Car Accident Attorney In Phoenix

Car accidents can be a shocking and frightening experience. Contacting a competent car accident lawyer is critical to avoid insurance companies who may pay out as little compensation as possible. An experienced car accident attorney can ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers the cost of your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more.

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At Zazueta Law, PLLC, we are devoted and determined advocates. Our goal is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by others' negligent conduct and to help alleviate the devastating physical, emotional, and financial burdens they suffer. Zazueta Law will demonstrate unsurpassed preparation and relentless dedication to clients who put their trust in Zazueta Law.

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Steps To Take After a Car Accident

After being in a car accident, it is important to contact an experienced attorney. Having a car accident attorney by your side throughout the entire process will help to make sure you don’t make missteps with insurance companies. Our law firm handles car accident cases in Arizona and provides a free consultation to help you understand what your next steps need to be. At the scene of the accident, you should take the following steps:

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• Remain Calm at the Scene: If you are in Phoenix or anywhere in Arizona, stay at the scene and try to have your personal identification information handy. Disorientation may occur immediately after the crash, and it's essential to remain calm to assess any injuries.

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• Call 911: If you or anyone involved in the accident is injured, call for medical assistance. If you can, you can contact an ambulance but try not to move anyone injured.

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• Report the Accident to Law Enforcement: In Arizona, state law requires you to notify the local authorities immediately if you are involved in an accident involving injury or death. Don't admit guilt or talk to an insurance adjuster until you are fully prepared to report any injury claims.

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• Speak to Witnesses: If possible, gather the witnesses' names, phone numbers, and addresses.

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• Take Pictures of the Scene: Take photographs of the accident scene with your phone. Take pictures of the vehicles, others involved, your injuries, and the surroundings of your accident. 

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• Document Medical Treatment: If you are injured, contact your primary health care provider for your car accident and document your injuries. Save all documentation from your medical visits. Keep records of any treatment from medical practitioners you receive for therapy, including chiropractors, physical therapists, doctors, and other health care providers.

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• Record Written Injury Impact: You need to record how your injuries have impacted your life to prove pain and suffering. Include items such as: 

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• Challenges with sleep 
• Challenges performing daily household activities 
• Difficulty operating a motor vehicle
• Difficulty exercising 
• Missed work from injury
• Negative impact on relationships
• Negative impact on mood

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Arizona Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations sets the maximum period one can wait before filing a lawsuit. Based on the Arizona Revised Statute Section 12-542, there is a two-year statute of limitation for personal injury and property damage claims. If a car accident victim waits one day after two years, they cannot file a claim for damages.

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Common Phoenix Car Accident Laws

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Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device: Section 28-644: This violation is a type of catch-all for signs that don't have their statutory section, such as:

• Pavement signs that indicate the proper direction of travel
• Lane is closed type signs
• Highway signs that limit travel for a truck to one lane

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Reckless Driving: Section 28-693: A driver who drives a vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. Examples of reckless driving include:

• Tailgating a car at high speeds
• Speeding through a congested neighborhood
• Dangerously swerving in traffic

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Reasonable and Prudent Speed: Section 28-701(a): A driver shall not drive a vehicle on a highway at speed faster than is "reasonable and prudent."

• This law also requires drivers to control the speed of their vehicles to avoid collisions.

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Driving on the Right Side of Roadway/Shoulder: Section 28-721: Drivers must operate their vehicle in the right lane of roadways except as follows:

• When the right half of a roadway faces obstruction.
• When passing or overtaking another driver in the same direction.
• On roads designated and signposted as one-way traffic.
• On streets divided into three marked lanes for traffic.

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Passing On the Left: Section 28-723: Drivers overtaking another and proceeding in the same direction must overtake to the left at a safe distance. They must also remain in the roadway until it is safe to return to the right lane. Except when overtaking on the right is permitted, passed-by drivers must give the right away. They cannot increase their vehicle's speed until overtaken by a passing car.

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Passing On the Right: Section 28-724: Drivers may pass on the right side of another vehicle under the following circumstances:

• When the driver about to be passed is about to make a left turn, the driver attempting to pass on the right must not do so without driving off the pavement of the main-traveled portion of the roadway.
• When the roadway has two (2) or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, motorists may pass on the right side.
• On a one-way street where the roadway is free from obstructions and wide enough for two or more lines of moving vehicles, drivers may also pass on the right side.

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Following Too Closely: Section 28-730: Following the speed of other motorists and traffic, a driver must not follow another vehicle any closer than is considered "reasonable and prudent." 

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Contact A Car Accident Attorney 

At Zazueta Law, PLLC, we are devoted and determined advocates. Our goal is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by others' negligent conduct and to help alleviate the devastating physical, emotional, and financial burdens they suffer. Zazueta Law will demonstrate unsurpassed preparation and relentless dedication to clients who put their trust in Zazueta Law.

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Our firm serves the areas of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Surprise, Queen Creek, and Tucson in Arizona.