Being involved in a car accident can be a jarring experience, and knowing what actions to take immediately afterward is crucial for your safety, legal protection, and peace of mind. The most important things to consider immediately following an accident can be categorized into several key steps: ensuring safety, contacting authorities, documenting the scene, and notifying your insurance company.
Following these steps after an accident will help document your damages and could be helpful in making a claim for compensation.
Several common car accidents occur in Arizona. One of the most common is when drivers fail to yield the right of way to other drivers, resulting in a collision.
Another common cause of an accident is when drivers follow other vehicles too closely and rear-end them at a stop light or stop sign. Additionally, accidents can occur when drivers are distracted and not paying attention to the road, such as talking on the phone, texting, or even eating and drinking.
More serious types of accidents that can happen involve:
A report by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) identified over 119,991 accidents in 2022 alone, with more than 35,000 injuries and 1,178 fatalities. Over 2,900 accidents involved motorcycles, with 1,159 involving bicycles. Of those crashes that resulted in loss of life, 202 involved alcohol, with 223 total fatalities. Pedestrians were also involved in 1,888 motor vehicle accidents. Multiple vehicle accidents resulted in 832 fatalities during 2022.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Arizona, hiring a car accident lawyer is essential to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. Car accidents can result in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens, and navigating the complex legal process alone can be overwhelming.
The Arizona car accident lawyers at Torgenson Law have the knowledge and experience to handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary.
An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to assess the details of your case and determine the best course of action to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. Our lawyers will also handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf, reducing the stress and hassle of dealing with claims adjusters.
Physical injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious broken bones, lacerations, and internal injuries. Depending on the severity of the crash, some victims may suffer from long-term disabilities, such as paralysis, brain injuries, and physical impairments.
Some common types of injury and damage that can occur include:
In addition to injuries, car accidents can also cause property damage. This can include damage to the vehicles involved, such as dents and scratches, all the way up to the complete destruction of the vehicle. Car accidents can also cause considerable financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other related costs.
It is important to understand the potential injuries and damages that can occur in a car accident to protect yourself. If you are involved in a car accident, you should seek immediate medical attention and contact the Arizona car accident lawyers to discuss your rights and options.
Compensation for a personal injury suit in Arizona, as in many jurisdictions, is available to the injured party (plaintiff) as a means of redress for harm suffered due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another party. The main goal of such compensation is to make the injured party “whole” to the extent possible, acknowledging that money cannot reverse time or undo injuries but can mitigate the consequences.
Here are key reasons why compensation might be available:
This covers all healthcare costs related to the injury — past, present, and future. It includes hospital bills, costs of medication, physical therapy, and any long-term care needs.
If the injury results in time away from work, compensation can cover lost income, benefits, and other earnings during the period of recovery.
In cases where the injury affects the plaintiff’s ability to earn income in the future, compensation may be available for the loss of earning capacity.
This includes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress suffered as a result of the injury. While this is more subjective, it acknowledges the non-economic impact of the injury.
If the incident that led to the injury also resulted in damaged property, compensation might cover repair or replacement costs.
In some cases where the defendant’s behavior is found to be particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded not just to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.
Compensation can also acknowledge that the injured party’s quality of life has been diminished in ways that don’t just relate to finances or physical health, such as no longer being able to engage in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed.
After a car accident, it is important to remain calm and assess the situation. The first step is to check yourself and others involved in the accident for any injuries. If anyone is injured, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
Next, it is important to move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible, to prevent any further accidents or traffic congestion. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident.
It is also important to exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident, including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers. Take photos of the accident scene and any damage to the vehicles involved.
You should report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible. It is important to provide them with all the necessary information, including a police report if one was filed. Be sure to follow up with your insurance company to stay informed about the status of your claim.
Contact the Arizona car accident lawyers at Torgenson Law as soon as possible after an accident to understand your rights and options following the accident. Arizona, like other states, operates under specific laws that can affect how compensation is calculated, such as comparative negligence rules.
In Arizona, the likelihood of your car accident case going to trial depends on various factors, such as the severity of the accident, the extent of the injuries sustained, the amount of damages involved, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate a settlement.
Typically, the majority of car accident cases in Arizona are settled out of court through negotiations between the parties involved and their insurance companies. In many cases, insurance companies prefer to settle rather than go to trial in order to avoid the time and expense of litigation.
However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, or if liability is disputed, your case may need to go to trial. In such instances, it is important to have a skilled and experienced attorney who can represent your interests in court and help you navigate the legal process.
Arizona has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which typically requires that a lawsuit be filed within a certain period from the date of the injury to be valid.
One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving. This includes activities such as texting or talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other activities that take the driver’s attention away from the road. Distracted driving can lead to slower reaction times, reduced ability to anticipate potential hazards, and an increased likelihood of being involved in a collision.
Speeding is another common factor in car accidents in Arizona. Driving at speeds higher than the posted limit reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to sudden changes in traffic patterns or obstacles on the road. Speeding also increases the severity of a crash, as higher speeds result in greater impact forces that can cause more damage to vehicles and passengers.
Another significant cause of car accidents in Arizona is impaired driving. This includes driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Impaired drivers are more likely to make poor decisions on the road, such as running red lights, failing to yield, or swerving into oncoming traffic.
Several parties could potentially be held liable for injuries resulting from a car accident. The most obvious party is the driver who caused the accident through their negligent or reckless behavior. This can include actions such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, running a red light, or texting while driving. If the driver was operating a vehicle as part of their employment duties, their employer may also be held liable for any injuries caused by the accident.
In some cases, the manufacturer of the vehicle or its components may be held liable if a defect in the vehicle contributed to the accident. Additionally, if the accident was caused by poor road conditions or inadequate signage, the government agency responsible for maintaining the roads could potentially be held liable for any resulting injuries.
It is important to consult with a personal injury attorney to determine who may be liable for your injuries in a car accident. They can help investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to ensure you have the best possible chance to receive fair compensation for your injuries.
No, Arizona is not considered a no-fault state when it comes to accident injury cases. In no-fault states, each driver’s insurance company pays for their own medical expenses and damages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, in Arizona, the state follows a traditional fault-based system for determining liability in car accident cases.
This means that the driver who is found to be at fault for the accident is responsible for covering the medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages for the injured party. In Arizona, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is typically responsible for compensating the injured party for their losses.
In some cases, both drivers may share fault for the accident, with Arizona following a comparative fault system, where each party’s level of liability is determined and they are responsible for covering a percentage of the damages based on their degree of fault. It is important to consult with the Arizona car accident lawyers at Torgenson Law to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation after a car accident.
In Arizona personal injury cases, comparative negligence is a legal principle that determines the degree of fault each party bears for an accident or injury. Under Arizona’s comparative negligence law, each party involved in the accident can be assigned a percentage of fault for the incident. This means that even if a plaintiff is partially responsible for their own injuries, they may still be able to recover damages from the other party involved in the accident.
The concept of comparative negligence is important in Arizona personal injury cases because it helps determine the amount of compensation each party is entitled to receive. For example, if a plaintiff is found to be 20% at fault for an accident and the other party is found to be 80% at fault, the plaintiff may still recover 80% of the total damages awarded in the case.
Additionally, Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that even if a plaintiff is found to be more at fault than the other party involved in the accident, they can still recover damages. This is in contrast to other states that follow a modified comparative negligence system, where a plaintiff may be barred from recovering damages if they are found to be more than 50% at fault.
In Arizona, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car crash is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two years from the date of the car crash to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.
It is important to note that if you fail to file a claim within the two-year time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries. This is why it is crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a car crash to ensure your rights are protected, and your claim is filed within the appropriate time limit.
Hiring a personal injury attorney in Arizona can vary in terms of cost depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the attorney’s fee structure. In general, personal injury attorneys in Arizona often work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the attorney does not charge an upfront fee for their services and only collects a percentage of any settlement or award obtained on behalf of the client.
It is important to consult with potential personal injury attorneys in Arizona to discuss their fee structure and determine the best arrangement for your specific case. At Torgenson Law, we offer free initial consultations to discuss the details of your case and provide an estimate of potential costs.
If you have been injured in a car crash in Arizona, it is important to act quickly and seek legal advice to determine the best course of action for your case. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence to support your claim, and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
One of the most important factors to consider is the severity of your injuries. If you have sustained significant injuries that require medical treatment, result in long-term disability, or have caused a loss of income, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney. Our knowledgeable Arizona car accident lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure you have the best chance to receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Additionally, if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced injury attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue a legal claim to hold the responsible party accountable.
Every personal injury case is unique. The circumstances surrounding your accident must be investigated, and fault must be determined before a case can be built. The personal injury attorneys at Torgenson Law work directly with you to evaluate the facts about your case and help you build a compelling case for compensation.
Torgenson Law has represented Arizona residents in personal injury accidents for over two decades. If you or a family member has been injured or harmed because of the negligence of another, call us as soon as possible for a case evaluation. Our experienced legal team will work with you to gather all the pertinent information required to protect your rights.
At Torgenson Law, we offer our clients a free consultation with the honest advice you need to understand your rights and options. Our experienced attorneys will explain what is required to make a successful case for compensation for your injuries and damages, and we’ll walk you through the entire claims process.
We look at the unique circumstances surrounding your accident and design a plan that places you on the best path forward. Our entire team is dedicated to securing justice for your pain and suffering. For a free and confidential case evaluation, contact us online or call 602-726-0747.