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Contact Us Today Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft offer unparalleled flexibility. While these services are an effective alternative to traditional taxis, they introduce legal challenges when an accident occurs. It’s critical to protect your rights and health whether you’re a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian injured in a ride-share accident. An Arizona rideshare accident lawyer can address these legal concerns and fight for the compensation you need. Types of Accidents Involving Ride-Sharing Services Ride-sharing accidents can occur in several ways, and a skilled rideshare accident injury attorney has experience handling each type. Common types of ride-sharing accidents include: Head-on collisions Rear-end collisions Sideswipe collisions Multi-car accidents Accidents caused by the rideshare driver Accidents caused by other drivers Accidents caused by faulty equipment Legal Rights of Passengers and Other Victims If you’re a passenger injured in a ride-share accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. You can also file a claim against the responsible parties if you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver dealing with accident-related injuries. Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft generally provide insurance coverage, but the extent depends on the driver’s status at the time of the Lyft or Uber accident, including: Available or Waiting for a Ride – Ride-share companies offer limited liability coverage. En Route or During a Ride – Ride-share companies typically provide up to $1 million in coverage. Offline or Logged Out – When drivers do not log into the app to begin driving, only their personal auto insurance applies to any potential claims. Common Legal Challenges in Ride-Sharing Accident Claims Ride-share accident claims differ from typical car accident claims for various reasons, and a skilled rideshare accident injury lawyer knows how to handle these situations. Common legal challenges in ride-sharing accident claims include: Insurance Coverage Confusion – Ride-share companies have a tiered insurance policy that varies depending on the driver’s status (offline, available, or transporting passengers). The car insurance company may dispute accident claims based on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident, but rideshare accident attorneys know how to counter these tactics. Assigning Liability – Determining fault for an accident is always challenging, but ride-share accidents can add further complications. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not direct employees of the ride-share company, making it difficult to hold the rideshare company liable for the driver’s actions. Multiple Insurance Companies – Rideshare accidents may involve several insurance providers, such as the ride-share company’s insurance, the driver’s personal insurance policy, and possibly other drivers’ insurance. Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to minimize payouts, which can cause additional stress and confusion. Contact Our Phoenix Ride Share Accident Attorney to Learn More Dealing with an injury can consume your life, and your recovery should be your focus in the aftermath of a ride-sharing accident. The experienced Arizona rideshare accident lawyers at Silkman Law Firm can offer the support and legal knowledge you need as you pursue a personal injury lawsuit. They can handle your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve while you heal. Contact us today for your free consultation. About the Author Alex Silkman is the founder and managing member of Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. A Personal Injury Lawyer in Phoenix AZ, he focuses exclusively on personal injury, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and wrongful death cases, with the goal of getting truly just results for accident victims and their families. Past personal injury cases have included $2.4 million dollars awarded in a wrongful death motorcycle crash, $2.2 million in a malpractice settlement, and a $450,000 award from a car crash resulting in a thoracic vertebrae compression fracture and a fractured clavicle.

Contact Us Today If you’ve been in a car accident in Phoenix, Arizona, you have a lot to deal with, including fixing your car. Unfortunately, your car won’t be worth as much after the accident, but you may be entitled to compensation to offset your vehicle’s diminished value. Steps to Take Immediately After the Accident Immediately after a crash, car accident victims should take the following steps to strengthen their claim and protect their rights: Gather any evidence related to the accident from the accident scene, especially photos of damage to your car Get proper medical treatment and follow up with any rehab your doctor orders Don’t post about the accident on social media Keep any documents such as police reports or auto repair bills Dealing with Insurance Companies Arizona is an at-fault state for collisions, so you will file your car accident claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Of course, no auto insurance company is eager to make payouts, so having an excellent car accident lawyer is essential. Your lawyer can advocate for your rights when dealing with the insurance company. For example, if you’re filing an Allstate diminished value claim, your attorney can provide Allstate with everything it needs to honor the true value of your claim. Choosing the Right Repair Shop Don’t just choose the least expensive repair shop you can find. No matter what, your car will lose value after a motor vehicle accident, and using a bargain basement repair shop can reduce the value of your vehicle even more. Using aftermarket parts and making poor-quality cosmetic changes, such as to the paint job, will do nothing to increase the value of your vehicle. Always use a recognized, professional auto repair shop to avoid repair-related diminished value. Understanding Diminished Value Claims In car accident claims, there are three types of diminished value: Immediate diminished value is the difference between the car value before the accident and immediately after the accident. Repair-related diminished value is the difference in the car's value due to imperfections in the repair. Inherent diminished value is the difference to the car's value after an accident, even if all the repairs were of the highest possible quality. Arizona has a two-year statute of limitations on a diminished value claim, and you cannot make such a claim if the accident was your fault.   If you’re wondering how to file a diminished value claim in Arizona, here are the steps you need to take: Determine the value of your vehicle before the accident based on its make, model, and condition. Contact a personal injury lawyer to help you pursue your car accident case. Hire an appraiser to determine the car’s value and assess the inherent diminished value as well as any repair-related diminished value. File your diminished value claim with your attorney’s help. It’s important to note that you don’t have to intend to sell your vehicle to file a diminished value claim in Arizona. In Oliver v. Henry, an Arizona appeals court found that Oliver was entitled to the diminished value on his damaged vehicle even though he didn’t intend to sell it. Contact Our Phoenix Car Accident Attorney for Help If your car has been damaged in an accident, you need the help of a Phoenix, AZ, car accident law firm like Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. Our experienced auto accident attorney will help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today for a free initial consultation with our Phoenix car accident lawyer.

Contact Us Today Age-related changes can affect vision, physical ability, memory, and cognitive function, which can adversely affect an older motorist's driving ability. What should you do when encountering elderly drivers on the road? Unless an older driver’s behavior gives you cause for concern, you should act with the same care around older drivers as you would with other motorists. Regardless of a driver’s age, if you’re involved in an accident someone else caused, you must understand how to pursue the compensation you deserve. Understanding Elderly Drivers in Phoenix, AZ Many drivers may wonder, “How many car accidents are caused by elderly drivers?” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has compiled stats on elderly drivers in the U.S. The NHTSA reports that 6,549 people age 65 and older died in traffic accidents in the U.S. in one recent year. This group accounted for 17 percent of all traffic fatalities. Adults 65 and older are also 17 percent of the U.S. population. As for the elderly drivers accident rate, older drivers accounted for 20 percent of all female driver fatalities and 16 percent of all male driver fatalities. Older drivers accounted for 13 percent of drivers involved in fatal traffic accidents.  Motorists may also wonder whether elderly drivers are more dangerous than teenage drivers. According to the National Safety Council, 5,088 drivers aged 15 to 20 got into fatal accidents in the U.S. in one recent year, compared to 4,768 drivers aged 65 to 74 and 3,263 drivers 75 and older. Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident After an accident with an older driver, steps you can take to protect your rights and interests include: Seek immediate medical attention to identify your injuries and begin prompt treatment Keep copies of your medical records Request a copy of the police crash report Notify your car insurance provider about the accident Keep all bills, invoices, and receipts for your recovery expenses Gather pay stubs or income statements if you miss work Contact a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options for recovering compensation Legal Considerations and Rights If you suffered injuries in a car accident caused by an older driver, you may have the right to seek financial compensation for expenses or losses you incur, including: Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs Costs of long-term disability care or replacement services Lost income Lost future earning ability and employment benefits Physical pain and emotional suffering Lost enjoyment and quality of life caused by disabilities, disfigurement, or scarring Costs of vehicle repairs or reimbursement for your totaled vehicle Contact Our Phoenix Car Accident Attorney for Help In the aftermath of a car accident involving an older driver, you may have the right to seek financial compensation for injuries and losses you sustained in the crash. Reach out to the team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Contact Us Today Teen driver car accidents are among the most common type of traffic collisions. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teenage car accidents may be particularly common due to driver inexperience. Have you recently been hit by a teen driver in Phoenix? If so, you may have questions about how the age of the motorist who caused the crash will influence any future legal proceedings. Understanding the Unique Challenges When someone causes a wreck in Arizona, they are typically liable for injuries resulting from the crash. Victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and many other related losses by filing a claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurance. They may also file lawsuits if the motorist doesn’t have insurance or their insurer won’t offer a fair settlement. However, the situation gets more complicated if the person who hit you was under 18 and therefore unable to purchase insurance themselves. Legal Considerations for Youth Driver Accidents The Arizona Supreme Court recently addressed a case regarding whether a minor’s parents can be vicariously liable for crashes and injuries their teen driver causes. The court reaffirmed Arizona’s “family purpose doctrine” by deciding that the parents are liable even in cases when young drivers cause crashes while violating driving restrictions that their parents imposed on them. This particular case involved a teen driver causing a wreck while violating limitations his parents had tried to place on his driving privileges. Even though the parent had attempted to prevent the teen from driving prior to the accident, per the Arizona Supreme Court, they are still liable. Steps to Take After a Car Crash with a Young Driver You can protect yourself and your rights after a teen driving accident by: Checking yourself for injuries Moving to a spot away from traffic Checking to see if the other drivers or passengers involved in the wreck need assistance Calling 911 to report the crash Calmly exchanging contact and insurance information with the other drivers Remembering not to say you’re sorry or giving any other indication the wreck is your fault Cooperating with police while they investigate the crash Getting the names and contact information of witnesses Taking pictures of the wreck from multiple angles Taking pictures of your injuries Seeing a doctor on the day of the crash Contacting insurance companies Remember, you don’t have to handle your insurance claim or eventual legal case yourself. A teen car accidents lawyer can offer the representation you may need in these unique circumstances. Contact Our Phoenix Car Accident Attorney for More Information Navigating your legal options after a teen car accident is much easier when you have the guidance of a seasoned legal professional. The team at Silkman Law Firm is standing by to investigate the accident and advise you on your options for compensation, which could include a claim against the teen’s parents. Next, we can pursue that compensation on your behalf, so that you have the time and space to focus on your health. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Phoenix car accident attorney, and let’s get started.

Contact Us Today Modern vehicles at all price points contain various car safety features designed to reduce the risk of motor vehicle accidents. Although car accident technology can help drivers safely operate their vehicles, motorists must stay vigilant and focus on the road. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common examples of recent developments in car safety technology. Automatic Emergency Braking An automatic emergency braking (AEB) system applies a vehicle's brakes when the car's sensors detect an imminent collision with something in front of the vehicle. AEB systems typically come with forward collision warning systems, which provide audible, visual, and tactile warnings to drivers to alert them of a rapidly approaching object in front of the car.  AEB systems come in two types: dynamic brake support (DBS) and crash imminent braking (CIB). DBS systems activate when a driver applies the brakes when the car warns of an imminent accident, helping supplement the brake force to bring the vehicle to a stop before a crash. CIB systems automatically apply the car’s brakes when a driver does not react to a collision warning to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision or reduce the severity of a crash. Adaptive Cruise Control Adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems control a car’s throttle to adjust the speed to maintain a consistent distance from a vehicle ahead. ACC systems can slow down a car when the vehicle ahead brakes or speed up when it accelerates (up to the maximum speed set by the driver). Adaptive cruise control relieves drivers from the need to operate the accelerator and brake pedals, avoiding physical stress on a driver’s foot and ankle during a long drive and allowing drivers to focus on maintaining their lane and watching out for hazards. Lane Keeping Assist Lane keeping assistance (LKA) systems provide automatic, gentle steering inputs to prevent a car from drifting out of its lane. Cameras and sensors on the front and sides of a vehicle monitor road lines, with the LKA system intervening as the car's tires approach a road line. LKA systems typically come with lane departure warnings, which alert drivers when their car drifts out of the lane. These systems intervene when the driver fails to heed the lane departure warnings. Blind Spot Detection Blind spot monitoring systems use sensors to detect vehicles in a driver’s blind spots. Many blind spot monitoring systems will activate a light on the driver’s side mirror to alert them to a vehicle or object in their blind spot. Some systems give audible warnings when a driver activates their turn signal to provide an additional alert regarding the presence of a vehicle or object in the car’s blind spot. Contact Our Phoenix Car Accident Attorney for Help After you’ve suffered injuries in a car crash in Phoenix, get the legal help you need to pursue financial recovery for your losses. Contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation with a Phoenix car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options for obtaining the compensation and justice you deserve. We have several years of experience handling car accident claims, and we can help you explore your options for seeking compensation after a crash.

Contact Us Today If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may wonder whether you have cause to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Thankfully, our Phoenix car accident law firm can review your legal options and help you determine your next steps. Here’s why you should call today for a free consultation. 1. Navigating the Legal Maze Car accident attorneys understand the law and how it applies to your situation. Their knowledge and expertise will help your case go more quickly and smoothly than if you tried to navigate the process on your own. 2. Expertise in Claim Valuation Calculating medical costs and lost wages can be more complicated than you’d expect — and that’s to say nothing of assigning a dollar value to pain and suffering. Your attorney understands how claim valuation works and will make an appropriate assessment of the amount you’re owed. 3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies The other driver’s insurance company has no incentive to offer you a fair settlement. Your car accident lawyer is an experienced negotiator who will handle all the communication with the insurer to protect your rights and attempt to secure the compensation you deserve. 4. Proving Liability The amount of research that goes into proving liability in a car accident case is considerable, ranging from examining the police report to securing medical records, digging up witness testimony, and more. An experienced accident lawyer will uncover the facts about your accident and build a case on your behalf. 5. Helping You Find Medical Resources Your attorney has contacts within various fields related to their work, including the medical profession. Suppose you’ve been unable to secure appropriate medical treatment for your injuries. In that case, your lawyer might be able to connect you with healthcare providers and negotiate medical liens with them to get the care you need. 6. Contingency Fees Mean No Upfront Costs In injury cases, it’s common for attorneys to work on a contingency basis. A contingency fee means your lawyer won’t charge you upfront and will only collect payment if they successfully secure compensation for you. Their fees will come out of the total compensation amount. 7. Reducing Stress Car accidents are traumatic events, and between your injuries, the stress of being unable to work, and wondering how you’ll pay your medical bills, you shouldn’t have to worry about your legal case. Your lawyer takes this stress off your plate so you can focus on recovery. 8. Access to Expert Witnesses It may be necessary to secure testimony from expert witnesses who can offer their opinion on the extent of your injuries. Your car accident attorney has connections with experts in various subject areas and can reach out to these individuals on your behalf. 9. Litigation There’s a possibility your case will wind up in court. Your lawyer will have significant experience arguing cases like yours at trial and will understand the various procedures involved with appearing in the courtroom setting. 10. Advocacy and Support The aftermath of an accident is a stressful and challenging time. When you hire an attorney, you benefit from their advocacy and dedication to your case. You can trust them to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact Our Phoenix Car Accident Attorney Today Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer is an experienced car accident law firm serving Phoenix-area clients. If you’ve been injured in a collision, our team would be happy to help you understand your legal options and pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Contact Us Today Motorists who familiarize themselves with safe driving tips can reduce their risk of getting into catastrophic collisions. Here are some safety tips to remember when traveling on the road. Understanding Road Safety in Phoenix Critical road safety tips that drivers should know include: Avoid driving faster than the speed limit. Refrain from driving after consuming alcohol or drugs or while feeling tired or sleepy. Always use your seat belt. Obey all stop signs and traffic signals. Practice defensive driving, which involves avoiding aggressive behaviors and expecting the unexpected from other motorists. Maintain a safe following distance from other drivers. Drive safely when changing lanes. Avoid distractions, such as your cell phone, while driving. Perform all recommended maintenance for your vehicle, including the proper tire pressure. Phoenix motorists should also learn safe driving tips for winter. After precipitation during the winter months, overnight lows might approach freezing temperatures, potentially leading to the formation of black ice that can pose a hazard for the morning commute. In that case, keep a reasonable distance between your vehicle and the car ahead of you in case you need to come to a sudden stop. Safe Driving Practices in Challenging Conditions Although famous for its hot, dry weather, Phoenix regularly experiences bad weather conditions that require drivers to take extra precautions. The Phoenix area can experience severe weather, such as dust storms, flooding, and monsoons. Tips for safe driving in adverse weather conditions include: Following weather reports and avoiding driving during predicted severe weather events Pulling off the road into a rest stop or parking lot when severe weather makes it too dangerous to continue driving. If you need to pull off to the side of the road, activate your vehicle's hazard lights Reducing your speed when driving in heavy precipitation or low visibility. Turn on your vehicle's low-beam headlights and use your hazard lights when driving well below the speed limit Increasing your following distance Legal Considerations for Drivers Drivers involved in accidents should familiarize themselves with Arizona's laws governing car accidents: §28-661: Drivers in an accident resulting in injuries or death must immediately stop at or return to the accident scene. §28-663: After an accident, drivers must provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number to others involved in the crash, show their driver's license upon request, and provide reasonable assistance to those injured in the crash (including calling emergency medical services if necessary or requested by an injured person). §28-664: Drivers who collide with unattended motor vehicles must stop and either locate the vehicle's owner/operator or leave a written note giving one's name and address and the name/address of their vehicle's owner. §28-666: Drivers in accidents resulting in injury or death must report the crash, orally or in writing, to the local police, county sheriff, or nearest highway patrol office. §28-674: After a crash, drivers should move their vehicles from the roadway to the shoulder, emergency lane, median, or another place off the road if they can safely drive their vehicle. Finally, drivers should remember that the statute of limitations typically requires them to file a car accident lawsuit within two years of a crash. What to Do If You're Involved in an Accident After a car accident, the steps you should take to protect your legal rights include: Obtain a copy of the police crash report. Request your medical records of your treatment/rehabilitation. Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations and recovery instructions. Keep bills, invoices, and receipts of expenses from the crash. Gather your pay stubs or income statements if you suffer a loss of earning capacity due to the accident. Finally, contact a car accident lawyer to get help obtaining compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact our Phoenix Car Accident Attorneys to Learn More If you've been in a crash in Phoenix, get experienced legal help to pursue accountability and financial recovery. Contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our knowledgeable legal team to discuss your legal options for securing compensation.

Contact Us Today It might feel like time is standing still when you are in pain after a car accident. But if someone’s negligence resulted in your injuries, you have a short time to pursue legal action. Waiting too long could eliminate your chance to seek compensation for medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Statute of Limitations Arizona’s statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is generally two years. This means you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, many personal injury lawsuits begin as insurance claims. It takes time to gather the necessary medical records, receipts, and other documents to file a claim. You must also consider how much time you might spend negotiating to reach a settlement figure. Many insurance companies’ initial offers are lowball amounts to see if they can settle as cheaply as possible. Engaging a Phoenix personal injury lawyer is your best option for obtaining the total value of your claim. Exceptions to the Rule Arizona’s statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is generally two years, but that’s not always true. If a government entity’s negligence is involved, you only have 180 days from the date of the incident to serve a “notice of claim” before your claim is barred. If the notice of claim in either denied, or the government entity does not respond within 60 days after being served, you then have one year in which to file your lawsuit. The Arizona Revised Statutes address certain instances when you might have longer than two years to seek legal action: Defendant is absent: The defendant flees or is otherwise absent from the state Minor plaintiff: Individuals under the age of majority (18) Discovery rule: When a reasonable person would not discover the injury right away Potential Delays in the Legal Process Arizona court schedules are always busy, pushing your court date further out. Other potential delays might harm your chances of seeking compensation: Gathering and examining evidence Interviewing witnesses Obtaining the other side’s evidence Negotiating with the insurance company to avoid going to court Starting early gives you a buffer against unforeseen delays and gives your Phoenix personal injury attorney enough time to build a strong case. What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident Your first step after any car accident is to protect your safety and health. Even if you feel relatively fine, always see a medical practitioner. Some injuries, such as concussions, might not be evident at first but carry severe consequences if left undiagnosed or untreated. Your other steps after a car crash should include: Take photos at the scene. Get a copy of the police report. Follow your medical provider’s instructions. Keep all medical records and bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media. Consult our Phoenix car accident lawyer for guidance. Contact Our Phoenix Car Accident Attorneys Today If you've been in a car accident in Arizona, don't wait. The clock is ticking, and every moment counts. At Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, we focus solely on protecting the rights of the injured. We fight for every dollar to help you get back to your pre-accident life. Our Phoenix personal injury firm treats you like a family member with caring, professional service. Talk to a personal injury attorney about your accident before it’s too late to pursue compensation. Contact the Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today for a free consultation.

Contact Us Today Did you get hurt in a car crash while riding as a passenger? It’s understandable to feel confused about your legal options in a situation like yours. You don’t need to search for answers on your own. Instead of wondering, “What are my rights as a passenger in a car accident in Arizona?” get answers from an experienced car accident lawyer from Silkman Law Firm Injury and Accident Lawyer. We offer personalized, free consultations for injured people. Contact us today for yours. Your Rights as a Passenger in a Car Accident Typically, passengers have the same rights as the driver after a car accident. That means you may be eligible to seek compensation from whoever caused the crash. Whether the at-fault party was the driver of the car you occupied, another motorist, or another party altogether (e.g., a government agency or defective auto parts manufacturer), you could file a personal injury claim for compensation as a passenger after a collision. But how? In Arizona, all drivers must purchase liability auto insurance. This insurance coverage should pay for injuries resulting from a car accident the driver causes.  Does passenger accident insurance exist for car accidents? Not specifically. However, if the driver of the car you were riding in caused the crash, their insurance policy should cover your bodily injury claims. If the other driver was at fault, you would file a claim with their insurance company.  The circumstances of the car accident play a large role in the avenues open to you for compensation. For example, insurance issues can be complicated in accidents involving rideshare drivers or other commercial vehicles like taxis. A skilled car accident lawyer can identify all potential sources of compensation if you suffered injuries as a passenger. Determining Liability in a Car Accident When a car accident occurs, the insurance company will determine financial responsibility (liability) by conducting an investigation. A party is considered at fault if their recklessness (negligence) causes a crash. Examples of negligence include: Running a red light or stop sign Speeding Following too closely Failing to yield the right-of-way Distracted driving Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol Racing The Process of Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim Here’s what to do if you’re injured in a car accident as a passenger: Call 911 to bring police and paramedics to the accident scene. Gather evidence at the crash site, such as photos, videos, witness contact information, and insurance information for all drivers involved. Seek medical attention for your injuries promptly if you didn’t need emergency care. Provide minimal information to the insurance company about the crash. Limit your report to the accident’s date, location, and the parties involved. Do not discuss injuries or make a recorded statement without seeking legal advice. Consult a car accident attorney for help determining liability and filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Factors Affecting Your Compensation Many factors impact the amount of compensation passengers receive in auto accident claims, including: The severity of the injuries The victim’s age The amount of all losses, including medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, etc. Whether fault is in dispute The long-term impact of the injuries Why Choose Silkman Law Injury & Accident Lawyer? The legal team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer focuses exclusively on personal injury cases. You can count on us to have the in-depth knowledge and experience to provide exceptional, strategic legal services that stand up to the toughest challenges from the insurance company. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Contact Us Today Car accidents can be incredibly devastating and even life-altering events, with the potential to cause physical and psychological trauma that can last long after the accident itself. One common but often underappreciated injury is nerve damage or pinched nerves. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence and are experiencing nerve damage, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Phoenix accident attorneys at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer for more information. Causes of Nerve Damage After a Car Accident Nerve damage is a type of injury caused by pressure or stretching of the nerve fibers and can cause extreme pain, numbness, tingling, and even paralysis in some cases. Even someone who isn’t directly struck by a piece of the vehicle or another object can suffer trauma from a rapid change in acceleration or deceleration – a type of injury called whiplash. The most common type of nerve damage caused by car accidents is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the arms and legs. It is essential to get checked out after any car accident, no matter how minor your injuries may seem at the time, because even low-impact crashes can result in long-term nerve damage if the underlying injury isn’t treated immediately. Symptoms of Nerve Damage After a Car Accident Common symptoms of nerve damage after a car accident include: pain, numbness, tingling sensations, muscle weakness or paralysis, loss of balance, and sensitivity to touch. If you suspect that you may have nerve damage after a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce further injury and improve overall recovery time. Be sure to discuss all of your symptoms with your doctor so they can assess the extent of your injury and recommend appropriate treatments. What Damages Can I Recover from a Nerve Damage Claim? If you have experienced nerve damage as a result of a car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for any harm associated with your injuries. Some damages commonly recovered from a nerve damage claim include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. In order to determine if you have a valid claim, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand the legal aspects of your case and explain what damages you may be able to pursue. Talk to Our Personal Injury Lawyers at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer At Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, we understand the physical and emotional challenges that come with nerve damage caused by a car accident. We firmly believe that no one should have to pay the price for an accident that was not their fault. Our legal team wants to help you demand the money you need for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation with our Phoenix-area car accident lawyer and find out what we can do for you.

Contact Us Today Have you been in an Arizona car accident while on the job? If so, you likely have questions about who will cover your repair expenses or medical bills. Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer is here to help determine who could be liable when on-the-clock employees are involved in traffic collisions. When Is My Employer Responsible for Damage to My Vehicle? An employer’s responsibility for a car crash involving one of its employees varies depending on the circumstances. Your employer is generally only liable for what happens when you are on the clock and actively engaged in work-related activities. Your employer might be liable for damage to your vehicle if you crashed while driving: A delivery truck, which you use exclusively to make deliveries for the company A rental car for a work-related trip to another city A company car at any given time or location From one off-site work location to another When Is My Employer Not Liable for Damage? In most circumstances, your employer will not be responsible for vehicle damage from accidents. You may be on the hook for your repair expenses in the following scenarios: You were supposed to be at work but were driving for reasons unrelated to work when you crashed. You crashed because you were driving while intoxicated or engaged in another behavior that violates your employer’s policies. You were driving for work-related purposes but had left your intended route to run a personal errand at the time of the crash. What Other Parties May Be Liable for an On-the-Clock Car Wreck? One or several parties that are not your employer may be liable in a car accident that occurs while you are on the clock, including: Other road users – Another road user, such as a motorist or pedestrian, may be liable if their actions caused the wreck. Vehicle manufacturers – A vehicle manufacturer may be responsible if its poor product design led to a mechanical failure that contributed to the accident. Vehicle mechanics – You may also be able to hold a mechanic or repair shop responsible if it failed to properly inspect or fix faulty car parts that caused the accident. Local governments – A local government agency might be liable if poor road conditions or missing road signs led to the accident. What If I’m an Independent Contractor? If you are an independent contractor, you are effectively self-employed. You have no employer to hold liable for damage to your vehicle, even if you were paid to work for someone when the accident occurred. However, you could hold a client or other party responsible for crash damage if they were somehow responsible for the collision. You could also seek compensation from a property owner if the crash occurred on their premises due to their negligence. Get Help for a Car Accident That Happened While You Were on the Clock If you were involved in an accident while driving a personal or company vehicle for work, contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. We can address your concerns and review your case for free when you contact us for your initial consultation session.

Contact Us Today If you were involved in a lane-change accident, you might not be sure who was at fault. Changing lanes and merging involves many quick decisions, and it can be difficult to remember if you took all the necessary precautions. Here, we’ll discuss how these auto accidents happen and what you can do to protect yourself while on the road. Lane Change Accident Statistics Lane change accidents account for almost 17% of all accidents on Arizona roads. These types of crashes, also known as sideswipe or merge accidents, cause thousands of injuries each year. In 2020, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported that regardless of gender, nearly 8 in 10 (79%) admit they participate in aggressive driving behaviors (including blocking people from switching lanes, gesturing, following too closely etc). 11.9% also have purposely cut another car off. These dangerous behaviors contribute to Arizona's many lane change accidents every year. Who Has the Right-of-Way When Changing Lanes? How can you tell if you have the right-of-way when changing lanes? There are two primary situations you should be aware of when driving in Arizona: Changing lanes - A driver driving straight ahead in a lane has the right-of-way. The driver changing lanes has a responsibility to make sure it is safe. In most instances, a driver who hits another vehicle will be responsible for the crash. However, if the other driver does something to prevent the lane change, such as speeding up or slowing down, they might be liable for the crash. Merging traffic - When traffic lanes merge or when a driver turns into a lane from another road, the driver driving straight ahead in the lane has the right-of-way. Again, it is the responsibility of the merging driver to check first before merging. However, when a driver sees another vehicle attempting to merge, they should either move over or slow down. If they fail to do so, they could also be liable for the crash. What to Do Before Changing Lanes Some lane change accidents are caused because drivers don’t know how to change lanes safely. Like most vehicle collisions, lane change accidents could be prevented if drivers are alert and exercise adequate caution. In order to avoid an auto accident while changing lanes, it’s important to: Use your turn signal to indicate that you intend to change lanes Check your rearview mirrors and blind spots Maintain your current speed while changing lanes Only change one lane at a time Avoid changing lanes marked by solid lines Avoid changing lanes at an intersection Determining if it is safe to change lanes requires you to estimate the speed of vehicles both ahead and behind you. In hazardous weather conditions, such as rain or ice, you should allow a greater distance between vehicles before changing lanes. If you are ever uncertain about whether or not it is safe to merge, you should wait until there is a safer opportunity. Talk to Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ Today If you were injured in an Arizona lane change accident, contact a knowledgeable Phoenix car accident attorney at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. Our legal team can provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Call us or reach out to us online for your free consultation today. Note: This article was previously published in Feb 2022 and updated for relevance in Oct 2022.