Car Accident Attorneys Serving Arizona
Drivers need to pay careful attention when they are on the roads, because even though they are being safe, other drivers may not be. Unfortunately, the negligence of other drivers can result in very serious accidents. Being involved in a car accident can have serious implications such as overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, emotional turmoil, and loss of enjoyment of life. If you have been the victim of a car accident that was caused by the negligence of another party, it is important to consider your legal options. The car accident attorneys at Weintraub & Weintraub understand the turmoil that often comes with a serious injury and is here to help. Contact Weintraub & Weintraub today for quality legal representation.
How are car accidents caused in Arizona?
The unfortunate reality is car accidents happen every day in Arizona. Weintraub & Weintraub has a positive history of helping clients recover the compensation they are entitled to after an accident. Car accidents can be caused by a number of different factors, whether it be due to the negligence of another driver or because of other causes. Some of the factors that may cause a car accident include the following:
- Distracted driving– Simply changing a radio station to looking at one’s phone can take one’s eyes off the road and put others, including themselves, in danger. Cell phone use (especially texting) has caused many collisions, some resulting in serious injury and death.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol– For good reason, it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When a person makes a poor decision like that, everyone is at risk.
- Drowsy driving– Falling asleep at the wheel can result in serious collisions and is a serious form of impairment. Recently, fatigued driving has been compared to driving drunk.
- Driving aggressively– Whether a person is tailgating, changing lanes without signaling or otherwise driving without courtesy for others or the consideration of Arizona law put people in danger and can lead to serious accidents.
- Driving recklessly– People who go through red lights, do not stop at stop signs, fail to yield and more reckless actions are a danger to others and can also lead to some of the worst accidents on the road.
- Driving with excessive speed– Reckless speed is a serious problem on the roads of Arizona. This problem can lead to some of the worst crashes as the speed of a vehicle can transfer significant force to anything it hits.
Fault in Arizona
In the state of Arizona, Personal Injury Protection is considered additional coverage and therefore, is not mandatory. Due to the fact that Arizona is a traditional fault state, drivers will have a few different options when they are involved in an accident. Some of their options include filing a claim with their own insurance company, filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, or seeking damages from the other driver in a personal injury lawsuit. Arizona law requires drivers to carry a minimum of $15,000 per person for bodily injuries, $30,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. If you are injured in a car accident and need to file a lawsuit, there are some steps you should take to protect yourself and preserve evidence of driver negligence.
After an Accident
Being involved in a car accident is scary, but knowing what to do when one occurs can be quite helpful.
- Get medical attention: Be sure to get the medical attention you need immediately after an accident. Even if you think you are not injured, a medical professional can determine if anything shows signs of a dormant injury that will impact your future. Getting medical attention not only helps you get the care you need, but it also documents evidence that your injury was the direct result of an accident. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove the connection between your injury and the accident.
- Call the police: If you are in an accident, it is important to document what happened. Because insurance companies and the parties involved may disagree on the facts, a police report is a good piece of evidence to have in order to prove negligence for any possible future legal action.
- Collect information: It is also important to get important information from the party you are involved in an accident with, including their name, insurance information, and the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- Call your insurance company: It is important to contact your insurance company and get the ball rolling. Report your accident and begin the claims process.
- Call an attorney: You should consider speaking with an attorney that can provide advice and protect your rights. If you need to take legal action, you have a 2-year statute of limitations for auto accident claims. If you have been injured in a car accident, you have 2 years to file a lawsuit. In addition, dealing with insurance companies can be difficult. Having counsel protecting your rights along the way is in your best interests.
- Keep tabs of your expenses: In the weeks and months after the accident, you may want to document all of the expenses related to your injuries. Whether you are filing a lawsuit or filing a claim, you should be compensated for the out-of-pocket expenses related to your car accident.
Contact our Phoenix Car Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a car accident in the Phoenix area, it is important to retain the services of an experienced car accident attorney who can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Weintraub & Weintraub understands the long-term impacts that an auto accident can have on an individual. Contact our firm today for quality legal representation.