Driving a vehicle is probably the most dangerous thing you can do.
Do you need a car accident lawyer? More than 2.2 million Americans are permanently injured in a car accident each year, with many more suffering minor injuries. More than 33,700 Americans die in car crashes.2
Gage Mathers has helped thousands of car accident victims. While our focus at the end of your case is maximizing your financial recovery, at the beginning we focus on your medical recovery. It is very important that you are evaluated by a medical professional and that you follow their medical advice. Our staff is here to help you focus on getting better so you can worry about our legal issues When people search for the best car accident lawyers in Arizona, our name appears frequently.
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| Car Accident Lawyers. |
Why it is important to contact an AZ car accident lawyer quickly.
You usually only get one chance to go after another driver for causing a car accident, so you need to choose the right law firm early on. You need a law firm that is invested in you and your case, has considerable experience, is known for its results and has no fear of litigation. This is why thousands of people have trusted their Case Gauge with Mathers. We have a national reputation for getting results for our clients—maximizing the compensation they receive in a car accident case. Contact us to see how we can help you.
Car accidents result in death and disability, property damage, as well as financial costs to both society and the individuals involved. Several factors contribute to collision risk, including vehicle design, operating speed, road design, road environment and driver skill, impairment due to alcohol or drugs, and behavior, particularly speeding and road racing. In Arizona, the three leading causes of car accident deaths are alcohol, speeding and distracted driving. It tracks national statistics.3 Interestingly, alcohol-related deaths are decreasing, while distracted driving deaths are increasing
In 2019, more than 38,000 Americans died in car crashes More than 980 people died in the Arizona accident out of 4, causing more than $9.3 billion in economic losses. More than 129,750 car accidents occurred in Arizona, resulting in a total economic loss of approximately $18.5 billion. Which is more than the GDP of almost half of the world's countries!
Since 2011, Arizona has seen a steady increase in the number of car accidents—from 103,958 to 129,750. This percentage increase actually correlates with the percentage increase in registered vehicles. In other words, more vehicles on the road means more car accidents. Thankfully, though, the death toll rose marginally - from 827 to 982.
Arizona data shows you're less likely to be in a car accident between 8:00 p.m. and 5:59 a.m., probably because there is much less traffic on the road. Not surprisingly, you're more likely to have a car accident during rush hour (ie, 3:00 pm - 5:59 pm). The number of deaths does not follow the same logic. The peak time for traffic fatalities is 3:00 p.m. hour, and 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m. including upticks and 12:59 a.m.
When you factor in the day of the week, you can see that the highest percentage of crashes occur between 3:00 pm Monday through Friday. and 5:59 p.m. During this time, people are likely tired after a long day at work, confused about what they need to do when they get home, focused on conversations or texts with family and friends, or trying to catch up on what they missed during the day. . Weekends have the lowest number of accidents - fewer people on the road.
Possible explanations for the number of cars on the road and car accidents are unrelated to mortality. Saturday (162) and Sunday (145) are the deadliest days, while Monday (102) and Tuesday (118) are the deadliest days. The deadliest time for car accidents is Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. and 7:59 p.m. (ie, it is possible that a statistical inconsistency was caused by a crash).
Since alcohol is a significant cause of death in car accidents, it is not surprising that the deadliest hours on the road are Friday through 8:00 p.m. Saturday to 2:59 am and Saturday to 1:00 pm Sunday to 2:59 am.
If you are driving during the times discussed above, try to be more focused on your driving and watch out for other drivers who are not doing the same. Because most crashes are rear-end collisions, you want to make sure you're slowing down before you stop in hopes that the person behind you will react with enough time to avoid hitting you.
If you, or someone you care about, has been injured in a car accident, call the experienced car accident lawyers at Gage Mathers now. We have successfully handled thousands of car accident cases, from simple fender benders to multi-car pileups. We will handle all legal aspects of your case while you focus on getting through this difficult time. We will keep in touch with you frequently to make sure nothing is missed. We have developed innovative approaches to providing legal services focused on justice and the results you deserve.
What to Do After an Arizona Car Accident.
What you do after a car accident can have a significant impact on your health, safety, and ability to hold the driver responsible for the accident accountable.
1. Do not exit your vehicle until it is safe to do so.
The moments after an accident can be confusing not only for you but also for other drivers on the road. Because distracted drivers are becoming more common, it's possible that another driver approaching your crash may not immediately realize it, especially if traffic isn't slowing down completely. Therefore, stay in your car until it is safe. Look around and make sure no one is blocking your way. Then make sure you are well enough to get up and walk. You may not realize you have a head injury, which can cause you to feel dizzy or lose the ability to stand. If, after speaking with the other driver, you decide to move your vehicle to a safe location, take pictures of the accident before doing so. It's much safer to take your car off-road, especially at night. Either way, use your vehicle's emergency lights, reflective emergency triangles, or flares if you have them.
2. Collect information.
You will need to provide the police with a driving license and proof of insurance, so make sure you have them to hand. You will want to get this information from the other driver and provide your information. Avoid yelling at other drivers or antagonizing them. Trust us when we tell you that there is nothing to gain from this, but it can make you look bad if your case goes to court. We recommend you take a photo of the other driver's license and insurance card. You should also take pictures of the scene of the accident, the vehicle, the people involved, and your injuries. Photographs help tell a story and are valuable pieces of evidence. We recommend taking along any witnesses and, if possible, videotaping them identifying themselves, their contact information and describing what they saw. This will be very helpful in proving that the crash was not your fault. Memories fade, but videos last forever. When you have a moment, you should also record your memories of what happened.
3. Call the local police in your Arizona area.
In Arizona, state law requires that you immediately notify the local police, sheriff, or highway patrol if you are injured or killed in an accident. Who was involved in the accident, who owned the car, which automobile insurance company was involved, and what happened in the accident. This will also include a citation if a driver has violated the Arizona Driver's Law. This will help establish liability in the event of your injury.
4. Get medical care
Even a minor crash can cause serious injuries ranging from muscle or ligament tears to concussions. With the initial adrenaline rush, you may not even realize you're injured. Most people experience pain at night or the morning after a crash. Some people also experience psychological symptoms, including a fear of getting back into the car. It's all normal and it's all treatable. Before going back to work or school or dealing with other issues in your life, you should see a doctor. In the best case, the doctor tells you that everything is fine and gives you peace of mind that there is nothing to worry about. In worse cases, the doctor detects something that needs extra attention. Listen to your doctor, but also listen to your body. If the doctor says you're fine but you don't feel well, or if the doctor says you need treatment but you feel fine, see another doctor for a second opinion.
5. Keep track of everything
- Keep a pain journal to help your doctor and lawyer understand what you're feeling.
- Keep a list of all your providers (eg, ambulance, hospital, PCP, chiropractor, physical therapist, etc.).
- Document time away from the office, or school, whether or not covered by sick leave.
- Note any missed promotions or promotions you may be eligible for.
- Make a list of things you couldn't do or did because of the pain (eg, difficulty sleeping, difficulty performing daily household tasks or caring for family members, inability to exercise, impact on personal relationships, mood changes).
6. Call Gage Mathers
Gage Mathers is an elite Phoenix, AZ personal injury firm with significant experience helping car accident victims. We have helped thousands of clients obtain tens of millions of dollars in compensation for their injuries and damages. We serve Pheonix and the local suburbs of Chandler, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Fountain Hills, as well as Peoria, Goodyear, Tempe and Queen Creek.
Should I hire a lawyer after a car accident?
The answer is yes.
In Arizona, injured parties are entitled to compensation for:
- The nature, extent and duration of the injury;
- pain, discomfort, suffering, disability, disfigurement, and anxiety already experienced, and reasonably likely to be experienced in the future as a result of the injury;
- The reasonable cost of necessary medical care, treatment and services rendered, and may reasonably be incurred in the future;
- lost earnings to date, and reduced future earning capacity or ability; And
- Loss of enjoyment of life, that is, participation in life activities of the quality and quantity normally enjoyed before the injury.
How to Choose a Phoenix, Arizona Area Car Accident Lawyer
You may be asking, how do I choose a car accident lawyer near me?
1. You want an injury lawyer who is knowledgeable, experienced and knows how to get results. Insurance companies are not in the business of paying. They are usually traded on the stock market, which means they are in the business of making money for shareholders. You don't. As a result, most states have enacted laws requiring your insurance company to look out for your best interests; However, most insurance companies are fighting against it. The problem is, the laws of good faith and fair dealing don't always apply to the other driver's insurance company.
2. Therefore, you need an experienced Arizona car accident lawyer by your side to make your claim more successful. Studies by the Insurance Research Council and other national organizations report that car accident victims who hire an injury lawyer receive significantly higher settlements than those without a lawyer. Our experience shows that insurance adjusters try to take advantage of unprepared accident victims by making low-ball offers and then scaring people away from hiring lawyers. Don't take advantage.
Hire an award-winning law firm like Gage Mathers that has a national reputation for fighting and winning. But don't wait. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner a professional will look out for your best interests. Also, in Arizona, you only have two years to either settle your claim or file a lawsuit; However, that time frame is significantly shortened if the claim is brought by a public entity (eg, the State of Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, or a city or county) or a public employee (eg, an EMT or health care provider, police officer, or teacher). . If so, notice of the claim must be served on the appropriate entity(ies) within 180 days of the date of injury, where the claim is required to be settled or a lawsuit must be filed within one year of the date of injury. 8 This is why a qualified and experienced car accident attorney (Arizona-resident) should be contacted immediately.
Human error causes 90% of AZ car accidents, lawyers confirm
It makes us angry that most car accidents are caused by human error. The most common errors in drivers include:
- Missing or detecting road hazards too slowly.
- Choosing the wrong defensive driving action.
- Driving while distracted or altered, such as insufficient sleep, distracted by a phone, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.9
This means that the vast majority of car accidents, and the significant damage they cause, can be avoided if people pay attention. The National Safety Council is committed to keeping people safe and eliminating deaths on the road. There are several behaviors that need to be changed, but the easiest is to pay attention to road conditions and the traffic around them, the second easiest is to avoid driving when people are tired.
Distracted driving kills and injures thousands of people every year. 10 We are constantly surrounded by screens, information, and things vying for our attention. They are part of everyday life. Our familiarity with them and their repeated use provides a false sense of security. These technologies lead to cognitive distraction and inattentional blindness.
Let's clear this up:
You are not a multitasking master. No matter how smart you are, how technically savvy you are or how focused you think you are, you're not. you are human The human brain has evolved with limitations.
Some people believe that driver assistance systems and autopilot functions allow them to relax while driving. No matter how great the technology, it is based on human-written computer code, human-built camera and sonar systems, and a one-size-fits-all philosophy. They do not replace you. These systems are often great at alerting drivers to impending danger, but your attention to your surroundings should be your primary safety feature.
Arizona Auto Insurance: Full coverage does not mean complete coverage
Arizona recently updated its automobile insurance requirements. Arizona vehicles are required to have a minimum level of insurance: 11
(i) $25,000 for bodily injury or death of a person in any one accident.
(ii) $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one accident.
(iii) $15,000 for property damage in any one accident.
These insurance limits apply only to persons whose property you injure or damage. They don't protect you.
To protect you, automobile insurance carriers offer:
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- Extra insurance payments for bodily injury when the person who injures you has either no insurance or minimal insurance;
Widespread
- providing coverage for your vehicle against theft, fire, hail or vandalism;
Collision coverage
- providing coverage for damage to your vehicle from an accident;
Medical payment coverage
- Paying extra for the treatment of people injured in your vehicle, regardless of who was responsible for the accident;
Other protections
- Payment of rental or transportation costs if your car is disabled;
- Gap coverage, if your car cannot be repaired by you and you owe more than it's worth;
- Ride-share coverage, if you use your car for Uber or Lyft services.
The problem in Arizona is that insurers only have to offer you uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, but they don't have to explain it. 12 As a result, many Arizona residents are driving without the additional coverage that would protect them from uninsured motorists. or drivers who only carry the bare minimum. This is important because the cost of an ambulance ride and ER visit, not including follow-up care with a chiropractor, physical therapist, or orthopedic doctor, can exceed Arizona's minimum insurance requirements.
These additional coverages may seem expensive to purchase, but we have seen how clients without this additional coverage have suffered greatly when the at-fault driver had no or very little insurance.