Whether it’s due to negligence, recklessness, or impairment of another driver — be it speeding, failure to yield, distraction, drowsiness, or driving under the influence — a Gilbert car accident can leave you dealing with serious personal injuries, the need for medical help, and mounting expenses.
In the aftermath of your car accident, it’s essential for you to understand your legal rights and take some steps to protect them.
Car accidents in or near Gilbert often fall into some specific categories. The following are just some of the types of car accidents that our Gilbert attorneys handle:
These occur when a vehicle crashes into the one in front of it. Some common causes include distracted driving, tailgating, sudden stops, or poor weather conditions. Although the overall injuries associated with rear-end collisions can be somewhat less severe, they can still result in some serious injuries that require qualified medical attention.
In these accidents, the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, often occurring at intersections. Failure to yield, running red lights, and speeding are common causes. Side-impact collisions can cause significant damage and severe injuries, especially to occupants who are sitting on the side of the impact.
Considered among the most dangerous, head-on collisions involve two vehicles crashing front-to-front. Factors like wrong-way driving, overtaking on two-lane roads, aggressive driving or road rage, or even driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs contribute to these accidents. They often result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities due to the combined force of impact.
These occur when the sides of two parallel vehicles make contact. Some causes of side-swipe accidents include changes without proper signaling, distracted driving, or drifting out of lanes, which can cause side-swipe collisions.
These involve only one vehicle and can result from various factors such as driver error, adverse weather, bad road conditions, or distracted driving. Examples include running off the road, rollovers, or collisions with fixed objects like trees or utility poles.
These accidents involve multiple vehicles and may occur on highways or on local roads. With pile-ups, the chain reaction effect contributes to the accident, often leading to extensive property damage and multiple injuries.
These accidents happen in parking lots or garages and involve vehicles backing into each other, hitting each other, or striking stationary objects or pedestrians. Limited space, congestion, and driver distraction contribute to these incidents, at times resulting in minor damages but sometimes causing injuries.
Some common types of personal injuries that people sustain in car accidents in and around Gilbert include the following:
Generally, in order to present a valid claim after a car accident, you will need to prove the elements of negligence, which requires you to prove the following four elements:
Following a car accident in or around Gilbert, it’s very important to prioritize your safety. At the scene, be sure you move to a secure location by pulling over if feasible, assess the situation, and promptly contact the authorities so that you can obtain their help and also get a written police report after the accident.
Equally important is seeking the necessary medical attention. Whether it’s visiting a hospital, being examined by medical professionals on-site, or scheduling follow-up appointments with doctors and specialists, it’s crucial for your recovery that you get the medical care you need. Even if you initially feel fine, some injuries may not surface immediately and may only show up after a professional evaluation to address potential health issues. Commit to ongoing medical treatments to fully recuperate from any physical, mental, or emotional effects of your Gilbert car accident.
Also try to collect evidence at the scene. Gather accounts from witnesses, along with their contact information, and obtain contact and insurance details from the other involved party and their insurance provider. Document your recollection of events while they are fresh in your memory, writing down what you saw, observed, and experienced. Also, take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
Maintain thorough records of accident-related expenses, including medical bills, therapy costs, home care, mechanic’s bills, and lost wages. Consider keeping a detailed journal outlining how your injuries impact your daily life, such as your pain levels, missed workdays, and any limitations on activities you can and cannot do.
Collaborate with your attorney to initiate an insurance claim and pursue legal action if necessary. Your attorney can negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company and, if negotiations break down, assist in filing a lawsuit and preparing your case for trial. Seek guidance from an experienced personal injury lawyer who will advocate for your rights, explore potential legal options, and devise an optimal strategy moving forward.
After your car accident, you may be facing significant monetary damages and medical bills. You can recover compensation for your losses, including the out-of-pocket expenses that resulted from your accident. Those include the following:
In addition to the foregoing, you may be able to recover general damages, which are your non-out-of-pocket losses. These damages may be hard to quantify and will need to be valued with expertise in order to ensure that you receive a fair and reasonable settlement or verdict. The following are some examples of general damages:
The aftermath of a Gilbert car accident can be overwhelming, with personal injuries, financial damages, and lasting trauma to contend with. Seeking legal counsel is essential to safeguarding your rights — after all, large insurance companies have significant resources, making it daunting to face them and navigate the claims process on your own.
Our experienced Gilbert car accident attorneys can skillfully negotiate with insurers on your behalf, pursuing a fair resolution. With legal support, you can protect your interests and receive knowledgeable guidance as you work on putting your life back together after your accident.
Throughout the process, having an attorney by your side is crucial for negotiations with other parties and insurers. At Torgenson Law, we bring over 20 years of experience representing injury clients across Arizona. Specializing in personal injury law, we have deep knowledge and practical understanding of the relevant laws, procedures, and strategies.
Our attorneys hail from blue-collar backgrounds, shaping our firm’s ethos of staunch advocacy, transparent communication, and unwavering pursuit of justice for the injured. With a bilingual team fluent in English and Spanish ready to help you, we approach each case with thorough preparation, ready for potential trial proceedings if negotiations do not end in a fair and reasonable settlement. Reach out to us for a free consultation today.