Flagstaff Car Accident Lawyer

Flagstaff Car Accident Attorney

No one should have to worry about bills after a collision, especially if that collision was due to someone else’s negligence. If someone’s reckless driving has caused you injury, contact an experienced Flagstaff car accident lawyer. If your case involves additional car accident injury claims, a top-rated Flagstaff personal injury lawyer from Flagstaff in our firm can provide essential guidance.

About The Kaiser Law Group

At The Kaiser Law Group in Flagstaff, we know how to build persuasive arguments and connect the evidence to the legal requirements of your claim or defense. We understand the techniques of conducting an investigation, working with expert witnesses, providing forensic testimony, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting your case in court.

These bases of knowledge are invaluable resources, whether your legal issue involves criminal charges, serious personal injury, or any Federal criminal defense matters. We strategically build upon the evidence and present the facts appropriately to obtain the most positive outcome possible. Our founding attorney, Daniel B. Kaiser, has earned a solid reputation as a Flagstaff car wreck lawyer for his willingness and ability to go to trial when necessary to serve our clients’ interests.

Experience matters. Legal knowledge and ability matter. We draw on our 80 years of collective legal experience in the courtroom and in investigations to prepare every matter thoroughly for court. We also go the extra mile – every day – as we strategically fight to protect our clients’ interests

Moreover, we understand how important your legal situation is to you. That’s why we work closely with you to get your side of the story and keep you informed of all developments in your case. We prioritize clear communication of all available legal options, empowering you to make the most informed decisions for your personal and financial recovery. To learn more about our team or to schedule an initial consultation after a Flagstaff car accident, give us a call.

What Are the Most Common Reasons Car Accidents Happen in Flagstaff, AZ?

Car accidents in Flagstaff happen every day for a number of reasons. This leads individuals to seek help from a Flagstaff car wreck lawyer to help with their car accident injury claims and seek compensation for their injuries. Some of the most common reasons why these car wrecks occur are:

• Distracted driving: One of the leading causes of car wrecks in Flagstaff is distracted driving. This is when drivers take their eyes off the road to text, make a call, adjust the radio, or do any other activity that refocuses their attention. These types of distractions take a driver’s eyes off the road, which significantly increases the risk of an accident.
• Speeding: Excessive speeding remains a common cause of auto accidents in Flagstaff and throughout the state. Any driver who fails to obey posted speed limits increases their risk of losing control of the vehicle and causing a collision.
• Impaired driving: It is illegal to drive with a BAC level of 0.08% or higher. This number increases the more an individual consumes alcohol or other illicit substances, and has contributed to a number of accidents because impaired drivers have slower reaction times and compromised judgment, which makes it more difficult for them to react to hazards on the road or adjust their speeds for a change in road conditions.
• SR 89 traffic patterns: State Route 89, particularly the stretch between Sedona and Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon, is highly scenic but also dangerous. Accidents are frequently caused by reckless driving, tourist confusion, motorcyclist traffic, unsafe passing, construction hazards near Cherry Lane, illegal parking, and intersection issues.
• Weather conditions: Because Flagstaff experiences four distinct seasons, it has diverse weather conditions. For example, winter could produce heavy snowfall that makes it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles. It is also prone to wildfires, where heavy smoke could reduce visibility. Establishing liability in weather-related cases can be difficult without solid evidence presented by Flagstaff auto accident lawyers.
• Fatigue: Driving tired can be as dangerous as driving under the influence because tired drivers may fall asleep and crash into oncoming traffic or a barrier on the side of the road. It can also reduce the reaction time needed to avoid auto accidents. In these cases, a personal injury attorney can conduct a thorough review of the accident’s circumstances to determine if the driver’s fatigue was a contributing factor.
• Ignoring traffic signs: Any disregard for traffic signals and signs, such as red lights or stop signs, could cause a car wreck. These signals and signs are implemented across Flagstaff to keep the community safe while driving on the road. Neglecting to follow them puts not only the driver at risk but also anyone else driving on the road or pedestrians walking nearby.
• Aggressive driving: Otherwise known as “road rage,” aggressive driving is unacceptable. Common examples of aggressive driving include tailgating, cutting people off, or excessive honking to communicate hostility. Even if an individual’s aggressive driving decisions do not result in a collision, they could still be pulled over and face other repercussions, such as a ticket or temporary license suspension.
• Wildlife crossing: Elk and deer frequently cross roadways in and around Flagstaff, creating dangerous driving conditions, particularly for tourists or unfamiliar drivers. Sudden braking can trigger chain-reaction collisions.
• Tourists: Out-of-town drivers, particularly those in rental cars, contribute to serious accidents in Flagstaff due to their unfamiliarity with local roads, speed limits, and hazardous weather conditions. When combined with other distractions, such as GPS usage or drivers admiring the scenery, it can result in many accidents.
• Construction zones and lane shifts. Construction zones and lane shifts are a major factor in car crashes, particularly on high-traffic arteries, such as Milton Road and I-17. These zones create bottlenecks and unpredictable patterns that often lead to high-frequency crash sites.

Keep in mind that it isn’t always driver negligence that causes injury. If traffic lights have malfunctioned, the city may hold some responsibility. If the driver who caused your injury was on the job, their vehicle may be part of a fleet that wasn’t maintained. No car accident is the same, so be sure to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. The team at The Kaiser Law Group can help prove fault based on Arizona’s complex negligence laws.

How Is Fault Determined in Arizona Car Accidents?

In Arizona, fault is proven by establishing negligence, which requires demonstrating four elements:

• A duty of care from the other at-fault driver
• A breach of that duty, such as violating a traffic law
• Proof that the breach directly caused the accident
• Resulting damages that can be compensated

Arizona is considered an at-fault state, which means the person responsible for causing the accident is also financially responsible for your damages. There may be multiple parties that are responsible under negligence law for your accident, including the driver, their employer, a vehicle manufacturer, or a party responsible for maintaining the roadway. If more than one party could be partially responsible, fault can be split among multiple parties under Arizona law

Don’t try to handle a car accident case alone. When you hire a lawyer, they can build a compelling negligence case on your behalf and prove fault. Plus, they can assist with gathering important evidence to protect your rights

They may be able to collect:

• Police report
• Videos and photos
• Medical records
• Vehicle damage estimates
• Witness statements
• Cell phone records
• Event data recorders and accident reconstruction information, when applicable

Even if you believe you may share some responsibility, contacting an attorney is still worthwhile. They can help you understand Arizona’s comparative fault laws, which reduce the amount of compensation you can receive based on your percentage of fault.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Flagstaff

In the first hours and days after a car accident, there are some important steps you should take to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. These practical steps include:

• Making sure you are safe, calling 911, and getting checked by emergency personnel, even if you “feel fine,” because sometimes injuries present well after an accident
• Taking photos and videos of your collision, including the vehicles, skid marks, traffic signals, weather, signage, and all injuries
• Collecting names, contact information, and insurance details from witnesses and involved parties
• Obtaining the incident number from law enforcement so you can later request copies of the official crash report from the Flagstaff Police Department

It’s important not to give any recorded statements to any insurance company without speaking to an attorney. This includes your own insurance company. Avoid signing any broad medical authorizations or authorizing any quick releases without consulting a lawyer. An attorney can protect you from agreements that may harm your claim.

If you have an accident on the I-40 or I-17, you may have been traveling at higher speeds and may have experienced a higher injury severity. As a result, it’s especially important to receive medical attention right away at the scene of the accident and to contact a trusted attorney. They can discuss important next steps regarding high-speed freeway accidents to maximize your recovery. When you hire a Flagstaff lawyer, they can use their local knowledge to benefit your case

Flagstaff Accident Hotspots

In 2023 alone, 2.44 million people were hurt in car accidents across this country. That equaled about 6,500 people injured in car collisions each day. Interestingly, the average liability claim was more than $26,000 that same year. With this information in mind, a Flagstaff lawyer with local accident hotspot knowledge can turn insider insights into your case’s advantage

There are several areas throughout Flagstaff where accidents tend to happen more frequently, which are called accident hotspots. These local spots include:

• Milton Road
• Route 66, especially where it meets Milton Road and 4th Street
• Butler Avenue
• 4th Street
• I-40, especially the segment between Flagstaff and Ash Fork
• I-17, particularly at the highway ramps near Munds Park
• I-40, think the 20-mile stretch between Williams and Flagstaff

If you are unable to avoid an accident in these areas, connect with a trusted local attorney. Leverage a Flagstaff lawyer at The Kaiser Law Group’s unique understanding of local accident hotspots like tricky intersections or specific traffic patterns to build a case that anticipates challenges and secures maximum compensation

Hire a Flagstaff Car Accident Lawyer

Reach out to a knowledgeable Flagstaff car accident lawyer for help navigating Arizona’s comparative negligence laws and countering insurance tactics designed to reduce accident payouts. Hire a car accident lawyer who can prevent blame shifting and maximize your accident recovery. Your attorney can accurately calculate your losses

You may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, and an attorney can pursue all avenues of compensation available after a Flagstaff accident

FAQs

Q: Is Arizona a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: It is not a no-fault state. It follows a traditional fault-based system. This is where the at-fault driver and their insurance company share responsibility for covering any damage that has been proven to be caused by the accident. Anyone injured in a car accident has grounds to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, which will involve proving negligent behavior and establishing the extent of the damages suffered.

Q: Can I Lose My House Due to an At-Fault Car Accident?

A: Most car wreck cases will not put your house at risk. State law provides protection through liability insurance coverage. However, when accident damages exceed insurance coverage limits, an individual may be at risk of having to use their own assets to satisfy the balance. Ensuring you have a sufficient amount of liability insurance coverage can protect all your assets if you were to be involved in a severe car crash.

Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Get From a Car Accident Settlement?

A: Many car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid when they successfully represent their clients and receive a compensation package on their behalf. Traditionally, the contingency fee percentage can range between 30% and 40%. However, this can be higher or lower depending on the specific attorney you choose and how much time and effort your case requires to reach a settlement.

When you meet an attorney for the first time, be sure to ask about their fee structure to ensure there aren’t surprise costs down the road that could put you in a difficult financial position. It is also advised that you ask about possible expenses outside the contingency fee, such as filing or witness fees, to ensure you are able to afford all services needed before a final settlement is issued.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

A: Generally, car accident injury cases have a two-year statute of limitations. However, other cases could be shorter or longer depending on the case and whether it’s a city, state, or federal case. This means that any attempt to file a claim after this two-year window could be denied.

Arizona’s discovery rule allows residents to file a claim within two years from the date they have reasonably discovered their injuries.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

When you hire a car accident lawyer from The Kaiser Law Group, you gain an advocate who understands both Arizona law and local courts that serve Coconino County. From I-17 to I-40, you can count on us to provide dependable help and maximize your recovery after a car accident. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This gives insurance companies a strong incentive to offer you fair compensation early on

Our goal is to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you’re owed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let us handle the stress while you focus on recovery.

Legal problems do not necessarily arise during a strict business-day schedule. For that reason, we are available 24/7. Contact our office in Flagstaff to request a consultation.