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From property damage to personal injury, car accidents can take a heavy toll. But there are ways to help at least mitigate some of the financial damage. A car accident attorney serving Goodyear, Arizona, may be able to help you file an injury claim and get fair compensation for your experience.

Unhappy male driver looking at the damaged car after a road accident

If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident in Goodyear, you can find sound legal advice and quality legal representation with the help of a top Goodyear accident attorney.

A free consultation with an experienced law office can help you get on your way to the compensation you deserve.

Here, you can learn more about filing a personal injury claim after an accident, how to connect with the best attorneys in your area, factors that will affect your claim and much more.

Who’s At Fault For A Car Accident In Goodyear, AZ?

Fault can be a tricky consideration in a car accident case. Car accidents are often complicated matters, and the law attempts to honor these intricacies by assigning fault on a sliding scale.

Some cases, such as when one driver receives a DUI, are more obvious. These would legally be considered cases of “intentional misconduct,” which is the most severe level of fault that can be assigned.

But sometimes, an accident is caused by something like a driver looking down at a text message.

These less intentional actions are classified as “negligence.” The person will still be considered at fault, but generally incur less legal penalties in these cases.

Arizona is also unique in the way it doles out fault, utilizing a legal policy called comparative negligence. This means the actions of any and all potential parties are considered. Varying levels of fault are then assigned to each party.

In these situations, you might even be legally on the hook for certain actions that might have contributed to the accident.

Is The At-Fault Driver Always Liable In A Goodyear Car Accident?

You may think that whoever caused the auto accident is the party held liable for the incident. But like many legal issues, it’s not always so clear-cut.

Typically, liability falls on those directly involved, including fellow motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.

But liability can also reach far beyond the accident scene.

It’s possible for car manufacturers to be considered liable, in a case of malfunctioning equipment. And even in Goodyear, Arizona, tire manufacturers could also be on the hook.

If roadway conditions are deemed unsafe, it’s also possible for additional liable parties to be involved, including government agencies. Most often, these cases hinge on bad signage, sharp turns, poor lighting, poorly maintained roads, or other signs of negligence.

Law firms have years of experience that can help them round out the list of any potential liable parties.

What Are Your Legal Options After An Arizona Car Accident?

Even if you’ve experienced property damage or personal injury in the wake of a car crash, you don’t have to consider yourself a car accident victim. There are a number of potential legal avenues you can take to seek the compensation you deserve.

Most people who’ve been involved in a motor vehicle crash will file a personal injury claim. This process can be complicated and is often better executed with the help of an experienced car crash attorney.

But personal injury claims are the first step toward getting financial compensation for any injuries or damages you received in the accident.

If your claim fails to reach a settlement, you’re still not out of options. In these situations, you can choose to take your car accident case to court.

Steps To Take After A Goodyear Car Accident

However you wish to handle the incident, there are a few steps to take that will help make the process easier.

1. Gather Details

Regardless of whether you file a claim or pursue a lawsuit, it’s a good general practice to keep track of important documents related to the incident.

A car accident attorney will be able to better advise you on the specific details you’ll want to build your case, but in general, it’s a good idea to hang on to or seek anything related to:

  • The accident, including:
    • The police report
    • Photos of the accident scene
    • Photos of any injuries
  • Medical expenses or medical treatments, including:
    • Doctors bills
    • Appointment dates and notes
  • Property damage expenses, including:

2. Consult A Car Accident Attorney

You may even want to take this step first. The legal advice of an experienced personal injury attorney can be a huge asset in how the rest of your case unfolds.

Regardless, it’s a good idea to consult an attorney early on. A free consultation is a good way to meet a lawyer, get a sense of their perspective and style, and give them an opportunity to assess your case.

3. Negotiate A Settlement Offer

This will mostly be your lawyer’s job. As they continue to gather evidence and build your case, they can use this information to help negotiate a fair settlement with any potential liable parties.

And of course, if the settlement can’t be reached, for any reason, you can always bring your case to court, where a judge or jury will have the final say on who pays how much to whom.

What Types Of Damages Can You Claim In An Arizona Personal Injury Case?

Money can’t account for all of the damages caused by some accidents — especially in the most tragic cases. But it’s at least a start.

Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to seek damages for a number of financial, emotional, and physical pains.

Medical Bills

As they sound, medical damages account for any of the various costs related to medical treatment that was needed in the wake of an accident.

This can include everything from follow-up visits to the doctor, to prescription or over-the-counter medications.

It also accounts for more extreme measures needed, such as ambulance rides, surgery costs, or rehabilitation bills.

Lost Wages

Lost wages come into play if the injuries you sustained in your accident caused you to miss work. But they go beyond covering the salary you missed out on.

Lost wages can also offer compensation for diminished earning capacity, including any bonuses, promotions or accounts you may have lost.

And if catastrophic injury leaves you unable to return to your job, these damages can also cover the expenses related to being unemployed, or changing careers.

Pain And Suffering

Damages can also cover more subjective costs, such as any harm connected to the physical or emotional stress of going through an accident.

This includes compensation for chronic pain, mental distress, or even the loss of enjoyment of life.

Wrongful Death

Those who have gone through these most tragic accidents have already paid the heaviest price. But they can still seek compensation for more tangible expenses, like the cost of a funeral, or more complex costs, such as the loss of a partnership.

What Are Some Common Car Accident Injuries?

As something most of us interact with every day, automobiles may lull us into a false sense of security. Despite their common presence in our lives, these vehicles can still be dangerous, or even deadly.

Injuries can be relatively minor, including cuts and lacerations and broken bones. But some accidents may cause more catastrophic injuries.

A bad motor vehicle accident can result in everything from internal bleeding and organ damage to traumatic brain injury, spinal cord issues, and even dismemberment.

Arizona Laws That May Affect Your Personal Injury Claim

Personal injury claims tend to hinge on a number of laws that vary on a state-by-state — and sometimes even municipality-by-municipality — basis. That’s one reason why hiring a Goodyear car accident attorney can be so beneficial.

Among their legal services, your attorney should be able to help you understand the specific personal injury laws that could impact your case. In Arizona, that should include at least some of these considerations.

At-Fault State

The Grand Canyon State follows an “at-fault” policy when it comes to personal injury claims. That means that the person or parties deemed responsible for the accident will also be the ones who need to cover any related damages.

This may sound like common sense, but it compares to the “no fault” policy some states take. In these cases, everyone is required to purchase insurance policies that will cover the cost of any accident they get involved in, regardless of who caused it.

Comparative Negligence

As previously discussed, Arizona follows the legal principle of comparative negligence.

In these states, the responsibility of any and every party involved in a car crash is weighed, and it’s possible for a number of parties to be found liable for the same accident.

Each party is assigned a portion of the damages, commensurate with their involvement.

Statute Of Limitations

A statute of limitations sets the deadline you have to respond to an accident you’ve been involved in. Arizona generally gives car accident victims two years to file a claim or lawsuit.

What Causes Car Accidents In Goodyear, AZ?

There are a number of reasons why car accidents occur in Goodyear, Arizona.

The city is home not only to part of the Estrella Mountain Range, but a number of winding canyons, which can be difficult roads to navigate.

The city also incorporates part of Interstate 10, which is one of the busiest trucking routes in the country, and responsible for its own fair share of incidents.

And its proximity to Phoenix can see the area flooded with more motorists than other parts of the state, bringing more chances for an accident.

Goodyear, Arizona Car Accident Rates

Still, it can be difficult to track just how many accidents take place in Goodyear specifically, thanks to inconsistencies in how and where different agencies list these statistics.

In 2021, Arizona was among the top 10 deadliest places to drive in the nation, with at least 121,345 car crashes, of which nearly 1,000 were fatal.

That’s most likely thanks to Arizona’s heavily trafficked trucking routes and crowded urban areas.

Goodyear Car Accident Claim FAQs

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident, you may have further questions about what to do.

Are Car Crashes Common In Goodyear, Arizona?

It’s difficult to tell if car crashes are any more or less common in Goodyear, AZ than other places across the state or nation due to lack of research in this specific area.

But it can be said that Arizona generally has a fair amount of car accidents, including more than 120,000 in 2021 alone.

Do I Need An Auto Accident Lawyer To File A Personal Injury Claim?

You’re never strictly required to obtain legal representation. But having an experienced car accident attorney can offer any number of advantages when building your case.

These include a track record of success and trusted advice in the midst of an otherwise difficult situation.

How Much Is The Average Personal Injury Settlement From A Car Accident?

Average settlements in Arizona run the gamut, depending on the severity of the accident, the liable parties, and any number of other variable factors.

Your personal injury lawyer should be able to help you determine a fair settlement for your case.

Reach Out To Contact The Best Goodyear Car Accident Lawyer

Sometimes, figuring out how to deal with a car accident can be just as traumatic as going through the crash. But at least in these situations there’s the potential for help.

An experienced lawyer serving Goodyear, Arizona, can be a huge asset in building you the strongest case possible, and seeking the compensation you deserve.

Through LegalFinders, you can find the top attorneys near you, so get in touch with us to schedule a free case evaluation today.

Article Sources

Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) — Arizona Crash Facts 2021 

Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) —  Fast Facts from ADOT

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) — Fatality Facts 2020

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