Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Blog

A 93 year old man died after being involved in a Sun City car accident earlier this week. As reported by AZ Family Monday night, the man drove his car straight through his house near 99th Avenue and Union Hills Drive, ending up in a swimming pool in the backyard.

After witnessing the car crash, a neighbor reportedly jumped into the pool in an effort to save the man. The victim was transported to the hospital where later he was pronounced dead. Though still unclear as to why the accident happened, a neighbor said that the victim was supposed to be transferred into a nursing home the following day.

While the cause of this fatal accident may never be confirmed, it is still stands as another life lost due to a car crash. Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded a total of 33,808 deaths from car accidents. Of these, 23,382 were either the driver or a passenger of the car.

Globally, car crashes are one of the major threats to human health, killing more than a million each year. With the current trend on vehicle accidents, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximates that by 2020, car accidents are expected to rank third in the list of threats to human health.

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Drunk driving accidents can easily be prevented with responsible drinking and sober driving. But unfortunately, some people may forget the dangers of drunk driving, thus, fatalities from alcohol-impaired driving continue to rise at an alarming scale.

In an effort to stop, or at least minimize, cases of Arizona car accidents, a special DUI task force made up by Phoenix and Tucson police and the statewide Department of Public Safety has been formed to tackle alcohol impaired drivers all over the state. As reported by AZ Family (pub. 12/22/2010), the task force, which started November 25, has so far arrested 2,352 people on charges of driving under the influence.

Here are more concerning numbers; out of those arrested, 585 will be facing extreme drunk driving charges after testing positive of having more than .15 percent blood alcohol content; 248 have existing DUI records; and 111 were below 21 years of age.

Drunk driving is one of the major causes of car accidents in the United States. As pointed out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 10,839 fatalities in car crashes involving a driver reaching or exceeding the legal blood alcohol content of .08 percent in 2009. This makes up 32 percent of the total traffic fatalities for the year.

Continue reading " Arizona Task Force Charges 2,350 People of DUI so Far " »

Did you know that everyday, 32 people in the United States die in fatal vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver? The good news is that the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA-FARS) shows that in Arizona, there was a decrease in the number of DUI fatalities from 2008 to 2009.

Despite the decline of the number of fatalities due to drunk driving, the risk of getting into a car accident is higher now that we are in the holiday season. At this time, everyone is celebrating and some people may be drinking irresponsibly. About a month ago, the government implemented an Impaired Driving Prevention Campaign. This acts as a watchdog for those who are driving impaired during the holiday season. Drivers may be asked to pull over to check whether they are impaired.

Last Wednesday night, a 32 year old woman died in a Phoenix car accident after her car slammed into a palm tree near 24th Street and Missouri Avenue (AZ Central 12/22/10). Police authorities believe that the woman had been drinking. She was speeding, lost control of the car, and crashed it into a median. Due to the intense impact of the crash, the car was split in half. Worse, the woman was not wearing a seatbelt when the accident happened. She was sent to the nearest local hospital but later on died. The wet street because of the rain also contributed to the impact of the collision.

Impaired driving, speeding, and not wearing seatbelts are major causes of death on the road. It is always important to understand that the simple act of buckling up could mean the difference between life and death.

Continue reading " Drunk Driver Dies After Crashing into Palm Tree in Phoenix " »

According to the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration- Fatality Analysis Reporting System (NHTSA-FARS), from the total of 9,813 vehicular accidents are caused by alcohol impaired driving 2009, 198 cases happened in Arizona. Impaired driving is one of the primary causes of vehicular accidents in the United States.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has ranked Arizona 8th place in the nation, and reported a decline in the number of people getting killed or injured by -16 percent from 2007 to 2008. This decline was due to the passing of all offense interlock law in 2007 and continued aggressive enforcement.

Around 8 p.m. last Wednesday night, another man was added to the DUI fatality list when he died in a Glendale car accident (KPHO 12/22/10). The accident occurred on 59th Avenue, north of Olive Avenue. In the partial investigation by Glendale police, the victim, whose name was not released, was trying to retrieve something from the road and walked right into the busy street. The man was believed to be in his 60s. The police do not believe the driver was impaired at the time, but this accident is a scary reminder again of the need to be aware on the roads, as both pedestrians and drivers.

This alarming fatality count is something that should not be neglected. Older drivers may experience changes in vision, physical fitness and reflexes, and alcohol combined with those changes can be very risky. To be a responsible older driver, try to see an eye doctor regularly and always use required eyewear in order to stay safe on the road.

Continue reading " 60-year Old Man Dies after Glendale Car Accident " »

Alcohol and speeding are a lethal combination, not just for the driver but for everyone else on the road. Both speeding and impaired driving are two of the common causes of vehicle crashes. Fatalities from drunk driving accidents have reached to 10,839 in the US back in 2009 making up 32 percent of the total fatalities from vehicle crashes. In Arizona 219 people died in 2009 due to alcohol impaired driving, 27 percent of total traffic fatalities (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Fatality Analysis Reporting System).

In recent news, a man died after being involved in a Mesa car accident last Tuesday morning (AZ Family 12/14/2010). The 29 year old male was pronounced dead at the hospital after crashing his van into a guard rail. Although investigations are still ongoing, alcohol and speeding are two of the main factors the authorities are looking at that may have caused the wreck.

A passenger was also inside the van who suffered minor injuries. He was brought to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn for proper treatment and is expected to recover.

Please remember, don’t drink if you plan on driving. This is common knowledge yet some drivers do not take it seriously. There is a long history of deceased victims of drunk drivers. And though efforts by authorities, companies, and non-profit organizations have successfully helped to discourage alcohol impaired driving, there is still much to be done to lower the death toll. Drunk driving accidents are completely preventable by keeping impaired individuals off the roads. We can contribute by reporting such negligent drivers to the authorities.

Continue reading " Alcohol and Speeding Leads to Fatal Accident on US 60 in Mesa " »

You may already know, or you may be able to guess, that Arizona ranks 8th in the nation for the worst pedestrian fatality rate. It’s a statistic we mention often because it seems these accidents happen multiple times a day.

Another pedestrian has been struck in Mesa on December 13th (AZ Family). The force of the collision sent him onto the hood of the car, into the windshield, and onto the roof. He remains in critical condition with two broken legs and a serious head injury. Authorities have found that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. The driver was not speeding nor was he impaired. The accident happened at 6pm, which is peak time for pedestrian accidents because the sun is setting. The victim was not in a crosswalk at the time of the accident. The authorities have not been able to locate his family to notify them of the situation.

Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than vehicle passengers to be killed in a car accident on each trip (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 6/17/10). Pedestrians under the use of alcohol are among those at highest risk of serious injury or death in an accident.

Especially during this holiday season, please remember to drink responsibly. Please don’t drink and drive, and if you are planning on walking to your destination, thank you for staying off the roads, but please make sure you wear light or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight so you are visible to others and avoid being hit.

Continue reading " Mesa Pedestrian Accident May Involve Alcohol " »

Mark Breyer holds several distinctions already that set him apart from other attorneys. He has attained certification as a Certified Specialist in Injury and Wrongful Death law, a recognition awarded by the State Bar of Arizona to only 2% of Arizona lawyers.

He is also part of the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a group of 4000 trial lawyers across the country, less than 1% of U.S. attorneys, who can prove that they have won million dollar cases.

An attorney rating service, Avvo, has rated Mark “Superb” in his experience, professional conduct, and industry reputation. Mark has also been recognized by his peers through his ranking in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Arizona and receiving the highest ranking on legal ability and ethics by Martindale Hubbell. Now he holds the honor of being recognized as one of Arizona’s Finest Lawyers.

The Executive Board at Arizona’s Finest Lawyers chose Mark based on his record of high achievement, excellent legal skills, and his reputation for integrity. He will be featured in their extensive biographical database next to noted judges, professors, prosecutors, public defenders, and other entrepreneurial attorneys. Arizona’s Finest Lawyers wants to inform client choice by identifying excellence in Arizona attorneys. Being featured on this directory is an honor.

You can view Mark’s biographical profile and see his ratings and reviews at www.avvo.com/attorneys.

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Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in 2009, 10,839 people were killed in car accidents because of a drunk driver. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 32 people in the United States die every day in motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol-impaired driver. As Mesa car accident attorneys, we help victims suffering from injuries or the loss of a loved one due to drunk drivers. Did you know that on average, drunk drivers drive about 87 times before they are first arrested (MADD 1997)? Another shocking revelation from CDC is that in 2008, out of 216 child passengers ages 14 and younger who died in alcohol-impaired driving accidents, 99 of them were riding with an alcohol-impaired driver.

In Mesa, another driver was arrested last Friday night on suspicion of driving under the influence while his 5-year old nephew was sitting in the back seat (AZ Central 12/6/10). The suspect declined to take blood and urine tests which are needed to determine if he was drunk when the police asked him to pull over. According to the police, the man denied that he had alcohol that day but he told the police that he smoked marijuana one hour before he was pulled over.

The reports say that the suspect threatened the officer and his family saying that he would look up his address on the internet and get him and his wife.

Drugs are recognized as a tremendous hazard to road safety. In fact, more attention has been given to drugs than alcohol recently. Marijuana is the most prevalent illegal drug found in impaired drivers, fatally injured drivers, and motor vehicle crash victims according to the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Continue reading " Mesa Drunk Driver Threatened Officer " »

Driving through neighborhood streets in the evenings during this time of year it is easy to get into the holiday spirit. Homes are lit up with lights, inflatable displays, and moving lawn decorations. Many Arizonans have braved ladders and roofs in honor of this special time of year. However, despite having such good intentions, there are some very dangerous risks that could pose serious injury, electrocution, or even death if proper procedures are ignored while decorating the house, both inside and out.

Here are some questions to ask before you start putting up the lights and other decorations this holiday season to stay safe and prevent serious injury, as compiled by professional decorators, Mission Landscaping.

• Who’s your spotter? Often decorators must use ladders to secure displays appropriately—a spotter should always be used to hold the ladder against the building.
• Is your ladder tall enough? Most homeowners only have 6 foot ladders, but the roofline is at least 8 feet high. Using a ladder that is too short means you will be leaning and stretching to reach above your head, which may cause you to lose your balance and risk a serious fall injury.
• Staples or hooks? There are many different ways to adhere lights and decorations to your house, and some people make them so secure that they leave them up all year round! The pros discourage the use of staples because they may puncture the wire and risk causing a fire or electrocution. Hooks are much safer, and less permanent usually.
• Where’s the power? If you are using extension cords, make sure they are rated to work in the outdoors, which means they are weather-resistant and usually tougher than household cords. Don’t pull cords too tight or leave them exposed in high traffic areas as they could pose a tripping hazard.

Continue reading " Holiday Displays Pose Serious Electrocution or Falling Hazard " »

Another Arizona life has been lost due to a car crash. AZ Family reports it happened at night on Wednesday, November 24th on Interstate 10 near Watson Road (11/24/10). Two other victims were airlifted to the nearest local hospital. Investigations by the Arizona Department of Public Safety can’t determine yet the reason as to why the crash happened on Valley freeway. Authorities decided not to release the victim’s identity. I-10 was closed for investigation and was only re-opened before midnight.

To help decrease deaths in car accidents, there are many pro-active choices drivers can make, such as refraining from cell phone use while driving, following posted traffic signs, and committing all attention to the road ahead. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also advocates for these positive driving habits, and especially to never drink and drive.

Additional safety precautions include using appropriate safety gear, such as seat belts. Wearing seat belts is not only highly advised, but required in all states. Parents with children inside the car are also familiar with the required child safety seats and booster seats depending on child’s age and weight.

In 2008, the percentage increase of seat belt use, while statistically insignificant, is still a positive sign that more people are aware of the importance of buckling up. In fact, seat belts have saved more than 13,000 lives nationwide.

Continue reading " Fatal Crash in Phoenix Leaves 1 Person Dead, 2 Injured " »

Many animal lovers have a hard time parting with their pets. They bring them on car rides, walks, and even fly with them on vacations! As responsible pet owners and Phoenix dog bite attorneys, we must adhere to certain expectations, such as cleaning up pet waste, keeping our animals appropriately vaccinated, and providing adequate restraints. Even the most well-trained dogs are not predictable and there is always a risk that they may injure someone, and this is why these expectations are set.

A passenger on a Phoenix-bound U.S. Airways flight on Sunday was traveling with a dog in a carrier (Associated Press via AZ Central 12/6/10). The passenger let the dog out of the carrier while the plane was in flight and the dog bit another passenger and a flight attendant. The pilot had to make an emergency landing to take care of the situation. The severity of the injuries are not known.

Dog bite injuries send over 1,000 people to hospital emergency rooms every day (Dogsbite.org 12/08/10). There are several breeds that have statistically higher risks of causing bite injuries, including pit bulls, rottweilers, and presa canaries. The dog on this recent flight was a smaller breed as it was being transported in a carrier, but don’t let size fool you; even small dogs can cause serious harm.

Continue reading " Emergency Landing after Dog Bites Two Passengers " »

Did you know that every minute, one person is injured from an alcohol-related crash? According to the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (FARS) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 10,839 people will be killed in alcohol-related crashes in United States this year alone (2009). Did you know that out of the 45,435 vehicles in the U.S. that were involved in fatal crashes, 4,595 of them were motorcycles, and in those accidents, around 97 percent of motorcycle riders were the ones killed in the accidents? As Scottsdale motorcycle accident attorneys, we help the victims of these careless drunk drivers and their survivors get the assistance—and the justice—they deserve.

Another drunk driver might be charged of manslaughter due to the death of a motorcyclist on the night of Sunday, November 29th in Scottsdale (Arizona Republic via AZ Central). A woman was driving her BMW, turning left to 124th Street from Shea Boulevard when she struck a motorcyclist.

According to reports, the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet. He was sent to a local hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival because of severe head injuries. The suspect was said to be driving under the influence when the collision occurred.

Statistics from the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS) states that there has been a four percent gain of DOT-complaint motorcycle helmets from 63 percent in 2008 to 67 percent in 2009. In fact, motorcycle helmet use in the past five years has been steadily increasing (NHTSA). It only shows that more and more riders are aware of the benefits of wearing a helmet.

The NHTSA has developed a program called “Share the Road” language. It aims to provide common themes and language to effectively communicate the importance of safely sharing the road to motorcyclists. We hope all Arizona drivers share the road this holiday season with bikers, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike so everyone can travel safely.

Continue reading " Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Scottsdale, Suspect faces Manslaughter Charges " »

Every year, there are nearly 2,000 train accidents in the U.S. (Federal Railroad Administration 2010). From these accidents, there are nearly 2,000 individuals killed or injured. As Tucson train accident attorneys, we are here to help the victims of these horrifying accidents get the justice they deserve.

On Sunday in Tucson, a woman was fatally struck by a train (KPHO 11/28/10). She was trying to cross the tracks when the train hit her. The operator called the authorities but she died shortly after.

The most common place where train accidents happen is at crossings. People and cars try to beat the train and pass over the tracks before it comes, but trains take over a mile to stop, so there may not be enough time for drivers and pedestrians to safely cross once the gates go down, signaling a train is approaching.

A typical train weighs 4,000 times the weight of the average passenger vehicle (FRA 2010). What seems like a slowly traveling train at a speed of 30 miles an hour can be devastating to cars and pedestrians with all the weight behind it.

To be safe around train tracks, always obey the traffic signals. Once you see the flashing lights and gates go down, wait until the train passes to proceed. Never assume that it is safe to cross the tracks after a train passes until the signals say it is clear. Often there may be another train coming from the opposite way that you may not spot initially and that could cause a fatal accident.

Continue reading " Tucson Woman Fatally Struck by Train " »

As Arizona drunk driving victim attorneys, we help those injured and their survivors who have suffered at the hands of these irresponsible drivers, and our thoughts are with the families of these victims always.

Alcohol over-consumption is the leading risk factor for injury in the U.S., causing thousands of injuries and deaths every year (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 12/29/09). It is also the third leading cause of preventable death.

A fatal accident in Yuma left one man dead, and alcohol is suspected to be a factor (ABC 15 11/26/10). The man was speeding excessively early last Friday morning when he lost control of his vehicle, sending him into a cinder block fence and a violent roll, ending up in a storage yard. He was ejected from the car and died later at the hospital.

A recent report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 1 in 5 drivers killed in 2009 had drugs or alcohol in their system at the time of the fatal accident (ABC 15 11/30/10). The number could be even higher, say the researchers, as only 3 out of 5 drivers killed in accidents were tested for drugs after the wrecks.

Continue reading " Alcohol Believed to be Factor in Fatal 1-Car Accident in Yuma " »