Motor vehicle accidents are often unexpected and can happen to anyone. Unfortunately, thousands of Americans sustain serious injuries and even die in motor vehicle accidents every year. Like the rest of the country, Phoenix, AZ, with its busy roadways has also witnessed a good share of car accidents.
Besides physical injuries, car accidents can lead to emotional trauma and financial stress. Motor vehicle accidents can also be life-changing, including leaving victims unable to work. The accident can leave you confused about how to pay your bills and who is liable for damages.
While Arizona law entitles victims to compensation, recovering damages in a car accident claim can be complicated, including negotiating with insurance companies. You also need to prove negligence and navigate complex legal concepts. It is therefore advisable to seek the help of a skilled Phoenix motor vehicle accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents
There are many causes of motor vehicle accidents in Phoenix. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving. When activities like texting, eating/drinking, or tuning the radio take the driver’s attention away from the road, they increase the likelihood of a serious car accident.
- Driving Under the Influence. Alcohol and drugs can impair a driver’s judgment and lead to a motor vehicle accident. Unfortunately, drunk driving is common in Arizona and remains one of the leading causes of serious car accidents.
- Reckless Driving: A driver’s negligent acts such as over-speeding, running red lights, and failing to observe general traffic rules are among the leading causes of dangerous motor vehicle accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Dust storms, sudden rain, and snow increase the likelihood of car accidents as they often make driving dangerous.
- Poor Road Infrastructure: Hazardous road conditions like potholes, construction zones, and improper signage can also lead to motor vehicle accidents.
Understanding the cause of your car accident can help you determine who is liable for your injuries and other damages. You will also be able to build a strong personal injury claim.
Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents
While there are many types of motor vehicle accidents, some are more common than others, including:
- Rear-end accidents – these occur where a vehicle hits the back of another vehicle. While the rear-end driver is often at fault, the lead driver or the one whose car is hit could also be at fault.
- T-bone collisions – the accidents occur when the front of a vehicle hits another vehicle on the side.
- Head-on collisions – this involves two vehicles headed in opposite directions colliding head-on. These accidents are often dangerous and can leave victims with severe injuries or dead.
- Others. Motor vehicles can also be involved in other types of accidents, including rollovers, sideswiping, and single-vehicle accidents.
Understanding your type of motor vehicle accident can also help determine who is at fault. It also affects the type and severity of your injuries.
Arizona Motor Vehicle Accidents Laws
Some Arizona laws are critical for successful damage recovery, including:
- Comparative Negligence. If you are partially to blame for your accident, the rule reduces your compensation proportionate to your degree of fault. For instance, if you are 15% at fault, you can only recover 75% of the compensation.
- Statute of Limitations: You must file a personal injury claim within two years of the date of the accident to recover compensation.
- Fault-Based System – Arizona has a fault-based system that holds the party responsible for an accident liable for damages.
- Insurance Requirements – Arizona laws require drivers to carry minimum liability insurance.
A knowledgeable Arizona motor vehicle accident attorney can help you navigate these laws and build a strong legal case.
Recovering Damages in a Motor Vehicle Accident
While Arizona entitles you to compensation for damages in a car accident, damage recovery is not always easy. It involves negotiating with insurance companies seeking to deny or reduce your compensation. It also involves proving the defendant’s negligence. Sometimes, there are more than one defendant.
Despite these complexities, a skilled Arizona personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages. Some of the damages you can recover include medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. You can also recover damages for the wrongful death of a loved one.
Steps to Take After a Motor Vehicle Accident
- i) Seek immediate medical assistance even if your injuries seem minor or are invisible. A medical report is critical for damage recovery.
- ii) Call and file an accident report with the police. Do not leave the accident scene before the police arrive unless it is for medical reasons.
- iii) Gather relevant evidence, including pictures of the scene and your injuries. Get the contact information of witnesses as well.
- iv) Notify the insurance company about the accident but don’t negotiate with them or the at-fault party before talking to an attorney.
- v) Contact a skilled Phoenix motor vehicle accident lawyer.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may not be able to take some of these actions immediately and by yourself. However, someone else can take action on your behalf, including calling for emergency services.
Contact a Phoenix Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
Recovering damages in a motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming and legally complex. The accident can leave you with severe injuries and emotional and financial stress. You may be worried about who is liable and how to recover damages. If you are in Phoenix, AZ, we are here for you.
Our skilled and experienced Phoenix motor vehicle accident lawyer at Karina Ordonez Law Office will help you navigate the often complex damage recovery process. We will protect your rights and get you fair compensation for your damages. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services.
