Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious offense that puts not only the driver but all others on the roads in danger. The legal blood alcohol concentration limit in Arizona is .08. However, even a BAC level as low as .04-.06 is enough to impair reasoning and memory for some individuals (Brad21.org 2008). As Arizona drunk driving victim attorneys, we are too familiar with the deadly results of the bad choices impaired drivers make, and hope more drivers make smarter decisions in the future.

A Chandler man blew a .15 last Tuesday after he was found driving the wrong way on the I-10 (KPHO 11/24/10). He caused several accidents along the freeway in Tempe, luckily only causing one minor injury. He hit four other cars while driving his rental car. He was arrested and charged with four counts of felony endangerment and extreme DUI.

Did you know that “at-risk” or “heavy” drinking can be as few as 4 drinks a day for men or 3 drinks a day for women (National Institutes of Health, Dept of Health and Human Services 2010)? One in four of individuals exceeding these limits already have alcoholism or alcohol abuse, and the others are at risk of developing these and other serious medical issues.

Quiz yourself—what do you know about the risks of alcoholism? (Courtesy of “Rethinking Drinking,” NIH, DHHS 2010)

In the past year, have you personally or known someone who:

-had times when you ended up drinking more, or longer, than you intended?

-more than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn't?

-more than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or having unsafe sex)?

-had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before?

-continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had a memory blackout?

-spent a lot of time drinking? Or being sick or getting over other aftereffects?

-continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?

-found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of your home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?

-given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, in order to drink?

-more than once gotten arrested, been held at a police station, or had other legal problems because of your drinking?

-found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, or a seizure? Or sensed things that were not there?

Continue reading " Chandler Man Causes Several Accidents in Tempe " »

Another pedestrian life is lost to a traffic accident. As Arizona pedestrian accident attorneys, we are tired of it! The state is ranked 8th in the nation for the worst pedestrian fatality rate, and it seems to only be climbing higher and higher (NHTSA).

A Phoenix woman, 60 years old, was walking home after cashing a winning $10 lottery ticket when she was struck by an SUV and killed (ABC 15 11/22/10). She was in a crosswalk and other cars had acknowledged her, but the SUV driver swerved around the stopped cars and fatally injured her. The authorities do not suspect impairment to have been involved, and no charges have been made yet as the accident investigation is still ongoing.

Older adults aged 65 and older are most at risk for pedestrian accidents, accounting for 18% of all pedestrian deaths (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 6/17/10). Most fatal accidents occur in non-intersection locations at night. This most recent accident happened at a crosswalk at 4:15pm. While we may be in a hurry at times, it is no excuse to break traffic laws and putting other lives at risk.

Our thoughts are with this grieving family at this difficult time.

Continue reading " Phoenix Lottery Winner Killed in Car Accident " »

As Mesa wrongful death attorneys, we hear about the devastating effects of losing a loved one to a tragic, preventable accident too often to count. Despite the sadness and grief following these events, the families involved are so strong, always trying to see the positive and celebrating life. We hope no family has to endure such losses, but our hearts are warmed to see the support of the community to come out and help where help is needed.

A Mesa family is without their mother, daughter, and sister after a wrong-way accident (ABC 15 11/19/10). A wrong-way driver trying to evade the police on the highway ran into her car, head-on. The driver was caught speeding by officers at the time, and has now been charged with manslaughter. The family is working together now to help raise money for her 4 year old daughter’s future without her mom. A benefit concert was held to help the family as well this past Sunday. It is so nice to see a community come together to help each other out after tragedy.

Speeding-related crashes cause approximately 30% of all traffic fatalities (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 06/05).

Arizona just recently stopped the use of automatic speeding cameras on the freeways, designed to capture speeding drivers and send them a ticket in the mail. The cameras were highly controversial, with some drivers claiming they invaded privacy, others saying they were more efficient than police officers. We’re not taking sides on this issue, we just want these drivers to be caught and brought to justice for endangering all others on the roads.

Continue reading " High Speed Chase Leads to Death of Mesa Mother " »

Did you know that in Arizona, 59% of fatal accidents involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration level at or above the legal limit of .08 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Fatality Analysis Reporting System 2009)? As Phoenix car accident attorneys, we have been helping the victims of these tragic accidents since we started our practice in 1996. Impaired drivers must be held accountable for their negligent actions.

Alcohol is suspected to be the cause of an accident that left two men dead early Sunday morning (AZ Family 11/21/2010). The men, driving an SUV, were speeding when they rear-ended a tractor trailer truck. Both were killed upon impact. No other injuries have been reported, and the accident remains under investigation. The authorities expect to find alcohol to have been the cause.

Excessive drinking of alcohol is the leading risk factor for injury in the U.S. and the third leading cause of preventable death (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 12/29/2009). Did you know that for men, more than 4 drinks on any day or 14 a week, or 3 drinks on any day or 7 a week for women is considered “at-risk” or “heavy” drinking (Rethinking Drinking 2010)? People who exceed these limits are likely to have alcoholism or alcohol abuse, and are at risk for developing other health problems. Another factor is the amount of time in which alcohol is consumed.

This Thursday is Thanksgiving, which means many families will be getting together and enjoying a few drinks with company. Please watch for these signs in yourself and those around you and don’t let anyone drive after they’ve been drinking.

Continue reading " Suspected Drunk Driver Kills Two in Tractor Trailer Accident " »

As parents and wrongful death attorneys it saddens us to hear of another teen dying due to an impaired driver. An arrest has been made in the case of the hit and run that killed a young Peoria teen on Oct. 29. Police reports show that the 23 year old driver was driving impaired when she hit the teen, in fact she was so heavily medicated while driving that she didn’t even realize that she drank a tube of nail polish.

In the police report it states that the 23 year old driver was prohibited from driving while under the influence of the medications she was taking. Due to her disregard she hit and killed a teen pedestrian, then fled the scene. She has been since arrested and charged with manslaughter and leaving the scene of a collision after a death (abc15.com). It is relieving to know that someone will be held accountable for taking the life of this innocent boy, but unfortunately, nothing can return the life of a lost child.

As wrongful death attorneys we know that accidents such as these are 100% preventable. There are many safe ride programs to prevent anyone from driving while impaired such as taxis, buses, and specific services offered only to drive those who are impaired to their homes. We encourage all drivers to utilize these programs before driving under any influence.

Continue reading " Driver Arrested for Pedestrian Hit and Run Death " »

With winter just around the corner, we wanted to take a moment to talk about the safety precautions drivers should take while driving this season. As Arizona car accident attorneys, we see too often the deadly results of over-confident driving in unfamiliar conditions. If you plan to take a trip up north or a road trip to areas with severe winter conditions keep in mind a few things before starting your journey. ABC15.com has prepared the following tips for drivers this winter.

- Try to stay 500 ft away from snow plows, and avoid passing them. They have more blind spots than a regular truck and tend to be wider, requiring more room around them.
- Make sure your car is equipped to handle the weather with snow tires or chains. Also take your car for maintenance to check your tires for appropriate inflation and tread.
- Remember to always have at least three quarters of a tank of gas. Stations can be few and far between at times.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car with all the essentials like: blankets, an ice scraper, a shove, and sand for traction (abc15.com). Believe us, we’re from the northeast—you don’t want to get caught without these items in an area without cell phone service!
- Keep warm clothes, food, and a charged cell phone with you in the car at all times. Should you get stuck and you are lucky enough to have cell phone service, you will want a phone with a full battery!

Continue reading " Avoid Deadly Accidents This Winter " »

Drivers are always encouraged to avoid drinking and driving, but other drugs, even prescription medications, can impair an individual’s driving abilities. Any kind of impairment can lead to disastrous, fatal accidents.

On Thursday in Scottsdale, a man reportedly on a drug called “spice” ran two red lights, hit three unsuspecting vehicles, then fled (KPHO 11/12/10). Witnesses saw the driver run the red lights then rear-end three cars sitting at a third red light. He then climbed out of his sunroof and ran into the nearby shopping plaza where he was identified. He told police he took the drug shortly before driving and doesn’t remember what else happened. Luckily, no other injuries were reported but the driver is being held for driving under the influence of drugs and leaving the scene of an accident.

“Spice” is a new synthetic drug gaining popularity among teens and young adults. Also known as K2 and genie, the drug is similar to marijuana in its effects, but actually is more powerful, and legal. Sold at smoke shops, swap meets, and other venues, it is usually labeled as potpourri or incense and not for consumption, and does not appear on traditional drug tests.

The effects of “spice” are increased relaxation, disorientation, and altered perception (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Drugs and Human Performance Fact Sheets 2010). Users may also experience a lack of concentration or memory, drowsiness, and paranoia. These are all vital abilities that must be in top working condition in order to drive safely and avoid dangerous accidents.

Continue reading " Three Cars Hit in Scottsdale by Impaired Driver " »

As parents and Gilbert bike accident attorneys, we are too familiar with the dangers of being a pedestrian or bicyclist on these Arizona roads. It is important for drivers and riders alike to share the roads so we all can stay safe.

On Wednesday night in Gilbert, a 15 year old boy was riding his bike with two of his friends when they were hit by a car (Arizona Republic via AZ Central 11/11/10). Witnesses say the boys were trying to beat a yellow light through an intersection. The boy was sent to the hospital with a broken arm, but his friends did not sustain any injuries. Authorities say the riders were not wearing helmets.

Luckily no life-threatening injuries were suffered, but this recent accident is scary enough to remind us again of how much worse the situation could have been. Wearing appropriate safety gear is key in preventing injuries. Helmets are probably the most important piece of safety equipment for many sports, but an appropriate fit can make all the difference. Helmets should be on top of the head and should not move side to side or forward and back. Here are a few tips—the Eyes, Ears, and Mouth Test—developed by Safe Kids USA (2009):
• Eyes: Put on helmet and look up. The bottom rim of the helmet should be visible, only 1-2 finger widths above the eyebrows.
• Ears: The straps of the helmet should form a “V” under the ears when buckled.
• Mouth: If you open your mouth as far as you can and do not feel the helmet hug your head, the straps are not tight enough. Tighten them so the buckle is flat on your skin.

Continue reading " Two Youth Bicyclists Hit by Car " »

Have you heard about our new program that awards up to $1000 for tips leading to the felony arrest and conviction of a hit and run driver? In the wake of yet another hit and run driver in Phoenix that left a motorcyclist injured, it is even more important—and beneficial—for witnesses to speak out.

On Tuesday in Phoenix the police were following a suspect car during an investigation and the suspect failed to yield to the motorcyclist, striking him and causing a leg injury (AZ Family 11/9/10). The suspect car remains outstanding.

Witnessed a hit and run accident? Afraid your identity or safety will be compromised if you come forward? Please don’t worry. If you call our hit and run tip line, you will remain completely anonymous. You will only be identified with a code number. The line is answered by an uninvolved third party company who will disseminate your information to the appropriate authorities. Without your help and tips from others in the community, these drivers may never be brought to justice!

Continue reading " Another Hit and Run Driver Injures Motorcyclist in Phoenix " »

Just because the temperatures are finally cooling down in Arizona doesn’t mean water activities come to a halt; even though water temps drop there are still many who enjoy a good swim outdoors. However, even the most experienced swimmer is at risk of a drowning accident if water temperatures are low enough.

Tempe Town Lake opened a few weeks ago to the public after the dam was repaired and the lake was refilled with water. Rental boats are available to the public and for the elite athlete, the water is now open for training (KPHO 11/4/10). Athletes will be able to swim in the lake as training for the Ironman distance open water swim that will be taking place on Saturday. No swimming is allowed by the general public at this time.

When enjoying your time by the lake make sure to be safe around the water. The percent of drowning in natural water settings increases with age. Most drowning accidents among those over 15 years of age occur in natural water settings like lakes. (CDC 11/5/10). If you decide to take a rental boat just remember to be safe and always wear a life jacket. In 2008, 3,330 people were injured, and more than 700 died, in boating incidents. Of those who drowned, 9 out of 10 were not wearing life jackets (CDC). To get more information on this subject or to understand the risks of boating you can go to www.cdc.gov/features/boatingactivities.

Continue reading " Water Safety Tips to Remember as Tempe Town Lake Re-Opens for Athlete Training " »

As Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys, we see all too often the dangerous side of motorcycle riding. We encourage all riders and drivers alike to enjoy themselves out there on the open road but to always be alert to their surroundings.

A Phoenix police officer on a motorcycle hit a car and was transported to the hospital on Friday morning (AZ Family.com 11/5/10). Her injuries are said to be non-life threatening, and the road remains closed as authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.

Motorcycle-riding police officers are required to wear helmets as part of their job, but the general public is not obligated to do the same in Arizona. Arizona has no written statute requiring licensed motorcycle riders over 18 years old to wear helmets. However, Arizona courts have developed an unwritten precedent that punishes riders who choose not to wear one and are involved in an accident. The unwritten law frequently leaves injured riders with less compensation than they deserve. If the motorcyclist’s injuries could have been prevented if they had worn a helmet, the at-fault driver could avoid paying for medical bills and other damages.

Continue reading " Phoenix Police Officer Injured in Motorcycle Accident " »

Trusting someone with your children is at times very difficult. However, it is very common now for families to make use of nannies to help parents manage their careers and allow their children to participate in all the extracurricular activities they desire. As Phoenix car accident attorneys, we are very busy, so we have a few babysitters that we treat like an extension of family. Nannies, like teachers, must be upheld to a higher standard because of their immense influence on the children.

A Phoenix area nanny was caught driving drunk with two children in the car (KPHO 10/29/10). The nanny was watching the children, ages 2 and 8, while their parents were out of town and she took them to a pool party. After consuming a large amount of alcohol, she got in the car and was spotted speeding, going 65 in a 35 mile an hour zone. Officers stopped her and found a water bottle with vodka and the children in the back, unsecured. She resisted arrest as the children watched; when she took the BAC test, she blew a .201, almost 3 times the legal limit of .08. She now faces 3 counts of aggravated and extreme DUI.

In 2008 there were 1,346 child fatalities between the ages of 0 to 14; one out of every six fatalities was involving an impaired driver (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 7/30/10). Out of those fatalities, half of the children were passengers with the drunk driver. Luckily the police stopped this nanny before any accidents occurred, but it could have easily been a much worse situation.

Continue reading " Drunk Nanny Arrested with Children in Car " »