Being involved in a car accident often comes with physical pain and emotional stress. In such times, it’s natural to want to focus on your health and just move forward, sweeping legalities under the rug.
However, you shouldn’t overlook the fact that someone else may be responsible for compensating you for your medical expenses and other losses, which can significantly help your recovery process. An experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer at Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for your damages.
Contact our law firm for help after a rear-end crash in Phoenix, Arizona. You can call (602) 595-5559 today for a free initial consultation for you to discuss your options with a personal injury lawyer.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help Me After a Rear-End Collision in Phoenix ?
For victims of rear-end collisions in Phoenix, AZ, a car accident lawyer can play an integral role in advocating for you. We can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve under Arizona personal injury laws.
Here’s how Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers can help you:
- We’ll Gather Evidence and Establish Fault: One of the first steps we take is to try to establish fault or liability in the accident. This might involve gathering evidence such as police reports, photographs from the scene, and witness statements.
- Medical Documentation Review: We will review medical records to thoroughly understand the extent of your injuries and required future treatments. This allows us to begin calculating your economic and non-economic damages.
- Document Handling and Negotiation With Insurance Companies: Dealing with complex paperwork amidst physical discomforts can get overwhelming. We can help you file claims and will correspond with the insurance companies to try to negotiate a fair settlement.
- We’ll Represent You in Court If Necessary: Should negotiations fail, we will take your matter to court and present the best case possible to get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
If you need help after a rear-end crash, contact our law office to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Phoenix, AZ.
How Common Are Rear-End Crashes in Arizona?
Arizona’s 2021 accident statistics paint a somewhat grim picture:
- In 2021, Arizona reported an alarming 121,345 car accidents.
- These incidents claimed over 1,000 lives and injured more than 35,000 individuals.
- Of these accidents, rear-end crashes accounted for almost 40,000.
- This led to 70 fatal accidents and 11,403 involving injury.
- In 2021, Maricopa County – where Phoenix is located – had 86,687 car crashes, claiming 594 lives and injuring more than 24,000.
- This means Maricopa County was responsible for a little more than 71% of the state’s car accidents and more than 50% of the fatalities.
It’s clear that car crashes unfortunately remain a problem in Phoenix, Arizona.
How Do Rear-End Crashes Happen?
A rear-end accident is a type of traffic collision where one vehicle crashes into the back of another. This kind of accident usually occurs when the following vehicle fails to stop or slow down in time, leading to an impact with the car ahead.
Rear-end collisions often happen due to a combination of factors.
Some of the most common scenarios in which these accidents occur include the following:
Heavy Traffic
In congested traffic scenarios, cars are typically closer together, requiring precise control and quick reaction times. If a driver stops paying attention, it can easily lead to a rear-end collision when the car in front abruptly slows down or stops.
Poor Weather
Weather conditions play an integral role as well. Rain, snow, fog, and overall harsh weather conditions reduce visibility and make roads slippery. These circumstances make it more challenging for drivers to see what’s ahead and to stop their vehicle in time, commonly leading to rear-end crashes.
Road Conditions
The maintenance and type of roads can also contribute to these accidents. Roads that have occasional sudden drops in speed limits or sharp bends make it difficult to see cars ahead and can increase the chances of these types of accidents.
Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes
Unfortunately, rear-end crashes are quite commonplace and can be attributed to a variety of negligent behavior.
Some of the most common causes include the following:
Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for the conditions is a common cause of rear-end crashes. It takes longer to stop when you are speeding, and if traffic ahead suddenly halts or slows down, it might become impossible to avoid a collision.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors, like tailgating, frequently switching lanes without indication, or generally not following traffic rules, can all be seen as aggressive driving. This often leads to rear-end crashes.
Distracted Driving
Distractions like cell phones, radios, and passengers in the vehicle can cause a driver to take their attention away from the road. When this happens, it’s easy for rear-end crashes to occur.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence drastically affects a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. It slows reflexes, impairs judgment, and overall makes driving incredibly unsafe.
Understanding the most common causes of rear-end crashes can help you stay aware and potentially prevent one from occurring.
Common Rear-End Crash Injuries
Rear-end crashes, often seen as milder accidents, can actually result in a range of injuries and outcomes.
Here are some common injuries:
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Head and brain injuries (e.g., concussions and other TBIs)
- Chest and rib injuries
- Broken bones
- Emotional trauma/PTSD
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, it’s critical to seek immediate medical attention. Do this even if you feel fine, as the adrenaline of being in an accident can sometimes mask symptoms.
Who Can Be Liable for a Rear-End Crash in Phoenix?
Identifying liability in a rear-end crash requires understanding the actions of all parties involved leading up to the accident. Here’s who could potentially be at fault:
The Following Driver
More often than not, it is assumed that if you hit someone from behind, you are likely to be held responsible because it indicates that you were tailgating or weren’t paying enough attention to the road. In many cases, this is true, but it’s not a definitive rule.
The Lead Driver
In some cases, the lead driver may be at fault. For example, if they abruptly reverse without reason or their brake lights malfunction, they may be responsible for damages others suffer from the accident.
Other Third Parties
Sometimes third-party entities might face liability. Examples include vehicle manufacturers if a defective part causes the accident, or local municipalities for poorly maintained roads that cause an accident.
Remember that each case is unique, so it’s helpful to speak with an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer when trying to determine liability.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Car Crash Lawyer in Phoenix
Navigating the aftermath of a rear-end crash can be overwhelming, often filled with pain and uncertainty. Fortunately, legal help is just a call away.
If you need help with a Phoenix car accident claim, contact Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our rear-end crash attorneys.