Why Motorcycle Insurance Is Essential

Motorcycle insurance is an absolute must in Arizona. The Grand Canyon State requires all motorists, including motorcyclists, to carry a minimum liability insurance policy of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 in property damage coverage. Those who operate a motorcycle without a valid insurance policy will face fines of $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second offense, and $1000 for a third offense within three years, in addition to mandatory license suspensions.

Even if the state did not have a legal insurance requirement, having a valid policy is essential to protect you from being personally and financially responsible if you are found to be at fault for an accident. When choosing motorcycle insurance, many riders give themselves increased protection by purchasing policies that exceed the state minimums.

Perhaps even more important, if you are involved in a crash that is not your fault, having Uninsured and Underinsured coverage on your motorcycle policy can be vital. Uninsured coverage can be used to make an injury claim for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering in the event the driver that hit you does not have insurance. Since motorcycle crashes often involve significant injuries, Underinsured coverage can be utilized for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering as well in the event the at-fault driver does have insurance, but not enough to fully compensate you.

Common Myths About Motorcycle Insurance and Advanced Training

Many people hold false beliefs about motorcycle insurance coverage and advanced training, whether due to rumors or assumptions. Some common motorcycle insurance myths include:

• “I don’t need insurance because I am a careful rider” — State laws make no exceptions regarding motorcycle liability insurance requirements, regardless of how good a driver you might be.
   
• “Motorcycle insurance is too expensive” — While no insurance policy is free, being covered can potentially save you tens of thousands of pounds in the event of a motorcycle crash.
   
• “My home insurance covers my motorcycle” — Home insurance does not cover events relating to motor vehicle accidents. You will need separate motorcycle liability insurance even if you have a comprehensive home insurance policy.

Misconceptions about advanced training include the following:

• “You can only take advanced motorcycle training after you have been riding for years” — Licensed motorcyclists can take an advanced motorcycle safety course at any time, even if they have only recently passed their test.
   
• “Motorcyclists learn everything they need to know from their own experience” — Motorcyclists often pick up dangerous habits over months and years of independent riding. An advanced training course can help you recognize and eliminate such habits while helping you acquire safer skills.
   
• “Advanced motorcycle training is not worth the expense” — While some training courses can seem pricey, they can potentially save you significant money in the long term. Furthermore, what you learn might save your or someone else’s life.

The Benefits of Advanced Motorcycle Training Courses on Rider Safety

Advanced motorcycle training courses offer numerous benefits that can significantly enhance rider safety:

• Improved hazard perception — These courses teach motorcycle riders to anticipate potential dangers and react appropriately.
   
• Enhanced cornering techniques — Riders learn to navigate curves more safely and efficiently.
   
• Better braking skills — Advanced training helps riders master emergency braking techniques, reducing stopping distances.
   
• Increased awareness — Courses emphasize the importance of maintaining situational awareness on the road.
   
• Proper positioning — Riders learn optimal lane positioning to increase visibility and reduce risks.

By honing these skills, riders can better avoid accidents and handle unexpected situations. This increased competence often translates to greater confidence on the road, allowing riders to enjoy their motorcycles more fully while staying safe.

How Advanced Motorcycle Training Can Influence Insurance Premiums and Claims

Completing an advanced motorcycle training course can have a positive effect on your insurance premiums and claims, such as:

• Lower premiums — Many insurance companies offer discounts to riders who have completed advanced training courses, recognizing the reduced risk these riders present.
   
• Improved claim outcomes — In the event of an accident, having advanced training on your record can strengthen your position. It demonstrates your commitment to safety and skill development, which can be beneficial when determining fault or negotiating settlements.
   
• Potential for higher coverage limits — Some insurers may be more willing to offer higher coverage limits to riders with advanced training, providing greater protection at potentially lower rates.
   

While the specific benefits vary by insurer, investing in advanced training often pays off through reduced insurance costs and improved coverage options.

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Insurance: What to Consider After Advanced Training

After completing an advanced motorcycle riding course, you can reevaluate your insurance needs by taking the following steps:

• Review your coverage limits — With your enhanced skills, you might be eligible for better coverage at competitive rates.
   
• Explore new discounts — Contact your insurer to inquire about specific discounts for advanced training completion.
   
• Consider additional coverage options — With potential premium savings, you might opt for added protections like comprehensive coverage or roadside assistance.
   
• Shop around — Different insurers weigh advanced training differently. Compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best combination of coverage and cost.
   
• Document your training — Keep your advanced training certificate on file and provide it to your insurer to ensure you receive any applicable benefits.

It is worth noting that while advanced training can lead to insurance benefits, the primary goal is to make you a safer, more skilled rider. The potential insurance advantages are a welcome bonus to the increased safety and enjoyment you will experience on the road.

Contact Our Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Help with Insurance Claims

No matter how much experience or training you might have under your belt, motorcycle accidents are always a risk. An inattentive or aggressive driver’s actions can result in catastrophic and even life-threatening injuries for vulnerable riders. In the aftermath, you may face overwhelming pain, financial upheaval, and emotional trauma.

At Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, we understand how devastating these events can be. Our skilled team is passionate about easing your pain and stress by fighting aggressively for the compensation you deserve. We will help you recognize how much your claim is worth, and we will handle every aspect of your case while you focus on healing.

Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with a Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer.

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.

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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.

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Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

The difference in weight between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle is massive. Unfortunately, that means that when a truck hits a car, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are likely to sustain serious injuries. Some common truck accident injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries – Severe blows to the head can cause traumatic brain injuries in which the brain swells and bleeds. These injuries require immediate medical attention to prevent death and to limit permanent damage.
   
• Neck and Back Injuries – Whiplash and other neck and back injuries can damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis below the injury site.
   
• Broken Bones – The blunt force trauma of a truck accident can fracture bones. Arms and legs can break as they strike the car’s interior, and seatbelts can crack ribs.
   
• Burn Injuries – Particularly bad crashes can tear a fuel line, causing a fire. Burn injuries require extensive medical treatment.
   
• Amputations – The crash itself can sometimes amputate limbs. The crash may damage limbs beyond recovery, or rescuers may need to perform an amputation to extract a victim from the vehicle.

Why Victims Must Seek Immediate Medical Attention

There are several reasons why it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention after a truck accident. First, your injuries may be severe and can worsen over time if not treated. Injuries like whiplash may not be immediately apparent. However, delaying treatment can leave a lasting impact.

Second, by seeking immediate medical attention, you show that your injuries are real, severe, and directly connected to the accident. If you delay treatment by a few days or weeks, the insurance company or opposing lawyers may use that to argue that your injuries weren’t as bad as you claim they were or that they had some other source.

Third, when you seek medical attention, you create a paper trail of your injuries. Medical records provide essential documentation of your injuries that you need to build your case. An experienced truck accident attorney can use your medical records to prove the extent of your damages and losses.

Ongoing Medical Care and Treatment for Truck Accident Injuries

Medical treatment resulting from a truck accident is often extensive and ongoing. Over the next few weeks, months, and potentially years, you may have to undergo the following:

• Additional Surgeries – Internal injuries and broken bones may require more than one surgery to resolve.
   
• Physical Therapy – Traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries all include extensive physical therapy as ongoing medical care.
   
• Pain Management – You may need to seek long-term pain care, especially if your injuries last longer than you can safely take habit-forming prescription medications.
   
• Lifestyle Changes – After a severe injury, you may be unable to do what you once could. Standing or sitting for extended periods may cause pain, and you may require a wheelchair.

Contact Our Phoenix Truck Accident Attorney for Help

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in the Phoenix area, you need an Arizona truck accident lawyer to help you seek justice and accountability. Our attorney can investigate the crash, determine if the truck driver or trucking company acted with negligence prior to the crash, and seek the damages you need to recover. Contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today and let our team pursue the money you need for your long-term care.

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.

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Chronic pain after an accident can turn simple, everyday tasks into daunting challenges. If someone else’s negligence caused the accident that led to your ongoing discomfort, that person could owe you compensation to help you treat your condition and to pay for your diminished quality of life. A personal injury lawyer can help you pursue this compensation through a chronic pain settlement.

The Nature of Chronic Pain After Personal Injuries

Serious accidents such as car crashes and bad falls can cause severe injuries that damage nerves, fracture bones, and compact spinal discs. Individuals dealing with chronic physical pain as a result of such serious injuries face not only continuous physical discomfort but also emotional and psychological challenges as they adjust to new limitations and ongoing treatments. This enduring pain underscores the need for comprehensive legal and medical approaches to address the full impact on one’s quality of life.

Building a Personal Injury Claim Involving Chronic Pain

Most personal injury claims involving chronic pain require robust evidence of both the pain you’ve suffered and the injury that led to it. Key evidence that your personal injury law firm may gather includes:

• Medical Records: Comprehensive medical documentation from your initial injury to your ongoing treatments validates the existence and extent of your chronic pain.
   
• Expert Testimony: Medical experts can explain the cause of your chronic pain and its persistence, linking it directly to the underlying injury.
   
• Pain Diary: A personal record that chronicles your daily pain levels and how it affects your life can provide a vivid, personal perspective that resonates with a judge or jury on your personal injury case.
   
• Witness Statements: Testimony from family, friends, and coworkers who can speak to your pain’s impact on your daily functions and lifestyle provides a valuable outside perspective.

Compensation for Chronic Pain

Recovering compensation for chronic pain can be challenging, but working with an experienced personal injury attorney gives you a better chance of winning your case. With support from a legal team with years of experience in personal injury law, you could claim compensation for:

• Medical Bills: This covers all past and future medical costs related to managing your chronic pain, including surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments.
   
• Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: If chronic pain keeps you from working or limits what work you can perform, you can claim compensation for the income you’ve lost as a result, as well as the way the chronic pain has negatively affected your career.
   
• Pain and Suffering: This compensation covers the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your chronic pain.
   
• Diminished Quality of Life: If chronic pain has permanently altered your lifestyle, you could receive compensation for loss of enjoyment of life and inability to engage in activities you once enjoyed.

Contact Our Phoenix Car Accident Attorney for Help

If you are living with chronic pain, the team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer can represent you in your fight for fair compensation. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Phoenix personal injury lawyer.

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.

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Negligence is a critical concept in Arizona personal injury cases, but many people do not understand what it means. At the Silkman Law Firm, we believe it’s essential for our clients to understand the basic legal principles involved in their cases, including personal injury negligence. Today, we explain negligence personal injury claims so you can better understand your rights and what’s involved in your case. 

What Is Negligence in Personal Injury Law?

In personal injury law, negligence occurs when someone fails to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. Think of it as a situation where a person doesn’t do something that a careful person would do, or they do something that a careful person wouldn’t, leading to someone else getting hurt. For instance, a store owner has a responsibility to provide a safe premises for their customers. If a store owner leaves a spill on the floor without cleaning it up or warning customers, and someone slips and falls, that could be an example of the store owner’s negligence. In most personal injury cases, proving negligence is critical. To prove negligence, the injured person must show that someone had a duty to act safely, didn’t follow through on that duty, and caused an injury because of it. This concept is fundamental because it helps determine who caused the injuries and should pay for the injured person’s losses.

Comparative Negligence in Arizona

Negligence laws vary across the United States, particularly when it comes to the idea of comparative negligence. Basically, the comparative negligence doctrine refers to situations where more than one party contributed to an accident and helps determine how much compensation (if any) the liable party or parties will pay. Comparative negligence laws are especially important in cases where the evidence shows the injured party contributed to their injuries.  Some states allow the injured party to recover compensation in these cases, but their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. Other states bar plaintiffs from recovering anything if they contributed to their injuries at all. Finally, some states use a hybrid where plaintiffs can recover compensation if their degree of fault is below a certain threshold. Arizona law uses a model called “pure comparative negligence,” which allows plaintiffs to recover compensation even if they contributed to their injuries, no matter their degree of fault.

Impact of Negligence on Your Injury Claim

Negligence is vital to your personal injury claim in two key ways. First, you have to show that someone else caused your injuries, or you can’t recover any compensation. Second, your own negligence can reduce the value of your claim if the other party can show that you contributed to your injuries. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Arizona can find evidence to show how someone else caused your injuries while minimizing your degree of negligence, helping you to recover maximum compensation.

Contact Our Phoenix Injury Lawyer to Learn More

Attorney Alex Silkman and the rest of the team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer understand Arizona’s negligence laws inside and out, and we’re fully prepared to protect your legal rights. We have experience with a broad range of cases, and our results demonstrate our skill and resolve. If you need a personal injury lawyer for hospital negligence, car accidents, truck crashes, defective product injuries, or any other type of claim, we’re ready to help. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

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Although truck driver error or vehicle mechanical failures often cause or contribute to catastrophic truck accidents, poor road conditions – due to weather, inadequate road maintenance, or poor roadway design – are another critical factor in many accidents. If you were injured in a big rig truck accident, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer for wrecks caused by bad road conditions on your side. At Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, we can investigate your accident and help you pursue options for recovery. 

Road Conditions: A Hidden Factor in Truck Accidents

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, roadway problems were among the top ten factors coded for drivers and their vehicles in a recent large truck crash causation study. Although weather does not typically affect road conditions in Arizona, poorly designed roadways in our state or road conditions due to poor maintenance can play a role in truck accidents.  Potholes or otherwise damaged or neglected roads can contribute to crashes if they affect the truck driver’s ability to control the vehicle. Poorly designed roads with tight entrance ramps or roads that are too steep for a large commercial truck can contribute to serious accidents, resulting in devastating injuries. Unfortunately, some road conditions are often not immediately apparent to truck drivers, affecting their ability to avoid such hazards. 

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident Caused by Poor Road Conditions?

Under Arizona law, the party responsible for the accident must pay for the victim’s financial losses, including medical expenses and lost wages. Determining who or what entity is liable for the accident can be a challenging inquiry for which you need a lawyer. Your lawyer will investigate the circumstances of the accident to decipher who is responsible. They will examine the truck driver’s actions, whether the driver was an employee or independent contractor of a trucking company, the company’s policies and procedures concerning hiring and training drivers, and the vehicle’s maintenance log as they assess liability.  In addition to these potentially responsible parties, governmental entities or agencies may be found liable in part for the accident if hazardous road conditions contributed to the crash. For example, if the local municipality failed to maintain the roads to the extent that potholes or loose gravel caused the accident, they may be held responsible. Likewise, the governmental agency responsible for the design of the roadway, intersection, or placement of traffic signs and signals may be liable for the accident if these factors played a role in the crash.  Because suing the government involves specific deadlines and other procedural hurdles, contacting a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident for wrecks caused by bad road conditions is critical to your case.  

Seeking Justice and Support

You can seek compensation from the party responsible for the accident that caused your injuries. Our firm will thoroughly investigate the accident and assess your financial losses so we can seek maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and even money for pain and suffering. 

Contact Our Phoenix Truck Accident Attorneys for Help

If you were hurt in a truck road accident, call Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. Our legal team is well-equipped to handle all aspects of your case. We understand that you may feel intimidated by the legal process and need clarification about what steps you can take while recovering from your injuries. We have vast experience helping accident victims just like you. Contact us today for a free case review.    

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