Arizona car crash kills three teens, highlights single-car crash driver negligence issues

In late February 2020, three teenagers died in a single-car crash. A 16-year-old male from Thatcher, a 16-year-old male from Fort Thomas, and a 17-year-old male from Duncan were killed in the accident. All three boys attended Gila Institute for Technology. The teenage boys died after being ejected from the passenger van they were driving in after it rolled over on the U.S. 70.

Six other high school students were also in the van at the time of the accident. They were treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was among those injured in the car accident. Authorities say that the teens were leaving a National Hot Rod Association event located in Chandler. Police say that the Eastern Arizona College van the teens were traveling in crossed another lane and left the road at around 10 p.m. The van then rolled, ejecting the three teens.

Authorities have said that impairment was not a factor in the crash. Experts have speculated that the driver might have fallen asleep while driving and lost control of the vehicle. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Families who have lost a loved one in a car accident often face costly medical bills and funeral expenses, along with a deep sense of loss, pain, and suffering. Drivers have the responsibility to stay awake and alert when operating a motor vehicle. If they don’t, they might have behaved negligently and may be responsible. In this case, a van from a local college was transporting the teenagers to and from the event. The driver may not have gotten enough rest and might have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the fatal accident to occur. The families who lost their loved ones might be able to file a civil suit against the college or at-fault driver.

Tips for Dealing with an Arizona Car Accident

There are several ways you can defend yourself from excess liability following any Phoenix, Arizona car accident or within the extended suburbs of Greater Phoenix. Some of the following will likely apply to yours, be it a single-vehicle car crash or a car accident involving multiple vehicles and other property damages.

1. Don’t Admit Fault: Be careful with your statements to the other driver, their insurance company, or the police. Don’t admit any fault because it could be used against you during negotiations or in court. This applies to a deposition as well (see further below).
2. Call the Police: Contact the police at the scene, and get a police report. This report can provide important details about the accident and help you prove that the other driver was primarily responsible.
3. Take Pictures: Use your cellphone camera to take pictures of the damage, scene, and injuries. This helps a lawyer determine the cause of the accident and your percentage of fault (if any).
4. Gather Information: Get the other driver’s contact information and insurance company details. Collect eyewitness information to support your claim that the other driver was primarily responsible.
5. Seek Medical Care: See a doctor within 72 hours of the accident, even if you don’t think you’re hurt. This ensures you’re healthy and can help prevent disputes with the insurance company over the severity of your injuries.
6. Contact an Experienced Arizona Car Accident Lawyer to establish the basics of your likely claims or to see what claims you should be filing with insurance companies involved.

Car Accident Deposition Tips

If called upon to do a deposition under oath with the attorney of another party, you should keep firmly in mind that you should not admit fault and not pin yourself down to answering questions better handled by your own lawyer. Your lawyer should be the instrument and agent of all such negotiations and statements regarding liability. Therefore, your attorney should be present in a deposition and will advise you as they see fit before answering any question posed to you by the other attorney.

Remember that the deposition itself is ultimately a way to get your answers to key questions from the opposing case on the record.  This includes any admissions that could be used to attribute liability, such a negligence, likely a key factor of the opposing case. Your attorney’s job is to deflect inappropriate questions that could sway a jury examining the quoted deposition during cross-examination, as well as to advise you on what you have to answer and the correct legal parameters of your prospective answers.

Need help?

Contact our experienced lawyers at Gage Mathers today if you are in need of representation for your Arizona car accident case.

Navigating a Single-Car Crash: Unraveling Driver Negligence Issues and Why an Experienced Lawyer is Crucial

In the world of road mishaps, single-car accidents stand as unique challenges. The drivers, passengers, and their family members are quickly confronted by the legal complexities of insurance coverage and negligence issues. If you are one of those people, you should understand the nuances of single-car accidents, insurance concerns, and the indispensable role an experienced car accident lawyer can play.

Understanding Single-Car Accidents

Single-car accidents can be perplexing, especially when the blame seemingly falls solely on the driver. From collisions with stationary objects to veering off the road, these incidents pose distinctive challenges in determining liability. The most common types of driver negligence that we’ve seen in single-car accidents include:

1. Distracted Driving: The ubiquity of smartphones has elevated the risks of distracted driving, causing single-car accidents due to diverted attention.

2. Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed and reckless behavior often cause drivers to lose control, contributing to single-car accidents.

3. Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a major contributor to single-car accidents through compromised judgment and coordination.

4. Fatigue-Related Incidents: Driver fatigue can lead to lapses in concentration, slower reaction times, and an increased likelihood of single-car accidents. In fact, fatigued driving is probably more dangerous than impaired driving.

Why Hiring an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer is Crucial

The Legal Maze:
Single-car accidents may initially seem straightforward, but delving into the legal aspects requires an experienced legal mind. An experienced car accident lawyer will guide you through the intricate maze of laws, insurance regulations, and liability issues.

Determining Liability:
Pinpointing negligence and identifying all negligent parties requires a thorough investigation. A seasoned lawyer will go through all available evidence, witness statements, and expert opinions to advise you on liability, insurance coverage, and your legal options. Through this process, your lawyer will be building a strong legal case.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies:
Dealing with insurance companies can be intimidating and daunting, especially when navigating a single-car accident claim. An experienced car accident lawyer knows how to negotiate to get you full compensation for you injuries and damages.

Ultimately, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer will make all the difference. Beyond legal representation, a skilled attorney becomes your advocate, ensuring your rights are protected, and that you get the maximum compensation you deserve. 

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 23 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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