The aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming. You might find yourself facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain. In this stressful time, you need an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer who will put your needs first and aggressively seek the full and fair compensation you deserve.
At Valley Injury Team, we understand the devastating impact a crash can have on your life. That’s why we offer a client-centered approach to each case, prioritizing your needs at every step of the legal process. Our experienced attorneys serve clients throughout the Phoenix area, including Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale and Queen Creek, providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to help you get the justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you need a law firm that will stand by your side, protect your rights, and work diligently to help you achieve the best possible outcome. You can count on Bradshaw, Barlow and Jones to stand up and fight for you.
Valley Injury Team handles a wide range of accident cases, including:
Car Accidents: Collisions involving passenger vehicles are the most common type of motor vehicle accident, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries. There were 119,991 total crashes in Arizona in 2022. Out of those crashes, 1,178 were fatal, 35,878 caused injuries, and 82,935 resulted in property damage only. A total of 1,294 people died and 52,411 people suffered injuries in these collisions.
Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road because they lack the protection that enclosed vehicles provide. Without seat belts, airbags, or a metal frame to absorb impacts, motorcyclists are exposed to direct force in collisions, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities. Motorcycles are also smaller and more difficult to see than other vehicles, making it easier for drivers to miss them, especially when changing lanes or making turns.
Truck Accidents: Accidents involving commercial trucks, such as semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, are particularly devastating due to their tremendous size and weight compared to passenger cars. The force of impact in a truck crash can cause catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage. Victims also face complex legal challenges since these collisions could involve multiple at-fault parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and others.
Pedestrian Accidents: When pedestrians are struck by motor vehicles, the resulting injuries can be severe or potentially fatal since pedestrians have no protection against the force of the impact.
Bicycle Accidents: Even when wearing helmets or other safety gear, a cyclist is no match for a motor vehicle when a collision happens. Cyclists are often forced to deal with severe or catastrophic injuries and deserve fair compensation if the crash was not their fault.
Scooter Accidents: With the increasing popularity of electric scooters, accidents involving these vehicles are becoming more common, often resulting in injuries to both scooter riders and pedestrians.
Uber/Lyft Accidents: Collisions involving rideshare vehicles, such as those operated by Uber or Lyft, present unique legal challenges, since multiple parties might be liable and different insurance policies might be in play.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Arizona are:
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding, either over the posted limit or too fast for road conditions, is a leading cause of crashes in Arizona. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), driver behavior like speeding or aggressive driving is a factor in more than 90 percent of crashes in the state.
Distracted Driving: According to ADOT, distracted driving accounted for 8,988 crashes in Arizona in 2022. When drivers engage in activities that divert their attention from the road, such as using cell phones, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio or navigation system, or talking to passengers, they put themselves and others at risk. These distractions can take a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the task of driving safely.
Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications is involved in about 4% of all collisions but around one-third of fatal crashes in Arizona. In 2018, 420 people were killed in impaired driving crashes.
Driver Fatigue: Fatigued or drowsy driving impairs reaction times and decision-making abilities, similar to alcohol. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, reduced alertness and concentration, and impaired judgment. This makes it difficult for them to respond to changing conditions or hazards, and they might make unsafe decisions. In severe cases, drivers may experience microsleeps, briefly falling asleep while driving.
Failure to Yield the Right of Way: Failing to yield to other cars or pedestrians when required by law, such as at stop signs, left turns, or when merging, often leads to severe injury accidents.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals and signs is a common cause of serious accidents, as it puts the offending driver and others at risk of high-speed collisions in intersections.
Improper Turns or Lane Changes: Failing to signal, check blind spots, or yield the right-of-way when changing lanes or turning can lead to side-swipe or rear-end collisions.
Tailgating: Following too closely reduces a driver’s time to react to sudden stops or slowdowns, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
Poor Weather and Road Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, fog, and other inclement weather can reduce visibility and traction, making it harder for drivers to control their vehicles safely. Similarly, potholes, debris, and other road hazards can contribute to accidents.
Vehicle Defects: Malfunctioning brakes, tires, steering systems, or other critical components can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to crashes. Regular vehicle maintenance is essential to minimize these risks.
Yes, Arizona law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of:
If you’re involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, you must immediately notify the local police. Failure to report can result in driver’s license suspension.
You must also exchange information with other parties, including your name, address, registration number, and, upon request, your driver’s license. Leaving the scene without providing information is a “hit-and-run.”
In Arizona, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the accident date. If the injury is not discovered immediately, the deadline may start from the “discovery date.” For minors injured in an accident, the two-year clock begins when they turn 18.
Arizona follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means you could recover compensation even if you are found to be 99% at fault for the accident. However, the court will reduce your recovery by your percentage of fault.
At Valley Injury Team, we have extensive experience handling motor vehicle accident cases in Arizona. We know how to build strong cases to help our clients seek the compensation they deserve.
Our skilled motor vehicle accident attorneys handle even the most complex cases, including those involving powerful rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. We know how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies to reach fair settlements but are also prepared to represent our clients in court when necessary.
If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle accident in Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, or anywhere in the Phoenix area, contact Bradshaw, Barlow and Jones today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you seek justice and fair compensation.
If you suffered injuries in an accident due to someone else’s negligence or wrong doing, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. At Valley Injury Team, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights and seek the compensation you need. We’re proud to serve clients throughout the Phoenix area, including Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale and Queen Creek.
Valley Injury Team is committed to helping you understand your legal rights and options, reducing your stress and uncertainty, and giving you the support you need during this challenging time. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
