Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Blog

All too often we see headlines about motorcyclists who have been killed in an accident. They remind us again and again about the importance of driving defensively and being completely attentive no matter what we drive—cars, trucks, and motorcycles alike.

On Tuesday night at 28th St and Union Hills Drive in Phoenix, a motorcyclist lost his life in a fiery accident (Arizona Republic via AZ Central 10/26/10). He was traveling westbound and collided with a sedan. It is unclear how the accident actually happened. Both vehicles caught fire after the collision. The rider was thrown 30 feet in the air and suffered severe chest injuries and later died at the hospital. The sedan driver only had minor cuts and scrapes.

Even though the exact cause of this tragic accident is not yet known, it is an opportunity to remind all drivers to be pro-active in their driving. Put away distractions and focus on the road. To be even more prepared to spot a potential hazard on the road, you may want to consider taking a defensive driving course. If you don’t have time to take a course in a classroom, you can take one online at http://www.ddcaz.org/arizona-defensive-driving.htm. In the course, you will learn how to avoid accidents, how to safely travel through intersections and pass other drivers, how to recognize unavoidable hazards, and much more.

Continue reading " Phoenix Accident Fatal for Motorcycle Rider " »

Halloween is not just for kids anymore. Many will celebrate the holiday with alcohol and dancing instead of candy and costumes on Sunday, which means an increased number of impaired drivers that may hit the roads. This Halloween, make the safe choice for yourself and others by staying off the road if you plan on drinking. If you are hosting or attending a party this holiday, keep these tips in mind, courtesy of AAA Arizona and KPHO (10/25/10):

• While traveling to and from locations at dusk time, try to avoid residential areas as much as possible. Dusk to evening will be the time where more trick-or-treaters may be on the streets, and it is also the time of day during which most pedestrian accidents happen because the sun is right in the line of sight for drivers, making it difficult to see children on the road.
• If you must drive through a residential area, travel at the speed limit or below. Pedestrians are more than nearly twice as likely to be killed in a 30 mph accident than at 25 mph (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety).
• The state legal blood alcohol concentration level is .08, but even before reaching that point, with as little as a .02 BAC, drivers may lose the ability to focus visually on moving objects, and have a reduced ability to appropriately divide their attention (StopImpairedDriving.org—ABCs of BAC). Arrange a ride with either a designated driver or a taxis service beforehand if you plan on drinking, and if you are a party host, don’t let anyone drive who has been drinking.

Continue reading " Prevent Drunk Driving Accidents this Halloween! " »

After the dam burst at Tempe Town lake, not only did the area lose a part of its great scenery, but it also was without the area’s hub for water activities. Now that the dam is repaired and the lake has been refilled, it is expected to reopen on Tuesday 10/26. As excited as we are to have the attraction back to its glory, the boat accident attorneys within us are worried about the sudden influx of inexperienced boaters that will flock to the lake. We wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about boating safety with some tips courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s National Water Safety Program.

• Wear your lifejacket at all times! Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of accidental death for individuals between 15-44 years old.
• Never drink and boat! Alcohol impairs your judgment and slows your reaction time and balance, so if you find yourself overboard, you may not be able to act quickly enough to avoid taking in water.
• Don’t overload your boat! Consider the weight of your equipment and the number of people aboard and stay below the maximum allowance to avoid capsizing.
• Check your boat before leaving the dock to ensure all equipment is functioning properly. You don’t want to be in the middle of the water at night when your head lamp burns out without an extra bulb.

Continue reading " Boating Safety Tips to Remember as Tempe Town Lake Reopens " »

While Arizona is known for its single-digit rainy days every year, a few hours north of the valley there is a different story. Northern Arizona experiences all the seasons, which is great for skiers but for drivers, it can be a very unpredictable and dangerous situation, leading to risks of deadly accidents.

This week in northern Arizona, there were some strong storms, which brought sudden heavy hail down across the Flagstaff and Williams areas. Three roll-over accidents were reported and 6 other cars slid off highway I-40 (Associated Press via AZ Central 10/21/10). One of the roll-over accidents involved 2 individuals suffering serious injuries, with one of them having been ejected from the truck. A different roll-over left 4 people with minor injuries. No fatalities have been reported yet.

When a sudden storm dumps gallons of rain or hail on the highway, there are certain precautions drivers should take.
1. Always keep extra space between you and the car in front of you. The first few minutes of rain are the most dangerous because it draws out the oil to the surface on the streets. The oil can create a slick surface, causing your car to take longer to stop.
2. Always turn on your headlights if your wipers are on. This is a simple rule we were taught in driving school, but it has more practical applications. If your wipers are on, they cross your line of vision every few seconds, which makes it more difficult to see oncoming cars. Having your headlights on makes you more visible.
3. If you start to hydroplane or glide on the road during or after a rain storm, don’t panic. Start braking slowly and avoid turning the steering wheel. To prevent the situation, take turns slowly, keep within or below the speed limit in poor driving conditions, and maintain your vehicle’s tires.

Continue reading " Weather-Related Car Accidents in Northern Arizona Leave 6 People Injured " »

With an eighth child on the way, we have a lot of baby things in the house; cribs, strollers, toys, playpens, etc. Even though it’s great that we get to re-use these items from our older children, we always make sure to check all the products for wear and tear, damage, or recalls. A recent recall of 2 million Graco strollers after the death of four infants reminds us again of how important it is to keep all baby products current and in good operating shape to prevent injury.

Check out your child’s items today and periodically with your children’s safety in mind:

1. Strollers:
a. If collapsible, make sure all latches are firmly in place.
b. Always keep your child strapped in the seat.
2. Car seats: Make sure they are properly installed and that all buckles and straps are secure. There are many locations throughout Phoenix you can take your car and car or booster seat to have it inspected for free!
3. Cribs
a. Slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent a child from getting stuck.
b. The corner posts should not be any higher than the end panels to prevent strangulation from clothing.
c. Mattresses should fit firmly to prevent a child from getting stuck between the crib and mattress.
d. Remove all mobiles once your child can pull him or herself up to prevent it from falling on them and keep the crib free of stuffed animals.

Continue reading " Baby Safety Tips " »

Riding public transit is a green and practical idea for many city residents. Whether it is the bus, carpool, or light rail, there are several options available, each offering its own benefits and disadvantages. However, no matter what your choice of transportation, there is always a possible risk of an accident the minute you board.

A man who tried to carjack several vehicles died in Tucson on Monday after he crashed a stolen police car into a bus (Associated Press via AZ Central 10/18/10). The man had knocked down a police officer at Ronstadt Transit Center, stole his patrol car, and started to drive away. The officer shot at the fleeing car and the man ended up crashing into a Sun Tran bus carrying 14 people. Luckily none of the bus passengers were injured, but the man was taken to University Medical Center where he later died; his cause of death is not yet known as to whether he had been shot or if it was a result of the accident.

Bus passengers have little control over what happens outside their personal space, but there are a few precautions one can take to have a safer ride.
• Always wait for the bus on the sidewalk, never in the street.
• Always stay seated until the bus has completely stopped, unless holding onto a rail.
• If standing, keep your feet shoulder-width apart to help your balance and always keep at least one if not both hands on the handrail.

Continue reading " Car Thief Dies After Tucson Bus Accident " »

Roll-over accidents leave some of the scariest looking scenes. Many times, the safety equipment in the car protects the driver and passengers, who are lucky enough to walk away. If safety equipment is not used or is used improperly, the results can be much different, they can be deadly.

On Wednesday in Casa Grande, Arizona, an attempted routine traffic stop ended with the death of three people and a fourth with critical injuries (KPHO 10/14/10). Casa Grande police had suspicions about an SUV and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver instead accelerated. Witnesses and police have different stories about the events that followed; the police say they did not initiate a chase, but witnesses say the police were following the SUV very closely, at high speeds. What caused the wreck is under investigation at this time, but somehow the SUV rolled over several times, ejecting all six occupants, and crashed through a cement wall, killing a woman on the other side.

The riders in this vehicle may have had a different fate had they been wearing their safety belts. Seat belts help keep occupants secure in their seats in case of an accident. Every year, seat belts save about 9,500 lives, yet only about 68% of vehicle occupants wear them (Arizona Department of Public Safety 2010). If that percentage were higher, imagine how many more lives would be saved!

Continue reading " Fatal Roll-Over Accident in Casa Grande, Arizona " »

Families often view their pets as essential family members. They take them on vacation, they take photos with them, and at times they must scold them. As dog owners and dog bite attorneys, we encourage all dog owners to take precautions with their pets by keeping them vaccinated and under close supervision at all times to prevent dog bite accidents.

To assist in keeping pets safe, the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control office is running their annual Uno por Uno program to increase rabies vaccinations among domesticated animals in Arizona (KPHO 10/12/10). The program offers free rabies vaccinations in 12 different areas every year that are in need of increased animal control. Vaccinations will be available at the West Valley Shelter at 2500 S. 27th Ave in Phoenix to dogs and cats at least three months of age from 5-8pm on Wednesday 10/13. The Uno por Uno program also works to increase awareness of dog bite prevention, pet population control, and responsible pet ownership.

The program advises pet owners and the general public to keep all pets current on their vaccinations and always avoid stray or unfamiliar animals. If ever bitten by an animal with rabies, it is important to wash it out as quickly as possible with soap and water and seek medical attention to prevent the virus from spreading or infecting the body.

Continue reading " Protect Your Family and Your Pets-Free Rabies Vaccinations Offered in Phoenix " »

Every year, 4.8 million people are bit by a dog (American Humane Association 2009). Most of these victims are children, and oftentimes it is by their own family dog. As dog owners and parents ourselves, we try teaching our children about safe animal interaction to avoid dog bite accidents, which can be very physically and emotionally scarring.

On Saturday in Fountain Hills, dog training company, Sit Means Sit, held training for children on safe dog interactions at the Fountain Hills Branch Library (ABC 15 10/9/10). The program taught children what some common dog behaviors really mean, such as yawning or licking its chops typically means the dog is stressed or uncomfortable. If the whites of dogs’ eyes are showing, this is a red flag that the dog is on alert as well. Children are taught to stand “still like a tree” to cause strange dogs to loose interest and move on. Parents are encouraged to teach their children to be calm around dogs and other animals because statistics show about half of all children under 12 will be bitten at some point.

Most children don’t recognize the difference between a playful or an aggressive dog, and sometimes it doesn’t even matter. A playful bite can be just as damaging as an aggressive one, so it is important to exercise caution when interacting with dogs in any capacity.

In Arizona, there is no “first bite free” law; dog owners are not allowed to avoid liability at all. There is a strict statute of limitations concerning dog bite injuries—it is best to file a notice of claim within the first year of the injury because dog owners have strict liability during that time. After a year passes, owners have more defenses to protect themselves. If no claim is filed within the statute of limitations, victims could lose their right to file at all.

Continue reading " Dog Bite Prevention Training in Fountain Hills, Arizona " »

While seemingly uncommon, nearly 2,000 train accidents occur every year (Federal Railroad Administration 2010). With so much weight behind the momentum of the train, combined with the increased distance needed for stopping, trains can be very deadly weapons. As Arizona car accident attorneys, we hope all drivers use caution around railroad track crossings to prevent accidents.

On Wednesday in Tucson, a car was crossing railroad tracks when it stalled and was hit by an oncoming train (KOLD 13 10/6/10). Luckily, no one in the car or the train were injured, but the car is likely totaled. It is important while crossing tracks to shift as you approach the crossing, not while you cross it to prevent these types of accidents.

Track crossings are common throughout the metro area with the light rail system in Phoenix, as well as the cargo trains that pass through the state. Nearly 2,000 people are killed or injured at railroad crossings every year in the U.S. according to Operation Lifesaver. Although trains may seem to approach slowly sometimes, the weight ratio of the train to the average car is 4,000 to one, so even at a slower speed, damages can be devastating—much like a car crushing a soda can.

Continue reading " Tucson, Arizona Train Accident Destroys Car " »

Biking around town is more than just a hobby for many, it is their only mode of transportation. As Arizona car and bike accident attorneys, we want to remind all road users that traffic laws apply to bicyclists as well as cars, and it is important for all to share the road so we can all travel safely.

On Sunday, a Mesa bicyclist was critically injured after being hit by two cars (KPHO 10/4/10). Driving against traffic, he was hit by a sedan, which threw him off the bike and into the path of a pick-up truck. Both drivers showed signs of impairment and were arrested at the scene, but the police say it was not a factor in the accidents.

Bicyclists must follow traffic laws just as car drivers do. Here are a few key statutes to remember regarding bike riding (Courtesy of Pima Association of Governments 10/5/10):
• Always ride with traffic, never against it.
• When passing a bike, cars can be no less than 3 feet away.
• Bicyclists must signal their turns with hand and arm movements. All signals are made with the left hand. For a left turn, extend your left arm. To turn right, make a right angle with your left hand extended upward. When you are braking, make the right turn sign pointing down.
• Every rider must have a regular seat to sit on.
• Never hold on to or attach your bike to another vehicle.
• Bicyclists must ride as far to the right of the road as possible, only moving to pass other vehicles, avoid obstacles, or make a left hand turn.
• Bicyclists may only ride up to two side-by-side, except on bicycle only routes.
• At least one hand must remain on the handlebars at all times.
• If riding at night, bikes must have at least one white headlight and one red rear reflector.

Continue reading " Mesa, Arizona Bicyclist Critically Injured after 2-Car Crash " »

Getting to and from school, our children may take the bus, walk, or get picked up. School zones surround schools for a certain radius in which drivers are expected to drive slower, with even more caution while watching for children. As Arizona car and bus accident attorneys, we are reminded again by this story of how important it is to follow posted road signs and slow for school zones.

In Apache Junction on Wednesday, a man hit a school bus with six special needs children on board (AZ Central 9/29/10). He was sent to the hospital but is in stable condition. Luckily, no children were injured. The accident happened in a school zone.

Most school zones have speed limits of 25 miles an hour or slower during school hours. Crossing guards are present at every intersection to escort children across the street. Many school zones have speed bumps to help enforce the speed limit.

Consequences for violating the speed limit or other infractions are more severe in school zones due to the increased pedestrian and minor traffic in the area.

Teaching our children how to safely de-board a bus and cross the street is very important. Children should never pass behind a school bus or directly in front of it because drivers can’t see them over the nose of the bus. Also, other drivers may have trouble seeing children who walk close in front of busses.

Continue reading " Man Injured After Apache Junction, Arizona School Bus Accident " »