Arizona experiences over 125,000 car accidents annually. The causes of most accidents in the state are speeding and reckless driving. A phantom vehicle accident is caused by reckless driving. It is among the most challenging accident cases to recover damages; however, with the right Phoenix car accident attorney, it is not impossible to get your money back.
Understanding a Phantom Vehicle Accident
A phantom driver or vehicle refers to a reckless driver who caused an accident without making physical contact with the other vehicle or its operator. In essence, the instigator of the crash is unknown and invisible, like a ghost or phantom. Most times, the phantom operator is unaware of the damage they caused, so they continue driving, which is why some people refer to a phantom accident as a miss-and-run.
Phantom accidents can occur when an oncoming vehicle drifts into your lane, forcing you to swerve and causing a collision with another motorist. Driving against traffic, speeding and cutting someone off are all ways a phantom accident can occur.
Challenges Proving a Phantom Vehicle Accident
While Arizona comparative negligence laws allow an accident victim to sue and recoup accident-related expenses from the other driver — based on their degree of responsibility in the accident — the laws help little in phantom cases. In such cases, the accident victim likely doesn’t know and cannot prove who the other driver is, meaning there is no one to sue for negligence.
Depending on the severity of the collision, the number of victims and possible surveillance in the area, a police investigation might uncover the identity of the rogue driver. A private investigator with a legal team may also find evidence of the at-fault party at the scene or through witness statements. Unfortunately, not every phantom vehicle accident has a satisfactory conclusion.
When law enforcement cannot corroborate your claims of a phantom at-fault motorist, you may only have one other solution for recouping some of your losses: insurance. If you have uninsured motorists coverage, you can file a claim with your insurer, but insurance adjusters might try to undermine your credibility to avoid paying on your policy.
Getting Help After a Phantom Vehicle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a phantom car accident, call a local and reputable personal injury law firm. It is best to work with attorneys who are familiar with traffic laws and have extensive experience arguing car accident claims, especially those involving phantom drivers.
Experienced lawyers can help you make your case to insurance companies while protecting your rights. A qualified legal team gives you the best opportunity to receive the coverage you deserve, even when fighting against phantoms.
A phantom vehicle accident is challenging to prove and argue. Reckless driving is among the leading causes of car accidents in Arizona, and unfortunately, many miss-and-run drivers never get caught. Still, despite the challenges of your claim, your case is not hopeless. Contact the legal team at Sargon Law Group and schedule a free consultation to discuss your options.