Scottsdale Car Accident Attorney

Statistics from the Arizona Department of Transportation show that there were 121,345 motor vehicle accidents in the state in 2021. These accidents resulted in 51,633 people injured and 1,180 fatalities. That means one person was injured every 10 minutes and 11 seconds, and one motor-vehicle fatality happened every 7 hours and 25 minutes.

Unfortunately, there were 110,426 passenger cars involved in injury or fatal car accidents, which means more than 47% of all accidents involved one or more passenger vehicles. If you are one of many drivers or passengers who were hurt in a car accident in Arizona, it is crucial to know your rights as a car accident victim. Our Scottsdale personal injury lawyers provide an overview of how car accident claims work in Arizona and what you should do to recover compensation for your damages.

What Causes Most Car Accidents in Arizona?

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, some of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents in the state include speeding, violation of traffic laws (such as following too closely, running stop signs, or making unsafe lane changes), and distracted driving. There were as many as 35,673 accidents that were caused by excessive speed or drivers that were operating their vehicles above the speed limit.

Driving under the influence is also a leading cause of injuries and fatal accidents in Arizona. In 2021, there were 5,500 accidents caused by drivers who had ingested alcohol well above the limit of 0.08% BAC. It is also worth mentioning that distracted driving (which includes not just talking on the phone or texting while driving but also engaging in other distractions such as drinking, eating, or interacting with passengers) was the cause of 60,433 accidents. A driver who is determined to have engaged in these common yet unsafe behaviors may also end up being partially or completely liable for any damages resulting from an accident.

What Should I Do if I Am Hurt in a Scottsdale Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?

If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver, the first thing you should do is seek medical care. Call 911 if you or anyone else is seriously injured. Even if you do not appear to be hurt and feel fine, you should still be sure to get examined by a healthcare professional as soon as possible, as some injuries may not manifest themselves for several days or even weeks.

If possible, it is also a good idea to gather evidence from the scene of the accident. Use your phone to take photos and make videos of the crash site, documenting the damage to all vehicles involved, the area surrounding the crash, and any other relevant information that could help you build your Scottsdale car accident claim later on. Remember to also write down the insurance information of the other driver as well as the contact information of any witnesses. Finally, report the accident to law enforcement, obtain a copy of the police report if possible, and call a Scottsdale car accident lawyer to discuss your car accident case.

What Kind of Damages Can I Receive for My Car Accident?

Car accidents are a type of personal injury case. For most personal injury cases, the settlement you may receive is a combination of economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are all the financial losses and expenses resulting from your accident and injuries. These often include medical bills, hospital bills, lost wages, and the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damage caused by the accident. For example, if you had to miss work due to injuries suffered in the crash, you may be able to recover the wages you would have earned during that time.

Non-economic damages are the more subjective effects of the motor vehicle accident, such as the pain caused by your injury, the trauma and mental anguish caused by the car accident and the recovery process, and the emotional trauma of the whole experience. Non-economic damages in a car accident are sometimes referred to as pain and suffering. For instance, you may be able to recover compensation for the psychological burden of having to go through physical therapy and rehabilitation and the disruption it caused in your daily life.

In some car accident cases where the at-fault party is deemed to have acted with gross negligence, the court may also order the defendant to pay punitive damages to the plaintiff as a way to punish the defendant for their recklessness and negligence. Punitive damages in a car accident are paid in addition to the standard damages and may not be available in every Scottsdale car accident case, so you may want to consult with a Scottsdale car accident attorney, to determine what type of damages your case may be eligible for.

Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney in Scottsdale for My Case?

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, seeking the help of a Scottsdale lawyer for car crash victims is highly recommended. A Scottsdale auto accident attorney can help you understand what type of damages you may be eligible for and ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Even if your case does not go to trial, your auto accident attorney can also help you navigate the process of filing an insurance claim and handle any negotiations with the insurance company to protect your rights to fair compensation.

At the Wilson Ortiz Law Firm, clients in Scottsdale and surrounding areas can get a skilled car accident lawyer they need to secure maximum compensation for their car accident cases and hold negligent drivers responsible for their actions. The Wilson Ortiz Law Firm is ready to fight for you so you can get past this difficult situation and get back on your feet. Call for a free case evaluation.