Phoenix rear-end collisions raise two important questions: who is responsible for the accident, and what damages are relevant. You need clear steps, not guesswork, to hold a claim together and stay on track in your case.
Why rear-end claims matter now
Rear-end crashes are common nationwide—almost 2.2 million were reported in 2019 by police—so insurers scrutinize them closely. That volume means your evidence must be in order and persuasive from the start.
How Arizona assigns fault
Arizona applies comparative negligence. In the event both drivers are negligent, a jury (or insurer) assigns percentages and pays accordingly with reduced compensation. That approach is governed by A.R.S. § 12-2505 and allows recovery even when you’re negligent.
What proves the rear driver was at fault
To prove rear-end fault, focus on prompt, objective information:
- Crash scene documentation: police report, roadway measurements, skid marks, vehicle damage profile, and traffic-camera shots.
- Digital evidence: dashcam video, event data recorder (ECM) downloads, phone-use records.
- Human proof: witness statements collected when memories remain fresh and consistent medical records.
These elements link duty, breach, causation, and damages; that’s precisely what liability carriers look for.
When the front driver is at fault
The “rear driver is always to blame” line isn’t always true. Sudden braking without reason, broken brake lights, or unsafe lane changes can shift percentages. In a comparative system that is capable of moving actual money.
Building the damage case
After fault, your claim turns on damages. Document each category carefully:
- Medical losses. Maintain ER visits, imaging, specialist referrals, and treatment plans. Whiplash, disc injuries, and concussion symptoms can take days to develop, so follow-up visits are crucial.
- Income impact. Preserve pay stubs, employer letters, and 1099s to document missed time and reduced capacity.
- Property damage. Document the crash pattern before repairs—rear structural damage can support injury mechanics to identify the culprit.
- Human losses. Keep track of sleep disturbance, headaches, and limitations on daily activities in a simple journal. Routine entries support pain and loss-of-enjoyment claims.
Many clients wonder whether to employ a motor vehicle accident attorney or try to deal with adjuster contacts independently. In the case of anything more than minor injuries, professional advice always improves how evidence is gathered and presented.
Deadlines you can’t afford to miss
Most Arizona personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident under A.R.S. § 12-542. Some are shorter in notice, especially where a public entity is concerned. Mark your dates now and confirm the correct deadline before negotiations drag on.
Realistic response to a Phoenix rear-end collision
- Call 911 and request a report; photograph vehicles, plates, debris, skid marks, and the scene in general.
- Share information and look for cameras on nearby buildings or buses; record their locations for potential subpoenas.
- Consult a doctor in 24–48 hours and stick to the treatment plan; gaps cause controversy.
- Notify your insurer promptly and keep communication factual.
- Before recorded statements, involve a motor vehicle accident lawyer in Phoenix who can handle evidence and protect your claim’s value.
To prove a rear-end fault, you need more than a story. You need a document that speaks for you and a file of damages that tells the whole story—medical, financial, and human. If you’re exploring options after a Phoenix crash, Geoff Trachtenberg offers focused guidance backed by Arizona law. Start with a no-obligation consultation about your path forward.