Insurance companies offer more money to represented claimants because they know experienced attorneys will take cases to trial if necessary. Attorneys also structure settlements to protect minor children’s interests and minimize tax consequences, creating better long-term outcomes than families could achieve negotiating alone.

Trial readiness forces insurance companies to make fair settlement offers because they know the attorney will present a compelling case to a jury if settlement fails. Attorneys who regularly try wrongful death cases understand courtroom procedure, know how to present complex evidence persuasively, and can effectively cross-examine defense witnesses. This trial experience creates leverage throughout the case even if it ultimately settles before trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Gilbert?

Arizona law requires wrongful death lawsuits to be filed within two years of the date of death under A.R.S. § 12-542. This deadline is strictly enforced, and cases filed even one day late will be dismissed regardless of how strong the evidence might be. The two-year period begins on the date of death, not the date of the accident, though these are often the same day in fatal pedestrian accidents.

Can I file a claim if my loved one was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, Arizona’s pure comparative negligence system under A.R.S. § 12-2505 allows you to recover compensation even if your loved one was partially at fault for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the deceased, but you will not be completely barred from recovery. For example, if damages total $1 million and your loved one was 30% at fault, you would recover $700,000.

Who receives compensation from a wrongful death settlement or verdict?

Arizona law specifies that compensation goes to surviving family members based on their relationship to the deceased and their losses. Spouses typically receive compensation for loss of companionship and financial support. Children receive compensation for loss of parental guidance and support. Parents who lose adult children receive compensation for loss of companionship. The specific distribution depends on who survives and the nature of each person’s relationship with the deceased.

What if the driver who killed my family member has no insurance?

You may still have options for recovery even if the driver was uninsured. If your deceased family member had uninsured motorist coverage on their own auto insurance policy, that coverage may provide compensation. You might also pursue claims against other parties such as the driver’s employer if the driver was working at the time, a bar or restaurant that overserved alcohol to an impaired driver, or a government entity if dangerous road conditions contributed to the accident.

How much is my wrongful death case worth?

Case value depends on multiple factors including the deceased person’s age, income, and role in the family, the circumstances of the accident, the strength of evidence proving liability, and the available insurance coverage. Young parents with minor children and significant earning potential typically result in higher settlements than cases involving elderly individuals with limited financial dependents. A Gilbert pedestrian accident wrongful death lawyer can evaluate your specific situation to provide a realistic assessment of potential compensation.

Will I have to go to court?

Most wrongful death cases settle without going to trial, but you should be prepared for the possibility of trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. Settlement negotiations typically occur throughout the case, with many cases resolving during mediation or after discovery reveals the strength of evidence. However, having an attorney willing to try the case creates leverage that encourages fair settlement offers.

How long does a wrongful death case take?

Simple cases with clear liability and adequate insurance might settle within 6-12 months of filing. Complex cases involving disputed liability, multiple parties, or significant damages often take 18-24 months or longer, especially if they proceed to trial. The timeline depends on factors including court schedules, the number of expert witnesses, the complexity of discovery, and the willingness of parties to negotiate reasonably.

Can I afford to hire a wrongful death attorney?

Most wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only collect attorney fees if they recover compensation for you. The fee typically ranges from 33% to 40% of the recovery depending on whether the case settles or proceeds to trial. This arrangement allows families to pursue justice without paying any upfront costs or hourly fees, and it aligns the attorney’s financial interest with maximizing your recovery.

Contact a Gilbert Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

Losing a family member in a preventable pedestrian accident creates trauma that no amount of money can fully heal. However, pursuing justice through a wrongful death claim provides the financial security your family needs and holds negligent drivers accountable for the harm they caused. Arizona law protects your right to this compensation, but only if you act within the strict time limits and follow proper legal procedures.

Wrongful Death Trial Attorney LLC has extensive experience representing Gilbert families in pedestrian accident wrongful death cases. We handle every aspect of the legal process while you focus on grieving and supporting each other through this difficult time. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. Call (480) 420-0500 now to schedule a free consultation where we’ll review your case and explain your legal options, or complete our online contact form and we’ll respond within 24 hours to begin protecting your rights.