A Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Who Doesn’t Play Insurance Games
Serious injuries. Real results. Browne Law Group fights for crash victims across Maricopa County and Arizona
When the crash wasn’t your fault but you’re the one left picking up the pieces, it’s more than frustrating, it’s overwhelming. One moment you’re heading down I-10, Central Avenue, or Bell Road in Phoenix, and the next you’re in pain, missing work, and watching the bills stack up. Rear-end collisions, T-bones at red lights, rollovers on the 202, these aren’t just “accidents.” They often happen because someone made a reckless choice, drove distracted, or ignored the rules of the road. Still, insurance companies make it your problem. They’ll question your injuries, delay your claim, and pressure you to settle for less than you deserve.
Real results make a real difference. That includes a $2.75 million settlement for a client hit by a drunk driver and a $2 million settlement for a serious motor vehicle crash. Getting justice means having someone on your side who knows how to hold the right people accountable.
From crash hotspots like 35th Avenue and Camelback to rural roads just outside the city, a Phoenix car accident lawyer from Browne Law Group can help you take back control. These cases can get complicated fast when liability isn’t clear or multiple drivers are involved. With the right legal team, the process doesn’t have to be a battle. Reach out for a free consultation and start getting the support and compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Car Accidents
Liability isn’t always as clear as it should be after a crash, which is why injured victims need reliable information from a trusted legal authority who knows how to uncover the truth and hold the right parties accountable.
- How is fault determined in Arizona after a serious car accident caused by another driver’s negligence?
- What are the most common types of car accidents in Phoenix and the surrounding Maricopa County areas?
- Can I file a personal injury claim if I was partially at fault for the crash under Arizona law?
- Who can be held legally responsible in a multi-vehicle or chain-reaction collision?
- What should I do if I lost a loved one in a fatal car accident and believe someone else was to blame?
- What kinds of injuries often lead to long-term costs after a car accident, and how are they calculated into a claim?
- What’s the difference between a car insurance claim and a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona?
- How do insurance companies try to reduce or deny payouts after a serious crash and what can I do about it?
- What are some examples of negligence that commonly cause car accidents in Phoenix?
- How long do I have to file a car accident injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona?
- What role does uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage play in Arizona car accident cases?
- How much compensation can I recover for medical bills, lost wages, and pain after a serious crash?
- Do rideshare, commercial vehicle, or delivery driver accidents follow different liability rules in Arizona?
- What steps should I take immediately after a serious car crash to protect my legal rights?
- Why should I speak with a Phoenix car accident lawyer before talking to the insurance company?
How is fault determined in Arizona after a serious car accident caused by another driver’s negligence?
Fault in Arizona car accidents is based on a legal concept called negligence. To hold another driver legally responsible, you must show they acted carelessly and that their actions caused your injuries or losses. Fault can be determined through:
- Police reports: Often serve as initial documentation of how the crash occurred and who may have violated traffic laws.
- Crash scene evidence: Includes vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and nearby surveillance footage.
- Witness testimony: Statements from people who saw the crash can support your version of events.
- Traffic laws violated: Running a red light, speeding, or failing to yield can establish clear negligence.
- Expert analysis: Accident reconstruction specialists may be used in complex or disputed cases.
Working with a lawyer ensures the evidence is gathered and interpreted in a way that supports your claim and protects you from being wrongly blamed.
What are the most common types of car accidents in Phoenix and the surrounding Maricopa County areas?
Some types of crashes happen more frequently than others, and each brings its own challenges when it comes to proving fault and seeking compensation. Types of accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions: Often caused by distracted or aggressive drivers in heavy city traffic.
- T-bone accidents: Common at intersections with unclear right-of-way or red-light violations.
- Sideswipe crashes: Common during lane changes on highways and multi-lane roads.
- Head-on collisions: Often catastrophic and occur on undivided roads or due to impaired driving.
- Single-vehicle accidents: May still involve liability if caused by poor road maintenance or defective auto parts.
Understanding the type of crash helps your lawyer focus on the most effective way to build your case.
Can I file a personal injury claim if I was partially at fault for the crash under Arizona law?
Yes. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. For example, if you were speeding on Baseline Road but the other driver ran a red light at 32nd Street, your compensation may be reduced based on your share of fault. Even if you’re 60% responsible, you could still recover 40% of your damages. A lawyer can help make sure fault is fairly assigned and you don’t get blamed more than you should.
Who can be held legally responsible in a multi-vehicle or chain-reaction collision?
Liability in multi-vehicle crashes, common on congested roads like I-10, Loop 101, and the 60, often involves more than one driver. The at-fault party could be a tailgating driver, a distracted motorist, or even a commercial vehicle operator who triggered the chain of events. In some cases, liability is shared among several drivers or even extends to employers or government entities. An experienced attorney can untangle complex liability and identify all responsible parties to maximize your recovery.
What should I do if I lost a loved one in a fatal car accident and believe someone else was to blame?
Losing someone unexpectedly is devastating, and it’s even harder when it was preventable. Arizona law allows surviving families to take legal action through a wrongful death claim. A lawyer can:
- Obtain the crash report: This is a foundational document in proving fault and cause of death.
- Preserve evidence: Photos, vehicle data, and medical records should be gathered quickly.
- Identify the liable party: This could be a negligent driver, a commercial operator, or even a vehicle manufacturer.
- Calculate damages: Include funeral costs, lost future income, and emotional suffering.
- File within the deadline: Arizona law gives most families two years to act.
A lawyer can help you navigate this painful process with compassion while making sure no one escapes accountability.
What kinds of injuries often lead to long-term costs after a car accident, and how are they calculated into a claim?
Not all injuries are visible or short-term. Many result in ongoing treatment, missed work, or life-changing limitations that deserve fair compensation. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): May require long-term rehab and impact memory, mood, and function.
- Spinal cord injuries: Can result in partial or full paralysis and need ongoing care.
- Orthopedic injuries: Broken bones, joint damage, and surgeries come with long recovery timelines.
- Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and depression can affect your ability to work or drive again.
- Chronic pain: Soft tissue injuries can become permanent and limit mobility or employment.
An experienced attorney can help calculate not only current losses but the future costs insurance companies try to ignore.
What’s the difference between a car insurance claim and a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona?
An insurance claim is typically the first step, filed with the at-fault driver’s insurer (or your own, in some cases). It’s handled outside of court and is meant to settle the matter quickly, but insurers often offer far less than you’re owed. A personal injury lawsuit is a formal legal action filed in court when the claim is denied or undervalued. Many cases in Phoenix, like those involving serious injuries or disputed fault on roads like Indian School or Thomas Road, require moving beyond the claim stage to secure full compensation.
How do insurance companies try to reduce or deny payouts after a serious crash and what can I do about it?
Even when liability seems obvious, insurance companies use specific strategies to reduce what they owe. Recognizing these tactics helps protect your claim. They include:
- Requesting recorded statements: These can be twisted to imply fault or minimize injuries.
- Offering quick settlements: Early lowball offers are designed to limit future liability.
- Blaming the victim: Even partially blaming you can reduce what they have to pay under Arizona’s comparative fault laws.
- Delaying the process: Long delays pressure victims to accept less out of desperation.
- Disputing medical treatment: They may argue your care was unnecessary or unrelated to the crash.
A skilled lawyer knows these tricks and how to counter them before they cost you.
What are some examples of negligence that commonly cause car accidents in Phoenix?
Car crashes are rarely just “accidents.” In most cases, someone chose to be careless or reckless behind the wheel. Types of negligence include:
- Distracted driving: Using a phone or GPS instead of watching the road.
- Speeding: Dangerous on highways and in high-traffic areas.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs often play a role in serious collisions.
- Failure to yield: A common cause of T-bone crashes at busy intersections.
- Aggressive driving: Tailgating, weaving, and road rage increase the risk of serious injury.
Identifying negligent behavior is key to building a strong claim and a lawyer can help prove exactly how it led to your injuries.
How long do I have to file a car accident injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona?
In most cases, Arizona law gives you two years from the date of the crash or your loved one’s death to file a lawsuit. If your claim involves a government vehicle or poorly maintained public road (like on Grand Avenue or near Sky Harbor Airport), you may have as little as 180 days to file a notice of claim. Missing the deadline can permanently block your ability to seek compensation. A lawyer can make sure all legal filings are submitted on time and help preserve evidence early.
What role does uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage play in Arizona car accident cases?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can be a lifeline if the driver who hit you doesn’t have enough insurance, or any at all. While Arizona requires drivers to carry insurance, many don’t or carry only the minimum, which may not cover medical costs for serious injuries. If you’re hurt in Goodyear, Glendale, or anywhere in Maricopa County by a hit-and-run or underinsured driver, UM/UIM can help bridge the gap. A lawyer can negotiate directly with your own insurer to make sure you get what you’re owed without the usual runaround.
How much compensation can I recover for medical bills, lost wages, and pain after a serious crash?
Every car accident case is different, but compensation should reflect the full scope of what you’ve lost, both now and in the future. Generally, you can seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, and follow-up care.
- Lost income: Wages you’ve missed and future earnings you can no longer earn.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional toll of the crash.
- Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
- Future medical needs: Ongoing treatments or accommodations for permanent injuries.
A lawyer can help calculate a fair settlement that takes into account everything the crash has cost you, not just what’s on paper today.
Do rideshare, commercial vehicle, or delivery driver accidents follow different liability rules in Arizona?
Yes. Accidents involving Uber, Lyft, Amazon, FedEx, or commercial trucks often involve multiple insurance policies and corporate entities. Liability can depend on whether the driver was “on the clock,” what company they were working for, and whether employer negligence played a role. These cases, often on busy roads like Camelback, McDowell, or the 303, require a more detailed investigation than a standard crash. A lawyer with experience in commercial and rideshare accidents can uncover every layer of liability and deal with corporate insurers who play hardball.
What steps should I take immediately after a serious car crash to protect my legal rights?
What you do in the moments and days after a crash can make a major difference in your ability to recover compensation. Quick, smart action helps protect your health and your case. If you’ve been in an accident:
- Call the police: Always file a report, even for seemingly minor accidents.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, some injuries take time to show symptoms.
- Document the scene: Take photos of damage, the area, and your injuries.
- Get witness information: Independent accounts can support your version of events.
- Avoid talking to insurers alone: Their questions aren’t always in your best interest.
Reaching out to a car accident lawyer early on can help secure evidence and give your case a strong foundation.
Why should I speak with a Phoenix car accident lawyer before talking to the insurance company?
Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their job is to minimize payouts, not to protect your interests. Saying the wrong thing early can hurt your claim. Some of the tactics they use:
- They may record your statement: Which can be used to twist your words.
- They may ask leading questions: Designed to downplay your injuries or suggest fault.
- They’ll push for quick settlements: Before the full cost of your injuries is even known.
- They won’t explain your rights: Or what your claim might actually be worth.
- They’re trained negotiators: Insurance adjusters do this every day. Most victims are not.
Speaking with a Phoenix car accident lawyer first gives you the information and leverage you need to level the playing field and protect your future.
Get a Phoenix car accident attorney who fights for every dollar you’re owed
After a serious crash, the last thing you need is an insurance company calling the shots. Browne Law Group stands up for injured victims across Phoenix and Maricopa County, demanding real results, not lowball offers. If you’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, or long-term pain, it’s time to get a legal team that makes your recovery the priority.
Contact a Phoenix car accident attorney for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win – no fees, no gimmicks, just serious representation that gets results.