The consequences may be devastating if you or a loved one suffers an injury in a car accident.
The physical, emotional, and financial costs of these accidents are far-reaching, sometimes leading to lifelong complications and reduced quality of life.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we understand that the effects of injuries extend far beyond medical bills alone.
If a negligent driver injures you, call a Phoenix car accident lawyer at 575-222-1000 to discuss your case.
Why Choose Our Phoenix Car Accident Attorneys
It’s no secret that there is an overwhelming number of car accident attorneys in Phoenix. However, we know that not all attorneys have trial experience, and some simply hand clients off to legal assistants.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we believe that every case deserves the full attention of an attorney. What’s at stake for many clients is simply too great to brush aside, so we aggressively fight on their behalf.
That means maintaining consistent communication, competently advocating for victims, and compassionately helping victims with recovery.
Phoenix Car Accident Statistics
Throughout Arizona, car accidents are a consistent problem. In 2020, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported 98,778 crashes in the state.
While this was nearly 25% lower than the previous year, the accidents were far more deadly.
For example, between 2019 and 2020, the number of accident fatalities increased by about 8%. In addition, there were 113 people injured every single day in car crashes.
The statistics for Phoenix also show some troubling trends. According to the same study, accidents in the city accounted for more than a third of all crashes in Arizona.
Unfortunately, 21% of all fatal accidents in the state happened in Phoenix proper, not including surrounding metropolitan areas.
Finally, and perhaps the most worrisome, around 3.5% of all accidents in Phoenix involved DUI.
Despite the decrease in accidents throughout the state of Arizona, crashes are now more likely to result in serious injury or death.
If you’ve been injured in an accident like this, it’s worth reaching out to a car accident lawyer in Phoenix to discuss your options.
What to Do Immediately Following a Car Accident
The moments following a car accident are often traumatic and stressful. However, it’s important to stay as calm as possible and get yourself to safety. After doing so, there are a few things you should do.
First, make sure you seek medical attention. Some injuries might not have immediate symptoms, especially internal ones that may be life-threatening.
This is why you should see the first responders or a doctor right away. In addition, if you do have any injuries, this helps you start building your claim.
Next, if you are physically able, collect as much evidence as you can. Whether that’s photos, videos, or witness statements, it all goes a long way.
You should also ask the responding police officer to create an accident report so that there is an official written record of your crash.
Finally, reach out to a Phoenix car accident lawyer. While not every crash requires the help of an attorney, they can still help you understand the potential outcomes of your claim.
The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Phoenix
Not all accidents occur the same way. However, there are a few different causes of collisions that are more frequent than others.
According to ADOT, the most common causes of Phoenix car accidents in 2020 were:
- Rear-end collisions,
- Left-turn crashes,
- Sideswipes,
- Angled crashes, and
- Head-on collisions.
Another factor that affects the occurrence of car accidents is weather and lighting conditions. Based on the same data, about 27,000 accidents in Phoenix during 2020 happened in the dark.
In addition, more than 4,000 crashes occurred due to adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, or heavy crosswinds.
Types of Compensation You May Pursue
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our Phoenix car accident lawyers pursue any economic and non-economic damages sustained by our clients.
While these two categories of damages vary from case to case, they always go hand-in-hand when it comes to settlement negotiations.
Economic damages are the financial losses of a victim, while non-economic damages are the physical and emotional losses. Some examples of both include:
- Current and future medical expenses,
- Loss of income during recovery,
- Reduced earning capacity due to injury,
- Property and vehicle damage,
- Loss of quality of life, and
- Pain and suffering.
The best car accident lawyers in Phoenix consider all of these losses when calculating the value of a claim.
For us, it’s as simple as this: if a negligent driver’s actions caused you injuries with life-changing implications, they should be held accountable for your current and future losses.
The Role of Fault in Car Accident Claims
One thing that affects many Phoenix car accident claims is negligence law.
These laws differ among states and determine whether a victim may seek compensation if they share any fault in the accident.
Arizona follows what’s known as a comparative negligence doctrine.
This means that a victim may pursue a claim even if they share some fault, up to 99%. However, the law also reduces their award by their percentage of fault.
So if you have $100,000 in damages and the jury finds you 25% at fault, you may receive a maximum of $75,000.
This is why evidence plays such an important role in your claim. If the insurance company finds you at fault, they often reduce your settlement.
If they blame you for a portion of the accident, we suggest contacting a Phoenix car accident attorney.
Consult an Experienced Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Today
Whether you or a loved one sustains an injury in an accident, don’t try to fight the insurance company alone.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we never back down from their scare tactics, and we always aggressively fight for your well-being.
With trial experience and a reputation for personable service, we strive to achieve the best outcome for victims and their families.
To schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix car accident lawyer, call us at 575-222-1000 or send us a message.