Glendale AZ Car Accident Lawyer

Glendale, AZ Car Accident Attorney

Experiencing a car accident can be a traumatizing experience. Even if injuries are minor, there can still be psychological damage and property damage. These accidents can be life-changing and cause emotional, physical, and financial hardship for those affected. If you have been injured in a car accident, a Glendale, AZ, car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal aftermath following an accident so you can focus on recovery.

Why Choose Us?

Bleaman Law Firm, PC is here to help you understand your rights and guide you through Arizona’s complicated legal system. In an “at-fault” state like Arizona, the driver who caused the accident is usually responsible for paying for the damage.

However, determining who is at fault usually requires examining different kinds of evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and police reports. This information will help us build a strong case and back up your claims, especially if the insurance company tries to limit your payout.

Insurance companies usually want to settle fast and for the least amount of money possible. This could leave you with unpaid medical bills or lost wages. You are less likely to settle too soon if you have a lawyer by your side.

We can help you get fair compensation that includes damages for both physical and mental suffering. In Arizona, car accident cases can be complicated. We are here to help make this process easier for you so your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

There are many reasons why car accidents occur. Some common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving. This is one of the main reasons for car accidents and it continues to be a serious issue. With the addition of cell phones and other technological advances such as GPS systems and radios, people are often distracted while driving. Any activity that causes a person to divert their attention elsewhere, other than on the road, can be considered distracted driving and can cause a serious accident.
• Speeding. Speeding increases the likelihood of an accident as the driver has a decreased chance of being able to maneuver to avoid obstacles or suddenly stop. Speeding also increases the severity of a crash since it happens at a higher impact.
• Driving under the influence. Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is illegal. A person’s abilities are severely impaired when they are under the influence of substances. If a person causes a car crash and they are found to have been under the influence, they will likely be subject to severe criminal penalties.
• Poor weather conditions. The likelihood of an accident increases when there are poor weather conditions, such as snow, icy roads, fog, and heavy rain. These conditions affect visibility as well as the ability to maneuver as usual on the road. Snow and ice, in particular, can lead to potentially losing control of the car.
• Aggressive driving behaviors. Tailgating, speeding, changing lanes (especially at high speeds), and disregarding traffic laws all contribute to car accident occurrences, especially on roads with heavy traffic.
• Car issues. Sometimes, a person’s car has an issue while on the road, such as a sudden brake failure or a tire blowout. In these cases, the responsibility may not just be with the driver but with a repair shop or manufacturer if the issue was caused by defective equipment.

Different Types of Car Accidents

A car accident can happen in a number of ways. Some ways are more straightforward than others when determining cause and fault. Some common types of car accidents include:

• Rear-end crashes. Rear-end collisions tend to be more straightforward than other accidents. More often than not, the person who rear-ended the other is determined to be at fault. This is because even if the front driver slams on their brakes, drivers are supposed to maintain a safe distance between cars to allow for time to brake or maneuver in case of a sudden obstacle.
• T-Bone Accidents/Accidents at Intersections. With T-Bone accidents, establishing liability is established by determining who had the right of way, which is not always straightforward.
• Head-on collisions. Head-on collisions can cause serious injuries as they include direct close impact to both drivers. These accidents are often caused by clear road violations, such as crossing barrier lines, driving down a one-way street, or passing in a no-passing zone. These accidents may be easier to determine liability.
• Rollovers. These accidents can be dangerous, especially for larger vehicles such as trucks, which have a higher propensity to tip over. Lawyers can look at the conditions of the road, the design of the vehicle, and the speed of everyone involved to determine who is responsible.
• Pileups involving multiple cars can be complex. The legal investigation for a pileup can be extensive as it will likely take significant work to determine liability and involve many parties.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

If you are involved in a car accident in Glendale, Arizona, there are steps you can take to both ensure your safety and receive the greatest possible outcome for your legal claim. These steps include:

• Contact emergency. Call 911 right away, especially if you or any other driver has serious injuries. Proceed to call law enforcement, if you can, to report the accident.
• Get to a safe place. If you are able, move your car out of the way of other drivers and into a safe space such as the shoulder of the road. This helps prevent additional accidents.
• Gather evidence. Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident, including any injuries and damages to your car or other personal property.
• Contact an attorney. An attorney can help guide you through the following legal process, especially if you choose to file a claim later.
• Only discuss details with your attorney. You do not want to admit fault at the scene of the accident or to insurance providers. This can be used against you when seeking compensation. Speak with your attorney regarding the details of the accident, especially where you believe you are at fault.

Arizona Car Accident Laws

In Arizona, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to make a claim for a car accident. However, this time limit can be extended depending on the circumstances. If you miss the statute of limitations date, you might lose your right to seek compensation. Talking to a Glendale car accident lawyer as soon as possible can help ensure you meet all the appropriate deadlines.

Comparative negligence is a very important part of Arizona car accident cases. If you were partly to blame for the accident, the amount of money you are granted in damages may be lowered in relation to the percentage of fault you share. For example, if you file a claim for $20,000, but it was determined you were 10% at fault for the accident, you would receive $18,000 ($20,000 minus 10%).

FAQs

Q: Can Someone Make a Claim Against You for a Car Accident in Arizona?

A: Yes, if you are at fault in an Arizona car accident, the injured party may seek damages. Arizona uses an “at-fault” system, which allows injured people to seek compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. In some circumstances, comparative negligence laws apply, which means that compensation may be decreased based on the percentage of fault shared by each party.

Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Get From a Car Accident Settlement in AZ?

A: In Arizona, car accident lawyers usually do not get paid unless they win the case. Depending on how complicated the case is, they usually take a percentage of the settlement. With this contingency fee structure, you only pay if you win the case, so their payment is tied to the success of your case.

Q: How Is Fault Determined in Arizona Car Accidents?

A: When determining who is at fault, it is necessary to look at evidence such as police records, testimonies from witnesses, and in some instances, the analysis of a professional. Comparative negligence is used in Arizona, which means that the degree of fault that each party possesses has an effect on the amount of compensation that is awarded.

Q: Is Arizona a No-Fault Accident State?

A: No, Arizona is considered an “at-fault” state when it comes to car accidents. This indicates that the driver who caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages. Injured parties can file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance or initiate a claim to seek damages for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.

Contact Bleaman Law Firm, PC Today

If you have been injured in a car accident in Glendale, AZ, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Bleaman Law Firm, PC can help you seek the compensation you are due and help protect your rights in the process. We can help you take the steps towards fair pay and peace of mind. Contact us today to get started.