The Hidden Hazards: Why Rear-End Collisions in Phoenix Lead to Complex Injury Claims

—

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.

Rear-end collisions are some of the most common types of traffic accidents in general, and Phoenix is not an exception. This sprawling city sees its share of rear-end collisions, but the consequences of these accidents are often underestimated.

People often imagine rear-end collisions as not much more than “fender-benders”, but in reality, these accidents often have far more serious consequences. Serious injuries, and lengthy legal disputes are often the result of rear-end collisions in Phoenix, which is why understanding how an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer can protect your rights is paramount for anyone unfortunate enough to be involved in such an accident.

Common causes of rear-end collisions in Phoenix

With its bustling roads and highways which cater to an ever-growing population, Phoenix is the busiest traffic hub in Arizona. There’s constant congestion on roads like Route 51, Loop 101, and the I-10, making rear-end collisions almost unavoidable. These types of accidents can usually be attributed to several factors that influence their frequency:

High Traffic Zones Downtown Phoenix, like most major American cities, has plenty of busy intersections, particularly near popular venues like the Phoenix Convention Center or Chase Field. Drivers in these areas will often experience stop and go traffic, with frequent braking and accelerating, which are conditions perfect for rear-end collisions.

Distracted Driving With smart phones and navigation systems being a part of everyday life, it has never been easier to get distracted while driving, and just a quick glance on your phone screen can be enough to not notice the car ahead of you suddenly breaking.

Sudden Stops In an urban setting like Phoenix there are numerous hazards that can result in sudden stops. Everything from jaywalking pedestrians, to cyclists or cars improperly merging, can force a sudden stop. Drivers who follow too close rarely have time to react.

Urban Layout Wide multi lane roads, frequent traffic signals and construction zones are some of the factors related to urban layout that drastically increase the chance of rear-end accidents by increasing the likelihood of changes in speed.

Why Minor Accidents Can Lead to Major Injuries

Many people often think that rear-end collisions at low speeds are harmless, but that truly is a misconception. Our bodies are, in reality, very vulnerable even to the forces generated in collisions under 15 miles per hour.

Whiplash and hidden spinal injuries are some of the most common ones. Whiplash, caused by violently snapping the neck back and forth is often dismissed as a minor issue, but is one that can cause great discomfort in the future, including long term stiffness and decreased mobility. Our spines are also extremely vulnerable, and even low speed collisions can cause pinched nerves, herniated discs, and a host of other problems that are often undetectable by X-ray, instead requiring advanced imaging.

These injuries, including others, are usually masked by the shock and adrenaline, which can block or mask the pain and discomfort of tissue damage, concussions, and even internal bleeding. If these injuries aren’t immediately discovered and recorded, insurance companies will usually try to avoid responsibility by claiming that the injuries aren’t related to the accident, which is where a Phoenix car accident lawyer can step in and prove the connection between the accident and the injuries.

The Role of Comparative Negligence in Arizona

Arizona is one of the states that adheres to the comparative negligence rule. This basically means that more than one person can be held partially responsible for the same accident.

Although it might seem that the fault is always with the trailing driver in case of rear-end collisions, there are of course instances like suddenly breaking where the driver in front has to take the blame, or a part of it

Even if you’re partially at fault, in Arizona you can still receive compensation and recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by the percentage that you were found at fault for. For example, if you were awarded $1,000 in compensation, but the fault was half yours, your compensation would be reduced 50% and you would receive $500.

This system of comparative negligence adds to the complexity of rear end collisions in Phoenix, and Arizona in general, which is why choosing an experienced Phoenix accident lawyer is going to be crucial in receiving the appropriate compensation.

How a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Proves Liability

Although rear-end collisions might seem fairly straightforward, when injuries, and high medical bills are involved, proving responsibility becomes much more difficult. Some of the strategies that a good Phoenix car accident lawyer might use would include:

Gathering witness statements from everyone involved, and nearby drivers and passers by.

Checking traffic camera footage can be crucial as Phoenix is furnished with numerous traffic cameras that a skilled lawyer can utilize to prove their client’s case.

Accident reconstruction experts are professionals who analyze road conditions, skid marks, etc to scientifically reconstruct the accident. Their findings can often make or break a case.

Reviewing Cell Phone Records is another strategy that an accident lawyer can use. They can subpoena cell phone records and see if a driver was texting or on a phone call at the time of the accident.

Combining the findings from these techniques will build a strong case that can significantly improve the victim’s chances of compensation.

When to Seek Medical and Legal Help Immediately

Many people hesitate in seeking medical or legal help if they feel their injuries aren’t serious enough. This is a big mistake, and it’s highly recommended that you seek help in case of any accident.

Having medical records of any injury, regardless how minor it might seem, will be crucial in seeking compensation, and contacting your lawyer immediately will help preserve crucial evidence and give you important advice on how to proceed.

Conclusion

Rear-end collisions in Phoenix are a complex issue which many of the city’s drivers will unfortunately have to face at some point of their lives. It’s crucial to remain calm, gather all the evidence, and seek both medical and legal assistance immediately, so that you would have the best chance of proving the other driver’s fault, and receiving compensation.

—

This content is brought to you by Wahab Ullah

iStockPhoto

The post The Hidden Hazards: Why Rear-End Collisions in Phoenix Lead to Complex Injury Claims appeared first on The Good Men Project.

View the full article