Car Accident Lawyers

 Self-driving features are no longer reserved for concept cars—they’re now available in many vehicles across Arizona. Tesla’s Autopilot, GM’s Super Cruise, and Ford’s BlueCruise are just a few of the systems that allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel in limited conditions. But what happens if one of these systems malfunctions and causes a crash? Liability becomes much more complicated. If you’ve been injured in a collision involving a driver-assist system, a qualified car accident lawyer can help you sort through the legal and insurance questions that follow. Driver Still Required: Arizona’s Legal Stance Despite the name "Autopilot," no current system on the road qualifies as fully autonomous. Arizona law still considers the human behind the wheel responsible for monitoring and taking control when needed. Even if the vehicle was in a hands-free mode, the driver is typically still liable if the system fails and they didn’t respond in time. When Does Manufactur...

 Lane departure warning systems are now standard in many newer vehicles, designed to alert drivers when they begin drifting out of their lane without signaling. These systems can prevent accidents—but what happens when a crash still occurs? Can the data from a lane departure warning be used as evidence? In Arizona, the answer is complex. If you’ve been involved in a collision where vehicle safety tech may play a role, a car accident lawyer can help you understand how such information can strengthen or weaken your case. What Lane Departure Systems Actually Do Lane departure warnings don’t physically control the vehicle. Instead, they alert the driver—typically through a beep, vibration, or flashing icon—when the car drifts toward a lane line. Some systems may include lane-keeping assist, which lightly nudges the steering wheel, but the driver is still fully responsible for maintaining control. This distinction matters in legal claims: alerts do not prove fault, nor do they elim...

 Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common across Arizona, especially in cities like Tempe and Phoenix where drivers are looking for cleaner alternatives to gas-powered cars. But with EVs comes a new set of legal and insurance challenges—especially when it comes to battery fires. These high-heat, high-risk incidents can complicate everything from fault determination to claim value. If you're dealing with the aftermath of an EV-related crash or fire, speaking with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you navigate the unique complexities of these claims. Why EV Battery Fires Are Different Unlike gas fires that ignite immediately or not at all, lithium-ion battery fires can: Start hours after impact Reignite after being extinguished Cause more intense heat and secondary damage Be difficult for first responders to contain These risks make EV accidents more costly, more dangerous, and more difficult to resolve. Who’s at Fault When a Battery Fire Occur...

 Modern vehicles are more than machines—they’re computers on wheels. With over-the-air (OTA) software updates, manufacturers can now change how your car behaves without ever touching it physically. But when a crash occurs, that software update could become central to figuring out what went wrong. If you’ve been in a collision involving newer vehicle technology, a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you understand how digital records and updates may affect your case. What Are Over-the-Air Updates? Over-the-air updates allow automakers to remotely modify a vehicle’s systems through cellular or Wi-Fi connections. These updates can: Fix bugs in self-driving or safety systems Improve braking, acceleration, or steering algorithms Adjust vehicle sensors, cameras, or radar calibration Add or remove features related to driver assistance Some updates are small and unnoticeable. Others significantly alter how the vehicle operates on the road. When OTA Updates Becom...

 Self-driving technology is rapidly becoming a standard part of new vehicles on Arizona roads. From lane-centering systems to adaptive cruise control and even full self-driving beta programs, drivers are relying more and more on automation to assist with everyday driving tasks. But when a crash happens while one of these features is active, the question of liability becomes more complicated. If you're involved in a collision where automated systems were in use, working with an experienced accident lawyer can help you understand where the responsibility may fall. Despite the marketing language, most vehicles equipped with these features still require constant human supervision. Current consumer-level automation is considered “driver-assist,” not fully autonomous. Drivers must remain alert, ready to take control at any moment. Failing to do so can shift liability onto the person behind the wheel—even if the system made a mistake. When determining fault in a crash involving self-dr...

 When most people think about the financial impact of a car accident, they focus on repair costs, medical bills, or lost wages. What often gets overlooked is how a major accident can affect your credit score. While the crash itself doesn’t directly appear on your credit report, the financial consequences of an accident can ripple through your personal finances and impact your creditworthiness. If you’re managing financial fallout after a serious crash, working with an experienced accident attorney can help you navigate insurance claims and protect your financial interests. How a Crash Can Indirectly Affect Credit Medical Bills Accidents that lead to significant injuries often result in large medical expenses. If these bills aren’t paid promptly—whether because of disputes over insurance coverage or lack of funds—they can end up in collections, negatively affecting your credit score. Car Loan Payments If your car is totaled and you still owe on the loan, you may be responsible...

 A car accident can change more than just your daily routine—it can affect your long-term career path. Serious injuries may limit your ability to perform at work, take on new responsibilities, or compete for promotions. For many people, that means lost income potential and missed opportunities for advancement. If you’re wondering whether you can recover compensation for lost job promotions after an accident, speaking with an experienced accident attorney can help you understand your legal options. How Crash Injuries Affect Career Growth Physical injuries often require weeks or months away from work. Even after returning, pain or limited mobility can prevent you from performing at your previous level. Cognitive injuries, like concussions or traumatic brain injuries, may impact focus and productivity, making it harder to pursue advancement or qualify for leadership roles. In some cases, long-term disabilities permanently change the trajectory of a career, shifting workers from gr...

 After a car accident, medical bills can add up quickly, especially when injuries require ongoing treatment or specialized care. For many crash victims, insurance settlements take time to resolve, leaving hospitals and doctors waiting for payment. One way healthcare providers ensure they are compensated is through a medical lien. If you’re facing medical liens after a collision, speaking with an experienced accident attorney can help you understand your options and protect your financial interests. What Is a Medical Lien? A medical lien is a legal claim against potential settlement funds you may receive from an accident case. Essentially, it guarantees that when compensation is awarded, part of it will go directly to pay outstanding medical bills. This allows patients to receive needed care without paying upfront while giving medical providers some assurance of payment later. How Medical Liens Are Created When you receive treatment after an accident, the provider may request t...

Distracted driving continues to be the leading cause of crashes across Arizona, despite years of public awareness campaigns and new legislation. From cell phone use to daydreaming behind the wheel, driver inattention creates thousands of preventable collisions every year. If you’re involved in a crash where distraction may be a factor, speaking with an experienced accident attorney can help you understand how liability is determined and what steps to take next. The Scope of the Problem Distracted driving is linked to thousands of collisions annually in Arizona, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Even with hands-free laws and ongoing driver education, distraction remains a persistent safety threat. Unlike mechanical failures or unpredictable road hazards, driver attention is fully within human control—yet distraction still accounts for a significant portion of crash reports statewide. What Counts as Distraction? Distractions come in many forms, including: Mobile ...

 Arizona is known for its clear skies and dry conditions most of the year, but when the weather changes, it can catch drivers off guard. Monsoon rains, dust storms, and even rare winter freezes can create hazardous road conditions that increase the risk of collisions. When these crashes occur, liability can become more complicated than usual. If you’re involved in an accident where weather played a role, consulting a car accident lawyer can help you understand how fault is determined and what evidence matters most. Why Weather Makes Crashes More Complex Poor weather doesn’t excuse negligent driving. Even during severe weather, drivers are expected to adjust their speed and increase following distance. If someone drives too fast for conditions or fails to use headlights, they can still be held liable. However, in multi-vehicle crashes, weather can muddy the waters and make it harder to determine which driver—or combination of drivers—was primarily at fault. Common Weather-Relate...