A chain-reaction car crash is an accident where at least 3 vehicles are involved in the same accident. It usually involves a series of collisions started by one vehicle at some part in the chain, and a chain reaction car crash can actually involve any type of vehicle, including passenger automobiles, motorcycles, and 18-wheeler trucks.

How Does a Chain Reaction Car Crash Happen?

Most chain reaction crashes are rear-ended crashes. They start with one car crashing into another from the back and then moving that vehicle into another vehicle.

Most of the time, the chain reaction crash is simple to the diagram. Car A is unable to stop for whatever reason and drives into Car B, which is pushed into Car C. If the original striking vehicle is heavy enough or going fast enough, there could be many vehicles involved and large amounts of damage.

Sometimes the crash happens when one vehicle in the chain stops abruptly with no warning, and the vehicle directly behind that vehicle crashes into the rear of the vehicle that stopped. The vehicle directly behind the striking vehicle will also have no warning about the sudden stop, leading to a multiple-vehicle crash.

There are other kinds of accidents involving multiple vehicles that may originate with one vehicle and impact several others. For instance, a car may cross the center line and hit another vehicle, which is then pushed into the path of another.​

What is the Cause in a Chain Reaction Vehicle Crash?

Like with other kinds of accidents, the causes normally involve the driver and/or the driver’s equipment.

1. Equipment failure can be at least partially at fault for a crash. Drivers are required by law to maintain their vehicles in good working order, including brakes and lights. If the brake lights are out, the driver following behind may not notice the car in front is slowing, whether for a turn, an obstruction in the road, or upcoming construction. Turn signals are also important to give other drivers information about what your vehicle is doing, so they can accommodate your movements. If your brakes are not working, you won’t be able to stop when you need to, leading to an accident.
2. Driver error of one kind or another is often the reason for a chain reaction crash. Many drivers are simply not paying attention, so they don’t react when they come upon stopped traffic. Other drivers are legally intoxicated, and shouldn’t be operating a vehicle at all. Sometimes the driver error is just a mistake, such as not estimating distances correctly and driving so closely there is no way to stop in case of an emergency.
3. The road or weather may play an important role in a chain reaction crash. Narrow roads may be difficult to navigate, and curves may cut down on visibility. Inclement weather may also cause problems with slick roads and visibility.

You’ve Been In a Chain Reaction Car Accident Who’s At Fault?

One of the things that makes it more difficult to determine fault is that there are so many factors to take into account. Most people feel confident in their driving skills, but there is a lot to keep track of while you are driving, especially when there are many vehicles involved.

The tendency is to blame the striking vehicle, but here are some of the considerations when determining who is at fault:

• Did the stopping or slowing vehicle signal or brake as required?
• Was one driver following too closely?
• Was one driver speeding, changing lanes abruptly or breaking other traffic rules?
• Were any of the drivers texting or talking on the phone, causing them to be too distracted to react appropriately?
• Were there proper lane markings and signs in place?
• Was there a sudden rainstorm that cut visibility down without warning?
• ​

Legal Negligence

Once you understand the many factors involved, you have to apply them to a legal standard. Some crashes are simply unavoidable, but you can bring a claim for damages if you can prove that you suffered injury or loss because of the negligence of another driver. The question here is in a multiple car accident who pays?

In order to prove the claim, you will probably need the evidence provided by the original investigators and any witness statements you can get. Get medical care as you need it, and keep track of all your expenses.

If you are able to prove your claim, you may be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, rental car expenses, vehicle repair, and pain and suffering. Anything caused by the accident may be recoverable if you make a claim against the negligent driver.

Bringing Your Claim

Different states have different ways of deciding how much victims can recover. In jurisdictions that have contributory negligence laws, you may not be able to recover if it is possible to prove you played even a small part in the accident. Arizona follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, meaning that you can still recover damages, but that the amount you recover may be reduced by how much you are deemed at fault.

An attorney can help you assess the value of your claim and give you advice on how to proceed. If you have been in a multi-car accident, don’t hesitate to get the advice of an attorney. Your consultation is free, and you won’t have to pay anything to get started.

In a world where we share every detail of our lives on social media, it's becoming increasingly important to be conscious of what you're putting out there. This is especially true when undergoing a legal battle—even those involving personal injury.

Many people don't realize that what they share online can significantly affect their personal injury claims. Even something as small as doing a "check-in" at a location can and will be used against you in court. In this blog, we will discuss how social posts and general online behavior can affect your claim and some alternatives to implement during this time.

Social Media Use and Personal Injury Claims

Social media can be a powerful tool in any case, especially those involving personal injury. Insurance companies often look through every social media channel to investigate potential claimants. This is done in an attempt to find posts or images that contradict the claimant's statement about their injuries. For example, if you claim to have a debilitating back injury but post pictures of yourself at an event or the gym shortly after filing, the opposing party can use this against you in court.

Furthermore, other people posting about you can do just as much damage. If a friend posts about you being out, active, or even playing sports, insurers can use this to discredit your claim. Alternatively, if you were tagged in a post at a bar the day or night of the accident, it could call into question your sobriety at the time (especially in motor vehicle accident cases).

What is Fair Game in the Courtroom?

Your social media presence is considered a public record, and you are adding to that record with each post, photo, check-in, etc. Because of this, generally, everything shared on a public account may be considered fair use during your claim.

It is important to note that your privacy settings only sometimes guarantee protection. Although you may have chosen to keep certain content private, a judge can still grant access if it relates directly to the case. You should also be conscious of what family and friends share about your incident online. Although social media has become a space to shame others, especially through contentious legal battles, it often does more harm than good.

Suggested Alternatives

To avoid any issues arising from your social media activity, it is best to take a break from using it altogether. This may require some self-control, especially for those who are used to posting daily updates about their lives. You can also use the help of a friend or family member to monitor your accounts and keep them free of any posts that could damage your claim.

Another alternative is ensuring you have a unified message across all your accounts. This means that you must be aware of what is being posted and ensure it aligns with the same story you tell in court.

Ultimately, it is essential to remember that social media can significantly impact any personal injury case. It is crucial to be conscious of what you share online and what others might share about you.

Need Legal Assistance? Call Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC

If you have been injured and are considering a personal injury claim, it is essential to understand the potential consequences of your social media activity. Experienced legal representation can help you navigate the complexities of these cases and ensure that all evidence presented in court is valid.

At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC, our attorneys are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services to our clients and will work hard to ensure you receive the highest possible compensation. Schedule a free consultation with our team today by calling (480) 833-8800 or filling out this short form.

When multiple vehicles are involved in a crash, it can leave many questions of liability. From pile-ups to fender benders, it's important to understand how fault is determined when more than one driver could be held liable. Since Arizona's insurance system is fault-based, more than one person may have to assume financial responsibility for the collision.

How is Fault Determined?

Fault in a multi-vehicle accident is often determined by who caused the initial impact. This is not always the case, but it's a good place to start when investigating the accident. For example, if one driver rear-ends another and that driver then hits a third vehicle, the first driver would likely be held at fault for the accident. However, if the driver who was rear-ended swerved into oncoming traffic and caused a head-on collision, that driver would likely be held at fault.

Can Multiple Drivers Be At Fault in a Multi-Car Accident?

Multiple drivers can be at fault in a multi-car accident. This is determined by looking at the actions of each driver leading up to the accident. For example, if Driver A rear-ended Driver B and Driver C swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid the initial collision, both Driver A and Driver C could be held at fault. This is because Driver A caused the initial impact but Driver C's actions led to the secondary collision.

What if I'm Not Sure Who Caused the Accident?

If you're not sure who caused the accident, your best course of action is to speak with an experienced car accident attorney. They can review the facts of your case and help you determine who should be held responsible.

Car Accident? Call Our Mesa Attorneys

With over 60 years as a firm, Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC has seen its fair share of severe car accidents. Our team understands that multi-vehicle accidents can be complicated and will use the tools necessary to determine who should be held accountable. If you’re looking for legal representation for a crash, call (480) 833-8800 to schedule a free consultation.

Driver fatigue is a serious, often overlooked issue that millions of people experience every day. Whether it’s having a long day at the office, taking a road trip that requires several hours of drive time, or working a night shift, there are many reasons why drivers are tired when behind the wheel.

There is, however, one aspect of driver fatigue that is not commonly discussed: seasonal factors. Read on to learn more.

Seasonal Factors That Affect Driver Fatigue

It’s no secret that the fall season brings shorter days and longer nights. For morning commuters, this can present a serious challenge as it becomes more difficult to wake up and get out of bed when it’s still dark outside. This is due to a change in our circadian rhythms or our natural sleep-wake cycles that are influenced by light exposure.

Additionally, the temperature drop that typically occurs in the fall can also play a role in driver fatigue. As our bodies adjust to the cooler temperatures, we may feel less energetic and more inclined to take naps. Combine this with the increased darkness in the mornings and evenings, and it’s easy to see why drowsy driving might become more common during the fall season.

Drowsy Driving Prevention Tips

Of course, drowsy driving is dangerous no matter what time of year it is. If you find yourself feeling sleepy behind the wheel, there are a few things you can do to help combat it.

First, make sure you’re getting enough sleep at night. This means going to bed at a reasonable hour and getting at least 7-8 hours of rest. If you have trouble sleeping, establish a regular bedtime routine that includes winding down for 30 minutes before you turn off the lights.

You should also avoid drinking alcohol before driving, as this can further contribute to drowsy driving. If you’re taking medication that makes you drowsy, be sure to check the label for warnings and only take it as directed.

And finally, if you find yourself feeling tired while driving, pull over at the next safe opportunity and take a brief nap. It’s always better to rest up before continuing your journey than to push through fatigue and risk falling asleep at the wheel.

Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC has been helping families throughout the East Valley since 1961. If a negligent driver causes you or a loved one harm, we can help you seek justice. Call (480) 833-8800 to discuss your legal options.

If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may feel frustrated and overwhelmed. You may not know what to do next, or how to prove the other driver was at fault. It’s important to remember that all hope is not lost, and you do still have options to pursue just compensation in these incidents. Here is what you need to know.

Hit and Run Cases in Arizona

Proving liability in a hit-and-run accident may seem challenging, but there are steps you can take. For starters, even if the at-fault driver has left the scene, you can file a police report detailing what happened. If possible, you will also want to gather as much evidence as you can, including dash cam or surveillance camera footage, witness testimonies, and more.

Once you have gathered all this evidence, you can file a claim with your insurance company. In some cases, your insurance company may be able to track down the other driver and hold them responsible for the damages.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If the other driver is never found, you have other options to ensure that medical expenses are taken care of following a hit-and-run. One of these, and perhaps the most common, is utilizing your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

In many cases, a hit-and-run accident may be treated by your insurance company the same as an uninsured driver. This is because there is no other party to pay for your expenses as there would be in other scenarios.

How Our Arizona Car Accident Attorney Can Help

No matter what, if you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced car accident attorney. They will be able to help you further understand your legal options and ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to protect your interests.

The team at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC can help ensure your rights are protected throughout the process and help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (480) 833-8800. 

Millions of collisions occur each year, and it’s easy to recognize how issues may arise in the aftermath. People must take specific steps after a crash occurs to protect their rights and increase their chances of pursuing the compensation they deserve.

These steps can significantly impact your case, allowing you to help prove liability and seek justice. Below, our team will help you understand some of the most crucial steps you can take to safeguard yourself throughout the process.

Five crucial steps to take following a crash include:

• Call a lawyer
• Report the crash to local authorities
• Exchange vital information
• Take photos of the accident
• Get medical care

If you need legal help, call our team today at (480) 833-8800.

Call a Lawyer

You may feel like calling your insurance company is the right move after an accident, but you must remember that insurance adjusters want to protect their profits. They may not be as willing to help you as they should be, and they often take advantage of a vulnerable situation.

Instead of taking risks and speaking with insurance adjusters alone, you should speak with a lawyer about what options you have. A lawyer can help you file a claim from the very first step, working on your behalf to hold negligent parties accountable and seek the most favorable outcome possible.

Report the Crash to Local Authorities

One vital piece of evidence to consider is a police report. Contacting local authorities after a car accident can help in numerous ways, including the following:

• Officers can help keep contention low.
• Officers can speak with all parties involved, including witnesses.
• Officers can create documentation to help prove your case.
• Officers can issue citations if necessary (drunk or distracted driving).

Make sure you report your crash soon after it happens to safeguard your rights.

Exchange Vital Information

As long as you and the other driver can do so safely and cooperatively, it helps to exchange vital information such as driver’s licenses, insurance information, and contact information. The information you receive will go to your legal team to proceed with the claims-filing process.

If the other driver is contentious, you may leave this step to law enforcement officers.

Take Photos of the Accident

As long as you physically can, take some photos to show the accident scene. Some of your photos can include:

• Pictures of where the accident occurred. Showing the accident scene can indicate signs of negligence, tire marks, etc.
• Pictures of the damage to each vehicle. In many cases, these photos can help accident reconstructionists show how the collision occurred.
• Pictures of your visible injuries. These photos can help disprove any attempts by insurance adjusters to claim you had preexisting injuries.

Get Medical Care

Your health is of the utmost importance. As such, you should be sure to get medical care soon after the crash occurs. Either see a paramedic at the accident scene or go to the emergency room for treatment. Not only does medical care help you start your recovery, but it also provides you with a record that indicates which injuries you sustained and how severe they are.

At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC, we put your needs first. Our team goes above and beyond to provide you with the highest level of care because you need it during a challenging time. We take on large insurance companies who may try to take advantage of your situation.

Trust that our Mesa car accident lawyers work on your behalf. We are committed to you and your needs every step of the way. When you need to pursue maximum compensation, you can count on us to stand in your corner and advocate on your behalf.

Call our firm at (480) 833-8800 today for a free case evaluati

Drunk drivers cause several crashes each year, many of which result in significant or fatal injuries. Unfortunately, if you experience a crash with a drunk driver, it can be daunting to approach the driver for the information you need.

Before you move forward, it’s crucial to recognize steps you should take to approach a drunk driver following a collision.

Assess the Situation

Take a second before getting out of your vehicle after a crash. If you notice signs of drunk driving, make sure you wait to see how the driver acts. Unfortunately, some drunk drivers can be aggressive towards others. Don’t get out of the vehicle too soon and allow it to lead to further altercations.

Contact Law Enforcement

Be sure to contact law enforcement right away. Drunk driving is a criminal act and its important for the law enforcement officers to perform an investigation which may include a field sobriety test, blood test or a breathalyzer test. This information is very important for your injury case. A police report which indicates there was a drunk driver can help in proving causation and can help increase the amount offered in your damages claim. The police report can be solid evidence when building your claim.

Take Notes of the Driver’s Condition

While you wait for law enforcement, take note of the driver’s actions. If you see that they are stumbling around or showing signs of intoxication, take clear note of that and tell the law enforcement officer. Any information you get can help you file your claim.

It helps to work with an attorney who can use the intoxication level of the other drive to help prove causation and possibly pursue a punitive damages claim.

Our Mesa car accident lawyers at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC are here to help you. We care about our community, and we work to stop drunk driving one case at a time. Trust us to be your advocates and voice when you need it most.

Call our firm at (480) 833-8800 today!

You cannot predict someone else’s actions on the road. To stay safe, you can look for specific signs that indicate negligent drivers. You must take steps to avoid any driver who displays signs of danger because they can put you at significant risk of severe injuries.

Our Mesa car accident lawyers want you to stay as safe as possible on the road. If a car accident occurs after you recognize these signs, they can help. Getting the right legal help can make all of the difference in the world. Here are some signs you should look out for as a driver.

Swerving

Many negligent drivers swerve from lane to lane because they are tired, distracted, or intoxicated. They only stop swerving when they hear their tires trail over the rumble strip, and they refocus on the road. Swerving can result in a sideswipe or head-on collision and subsequent severe injuries.

Speeding

Speeding can result from nearly any situation. Some people speed just because, but others may speed because they are texting and driving or if they’ve been drinking and don’t have cognitive recognition of the speed limit. Speeding increases the force in an accident, leading to catastrophic injuries.

Tailgating

Tailgating is a form of aggressive driving. Some drivers stay too close to those in front of them. They don’t give themselves enough time to brake. A tailgater can cause a rear-end collision along with subsequent injuries.

At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC, we work for your rights. We aim to protect you from negligent drivers and dishonest insurance adjusters who try to bully you after a severe accident. We will be your voice to pursue justice and compensation when you need it most!

Call our firm today at (480) 833-8800.

One of the most significant hazards on the road is distracted driving. Despite knowing the dangers and how it impairs someone’s abilities, countless drivers make the mistake of focusing on things other than the road. In the end, distracted drivers cause thousands of accidents each year — many of which result in catastrophic harm.

When pursuing compensation, you need to prove causation. Distractions, however, come in three forms. It’s crucial to understand what constitutes distracted driving and how to move forward with pursuing compensation.

The three types of distracted driving include:

• Cognitive
• Visual
• Manual

If you suffer an injury because of someone else’s negligence, call on our firm at (480) 833-8800 for the help you need!

What Are Cognitive Distractions?

Cognitive distractions remove a driver’s focus from the road. Typically, drivers should be well aware of what’s in front and around them. They often let other things distract them, though, and they focus elsewhere. A cognitive distraction can lead to some of the most severe collisions because drivers may not slow down or brake when they should.

Here are some of the cognitive distractions that can arise:

• Highway hypnosis: During this phenomenon, many drivers lose complete focus on the road. They may not even remember sections of their drive.
• Loud music: Drivers often sing along with loud music. Loud music can also lead to highway hypnosis as drivers get into the music.
• Having a conversation: Even if you are on a hands-free device, you focus more on the conversation than driving. If the conversation is heavy-hearted, it can be even more distracting.

What Are Visual Distractions?

Visual distractions force a driver to look away from the road. These are some of the worst types of distractions because, when combined with a high rate of speed, they can cause devastating collisions. Looking away from the road for 5 seconds while driving 55 miles per hour is enough to travel the length of a football field.

Visual distractions can include any of the following:

• Looking at a passenger in the vehicle
• Looking at a cell phone
• Looking at the radio
• Looking at an incident on the side of the road

We highly encourage all drivers to put down the phone and focus on what’s important. Don’t look at anything other than what’s in front of the vehicle or in mirrors.

What Are Manual Distractions?

Manual distractions cause drivers to remove at least one hand from the steering wheel. While many drivers believe that they are safe drivers with just one hand, it’s much more challenging to regain control of a vehicle with just one hand.

These are some common manual distractions:

• Messing with the buttons on the radio
• Reaching for items throughout the vehicle
• Eating or drinking
• Texting while driving
• Holding a cell phone to talk

The act of texting and driving is extremely dangerous, and here’s why: A driver looks at the phone to read the text (visual distraction), grabs the phone to text back (manual distraction), and thinks up a response (cognitive distraction). All three types of distractions combine and create some of the most dangerous drivers on the road.

At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC, we work to help you obtain maximum compensation and hold negligence accountable. Trust that we have the resources and experience necessary to build a solid case on your behalf. We will go above and beyond to pursue the most favorable outcome you deserve.

Our Mesa car accident attorneys have helped countless injured individuals throughout our community. We genuinely care about getting results when it matters most. We hope to speak with you soon and earn your trust.

Let us be your voice. Call us today at (480) 833-8800 for a free case evaluation.