Arizona Dust Storm Accident Lawyer
Dust storms are powerful weather events where strong winds lift large amounts of dust and sand into the air, reducing visibility to near zero in some cases. In Arizona, especially in desert regions, these storms, often called haboobs, can form suddenly and move quickly.
These storms can be unpredictable and dangerous, increasing the risk of a serious accident. However, it can be difficult to determine fault in low-visibility crashes. Fortunately, legal help is available, and you may be entitled to compensation. Call 602-825-3502 for a free consultation from an Arizona dust storm accident lawyer today.
$50+ Million Recovered
Content Reviewed By: Derick Runion
Table of Contents
- Why Dust Storms Are So Dangerous for Arizona Drivers
- Who May Be Liable in a Dust Storm Accident?
- Steps To Take After a Dust Storm Crash
- How Runion Dust Storm Accident Lawyers Can Help
- Compensation Available After a Dust Storm Accident
- Talk to a Phoenix-Based Dust Storm Accident Lawyer Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dust Storm Accidents
Why Dust Storms Are So Dangerous for Arizona Drivers
Dust storms are often sudden, unanticipated, and can sweep across Arizona’s vulnerable desert landscape at any time, especially during monsoon season. These storms quickly reduce visibility, creating hazardous driving conditions.
Phoenix experiences an average of 12 intense haboob dust storms per year, creating unsafe driving conditions linked to thousands of motor vehicle collision injuries treated at local trauma centers. Despite a 17 percent drop in crashes immediately after storms, thanks to safety campaigns, drivers face a higher risk of fatal crashes during these storms.
Common Characteristics of Arizona Dust Storms
Arizona dust storms typically occur during the monsoon season and in desert corridors. They typically have an abrupt onset and can cause near-zero visibility.
Typical Accidents Caused by Dust Storms
Some of the most commonly seen auto wrecks from dust storms include multi-car pileups, truck crashes, and rear-end collisions. These incidents generally happen due to drivers overcorrecting or stopping suddenly.
Who May Be Liable in a Dust Storm Accident?
Liability isn’t always clear in weather-related crashes. Drivers, companies, or even public entities may be partially or fully at fault depending on the circumstances.
Drivers Who Fail To Slow Down or Pull Over
In Arizona, drivers are expected to drive with caution during hazardous conditions, including driving in bad weather. This goes hand-in-hand with the legal standard of reasonable care. This means that if a driver doesn’t take added precautions in the event of a dust storm, heavy rain, snow, or other adverse weather conditions, and causes a crash as a result, they could be held liable for breaching their legal standard of care.
Commercial Drivers and Trucking Companies
Commercial truckers and their companies must adhere to special rules and responsibilities. Failing to do so could be considered negligent behavior. For instance, employers could be liable for unsafe scheduling or a lack of driver training to handle poor weather conditions.
Similarly, truckers may need to adjust schedules to account for weather delays, rather than pushing to meet unsafe deadlines. Driving at unsafe speeds or failing to stop in a dust storm could be considered negligence.
Government or Road Authorities
In rare cases, a government entity or road authority may be held liable for a dust storm-related accident. For example, if a driver crashes due to a defective road design, they may be able to hold the party responsible for the road’s management.
Steps To Take After a Dust Storm Crash
It’s essential to know the steps to take after a dust storm to prioritize your safety and protect a potential personal injury claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Dust storm-induced auto accidents can lead to numerous types of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. It’s vital to see a medical professional in the aftermath for proper treatment. Even if you feel like your injuries are minor, a doctor can rule out underlying conditions, such as internal bleeding or brain injuries.
Report the Accident and Document the Scene
If it’s safe to do so, take photos and videos of the road and weather conditions, damage to your vehicle, and injuries. Collect witness information and get a copy of the police report. Each of these elements can be used to prove fault in a personal injury claim.
Avoid Quick Settlements or Admitting Fault
Insurance companies may minimize storm-related visibility issues. Contacting a lawyer before speaking with insurers can ensure you receive a fair settlement offer. Additionally, your attorney can handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies so that you don’t accidentally say something that may be used against you.
How Runion Dust Storm Accident Lawyers Can Help
Our firm has in-depth knowledge of Arizona conditions and experience in navigating car accident claims. Our seasoned attorneys are here to handle everything so you can focus on recovery.
Real Clients. Real Results. Real Stories.
Our testimonials offer greater insight into past clients’ experiences with us.
Can’t say more great things. The team was great. Very communicative through the whole process and got me a way better result than I was expecting. Look no further for your personal injury claim.
Derek H.
Excellent lawyers. Amazing staff. Attention to detail. They genuinely care. You are not treated like “just another case.” My case was somewhat difficult due to something out of my / their control but they put so much effort getting the case handled swiftly and promptly. I’m very happy with the outcome. I highly recommend them and have already done so to my friends and family.
Lacey T.
Local Knowledge and Legal Experience
Our dust storm accident attorneys are familiar with Arizona’s road conditions and weather events. Derick Runion, our founding attorney, has an extensive insurance background, which gives clients an edge in negotiations.
Client-Focused Representation
With a Net Recovery Guarantee and 99 percent success rate, you can trust our team to get the job done, or else you pay nothing. We also offer Spanish-language support to further expand our reach and meet a diverse clientele. Review some of our case results below.
$1,250,000
- Car Accident
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers filed suit against a company whose superintendent collided with our client’s vehicle necessitating neck and back surgery. Our firm obtained policy limits in the amount of $1.25 million from the company and its superintendent.
$600,000
- Car Accident
Our client was involved in a serious collision while driving her vehicle, resulting in head trauma and other injuries. Runion Personal Injury Lawyers presented scientific evidence to link her aneurysm to the automobile collision and obtained a $600,000.00 settlement for the client.
Free, No-Pressure Consultation
Our initial case evaluations are always complimentary, and you never pay unless we win your case. You can expect to be greeted with professionalism and individualized care when you meet with our attorneys. We focus on guidance and advocacy and never use sales tactics that could minimize your experience.
Compensation Available After a Dust Storm Accident
Several forms of damages may be available in an Arizona personal injury claim. Economic damages are the objective, tangible losses that a person experiences. Non-economic damages are subjective and more complex to calculate.
Economic Damages
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages and earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Impact on daily life
Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death damages may be available for families of victims killed in pileups or visibility-related crashes. Call our law office today to speak with an Arizona dust storm accident attorney to learn more.
Talk to a Phoenix-Based Dust Storm Accident Lawyer Today
You deserve justice if you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence. Dust storm-related collisions can further complicate a claim and make it more challenging to secure compensation. Our skilled team has the knowledge and experience needed to navigate your case from beginning to end.
Get Better. Get Compensated. Get Justice.
Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our Net Recovery Guarantee.
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(602) 825-3502
Frequently Asked Questions About Dust Storm Accidents
Review our FAQ section to learn more about dust storm-related accidents and the process of pursuing compensation.
What Should I Do if I Get Caught in a Dust Storm While Driving in Arizona?
If you’re caught in a dust storm, you can practice safe driving to avoid a crash. If the dust is limiting visibility, pull off the road and wait until the storm subsides. Stay calm and avoid sudden stops in traffic lanes.
Even when you do everything right, an accident can still occur if another driver becomes distracted or acts negligently. In these cases, it’s vital to collect documentation like photos and videos of the scene, as well as a police report to support your claim.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if the Weather Contributed to the Crash?
Liability can still exist even in severe weather conditions. Arizona’s comparative negligence laws help evaluate fault. If you’re partially responsible for a crash, you can still obtain compensation; however, it’ll be reduced by your percentage of fault.
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to try to blame the storm, but legal help can counter that. Schedule an initial consultation to learn more.
How Do Insurance Companies Typically Respond to Dust Storm Accident Claims?
Insurers may use tactics like blaming “acts of God” or minimizing driver fault. This is why legal experience, especially with ex-insurance insiders like Derick Runion, can help navigate this. You never want to accept early offers. Instead, meet with a dust storm accident lawyer in Arizona who can take on and navigate your case.
What Evidence Is Important in a Dust Storm-Related Accident Claim?
There are key forms of evidence that you should collect in the aftermath of a dust storm collision, including dash cam footage, weather reports, police reports, witness statements, expert testimony, and medical records. Documentation is especially critical in low-visibility scenarios, as it may be harder to obtain witness testimonies or camera footage.
How Long Do I Have To File a Personal Injury Claim in Arizona After a Dust Storm Accident?
The general statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Arizona is two years from the date of injury. Delays can harm your case, especially in weather-related claims where details may be disputed.
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Case Results
Over $50 Million recovered
$1,250,000
- Car Accident
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers filed suit against a company whose superintendent collided with our client’s vehicle necessitating neck and back surgery. Our firm obtained policy limits in the amount of $1.25 million from the company and its superintendent.
$600,000
- Car Accident
Our client was involved in a serious collision while driving her vehicle, resulting in head trauma and other injuries. Runion Personal Injury Lawyers presented scientific evidence to link her aneurysm to the automobile collision and obtained a $600,000.00 settlement for the client.
What Our Clients Say
After my car accident I was knee deep in medical bills and insurance claim paperwork. Runion personal injury lawyer has some of the best lawyers for car accidents. They worked professionally and in a timely matter to make all the paperwork and process for the injury claim to go a lot faster. Didn’t have to fight the insurance to deal with this rear end accident. I love how quickly they got me a great settlement and always kept in touch with me and kept me up to date on everything. I thought I was going to be at a complete lost but thanks to some of the best lawyers especially in New Mexico they got me a great settlement when the insurance was make it a hassle. Definitely if you need a lawyer in New Mexico go with Runion personal lawyer.
Tay
Hands down, these guys are the best! I was in a car accident, I got rear-ended. The staff and attorneys at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers took great care of me. They handled EVERYTHING from medical bills to fighting with the other guys insurance company who tried to claim their client wasn’t at fault. Aside from taking care of the medical bills, the settlement they got me was very good. I have been recommending Runion to everyone because I think they are the best accident attorneys around.
Dan C.
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Get Better. Get Compensated. Get Justice.
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