text or call for a Free Consultation
The number of car accidents has been on the rise in the United States in recent years. Unfortunately, Arizona sees its share of car accidents, most of which occur in larger metropolitan areas like Phoenix. But just how common are car accidents in Phoenix, and how can you keep yourself, your loved ones, and fellow drivers safe? Let’s take a look at some statistics along with a step-by-step plan you can follow if you’ve been involved in a crash.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the state saw a total of 119,991 crashes in 2022. Of those crashes, 85,970 happened in Maricopa County. That number includes 24,681 injuries and 613 deaths. While some accidents are unavoidable, most can be prevented by taking a few extra precautions.
It’s not always a good idea to get in the left lane. Many drivers use the left lane to pass slower vehicles like trucks and big rigs carrying cargo trailers. If possible, try to stay in the right lane. The right lane allows you more room to pull over in the event of an emergency.
You should always keep your eyes on the road. Go the extra mile by scanning the road ahead of you. Planning ahead by scanning ahead allows you to spot problems and make quick decisions while staying safe. If you see a problem ahead of you, you’ll have plenty of time to react.
Even though you should always use your mirrors, you shouldn’t rely on them completely. Check your blind spots before merging into another lane. Otherwise, you could end up causing an accident. You should also be mindful of other driver’s blind spots. Try not to drive in them for too long.
Just as you should scan ahead, you should also look out for common danger signs. If a car is swerving, has a mechanical problem, or is driving erratically in any way, take caution. If the vehicle’s driver seems to be driving while impaired, you might want to consider calling 911. This driver is a clear danger to themselves and others.
You were probably taught to keep your hands at the ten and two o’clock positions on the wheel. Today, the rules have changed—but just a little. Keeping your hands placed at nine and three o’clock has been proven to be much safer.
Sometimes accidents are out of your control—but there are a few precautions you can take to prevent being at fault. Never get behind the wheel while groggy, don’t text and drive, and keep your kids occupied as best you can. And never drive while under the influence. If you decide to have a few drinks, make sure you have a designated driver or rideshare lined up to get you home safely.
Being involved in a car accident is scary. If you find yourself in the aftermath of an accident, it’s important to remain as calm as possible. Here are five moves you should make following a car crash:
Safety should always be your top priority. If you can, move your vehicle to a safe location to avoid further damage or injuries. If you can’t move your vehicle, turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers.
Once you’ve prioritized your safety, call the police. This is a crucial step. Police officers will arrive on the scene and create an official accident report.
Be sure to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. This includes their name, address, insurance information, and license plate number. Get the names and numbers of all eyewitnesses as well.
In addition to eyewitness information, thoroughly document the accident by taking pictures of vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris. This helps determine the fault of the accident.
Report the accident to your insurance company, but do not admit fault. This includes anything that could allude to an at-fault determination, including uttering words like “I’m sorry.”
Were you injured in a car accident? Contact a personal injury lawyer at Shapiro Law Team today. Our team effortlessly navigates legal proceedings following a car crash and works to secure maximum compensation. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay unless we win.
Get on the road to peace of mind by hiring a five-star car accident attorney in Phoenix. Call now for your free consultation—our lines are always open.