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    In a single recent year, the Arizona Department of Transportation (AZDOT) reported over 122,000 crashes. Nearly 90,000 of them happened in Maricopa County, including over 4,000 in Scottsdale. If you have injuries and bills from a car accident in Scottsdale, you could seek compensation from the person responsible for your pain. But the stress of determining fault is challenging enough without also dealing with injuries and property damage.

    A Scottsdale car accident lawyer with Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. can provide sound legal representation. Let us put our combined five decades of legal experience to work for you. You don’t have to deal with the paperwork and confusion of a car wreck on your own. Call our experienced car accident attorneys today for a consultation.

    What Are Common Causes of Scottsdale Car Accidents?

    Negligence is typically the cause of collisions in Scottsdale: someone either did something they shouldn’t have or failed to take the proper action to prevent it. The most common car accidents that occur in Scottsdale are due to:

    • Distracted driving — Whether the driver is texting, using in-vehicle entertainment or GPS systems, or eating, distracted driving is a leading cause of wrecks.
    • Driving under the influence (DUI) — Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs impair driving abilities. Despite the legal consequence of a DUI ticket, almost 6,500 of all statewide crashes involved alcohol or drugs in a recent year.
    • Speeding — Over 20,000 people suffered injuries in speed-related collisions. Excessive speed is a significant factor in car wrecks, particularly in heavy traffic or near residential areas.
    • Ignoring traffic signals — Running red lights or stop signs can create dangerous T-bone or head-on collisions, often at intersections.
    • Reckless driving — Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or weaving through traffic, contribute to many accidents.

    What Types of Injuries Can Occur from a Scottsdale Car Accident?

    Car accidents can lead to a range of injuries, from minor scrapes to life-altering conditions. Common injuries resulting from Scottsdale car crashes include:

    Broken Bones

    High-impact accidents often result in broken bones, especially in vulnerable areas like the arms, legs, and ribs. The force of the collision can cause fractures that range from simple breaks to complex, multi-fracture injuries requiring surgical intervention. Recovery often involves wearing casts, undergoing surgery, and participating in extensive physical therapy.

    Traumatic Brain Injuries

    Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), such as concussions, occur when your head hits hard surfaces like the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows during a crash. These injuries can lead to severe consequences, including:

    • Memory loss
    • Cognitive impairment
    • Chronic headaches
    • Long-term disability

    TBIs need immediate medical evaluation. In severe cases, they may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation to regain lost functions.

    Spinal Cord Injuries

    Car accidents can severely damage your spinal cord, which has the potential to result in complete paralysis. The impact can compress, fracture, or dislocate the vertebrae, putting pressure on the spinal cord and causing nerve damage. Spinal cord injuries often require emergency surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care, significantly affecting your quality of life.

    Internal Injuries

    Auto collisions can also cause serious internal injuries, including damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs. The impact of a crash can rupture or bruise internal organs, leading to internal bleeding, which may not be immediately noticeable. Symptoms like abdominal pain, dizziness, or fainting may indicate a life-threatening condition that requires emergency medical attention. If untreated, internal injuries can lead to severe complications, including organ failure and death.

    Middle-aged driver suffering neck pain from car accident.

    Whiplash

    Rear-end collisions frequently cause whiplash, which happens when your neck suddenly jerks back and forth. This violent motion can stretch and tear the muscles and ligaments in your neck, leading to symptoms like:

    • Intense neck pain
    • Stiffness
    • Headaches
    • Reduced range of motion

    Whiplash can severely impact your daily life, requiring weeks or even months of physical therapy for full recovery.

    Soft Tissue Injuries

    Sprains, strains, and bruises are common soft tissue injuries resulting from the abrupt force of a collision. Although they might seem minor, soft tissue injuries often require physical therapy and rest to recover fully. These injuries can damage muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

    What Should I Do If I Am in a Car Accident in Scottsdale?

    The first few days after a car crash can be overwhelming, but taking the proper steps can make a big difference in protecting your rights.

    • Notify the police if you haven’t already done so. An official police report helps document the incident, which can be essential for insurance claims.
    • Document your injuries by keeping all test results, exam notes, and hospital bills.
    • Keep your interactions with your insurance company focused on the essential facts about the wreck.
    • Stay off social media with pictures or comments about the accident.
    • Keep up with your medical provider’s prescribed course of treatment. Skipping doctor’s appointments or physical therapy could signal that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
    • Talk to a Scottsdale car accident lawyer as soon as you feel well enough. They can help you understand your rights to pursue compensation.

    What Evidence Is Needed to Prove the Other Driver Was to Blame for the Accident?

    Proving that another person caused or contributed to your injuries requires evidence. A car accident attorney has the resources to collect proof of liability, which often involves:

    • Reviewing police reports — This official document often includes the officer’s assessment of fault based on the scene and statements from those involved.
    • Obtaining witness statements — Bystanders’ accounts can provide an unbiased perspective on what happened.
    • Studying photos and videos — Visual evidence of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries can support your claims.
    • Interpreting medical records —These documents link your injuries directly to the collision and demonstrate the extent of your losses. A car accident lawyer may consult a medical expert to accurately interpret your injuries and prognosis.
    • Examining digital evidence — Cell phone usage and a vehicle’s electronic system data can provide valuable clues to the driver’s actions before and during the crash.

    What Compensation Can I Receive for My Injuries?

    If someone’s negligence causes the collision that injures you, you may qualify for various forms of compensation, including:

    • Current and future medical expenses, including hospital bills, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs related to your injury
    • Lost wages, if your injuries prevent you from working
    • Lower earning capacity, if you have to take a lower-paying role
    • Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress.
    • Lower quality of life due to long-term disability

    Should I Give the Other Driver’s Insurance Company a Recorded Statement?

    After an accident, the other driver’s insurance company may contact you for a recorded statement. It’s generally best to avoid giving one without consulting your attorney. Here’s why:

    • Insurance adjusters may use your words against you to minimize their payout. Even an innocent “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of liability, which could impact your claim.
    • Insurance companies are notorious for finding excuses to pay a claim. They may carefully parse your words for statements that support their argument that you were at fault.
    • Insurance companies try to take advantage of the fact that you are recovering from injuries or even woozy from pain medication. You could accept a lowball offer without realizing the implications of your decision.

    You are within your rights to politely decline to provide a statement until you can speak with an attorney.

    How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Arizona?

    Arizona law imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, including those involving a car accident. You generally have two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. It takes time to compile and examine evidence, determine liability, and try to negotiate a settlement. Although many Scottsdale car accident cases are resolved with a settlement from the insurance company, a particularly complex or high-dollar case might go to court. Your attorney needs time to prepare the necessary documents and motions to protect your rights.

    Contact a Scottsdale Car Accident Lawyer

    Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash is stressful, especially when you are hurt, anxious, or upset. The law firm of Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. can take an objective view of your case. Let an experienced personal injury attorney take over when it is time to pursue compensation. Our Scottsdale car accident lawyers are skilled negotiators and litigators who demand every dollar from those responsible for your pain and expenses. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary, a lawyer can be your advocate every step of the way.

    If you’ve been in a car wreck in Scottsdale, don’t wait. Call Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. for a consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your peace of mind. Your rights matter, and the right lawyer can make all the difference in your recovery.

    Visit Our Scottsdale Car Accident Law Offices