Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Did you know that the National Center of Health Statistics reported that motor vehicle crashes was the primary cause of death for children ages 3 to 14 in 2007? Moreover, NHTSA-FARS also reported 4 percent or 1,314 of the total 33,808 traffic fatalities were children aged 14 years and below in 2009; 430 were only 5 years old or younger.

Nationally, 4,092 pedestrian lives were lost due to motor vehicle crashes and 59,000 injuries were reported in 2009 (NHSTA). In Arizona, 120 pedestrians were killed, and out of this number, 21.7 percent or 26 pedestrians were killed in intersections.

On Friday night, another Gilbert pedestrian accident took place at Val Vista and Raeigh Bay Drives intersection (KPHO 1/28/11). Three victims were reported to be injured--a man, woman, and a three-month old baby. They were taken to the hospital by two ambulances which were rushed to the scene.

According to the Gilbert Fire Department, the area where the accident happened is almost a blind curve on Val Vista and considered to be a bad intersection. The driver of the car who hit the three stopped and gave his statement to the police.

Despite the reports about the declining number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities over the years, the number is always higher than we would like to see it. Please take caution while you’re out there on the roadways of Arizona, whether you are a pedestrian or driver alike. Watch out for each other.

Continue reading " Two Adults and Infant Pedestrians Injured in Intersection " »

A 7-vehicle Phoenix car crash was reported last week that caused major traffic backups during the morning rush hours. The accident happened on Interstate 10 at U.S. 60, early Friday morning (AZ Central 01/21/2011).

A number of people were reported to have been injured in the car wreck, though we were relieved to hear none of the injuries seemed life threatening. Three lanes were blocked until 8 a.m., including the HOV lane, backing up the I-10 up to Chandler Boulevard and westbound U.S. 60 up to Rural Road. No data is available yet as to what led to the accident.

After more than two centuries since the first “car” was invented, no one would have thought that it would become the world’s leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 29 years (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Car crashes kill about 1.3 million and leave at least 20 million individuals injured every year.

In the United States, more than 33 thousand were killed in 2009 due to motor vehicle crashes (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). While the numbers are still high, it actually has been the lowest number of car accident casualties recorded in a year for NHTSA in a span of more than ten years!

Let us do our share in stopping vehicle accident deaths by following traffic rules at all times, being alert and focused when behind the wheel, putting the cell phones down, getting our cars regularly checked, and of course by not driving while impaired.

Continue reading " 7-Vehicle Crash Backs up I-10, US 60 Traffic " »

Bicycling is a good way to spend leisure time. It is not only enjoyable but healthy as well. But unfortunately there are very serious dangers lurking for bicyclists on Arizona roads. Based on the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were reportedly over 51,000 cases of bicycling injuries from motor vehicle traffic accidents in 2009 while an additional 630 lives were lost during that same year. There were 74 victims aged 14 or younger, which is an impressive 58 percent lower from the 178 children killed in 2000 but still too many children’s lives cut short.

Although the number of bicyclist deaths is lower than 2008, the bicycling community is still concerned about this situation. Bicyclist deaths accounted to 2 percent of the total traffic fatalities in 2009.

Just last Thursday, another Glendale bike accident occurred near 57th and Glendale Avenues (KPHO 1/20/11). According to police reports, a man was riding on his bike when for an unknown reason, he lost control and fell into the road. He acquired serious injuries and was taken to the hospital. The initial investigation revealed that he was hit by a small black car.

As more and more riders share the roads, there is a heightened awareness of safety. While helmets are not required for all riders, there are other precautions bicyclists can make to prevent injury. Wearing light, reflective, or neon-colored shirts can help make you more visible to drivers, especially at night. Bike reflectors and lights are also helpful towards this end. Dusk and evening are the most dangerous times to ride, so please be careful if riding during these times of day.

Continue reading " Glendale Bicyclist Seriously Injured " »

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are considered to be the number one cause of death among people ages 3 to 33 in the United States. There are a number of factors which can lead to car accidents. Drunk driving, distracted driving, and speeding are just some of them.

Arizona has 809 recorded traffic fatalities in 2009 according to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) by NHTSA. The number has declined from 938 in 2008, a -14 percent change.

However, motor vehicle crashes are still common in Arizona's roads. In fact, last Thursday, a cab crashed and went through the fence of a school near 7th and Sunland avenues (ABC15 01/13/2011). Authorities who responded to the crash reported there were two vehicles involved. Although the cause of the accident is still unclear, the good news is that no injuries were reported from the accident.

In order to continue the decreasing number of fatalities and injuries in car accidents, authorities always remind us to become responsible drivers. Making smart choices such as designating a driver when you plan on drinking, or designating a passenger as the “texter” to prevent distracted driving, won’t only keep you safer but also all others on the roads.

Continue reading " Car Accident Leaves Cab in School Fence " »

Did you know that car crashes are the number one killers of children in the U.S.? According to Safe Kids USA, a national coalition with the primary aim of preventing unintentional child injuries, motor vehicle crashes ranks first in leading causes of unintentional injury deaths among children under 14 years old. The research, which spanned from 1984 to 2004, also showed drowning and pedestrian injuries high on the list of causes.

Though the numbers are steadily decreasing as of recently, a welcome change, child accidents continue to occur and continue to pose a great risk to child safety. Just yesterday, a 5-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle on her way home in Surprise (KPHO 1/18/11).

Police say the girl and her brother, an eighth grader, got off the school bus and were walking home when the truck accident happened. The girl reportedly ran out onto the street and was hit near Cottonwood and Nash streets.

The driver tried to pick the girl up but the brother told him to leave her alone and ran after her. He then carried the 5-year-old home who suffered from a broken leg. The driver reportedly remained on the scene and it is unclear whether he will be facing charges.

It is important to discuss with young ones pedestrian safety at an early age. Here are a number of vital child safety tips that you can teach your child when walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street:
1. Always use crosswalks and teach your child to understand simple pedestrian traffic signals.

2. Use the sidewalk when walking alongside the street, always facing against the flow of traffic.

3. Accompanying adults or older children should hold the hand of younger children, especially when crossing the street.

4. Always look left, right, and left again when crossing, even on one-way streets.

5. Don’t go after a toy or a pet that goes out into the street; tell children to ask help from an adult to retrieve it.

Continue reading " Truck Accident Leaves Little Girl Injured " »

Motorcycle accidents are considered to be some of the most deadly road accidents because of the lack of barrier between the rider and the oncoming force. Motorcycles have a higher fatality rate per unit distance travelled compared to automobiles. Unfortunately, the most common injury that riders acquire in a motorcycle accident is severe brain injury, often resulting in permanent damage.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helmets can help prevent fatal head injuries by 37 percent (2006). In Arizona there is no across-the-board helmet requirement; only certain age groups must wear helmets. The right to choose your preference as to wearing a helmet or not is a right that is cherished and defended by all Arizona bikers.

In Phoenix, a motorcyclist is in critical condition after colliding with another vehicle at 67th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard on Wednesday (ABC 15 1/12/2011). Police said that the motorcyclist was in serious condition when he was sent to a local hospital. He was not wearing a helmet when the crash happened. The details of the accident are still being investigated.

One major factor that may lead to motorcycle accidents is the comfort level and skill of the rider. Many motorcycle accidents occur because the rider doesn’t understand the capabilities and limitations of the bike. Even seasoned riders have things to learn when it comes to riding. It is important for bikers to realize and consider the difference between riding a bike and driving in a car. Taking a motorcycle riding course can be beneficial for riders of all abilities to recognize the best practices for avoiding accidents. There are many programs available at motorcycletraining.com.

Continue reading " Central Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Leaves 1 in Critical Condition " »

US roadways have witnessed more than 30,000 fatal crashes every year for the past ten years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) latest count was 30,797 for the year 2009. What causes these road accidents and why are fatalities still in alarming numbers despite advances in traffic safety?

According to research, a majority of car accidents are due to human error. But adding to the numbers are equipment failure, roadway design, and poor roadway maintenance (Smartmotorist). In an effort to reduce Phoenix car accidents and to address the last two roadway accident causing factors previously mentioned, the Arizona Department of Transportation closed the westbound Loop 202 from Cooper Road to McQueen Road last Saturday for HOV lane construction (KPHO 01/07/2011). The roadway maintenance was scheduled from 2 am until 9 pm. Southbound Price Road was also closed from Frye Road to the Loop 202 over the weekend in connection with the said maintenance.

HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes or carpool lanes are used to separate vehicles with two or more people in it. HOV lanes offer a smooth flow for qualified drivers even when parallel (non-HOV) lanes become congested.

Continue reading " Making Our Roads Safer to Prevent Fatal Crashes " »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that in the U.S., 4,092 lives were lost because of pedestrian/motor vehicle crashes in 2009. It is hard to believe this number of pedestrian fatalites has actually fallen from 5,228 in 1998. 2009 also saw 59,000 pedestrian injuries, a decrease of 10,000 since 1998. In fact, pedestrian injuries have been on a downward trend for the past two decades, despite what seem like frequent reports of Phoenix pedestrian accidents.

The National Center of Health Statistics reports that motor vehicle crashes are the primary cause of death for children ages 3 to 14 (2007). The NTHSA-FARS reported that in 2009, 1,314 or 4 percent of the total 33,808 traffic fatalities that year were children from the 14-and-younger age group. Moreover, 244 children from the 15-and-younger age group were pedestrians and in Arizona alone, 10 pedestrian children from 15-and-younger age group died in 2009.

On Friday morning, a young teen was hit by a car while running across the street in Phoenix (ABC15 01/07/2011). The victim was a 14-year old boy who just got off from his school bus at 39th and Southern avenues. He then ran across the street from behind the bus.

The car driver, a 23 year-old female, remained at the scene. The police are still investigating if charges will be filed against her. Meanwhile, the boy was taken to a hospital due to serious injuries.

Although the total number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities has decreased over the years, still too many families are faced with the loss of loved ones to pedestrian accidents every year. It is important for parents to educate their children on how to follow traffic rules and regulations anytime they are in or near a roadway, this will instil good habits from early ages.

Continue reading " 14-year old Pedestrian in Serious Condition after being Struck by a Car " »

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for children aged 2-14 and the leading cause of infant injury death under 2 years (Safe Kids USA 2009). Every year sees nearly 2,500 children’s lives lost in traffic wrecks. As parents and Mesa car accident attorneys, we understand the heartache a parent feels when their child is injured, and we know, as parents, we would do anything to prevent that from happening.

Four children and two adults were injured in a Mesa car accident this morning (AZ Central 1/5/11). A minivan and SUV collided in an intersection, sending the van into a light pole and the SUV remained in the intersection. All six victims were transported to the hospital but their injuries, luckily, are not believed to be life-threatening. The ages of the children are not known, and it is also unknown if they were properly restrained.

Child safety seats saved 1,700 children’s lives between 1996 and 2002, with countless more saved since then (Safe Kids USA 2009). Properly restrained children are 80% less likely to suffer fatal injuries than unrestrained children.

Check your child’s safety seats every six months by bringing your vehicle to a free inspection center. If a seat is improperly installed, it could cause more injuries than not having one at all. You can find an inspection center near you at http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm.

Continue reading " 2-Car Accident in Mesa Leaves 6 Injured, Including 4 Children " »

While statistics may show a welcome downward trend in the number of alcohol-related car accident fatalities, over ten thousand families will lose a family member this year alone due to drunk driving (MADD 2010). A recent study released tallied the 40 “drunkest cities” in America, and two of Arizona’s biggest cities made the cut (ABC 15 12/31/10).

Phoenix was ranked in 34th place and Tucson placed 26th. The list calculated the average alcohol consumption over a month, highest levels of binge drinking, and the number of people with alcoholic liver disease. The average person in Tucson has 12.57 drinks per month while the average person in Phoenix has 11.33 drinks per month.

Although alcohol absorption varies from person to person and depends on several variables, with a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit drivers may experience an impairment in balance, vision, reaction time, and hearing; all senses vital to driving safely.

Even with a BAC between .04-.06 leaves drivers with an impairment of reason, memory, and reduced caution.

With such heavy drinking taking place in the state, it is important for drivers to be aware. Authorities and others try to keep impaired drivers off the roads but unfortunately accidents still occur. If you notice a car in your vicinity that is driving erratically, either too fast or too slow, tailgating, drifting lanes, or having a general disregard to traffic signs, it is quite possible you are dealing with an impaired driver. Leave a lot of space between you and take a different route, if possible. Also be sure to notify your local authorities with the license plate to have the driver stopped.

Continue reading " Two Arizona Cities Recognized for Highest Alcohol Consumption " »