Understanding the common causes of auto accidents in Arizona is the first step to staying safe on the road. It’s also the first step in seeking the compensation you deserve after a crash, as how the accident occurred can help identify the negligent party. Whether another driver or a third party caused the accident, you can seek compensation through an auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Primary Causes of Car Accidents in Arizona
Some of the most common causes of car accidents in the state are caused by driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, and intoxicated driving. However, other major causes include poor road conditions and defective products.
Speeding
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 300,000 people suffered injuries in speeding-related crashes in a recent year. When drivers speed, they increase the likelihood of an accident by reducing their ability to react to hazards and increase the severity of the resulting crashes.
If a speeding driver caused your injuries, your attorney may be able to use evidence such as traffic camera footage, skid marks, and even vehicle computer data to prove their negligence.
Distracted Driving
The NHTSA recorded 3,308 fatalities caused by distracted driving in a recent year, making it one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, talking with passengers in the back seat, eating, and applying makeup.
Distracted drivers may not see stopped or slowed traffic ahead or pedestrians crossing the road, making collisions more likely.
Intoxicated Driving
About 32 percent of all traffic fatalities result from drunk driving, according to research done by the NHTSA. If a drunk driver caused the accident that harmed you, your attorney may be able to use their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or field sobriety tests as proof of their negligence.
If the drunk driver flees from the accident scene, you can still recover compensation for your injuries by filing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with your auto insurance provider. UM coverage protects you not only when you are struck by a driver without insurance but also when you are the victim of a hit-and-run.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, poorly maintained roads, and missing traffic signs or signals can contribute to auto accidents. For example, a severe pothole may cause a tire blowout, sending your vehicle careening off the road. Or a missing stop sign at a four-way intersection could lead to a T-bone collision.
If poor road conditions played a role in the crash that harmed you, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the government entity responsible for its maintenance.
Defective Products
Sometimes, defective products contribute to car accidents or cause resulting injuries to be worse. For example, faulty brakes can lead to a rear-end collision, or faulty airbags can cause your injuries to be worse than they would have been. In these cases, the vehicle manufacturer may be liable.
Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit
Under Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, car accident victims have two years to file lawsuits against the at-fault driver. Failing to file your lawsuit within this period may result in the courts restricting you from recovering compensation for your injuries. It’s also important to work with a lawyer as soon as possible so they can begin collecting the necessary evidence.
Contact Our Arizona Car Accident Lawyers
If you were in a car accident in Arizona, contact Gill Law Firm for a free consultation with a skilled car accident lawyer. We’ll review your case, explain your options for seeking the compensation you deserve, and answer your questions about the legal process.