Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Taking a driver’s test and actually being on the road are two completely different experiences. There is no one on the passenger seat with a clipboard grading parking or speeding. Drivers then believe that they can sometimes get away with bending a few rules. In 2009, there were 30,797 crashes that claimed the lives of parties involved, and 710 crashes occurred in Arizona. Nationwide, there were 33,808 fatalities in 2009. Of this number, 807 deaths were from Arizona that year.

The city of Tempe tried something new to prevent the recurring car accidents that took or changed the lives of many of its citizens. For one whole week the equivalent of the driving instructor with the clipboard, ready to pass or fail, was set up, waiting in intersections and keeping an eye on the city’s drivers. The Tempe Police Department worked together with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety for the week and stand guard in 10 busy intersections known for multiple crashes. The Police Department hopes to increase traffic enforcement, reminding drivers by their presence of the things they learned in driving school, mainly, to be responsible while on the road.

It must always be kept in mind that a little responsibility can save a life. Driving responsibly includes taking care of one’s own safety by wearing a seatbelt, and taking care of others’ safety by not drinking while driving and by concentrating on the road.

Continue reading " Responsible Driving Reminder to Prevent Serious Accidents in Tempe " »

The proper way to cross the street is generally instilled in children at a young age. However, it is still a common cause of death for many people, be it young or old. In Arizona, there were 120 pedestrians that died in the year of 2009 due to traffic accidents.

In Peoria Arizona, around 5:30 in the morning a woman named Sheila Garcia was hit while walking from her nearby apartment. She was instantly killed after being hit by a truck, despite the 39-year old truck driver’s attempts to swerve out of the way after seeing her from a distance. The driver preferred to keep his name from being released.

Coming from a Luke Air Force Base in the neighborhood, a passenger stopped and performed CPR on Garcia. However, she unfortunately could not be revived. Garcia was 35 years old. The police do not believe alcohol or any other impairment was involved and currently do not plan to file charges.

Collisions in Arizona with non-motorists make up 20.1% of the total fatal crashes, that’s 143 people that lost their lives while crossing the street. Fatalities like these cannot be ignored, and victims can suffer for prolonged periods of time or perhaps their entire lives.

If you are one of these people, or if you are suffering in any way from the effects of an experience of this kind, you are more than welcome to call us at (602) 267-1280 for a free consultation we can give you.

Every day, roads are very busy due to an overwhelming volume of road vehicles like cars, trucks, motorcycles and bikes and the congestion very often leads to road accidents. In 2009, 33,808 fatalities from car accidents were recorded by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The severity of the impact greatly damages properties and millions of innocent lives.

At around 9 pm, last Wednesday evening, a multiple car collision left two people injured and one in critical condition.

A landscaping truck with a trailer was travelling on 47th and Olive Avenues when the driver lost direction in trying to avoid a pedestrian. With the sudden stop, another silver car, with two women and a young boy, slammed the truck. Then another car smashed into the silver car.

The great impact from the sudden stop of the truck lead its two occupants to be thrown outside the truck. The occupants of the silver car, the driver and the young boy, were immediately taken to the hospital because of the injuries they sustained from the collision. The driver’s injuries were not life threatening but the young boy is in critical condition according to the Glendale officer.

The alarming census of increasing car crashes is the main reason for the authorities to implement the usage of safety equipment like seatbelts strictly. Accordingly, proper use of seatbelt can reduce fatal injuries about 50 percent and 60-70 percent survival.

Continue reading " Fatal Crash in Glendale Injured Two People " »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that fatal crashes in the United States have declined from 34,172 to 30, 797 crashes from 2008 to 2009 according to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) – Federal Highway Administration. The latest data from NHTSA also revealed that there were 45,435 vehicle types involved in fatal crashes in 2009. Passenger cars have the highest percentage of fatal crashes with 40.4 percent while light trucks came next with 39.4 percent.

In Arizona, passenger cars and light trucks have the highest number of fatal crashes. Despite the continuous decline of the number of fatal traffic accidents, fatal car accidents remain notorious as being the number one killer of people between the ages 1 to 34.

On Wednesday, a crash involving a car and a pickup truck happened in Yuma (AZ Central 03/16/11). Authorities reported that the driver of the car, a 35-year old Somerton woman died following the crash. She was accompanied by her three children when the car collided with the truck. Two of her children were flown to a Phoenix hospital to be treated while the third one as taken to a hospital in Yuma.

Meanwhile, the driver of the truck, a 35-year old Salinas man was treated and released from the hospital. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.

Traffic related accidents often involve impaired driving, speeding, and distracted driving. About a third of the country’s car crash fatalities involved an alcohol impaired driver. Speeding on the other hand, has been a major factor in fatal vehicle crashes. It is time for us to be more responsible in following speed limits, following traffic rules, and refraining from distracted and impaired driving.

Continue reading " Mom Killed, 3 Killed injured in Yuma Crash " »

Sport utility vehicle accidents are becoming more common as they become the vehicle of choice for families because of their space and high performance, despite rising gas costs. But even with their increased size and safety equipment, SUVs are actually more prone to certain types of accidents, such as roll-overs.

Just this past weekend, an SUV came crashing on through a back yard fence of a home in Ahwatukee (KPHO 03/13/2011). According to reports, the Phoenix accident happened Sunday afternoon near 38th Street and Ray Road.

One of the residents of the home said the SUV went flying through the air and crashed through the fence and ended up in their back yard, just moments after the kids left the swing set located near in the yard.

None of the people living in the home was hurt and the driver was reportedly awake and alert after the accident.

No further details are available yet concerning the cause of the accident, or if any other vehicles were involved as police continue investigations.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System reports that over 39 percent of fatal vehicle crashes in 2009 involved light trucks. This includes pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs.

In Arizona, 395 light trucks were involved in fatal accidents or just over 39 percent of the total for the said year.

Continue reading " SUV Crashes Through Fence of Ahwatukee Home " »

Most drivers are aware of the risk of rear-end collisions during everyday driving. What is not surprising is that they are one the most common driving accidents that people suffer from today. In 2006, of the about 6.2 million crashes that resulted in injury in the United States, 29 percent of them, that’s around 1.8 million injuries, were due to rear-end collisions (Science Daily 2008).

Two weeks ago around two in the morning on Glendale Avenue, a rear-end accident claimed the life of yet another driver (AZ Central 3/3/11). Although the passenger did not suffer any fatal injuries, the crash was still enough to kill the driver of the Ford Crown Victoria sedan instantly. The crash involved a moving Dodge truck and a semi truck that was parked.

An officer spoke on behalf of the Glendale Police Department. He recounted that while the sedan was going west nearby 127th Avenue, police in the area saw it smash into the rear end of a pickup truck and after swerving to the right, it smashed right into a semi truck that was parked. The couple in the pickup truck that the sedan first collided with did not suffer any fatal injuries.

Nearly all drivers and passengers have either been in a rear-end accident or just narrowly avoided one. It is a common occurrence on the roads of the United States, claiming the lives or significantly changing the lives of many people involved.

Although fortunately many of these accidents do not result in fatal injuries, people spend $8.5 million a year to merely treat back injuries or neck injuries resulting from these accidents.

Continue reading " Three-Way Car Crash on Glendale Avenue Leaves 1 Dead and 3 Injured " »

Did you know that Arizona was ranked 8th worst in terms of Pedestrian Fatality Rate per 100,000 people among all other states? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released data stating that 120 pedestrians were killed as the result of traffic-related injuries in 2009. NHTSA revealed that approximately 12 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2009 and 3 percent of those injured in car crashes were pedestrians. Nationwide, there were 33,808 persons killed in 2009, and pedestrian fatalities accounted for 4,092. This number has declined from 4,414 fatalities in 2008.

Pedestrian crashes often occur in urban areas where there is a high volume of traffic and pedestrian activity. The National Safety Council revealed that about 85.7 percent of all non-fatal pedestrian crashes in the United States occur in urban areas and 14.3 percent occur in rural areas.

In Tucson, it was reported that one pedestrian died after being struck by a car which was racing another vehicle on Wednesday around 2:40 p.m. The accident occurred on South Campbell Avenue and East Minorka Street near East Drexel Road (AZ Central 3/9/11). According to the witnesses, two cars were racing when one lost control; it struck a fire hydrant before hitting the victim who was walking on Campbell. The suspect, an 18-year old man, was booked on one count of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

According to NHTSA 31 percent of all fatal crashes are due to speeding. In order to not to become part of this growing statistic, it is important for drivers to keep their minds on the road. It is important to always follow the designated speed limits and to slow down especially when approaching crosswalks. Pedestrians should always use designated crosswalks and check both ways when crossing the street. Also, report any sign of negligence on the road that may lead to fatal car accidents such as impaired or speeding drivers. Or if you ever are a witness to a hit and run accident such as this, please be a good citizen and call our hit and run tipline:

Continue reading " Pedestrian Killed by Racing Car " »

Arizona pedestrian accidents more often than not take place in urban places compared to rural areas. From 1975-2005, an increase from 59% to 72% of pedestrian accidents took place in urban areas, while in rural areas, it decreased from 41% to 25%. But the bright side of this is that from 1975, the annual number of pedestrian accidents dropped from 7,516 to 4,409 incidents in 2009. This was based on the statistics gathered by the NHTSA. Although the numbers are getting lower, the injuries and fatalities are still devastating.

Just yesterday, around 3 a.m., a fatal car accident took place at westbound loop 202 to Interstate 10 in Phoenix, Arizona. The accident happened on a ramp of the westbound loop 202. The ramp had been closed and then suddenly it was reopened for traffic enabling the I-10 traffic to go through.

The pedestrian's identity is still unknown, but it is claimed that the person sustained fatal injuries in the accident. The Department of Public Safety Officers were on the scene immediately to take action. Investigations are still going to find out what really happened.

A lot of pedestrian accidents happen because of impaired drivers and pedestrians at night wearing dark clothing. Wearing dark clothing makes it hard for the driver to see the pedestrian. Experts indicate that pedestrians should be careful when walking at night and if possible, do not walk alone at nighttime or wear dark clothes, especially on streets that are not well lit or where there are no sidewalks.

Continue reading " Arizona Fatal Pedestrian Accident At Loop 202 Ramp And I-10 " »

It is hard to believe that a few decades ago people actually survived without cell phones. Within the span of nearly a decade, the number of text messages sent monthly went from 12.2 million in 2000 to an astounding 135.2 billion in 2009. Having to constantly keep in touch with our loved ones or our job has led to cell phone usage practically everywhere- in the office, during dinner, and even in the car. Moreover, 26% of American teens between the ages of 16 and 17 have admitted to texting while driving. Sixty- four percent of teens said they have also been passengers of drivers that use their cell phones while driving.

On Monday, a bill was presented at the Arizona State Capital that would make texting while driving punishable by law. If a driver is caught being distracted- meaning they were reading or sending a text message that person would have to pay a fine of $50 and would increase to $200 if an accident was caused by the distraction. Banning drivers under the age of 18 from using their cell phones while driving was also included in the bill.

Many people have suffered the loss of a friend or family member due to accidents involving distracted driving. In 2009, motor vehicle accidents involving distracted driving claimed the lives of 5,474 people in the United States and injured 448,000 more.

If you have been involved in an accidents caused by a distracted driver, or if you know someone who might be trying to cope with an experience similar to this, give us a call at (480) 753- 4534 for a free consultation. As Arizona accident attorneys we will fight for rightful compensation.

Did you know that in 2009, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System (NHTSA-FARS) found that there were 4,092 pedestrian fatalities nationwide? Arizona accounted for 120 of those fatalities. Twenty one percent of accidents occurred in intersections while 67.5 percent occurred in non-intersections.

Pedestrian fatalities are not new to Arizona. The NHTSA found that Arizona ranked 8th in terms of Pedestrian Fatality Rate per 100,000 residents. In total, pedestrian accidents made up 12 percent of traffic fatalities in 2009, and approximately 3 percent of the 2,217,000 that were reportedly injured in vehicle crashes.

In Peoria, a pedestrian died after being struck by a large flatbed truck early Monday morning (AZ Central 3/7/11). The accident happened near 109th and Northern avenues around 5:30 a.m. when the victim, a woman in her mid-30s, was struck by the truck.

Investigators said that the truck driver might have seen the woman and tried to avoid her but was not successful. A member of the Air Force was first to arrive and tried to revive the woman but she was pronounced dead on the scene. Further investigations have shown that the woman was not walking in the crosswalk and that the truck driver was impaired when the accident occurred.

Many people choose not to utilize sidewalks and crosswalks however; they are built for our safety and are valuable in protecting pedestrians. It is important to use crosswalks and follow pedestrian signals even when no vehicles are approaching. Always look both ways before crossing and avoid using your cell phone or any gadget that could impair your senses especially when crossing the street. Also use the sidewalk and walk against the flow of traffic to have a clear view of oncoming vehicles.

Continue reading " Woman Died After Being Hit by a Truck " »

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a large contributor to fatal car crashes. Not only they can cause injuries and death, the practice of driving while intoxicated is an indicator of alcohol abuse. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 33,808 people died in traffic crashes in 2009 in the United States. Deaths from crashes associated with alcohol are estimated to be 10,839—on average, someone is killed in an alcohol-impaired driving crash about every 50 minutes.

A repeat offender in Arizona was sentenced for another 20 years in imprisonment after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (AZ Central 2/27/11). Luckily the authorities took him off the road before he caused a serious accident.

The 58-year-old offender was already sentenced before with an 8-year imprisonment for the same offense. Six months later, he was released. He was arrested again last February for aggravated DUI and driving with suspended license.

Six months later, he was arrested for a third time for the same offense. He was seen coming out of a bar, stumbling across the parking lot to a white truck, then driving home.

Despite Arizona’s strict DUI laws, there are still many repeat offenders; so authorities have begun a repeat offender program that will identify and target drunken drivers who are caught frequently. The court will decide if the driver’s license will be cancelled, revoked or restricted because of a DUI conviction. If the driver is charged of DUI within seven years, the suspect can face felony charges of aggravated DUI.

Public warnings, public awareness, educational programs, stiffer penalties for violations, and efforts by law enforcement agencies across the nation must be fully implemented to avoid drunk drivers in repeating offenses and driving while intoxicated. On average, a drunk driver drives under the influence 87 times before getting caught for the first time—it only takes one time to kill an innocent victim.

Continue reading " Repeat DUI offenders in Arizona: A Challenge for the Authorities " »

A multi-vehicle accident at the intersection of 35th Avenue and Cholla Street happened earlier this week resulting in multiple injuries (AZ Central 03/01/2011). According to responding firefighters, the Phoenix car crash happened at around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.

The accident sent a 66-year-old man and another person to a local hospital for unknown injuries while three others refused treatment.

This and thousands more car accidents happen on U.S. roadways each day. From 1980 to 2008, the total number of vehicle accidents reported exceeded 10 million every year (Census.gov). This shows how prevalent crashes are all over the country.

On a positive note, there has been a steady decline in the nation’s total traffic fatalities since the 1980s. In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Fatality Analysis Reporting System released a report reflecting an almost 10 percent decline in traffic fatalities from 2008 to 2009. This decrease can be attributed to a combination of safer vehicles, better medical treatment, and hopefully, safer drivers.

But despite the positive change, traffic fatalities continue to be in alarming figures, reaching 33,808 for 2009. Government agencies continue their efforts to push fatalities to its all time low with ongoing campaigns against distracted and impaired driving which make up the most common factors that lead to car accidents.

On a local scale, Arizona had a 14 percent decline in traffic fatalities within the same period.

Continue reading " Multi-Car Crash Leaves Multiple Injuries " »

A Phoenix accident happened early Friday morning last week where a man, appearing to be intoxicated, drove his pickup truck through the backyard of a house, ending up upside down in the pool (KPHO 02/25/2011).

According to the owner of the house, the man was able to pull himself out after the truck accident and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

None of the people inside the house were hurt.

Police added that the suspect was also wanted for questioning regarding a domestic violence arson investigation in Scottsdale.

This was not the first time that the family has witnessed an accident near their home at Dixileta and Tatum. Several vehicles have gone crashing into their back wall including a fatal motorcycle crash last year which killed the driver.

After going through such collision, the driver is lucky to have managed to come out alive. But because of his negligence, properties were damaged and lives were put at stake. This is how dangerous intoxicated driving can be.

Year after year we hear reports of fatal car accidents involving impaired drivers. In 2009, alcohol impaired drivers were responsible for 10,839 vehicle crash fatalities, or 32 percent of all fatal accidents for the year.

Continue reading " Truck Lands in Pool after Crashing Through Wall " »