Car accidents are terrifying to go through, but the aftermath can be just as difficult. The pain, the confusion, and the mountain of bills that won’t go away. We know what you’re going through. This is a life-changing event.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Marana, having experienced legal support is essential for securing the compensation you’ll need to move forward with your life. The dedicated team of car accident lawyers at Torgenson Law is committed to advocating for your rights, ensuring that you receive the guidance and representation you need during this difficult time.
Before we discuss how we can help you in your case, though, let’s first understand why car accidents happen so frequently in Marana.
We’ve been handling car, motorcycle, and truck accident cases in Arizona for years. While every case is unique, there are certainly some common casualties we’ve seen. Here are some of the most frequent reasons we see for car accidents in Marana.
One of the leading causes of car accidents, distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the road. This can include activities like texting, using a smartphone, eating, adjusting the radio, or conversing with passengers. Even a brief moment of distraction can lead to serious collisions.
Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes on the road. Speeding not only increases the likelihood of an accident but also heightens the severity of injuries sustained during a crash. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the greater the impact force in the event of a collision.
Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs significantly affects judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Drunk driving remains a major contributor to car accidents, often resulting in devastating consequences for both the impaired driver and others on the road.
Disregarding traffic signals can lead to catastrophic accidents and injuries at intersections. Many collisions occur when drivers fail to yield or stop, resulting in T-bone or head-on crashes that can have severe consequences.
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and making sudden lane changes, can create dangerous situations. Such reckless actions not only endanger the driver but also pose significant risks to other road users.
Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake failure or tire blowouts. Drivers must ensure their vehicles are in good working order to minimize the risk of accidents caused by mechanical issues.
Regardless of the reason for your accident, it’s your attorney’s job to investigate the incident to determine who was responsible. This might seem like a straightforward process, but in reality, it rarely is.
Determining responsibility in a car accident is essential for pursuing compensation for injuries and damages. That said, multiple parties may share liability depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Here are some of the most common liable parties we see.
In most car accident cases, the other driver involved is often the primary party held responsible. If their actions — such as distracted driving, speeding, or violating traffic laws — directly led to the collision, they may be deemed at fault.
If the at-fault driver does not own the vehicle involved in the accident, the vehicle owner may also be liable. For instance, if a parent allows their child to drive their car and an accident occurs, the parent may share responsibility. Additionally, if the vehicle was not properly maintained, the owner could be held accountable for any mechanical failures that contributed to the accident.
When an accident occurs while an employee is driving a company vehicle or conducting work-related tasks, the employer may be held liable under the principle of vicarious liability. This means that the employer can be responsible for the actions of their employees while they are acting within the scope of their employment.
In cases where a mechanical failure contributes to an accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the vehicle or its components may be held responsible. For example, if faulty brakes lead to a collision, the party responsible for the defect could face legal action.
If poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or lack of maintenance contribute to an accident, government agencies may be liable. This can include local or state departments responsible for road safety and maintenance. Claims against government entities often involve specific procedures and time limits, making it essential to consult with a lawyer.
In some situations, pedestrians or cyclists may also share responsibility if their actions contributed to the accident. For example, if a pedestrian jaywalks or a cyclist fails to follow traffic rules, they may be deemed partially at fault for the incident.
Ultimately, it’s your lawyer’s job to determine who was responsible for your accident and hold them accountable. That accountability is usually in the form of damages or the compensation you’ll receive to help you recover after your accident. Let’s take a minute to better understand damages and what might be available in your case.
After a car accident, understanding the types of damages available to you is crucial for seeking fair compensation. Damages refer to the financial compensation awarded to victims for the losses they have suffered as a result of the accident. These damages can generally be categorized into three main types: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages are designed to cover tangible financial losses that result from the accident. These damages are often straightforward to calculate and may include medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing medical treatment.
Economic damages also encompass lost wages for the time you may have been unable to work due to your injuries. Other costs, such as vehicle repair expenses or the replacement of personal property damaged in the accident, also fall under this category. Essentially, economic damages aim to restore your financial position to what it was before the accident.
Non-economic damages address the more subjective impacts of an accident that are not easily quantified. These damages can include pain and suffering, which compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress you experience as a result of your injuries.
Non-economic damages also cover loss of enjoyment of life, reflecting how your injuries may hinder your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed. Additionally, these damages may encompass loss of consortium, which pertains to the negative impact an injury can have on your relationships with spouses or partners. Non-economic damages are essential for acknowledging the broader effects of an accident on your quality of life.
Punitive damages serve a different purpose than economic and non-economic damages. These damages are not intended to compensate the victim but rather to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or egregious behavior.
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving gross negligence, such as drunk driving or intentional harm. The goal is to deter similar conduct in the future by sending a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable.
Understanding these types of damages is crucial when pursuing a claim after a car accident. Each category addresses different aspects of how the accident has impacted your life, and having a knowledgeable attorney can help ensure you seek the full compensation you deserve. That said, there are a few steps you can take today to make sure your case is as strong as it can be.
After ensuring immediate safety and calling emergency services, there are several important steps to take following a car accident. These actions can help protect your rights and support any potential claims you may pursue later.
First, gather as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other drivers that were involved. Collect names, phone numbers, and addresses, along with the insurance information and license plate numbers of all vehicles. If there are witnesses, be sure to obtain their contact information as well, as their accounts may prove valuable later.
Next, document the accident thoroughly. Take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. These images can provide crucial evidence to support your claim. Additionally, make note of the time, date, and location of the accident, along with any details about weather conditions.
It’s also advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not feel immediate pain or discomfort. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away, and a medical professional can provide an accurate assessment of your condition. Ensure that all medical visits and treatments are documented, as this information will be important for your case.
Once you have taken these steps, it is essential to refrain from discussing the accident in detail, especially with the other party’s insurance company. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be construed as liability. Insurance companies often use such comments against claimants.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can provide valuable guidance on the next steps, help you understand your rights, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. At Torgenson Law, we are here to support you through this challenging process, ensuring that your interests are protected every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Marana, it’s crucial to take swift action to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. At Torgenson Law, we understand the complexities of personal injury claims and the challenges that victims face in the aftermath of an accident. Our dedicated team of experienced attorneys is committed to advocating for your best interests, guiding you through the legal process with compassion and expertise.
Take the first step toward recovery and justice by contacting Torgenson Law today for a free consultation. You can reach out to us online or call us at Let us at 602-726-0747. We’ll help you understand your rights and work diligently to pursue the compensation you are entitled to. And remember, you won’t pay anything unless we win.