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.

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Proving that someone else’s careless or intentional actions caused the death of a loved one is not always easy. Although your family may be owed compensation for your tragic loss, you will need to prove your wrongful death case in court or to an insurer. You could benefit from having an experienced attorney gather the evidence you need and turn it into a compelling argument on your behalf. At Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, our legal team wants you to understand what it takes to build a strong case that offers you the best chance of helping you recover what you deserve.

4 Elements of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Most wrongful death claims require you to prove the at-fault party’s negligence with the following four elements:

1. Duty of care –A duty of care establishes that one person has a legal obligation to another, typically to prevent them from being hurt. For example, drivers owe everyone on the road a duty of care to avoid causing an accident. They must obey traffic laws and operate their vehicles with care. A duty of care is generally determined by what a hypothetical “reasonable person” would do in the same situation.
2. Breach of duty of care –Once you’ve established that another party owed your loved one a duty of care, you must prove they violated that duty. If a driver got behind the wheel while drunk and caused a fatal accident, they breached their duty to operate their vehicle safely.
3. Causation –It’s not enough to prove that a careless individual breached their duty of care. You must also establish that the breach directly caused your loved one’s death.
4. Damages – You must establish that losing your loved one has caused measurable losses for which you can be compensated. These losses can be financial, as with medical expenses and lost income. But they can also be personal, such as lost affection and the emotional trauma you experienced because of your loved one’s death.

What Is the Burden of Proof?

If you file a wrongful death lawsuit, the burden of proof rests on your shoulders. This means that the other party is not assumed liable for your loved one’s death unless you can establish the four elements of negligence. You accomplish this by presenting enough evidence that suggests it is more likely than not that the at-fault individual caused your loved one’s death.

How a Lawyer Can Help Prove Wrongful Death

The compensation you can potentially recover from a wrongful death lawsuit is no replacement for the love and support of a cherished family member. However, it can provide you with financial security and justice for your loss during a challenging time. If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident, talk to an experienced Phoenix wrongful death attorney at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and look forward to hearing from you.

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If you have been injured in a Phoenix car accident and someone else was to blame, you have the right to demand compensation for your losses. However, the dollar figure you can secure depends on how much fault you bear for the accident. You need to be able to dispute fault if the other driver’s insurance company tries to pin some or all of the blame on you. Learn more from our car accident attorneys here, or contact us for a free case review.

What Is Fault in a Car Accident Claim?

Most car accidents occur because one of the drivers involved in the accident behaved in a negligent manner, such as by:

• Violating traffic laws
• Becoming distracted
• Driving while fatigued
• Not looking before changing lanes
• Following another vehicle too closely

Generally, a driver who does not follow the rules of the road is considered at fault for a resulting collision. Proving that the other driver was at fault is the most important factor in successfully recovering compensation in your claim.

How to Dispute Fault in a Car Accident Case

In Arizona, you can still recover compensation even if you are 99 percent at fault for an accident. But because the amount of compensation you receive depends on the amount of responsibility you bear for the accident, the insurance company is motivated to pin as much blame on you as possible. The first step you will need to take toward disputing fault in your case is to collect evidence establishing the other driver’s fault. This evidence could include:

• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Witness statements or contact information
• Medical records and bills
• Automobile repair invoices

You should also get a copy of the police accident report as soon as possible. In Arizona, police should make a crash report of any collision that results in injury, but this does not always happen. In this report, the responding officer will provide their assessment of who was responsible for the crash. While this report is not legally binding, it can be a valuable piece of evidence for your claim. If you believe they have unfairly assigned the fault to you, you can contact the officer who filed the report and present them with evidence proving the other party is to blame. They may agree with you and amend the report. If not, you will need to take further steps. A knowledgeable Phoenix car accident attorney can review your case and secure the evidence needed to establish fault for the collision. They can also dispute fault for the accident with the insurance company, on the crash report, or in court to pursue maximum compensation.

Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ Today

Having a skilled car accident attorney on your side is always a good idea when filing an injury claim and demanding the compensation you deserve. However, it is particularly important to have a strong legal advocate if you need to dispute fault for a car accident. The experienced legal team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer is ready to give you and your claim the individual attention you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review with a Phoenix car accident lawyer, and let us get to work for you.

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The psychological turmoil from a car crash can leave victims feeling jittery or preoccupied, making it difficult for them to sleep. However, some people have the opposite problem and find themselves sleeping more than usual after a crash. While feeling tired after a car accident can be the normal response of a body that needs to rest and heal, sleeping so much that it interferes with your daily life can be a sign of a brain injury or another serious injury. The legal team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer is here to explain if it’s normal to sleep a lot after a car accident and symptoms that could be a sign of a serious medical condition. If you were injured in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney.

Does Recovering from Injuries Make You Sleepier?

Rest is essential to the body’s healing process. A car accident can be a major shock to your system, even if you suffer only minor injuries. Because of this, recovering from injuries can make you sleepier. It is common for people to feel extreme fatigue following a car crash once the initial rush of adrenaline wears off. They may also need extra sleep to recover. However, be aware of your sleep patterns and how the accident affects them, as sleeping too much is often a sign of a serious injury.

What Should I Do If I’m Sleeping a Lot After a Car Accident?

If you are concerned about how much you sleep after a car accident or are scared to sleep after a concussion, see your doctor immediately. Changes in your sleep habits can be a symptom of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Waiting too long to treat a head injury can lead to serious medical complications. Excess fatigue is also a common symptom of depression, which many people develop after a crash. While it may be that your body is simply recuperating from a traumatic ordeal, it is best to see your doctor to be sure.

What Sleeping Disorders Could I Develop After a Car Crash?

Many people involved in car accidents develop sleep disorders afterward, including:

• Insomnia
• Sleepwalking
• Narcolepsy, or falling asleep uncontrollably
• Excessive daytime sleepiness, also known as hypersomnia
• Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS)
• Sleep apnea
• Bruxism, or grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
• Periodic limb movement disorder, which involves involuntary movement of the arms and legs during sleep

Signs My Car Accident Injuries Involve a TBI

Increased fatigue and changes in your sleep habits can be signs of a traumatic brain injury. Other symptoms of a TBI include:

• Headaches, including migraines
• Vomiting and nausea
• Difficulty speaking
• Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Sensitivity to sound or light
• Dizziness or vertigo

Can I Get Compensation for Developing Sleeping Disorders After a Car Accident?

A sleep disorder can significantly impact your life. If you developed a sleeping disorder after a car accident, you might be entitled to compensation for the harm you have suffered. An experienced car accident lawyer can evaluate your case to determine whether you could be owed compensation for the costs of treating your sleep disorder or any other medical condition caused by the crash, along with other financial and personal losses.

Contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Contact the car accident lawyers at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today if you think you developed a sleeping disorder or another medical condition due to a car accident. We can explain your legal options for pursuing compensation during a free initial consultation.

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After a car accident, you may experience physical and cognitive difficulties that can be symptoms of a brain injury. There are many different types of brain injuries. While some are more serious, all of them can impact your physical and emotional well-being. If you suffered a brain injury after a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for costly medical bills, lost wages, and other crash-related expenses and losses. The legal team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer wants to help you pursue accountability and justice. We have the experience and resources to seek maximum compensation for injury victims and stand up to big insurance companies. Let our car accident attorneys handle your case so you can focus on your health and recovery. Contact our Phoenix office today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.

Most Common Head and Brain Injuries After a Car Accident

While there are many different types of brain injuries from accidents, some of the most common include the following:

• Concussions – Concussions are the most common type of mild brain injury. They often occur in car accidents, particularly when someone hits their head on the car’s interior or is hit by a flying object. Concussions are marked by a change in brain function that can last several days to weeks, or occasionally much longer.
• Contusions – A contusion, also known as a brain bruise, can occur when the force of the crash causes the brain to hit the skull. Contusions can cause many of the same symptoms as concussions. While contusions can heal on their own, more serious cases can lead to bleeding and blood clots that can cause life-threatening complications.
• Coup-contrecoup injuries – A coup-contrecoup is a contusion injury that happens when the brain strikes the inside of the skull, recoils, and then hits the opposing side of the skull. This leaves matching injuries on either side of the brain.
• Hematomas – Also known as blood clots, hematomas come in several different forms depending on the location of the clot. Hematomas can heal on their own. But they can also lead to serious medical complications, such as strokes.
• Hemorrhages – Also known as a brain bleed, a hemorrhage typically involves uncontrolled bleeding from blood vessels in the brain. A car crash can cause a hemorrhage if the force of the collision causes blood vessels to rupture. In serious cases, surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding and relieve pressure on the brain caused by swelling and fluid buildup.
• Encephalitis – Encephalitis is the swelling of brain tissues, usually due to infection. Encephalitis may be a secondary complication of an open-head injury that becomes infected.
• Aneurysms – An aneurysm involves the weakening of the wall of a blood vessel in the brain, causing the vessel to swell like a blister. This can place pressure on the surrounding brain tissue. If left untreated, an aneurysm can rupture and cause an uncontrolled brain bleed. Blood vessel walls in the brain can be weakened due to physical trauma from a car crash.
• Hydrocephalus – A condition involving a buildup of fluid in and around the brain, hydrocephalus can cause temporary symptoms or permanent damage due to the pressure put on brain tissue. Physical damage to brain tissue from a car accident can cause hydrocephalus.
• Hypoxic and anoxic brain injuries – A hypoxic brain injury happens when blood and oxygen flow to the brain is reduced. A total cutoff of blood and oxygen flow causes an anoxic brain injury. Hypoxic or anoxic brain injuries may result from car accidents if a victim is pinned or entangled, goes into respiratory or cardiac arrest, or suffers smoke or carbon monoxide inhalation from a vehicle fire.
• Diffuse axonal injuries – A diffuse axonal injury is caused by forces on the brain as the body is rocked in a car crash, resulting in the shearing of nerve cells. Depending on the severity of the injury, a car crash victim can be left with permanent physical and cognitive impairments.
• Skull fractures – Sometimes called an open-head injury, a skull fracture is a break in the skull that can occur when a car accident victim hits their head on something inside the vehicle, is struck in the head by an object, or is thrown from the car and hits their head on the ground. Being struck in the head by an object can also result in a penetrating injury, which can physically damage brain tissue.

Signs of a Concussion or Head Injury from a Car Accident

Common symptoms of a mild brain injury, such as a concussion, include the following:

• Headache
• Fatigue or feeling drowsy
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty speaking
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Brief loss of consciousness lasting a few seconds to a few minutes
• Feeling confused, disoriented, or dazed
• Problems with concentration or memory
• Depression or anxiety
• Sleeping problems, including difficulty falling or staying asleep or sleeping more than normal

Signs of a Brain Bleed After a Car Accident

Brain bleeds and other moderate to severe brain injuries can cause more serious symptoms, such as the following:

• Loss of consciousness that lasts several minutes to hours
• Coma or other persistent unconsciousness
• Persistent or worsening headache
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Convulsions and seizures
• Dilated pupils
• Leaking of clear fluid from the nose or ears
• Loss of coordination and fine motor control
• Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
• Difficulty waking up
• Slurred speech
• Significant confusion
• Aggression, combativeness, or other unusual behavior

When to Contact a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer If You Have a Head Injury

If you suffered a head injury in a car accident, contact the legal team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today. We can explain your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer.

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In the moments following a car crash, you may feel overwhelmed, confused, and even in shock. Because it can happen so fast, it’s normal if you can’t remember the details of a car accident. However, it can be concerning if you cannot recall anything about the crash or experience memory loss after the car accident. You may have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or another serious injury requiring timely medical attention. The legal team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer is committed to helping accident victims get the medical care and financial compensation they deserve. Our firm can help you find the specialized medical attention you need, negotiate with the insurance companies, and pursue the full amount you’re entitled to. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable Phoenix car accident attorney during a free case review.

Is It Normal to Have Memory Loss After a Car Accident?

A serious car crash can be a traumatic experience. The brain sometimes responds to trauma by focusing on survival at the cost of some memories. This can help someone in a dangerous situation, such as a car accident, find a way to escape. But according to Smithsonian Magazine, it can also make it hard for them to piece together exactly what happened. That means some memory loss following a car crash is to be expected. However, if a car accident victim can no longer remember important life events, family members, or vital facts, they may be suffering from amnesia. This can be a symptom of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other serious condition. Some of the potential causes of memory loss from a car accident include the following:

• Head injuries and TBIs — Head injuries such as concussions or physical damage to the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory, may affect memory.

• Hypoxia or anoxia — A decrease or cutoff in oxygen flow to the brain may occur due to smoke or carbon monoxide inhalation from car damage or fires, physical constriction of the respiratory system, or cardiac or respiratory arrests.
• Emotional trauma and distress — Mental stress can cause the mind to reject memories from frightening or traumatic experiences.

Different Types of Amnesia or Forgetfulness After a Car Accident

A car accident can result in several types of amnesia, which can even be co-occurring. These include the following:

• Anterograde amnesia— This happens when a person cannot form new memories, although they may remember everything leading up to the injury. It can be temporary or permanent. It is often the result of brain trauma, such as a blow to the head.
• Retrograde amnesia — When a person cannot remember events leading up to an injury but can remember what happened after they were injured, they may have retrograde amnesia. Sometimes, a person can experience both anterograde and retrograde amnesia simultaneously.
• Post-traumatic amnesia— This is common after a car accident and is usually temporary, depending on the severity of the injuries. It often occurs after someone has been unconscious or in a coma. Post-traumatic amnesia can indicate a TBI following an accident.

Symptoms of amnesia or memory loss to be aware of following a car crash include the following:

• Difficulty learning and retaining new information
• Difficulty remembering previously familiar events and information
• Experiencing false memories, which can be invented memories or real memories from the wrong time or place
• Inability to recognize faces or locations
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Cloudy or foggy thinking
• Impaired short-term memory
• Total or partial loss of memory

Getting a Monetary Settlement for Memory Loss After a Phoenix Car Accident

Suffering from amnesia or memory loss after a car crash can impact your physical and emotional well-being. You may face overwhelming medical bills from doctor’s visits and tests, lost wages if your memory loss prevents you from working, and emotional distress from forgetting important events or people in your life. In short, the consequences can be devastating. If you were injured in a car accident someone else caused, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other accident-related losses. This can include money for:

• Medical treatment, including hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, prescription and over-the-counter medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and related expenses
• Incidental costs, such as mileage from traveling to and from the doctor
• Lost wages if your amnesia prevents you from working
• Emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life

Your options for pursuing compensation after a car accident are typically through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Most cases involving injuries from a car accident are resolved through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company and do not go to court. However, you may file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court to hold the at-fault party liable if an insurer does not offer a fair settlement.

How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit for Memory Loss After a Car Accident?

Keep in mind that there is a deadline for filing a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. In Arizona, you typically have only two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit — with limited exceptions. If you miss this deadline, you likely will lose your opportunity to seek compensation in civil court. While you could still potentially secure compensation through an insurance claim, your ability to negotiate with the insurance company will be limited without the threat of a lawsuit to back it up. This time limit is why it is crucial to contact an experienced car accident attorney who can manage important deadlines in your case.

Contact a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Today for Help

If you or someone you love has experienced amnesia or memory loss after a car accident, reach out to the legal team with Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today. We have a strong track record of helping people in your position get the money and justice they deserve and are eager to put this experience to work for you. Contact us online or by phone for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Phoenix.

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Have you been injured in an accident in Arizona that someone else caused? If so, you may be thinking about filing a personal injury lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. All personal injury lawsuits in Arizona are subject to a statute of limitations, which is a law that sets strict time limits on certain types of legal action. Contact the legal team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer to further discuss the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Arizona and how it could affect your case.

What Is Arizona’s Standard Time Limit to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

The standard time limit to file personal injury lawsuits in Arizona is outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542, which states that a party must bring any personal injury lawsuit within two years after the “cause of action accrues.” So if you wish to file a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona, you must file within two years of the date you suffered the injury. This two-year deadline applies to most types of lawsuits involving injuries “to the person,” including car accidents, product liability cases, and medical malpractice. One major difference however is if your lawsuit will be brought against a government entity (a city, county, or the State of Arizona for example). The statute of limitations for these sorts of cases is much less than two years and requires a “notice of claim” to be filed within 180 days after the cause of action accrues.

What Happens If You Miss the Filing Deadline?

If you attempt to file a personal injury lawsuit after the standard two-year deadline has passed, the party you are trying to sue can file a motion to dismiss, asking the court to toss out the case because the deadline has passed. Unless there is some specific exception, the judge will likely agree. If this happens, you will lose your right to demand compensation for your injuries and related losses through the civil courts. The personal injury statute of limitations does not apply to filing insurance claims after an injury. However, the statutory filing deadline remains highly relevant to insurance claims during the settlement negotiation phase. Insurance adjusters make settlement offers based on what they believe could happen in court. So if you no longer have the ability to take the other side to court, you will have zero negotiating leverage. This is why it’s important to work with a local personal injury lawyer who can keep your case on track from the beginning.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations In Arizona

Several key exceptions can extend, or toll, the usual two-year deadline on personal injury cases set by the statute of limitations in Arizona, including when:

• The victim is a minor– If the victim is younger than 18 when the injury occurs, the two-year “clock” won’t begin counting down until they turn 18 and reach legal age. At that point, they can file suit.
• The injury was hidden– Sometimes, an injury isn’t found as soon as the accident occurs. In these cases, the two-year limit may begin on the day the injury was discovered.
• The defendant is absent– If the person allegedly responsible for the injury leaves Arizona before the two-year deadline expires, the countdown may be paused for the time they remain out of the state.

Contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer to File Your Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you suspect you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona, don’t hesitate to act. Two years may sound like plenty of time, but it can pass quickly. Contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial case review.

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The circumstances of every crash are different, making it hard to say definitively what the average car accident settlement amount is in Arizona. The amount you could recover depends on the extent of your injuries, who is at fault for the accident, whether you have an experienced auto accident lawyer on your side, and other factors.

How Are Car Accident Settlements Determined?

The value of a car accident settlement in Arizona is based on several elements. There are two main categories of compensation in Arizona personal injury settlements. By adding up the value of these two categories, you arrive at a reasonable estimate of what the accident has cost you financially, physically, and emotionally:

• Economic damages — Your direct expenses resulting from the accident are considered economic damages. These losses would include costs such as your medical bills, lost wages, the value of your car, and your reduced future earnings due to your injuries.
• Non-economic damages — Your losses related to the accident that don’t have a specific dollar value are non-economic damages. These damages compensate you for your physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, and lower quality of life.

Aside from the value of your losses in an accident, the most important factor in your case is your level of liability for the crash. Fortunately, you can still recover compensation for an accident under Arizona’s comparative negligence laws even if you are found partly at fault. The bad news is that if you are found partially responsible, your compensation will be reduced by your degree of liability. For example, if you are found 15 percent liable for a crash, you would lose 15 percent of your compensation. Another major factor in Arizona personal injury settlements is the other driver’s insurance coverage. If the driver’s policy is not enough to cover your losses, you may have to see what other assets they have. And if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident where the driver is not found, you will need to file a claim with your own insurance company through your uninsured motorist coverage.

Arizona Car Accident Settlement Examples

The following are results from Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyers’ auto accident victims that we have assisted in obtaining fair compensation:

• $2.4 Million for a fatal motorcycle accident
• $450,000 for a car crash victim with multiple bone fractures
• $375,000 for a spinal cord injury from a car wreck
• $365,000 – full insurance coverage from car accident that caused amputated finger
• $325,000 award for driver who was rear ended, resulting in soft tissue injuries

Will My Car Accident Injury Case Be Heard by a Jury?

Your car accident injury case will most likely not go to trial. Trials are risky, unpredictable, and expensive, which is why insurance companies try to avoid them. However, trials are sometimes necessary if the insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement that considers your current and future losses from your car accident injuries. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can review your case and determine if it’s worth taking it to court.

Contact an Arizona Car Accident Lawyer Today

Were you injured in a car accident in Arizona? Are you wondering what compensation you might be owed from the at-fault party? If so, talk to an experienced Arizona car accident lawyer right away about the specifics of your case. Contact the Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation.

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A recent survey of nearly 3,000 fatal Arizona traffic accidents in a two-year period has revealed some of the most dangerous roads in Arizona. The findings have also shed light on some of the common factors in fatal accidents in the state.

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Arizona?

According to a MoneyGeek study using data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these are the most dangerous roads and intersections in Arizona:

• 43rd Avenue from West Lamar Road to West McDowell Road
• Indian School Road from North 53rd Avenue to North 91st Avenue
• Indian School Road from North 40th Avenue to North Third Street
• McDowell Road from North Scottsdale Road to North 36th Street
• 19th Avenue from West Shangri-La Road to West Union Hills Drive
• Northern Avenue from North 19th Avenue to North 56th Avenue
• Bell Road from North 26th Street to North 23rd Avenue
• Bethany Home Road from North 35th Avenue to North 12th Place
• Thomas Road from North 71st Avenue to North 37th Avenue
• I-10 from Exit 157 to Exit 152

Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, had the highest number of fatal motor vehicle accidents in the state. Drunk driving was a factor in over 20 percent of all fatal crashes in Arizona, about 30 percent involved speeding, and 10 percent were attributed to distracted driving.

What to Do After an Arizona Traffic Accident

If you were injured in a motorcycle or car accident in Arizona, there are several steps you should take in the hours, days, and weeks after the accident to protect your rights:

• Call 911 – Pull off the road to a safe spot and call the police. Exchange contact details and insurance information with the other drivers involved. If anyone is injured, provide aid until first responders arrive. After the police have secured the scene, they will perform an investigation and create an accident report.
• Collect evidence – Take photos and videos at the scene of the accident, including pictures of your injuries, the vehicle, and the entire accident scene. Talk to any bystanders who may have witnessed the accident and ask them for their contact details. They might be able to provide testimony on your behalf later.
• Seek medical attention – You should see a doctor as soon as possible. You could’ve suffered injuries that aren’t yet showing symptoms, including internal injuries. Most insurance companies require claimants to be seen within three days of an accident. Otherwise, they may try to contest your claim.
• Gather documents – Keep all documents related to your case in a file. Relevant documents you can use as evidence in your case include medical records, the police report, hospital bills, and pay stubs showing you missed work.
• Keep a pain journal – Document your recovery by writing in a pain journal daily. You should make detailed notes about your physical condition, pain level, and emotional state. Your attorney may reference your journal when determining your non-financial damages.
• Avoid social media – Don’t discuss the accident on social media until your case is resolved. Insurance companies are known for searching claimants’ social media profiles for material they can use to reduce or deny a claim.
• Contact a lawyer – You should consult an experienced Arizona traffic accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Phoenix, AZ

Were you injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Phoenix, AZ? If so, you could be entitled to significant compensation from the at-fault party. Contact a Phoenix car accident attorney at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer for a free consultation and find out how we could help you get justice.

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Recent Crash Fatality Statistics in Arizona

Although you would expect fewer car accident fatalities when everyone is driving less during the pandemic, the country has seen a surge in these tragic losses of life over the last few years. Unfortunately, Arizona is not an exception. Data on 2021 crash fatalities in Arizona has recently been released, showing a sharp increase again this year. Obeying traffic laws and keeping your full attention on the road is especially important to your safety now, as can be seen with these Arizona fatal car accident statistics.

Fatal Car Crash Stats in Arizona

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its early estimates for traffic fatalities for the first nine months of 2021. The following data shows the increasing danger the state faces:

• Deaths from car accidents in Arizona rose over 18 percent in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020.
• Arizona’s surge in traffic deaths was worse than the national increase of 12 percent for this period.
• There were nearly 32,000 deaths from traffic accidents nationally during this period in 2021, the highest since 2006.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reports 98,778 crashes in 2020, resulting in 1,057 deaths. Of these traffic fatalities:

• There were 208 car occupants, 155 in SUVs and pickup trucks, 16 large truck occupants, 153 on motorcycles, 235 pedestrians, and 33 cyclists.
• Males were nearly 3 times more likely to be victims of fatal crashes than females, with 764 male traffic deaths, 291 females, and 2 of unknown gender.
• The age groups with the most traffic fatalities were ages 55-64 with 195 deaths, 25-34 years old with 191, and ages 35-44 with 162.
• There were 181 fatalities in alcohol-related crashes, 337 in speed-related crashes, and 648 in lane departure crashes.

Why Have Car Crash Deaths Increased in Arizona Since the Start of the Pandemic?

The COVD-19 pandemic has brought many changes, including fewer people commuting, traveling, and going out. However, the national data on traffic fatalities shows the highest percentage increase over the nine-month period since 1985, when the U.S. Department of Transportation began recording fatal crash data. So what’s causing this increase in car crash fatalities? Some suspected reasons include the following:

• Drivers seem to have increased reckless driving practices during the pandemic, such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, impaired driving, and not paying attention.
• Arizona is experiencing a population surge, putting more drivers on the roads.
• More people aren’t wearing seat belts, making fatalities more likely in a crash.

What To Do If a Loved One Dies in a Crash

While nothing can bring back your loved one, you have likely suffered damages due to your loss. You may be able to pursue compensation from the responsible party for losses such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of their income. To ensure you can seek justice and financial recovery, you should follow these steps if you lose your loved one in a car accident:

• Contact a lawyer to help you through the process while you grieve.
• Investigate and gather evidence to help support your case.
• Calculate losses that you’ve suffered because of the loss of your loved one.
• Pursue a wrongful death claim to demand the compensation you need

Contact a Compassionate Car Accident Attorney Today

The data showing the increase in fatal car accidents in Arizona is sobering. These accidents also have effects on the surviving loved ones. If you’ve lost someone in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your losses with a wrongful death claim. Call or contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer online today for a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys.

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