Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among those ages 5-34 in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In 2009, emergency departments received about 2.3 million adult drivers and passengers who were injured from motor vehicle crashes.

A portion of the Interstate 17 southbound from Dunlap Avenue to Bethany Home Road has closed due to a multiple vehicle crash (AZCentral 05/21/2011). Due to the crash, the Arizona Department of Public Safety officials say that they don’t know when the lanes will reopen. Other details about the crash have not yet been release.

There are many reasons as to why Arizona motor vehicle accidents hapen. The CDC has not stopped its research and on trying to prevent accidents like this from happening. The accident could have been caused by anything from impaired drivers, distracted drivers, teen drivers or older adult drivers.

The CDC has continuing efforts in the prevention of fatalities in its various activities geared towards the safety of the citizens. It would be good to take heed of the warnings and tips which are issued.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle crash and would like to know your options and legal rights, you may call our car crash attorneys in Phoenix at (480) 389-2463 for a free consultation.

In 2009 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that more than 183,000 individuals 65 and older, were injured in traffic crashes. This accounts for 8 percent of all the people injured in traffic crashes during the year. These individuals made up 15 percent of all traffic fatalities, 14 percent of all vehicle occupant fatalities, and 18 percent of all pedestrian fatalities.

On a Saturday evening, an elderly man died when a vehicle crashed in to him while he crossed the street on a bicycle (KPHO 05/15/2011). The bicycle crash in Phoenix happened on 7th Street near Hatcher Road. Police say that the man rode out on to the street in front of a car as he was crossing, resulting to him getting hit. The driver of the car was neither impaired nor speeding at the time of the crash. The man died when he was taken to the hospital.

Based on the data above, 15 adults over 65 years old are killed and 500 are injured in crashes on average every day. This may be due to age-related changes such as vision, cognitive functioning, arthritis, or reduced strength.

If you or a loved one has involved in an Arizona bicycle accident, be aware of your legal rights and options. You may call our Arizona bike accident attorneys at (602) 267-1280, we may be able to help.

Motor vehicle crashes are a public health concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that for Americans of all ages, crashes are the leading cause of death. More than 3 million people in the United States are treated in emergency departments for crash-related injuries each year. More than 40,000 die as a result of their injuries. However, it is important to note that these injuries and deaths are preventable.

One person has been confirmed dead after a head-on collision between a car and a semi-truck on Arizona 74 (AZCentral 05/18/2011). The Arizona truck collision was said to occur before 6pm at Milepost 22. When emergency personnel arrived, both vehicles were on fire, and the driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene.

Motor vehicle crashes happen almost every day. However, there are a few things which can be done to keep yourself and others safe.

• Remember to always buckle up. Wearing your seat belt can reduce your risk of dying in a crash by about half.
• Make sure that young passengers are buckled into appropriate safety seats. Transport children in the back seat of any vehicle.
• If a teenage driver is behind the wheel, sign an agreement with the teen to limit his or her risky driving, such as having multiple passengers and driving at night.
• Avoid drinking before driving, even in small amounts.
• Avoid activities that distract one from driving, like texting or talking on a cell phone.

If you or a loved one has been injured from a motor vehicle crash, know your options and legal rights. You may call our Arizona trucking accident lawyers for a free consultation at (602) 267-1280.

Did you know that the lack of sleep impairs the human brain and thus can be a major factor in motor vehicle accidents? Sleep deprivation can affect cognition as much as alcohol. Sleep-deprived driving or the operation of a motor vehicle while being impaired from a lack of sleep is risky. Research revealed that driving after 18 consecutive hours without sleep is the same as driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08% in your body.

The Division of Sleep Medicine at the Harvard Medical School revealed that 250,000 drivers fall asleep at the wheel everyday. In one of the studies of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it was discovered that drowsy driving is factor in more than 100,000 crashes, resulting in 1,550 deaths and 40,000 injuries annually. Meanwhile, the National Sleep Foundation reported a much higher numbers of 5,500 deaths and 71,000 injuries every year.

On May 8, Mother’s Day, two Alaskan pedestrians were killed after being struck by a Sports Utility Vehicle in Scottsdale. According to a witness, the two victims were walking on the sidewalk at Scottsdale Road, north of Jackrabbit Road when the SUV hopped a curb, hit them, and then struck a utility pole.

The couple ages 50 and 51 years old were taken to a hospital but were pronounced dead. Meanwhile, police investigators recommended that the 23-year-old driver to be charged of negligent homicide.

Sleep-deprived driving or drowsy driving can sometimes be underestimated. In most instances, the threats they pose are often neglected as compared to alcohol-impaired driving and distracted driving.

Unlike impaired driving in which breathalyzers are used to measure the blood alcohol content in the blood, there is no device that can measure drowsy driving. As a result the government has implemented the use of speed bumps and rumble strips to warn drivers that have drifted off to the side of the road in hopes of preventing an accident.

For victims of pedestrian accidents and other cases of car crashes, contact us at (602) 267-1280 for a free consultation. As one of the top Scottsdale auto accident lawyers, we may be able to help you.

Pedestrians are always in danger of being involved in a crash, especially if the driver of the vehicle is impaired or distracted. In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that 4,092 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 59,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States. These figures mean that every two hours, a pedestrian is killed, while every 9 minutes, a pedestrian is injured in traffic crashes. These figures are here despite the fact that there has been a 7% decrease from the numbers reported in 2008.

In Phoenix, a 54-year-old woman who hit a 17-year-old girl while she was standing at a bus stop, has been arrested and charged (KPHO 05/16/2011). The Phoenix pedestrian crash happened on May 16 at around 2300 West Thomas Road. The teen sustained a fractured pelvis and severe head injuries. The 54-year-old woman has been assessed and was believed to be impaired by drugs.

Pedestrian injuries and deaths in Arizona can be prevented. When driving a vehicle, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. This should apply more so at intersections since drivers are turning to another street, and a pedestrian may be blocking the path. As a pedestrian, it is also important to always be aware of your surroundings. It is recommended that portable devices and music players should not be used especially when crossing the street. At night, pedestrians should also increase their visibility by wearing bright reflective clothes, to alert coming cars of your presence.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligent or reckless actions of an impaired driver in Arizona, then call us at (480) 753-4534 for a free consultation about your legal rights and options.

Child injuries can happen anywhere, more so when a child is left unattended. In Glendale, a car accident occurred after a 5-year-old left alone inside a car slid behind the wheel and drove the car into the wall of a house (KPHO 05/16/2011).

Police say the child got into the driver seat after the mother got out and chased the family’s Chihuahua that jumped out of the car. The 5-year-old put the vehicle in drive and moved forward, hitting the wall of a home near 48th and Glendale Avenue.

Charges will not be filed and no injuries were reported in the Glendale car accident.

Such an incident reminds us of how vulnerable kids are to injuries that could lead to disability and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the greatest threat to children’s health and well-being are motor vehicle injuries.

Data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that in 2009, 1,608 kids ages 15 and below, 50 of which happened in Arizona, died in fatal crashes, making up 5 percent of the total fatalities from traffic accidents.

Child injuries from car accidents can be prevented by using child safety seats which are proven to decrease the risk of acquiring fatal injuries by a large margin (71 percent for infants, and by 54 percent for toddlers aged 1 to 4 years). Adults should also take note that it is safer for kids 12 years old and younger to be in the back seat rather than sitting on the front.

Victims of Arizona car accident’s can reach our Glendale auto accident attorneys at (602) 267-1280 for a free consultation.

In what should have been a minor crash, two people are now in critical condition after a third vehicle hit them from behind (AZ Central 05/13/2011).

According to report, two drivers were exchanging information after having been involved in a minor car accident when a man, suspected to be drug impaired, crashed his pickup truck into the rear of their vehicles.

Police say the initial crash happened at around 2:30 p.m. Friday on Gilbert road. No officers were present at that time but both drivers pulled over to the side and were exchanging information to settle things. Then a third vehicle crashed into both cars.

They were in critical condition after acquiring various injuries in the Mesa accident and were rushed to a local hospital

The driver of the third car sustained minor injuries and was believed to be under the influence of drugs. He was detained by police and will likely face charges of DUI.

Impairment continues to be a major factor in fatal crashes in the U.S. From 2005 to 2009, a total of 62,664 people have died in car crashes which involved an impaired driver (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Thousands of lives continue to be at stake because of such unacceptable driving behavior. If you suspect that someone is driving under the influence, report them to authorities to help avoid road accidents and save lives.

Victims of Arizona car crashes and other related accident who are seeking compensation with regards to a personal injury can reach our experienced Mesa traffic collision attorneys at (480) 753-4534 for a free consultation.

Nighttime is usually a dangerous time for pedestrians in Arizona to be out. There are a myriad of dangers to one’s safety when it is dark, and even more under normal weather conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated in their report that 70% of pedestrian fatalities occurred at nighttime and that 90% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in normal weather, as opposed to rain and fog. Therefore, it is during these crucial times when people should be more careful.

According to AZCentral.com, a man whose truck ran out of gas was struck and killed by a vehicle in a nighttime Glendale auto accident. The victim, a 58-year-old man, was standing next to his orange Dodge pickup which was parked in the middle of 59th Avenue, near Acoma Drive. A white Pontiac which was travelling southbound of 59th Avenue was attempting to change lanes when it hit the man. The victim was pinned between the two vehicles. When authorities arrived, he was pronounced dead.

After this incident, police advised other motorists to turn on their hazard lights in case their car runs out of gas or they are experiencing trouble. The driver should also avoid busy streets and stand on the sidewalk. Drivers can also call the police who would assist by parking near the car and turning their lights on to alert other motorists. When available, it would also be wise to use a car emergency triangle reflector, which is usually placed a few feet before and after the car.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of an Arizona motor vehicle crash caused by the negligent actions of another, it is important to understand your legal rights. The skilled Glendale car crash lawyers at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. help injured victims pursue compensation for their losses and can advise you on the best course of legal action for your particular situation. Call us today for a free consultation at (602) 267-1280. We are here to help.

Physicians at emergency departments see thousands of injured pedestrians every year. Although there was a 7% decrease in the number of pedestrian deaths from 2008 – 2009, it still does not overcome the fact that a pedestrian is killed every two hours, and injured every nine minutes.

A woman who was waiting at a bus stop in Phoenix sustained life-threatening injuries when a vehicle struck her (AZCentral 05/06/2011). The 20-year-old woman was at a bus stop near 23rd Avenue and Thomas Road when the Phoenix pedestrian accident happened. Police say that the woman was in very serious condition when she was taken to the hospital.

Pedestrian injuries and death can be prevented by following these tips:

• Use the sidewalks, which are specifically made for pedestrians. Know and obey safety rules.
• Cross only at designated intersections and crosswalks only when it is appropriate to do so, such as when the ‘walk’ sign is on.
• Don’t forget to check all directions for oncoming vehicles. Look left, right and left again for traffic before stepping off the curb.
• Be alert and aware when crossing the street. Using your cell phone, PDAs or headsets may be a distraction; therefore, these gadgets should be avoided when crossing the street.
• See and be seen. Walk facing traffic. At nighttime, it is recommended that a pedestrian carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing for motor operators to see.
• Watch children closely and teach them safety rules when on the streets.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian-related accident, you may call us for a free consultation at (602) 267-1280. We may be of help to you.

In the U.S., 12% of all traffic fatalities are due to pedestrian deaths, and make up 3% of all the people injured in traffic crashes. Pedestrian deaths in Arizona reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are 14.9% of the total number of motor vehicle related deaths in the state for the year 2009.

On Mother’s Day in Scottsdale, Arizona, two pedestrians were reportedly killed when an SUV hit them on the sidewalk (ABC15 05/08/2011). The accident happened at around 10 in the morning, when a burgundy SUV drove into the sidewalk; it hit the two pedestrians then hit a power pole. The two pedestrians, a man and a woman, were both pronounced dead at nearby hospitals. The driver was a young male in his 20’s, who was taken to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center due to minor injuries. The police said the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the crash occured. Officials say that the two people were visitors from out of town.

Drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians. They need to be especially careful at intersections where pedestrians may be crossing their path. As a pedestrian, it is important to cross at designated pedestrian crosswalks. Never forget to stop and watch all directions before crossing. When it is night time, don’t forget to bring visibility aids such as flashlights or wear retro-reflective clothing to help in highlighting body movements. Sidewalks are also safer to walk on, but if one must walk on the street, be sure to walk facing the traffic.

If you or a loved one has been involved in pedestrian-related accident in Arizona, know your legal rights and options. Call our skilled Scottsdale injury accident lawyers and avail of your free consultation at (602) 267-1280.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), in 2009, it was estimated that seventeen percent of pedestrian deaths occurred in hit-and-run crashes. These pedestrian deaths mostly occur in the urban areas.

A 22-year-old man was sentenced to three years of probation for an Arizona hit-and-run case in Tempe, which left a 32-year-old man dead (KPHO 4/27/2011). Bradley Jason Scott (32) was rightfully following the flow of traffic on his bicycle when the Arizona traffic accident happened on an intersection near Southern Avenue and Rural Road. The 22-year-old Cody Ryan Davis was seen driving away from the scene where Scott was left lying on the street. The footage was taken from a traffic camera video which was released by Tempe police earlier.

A responsible motor vehicle driver or operator is required by law to stop in a safe place whenever he or she is involved in an accident. If necessary, this person will aid an injured person due to the accident, or provide information to the owner of the property which may have been damaged.

For those who have caused damage to a property and are unable to identify the owner of the property, it is legally required that these individuals leave a note with his or her contact information and then file a report at the police. If a person who has been involved in an accident fails to do these things, then it is considered a hit and run.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run, you can call our dedicated Arizona hit and run auto accident lawyers for a free consultation and to learn about your legal rights and options at (602) 267-1280.

Did you know that as of 2009, eight teens ages 16 to 19 passed away every day from motor vehicle injuries? Based on research, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. Teens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely to crash than older drivers.

In research conducted from 2000 to 2006, it revealed that male drivers and passengers ages 15 to 19 who were killed in car crashes were two times higher than female drivers and passengers who were killed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also revealed that teens are more likely to be involved in crashes at night than during the day.

A two-car Arizona traffic collision occurred on Thursday night at around 10:20 p.m. (04/28/11). According to reports, a female teen failed to yield before making a left turn from Grove Street to southbound Signal Butte Road. Her car hit the oncoming Chevy Blazer causing it to roll-over. The driver of the Blazer was ejected but died while he was about to be taken to a local hospital.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident. However, they do not suspect the teen of being impaired.

Research shows that teen drivers are more aggressive when it comes to driving. They also have the lowest rate of wearing seat belt use as compared to other age groups. Thus, as parents it is our responsibility to influence our kids to become responsible drivers especially at a young age. Experts suggest that parents should sit down and talk with their teens about safe driving.

Contact one of our top Mesa accident injury attorneys to learn more about our services and our approach to helping victims and their families recover the money damages they need and deserve. Dial (480) 753-4534 for your free consultation.

Did you know that Teen drivers are four times more likely than older drivers to be involved in an Arizona vehicle crash? In fact, teens are more likely to speed, make illegal turns, ride with intoxicated driver, run red lights and drive after using alcohol or drugs as compared to older drivers.

Due to inexperience of teen drivers, they are more likely to miscalculate and underestimate hazardous situations. In 2009, more than 3,000 teenagers were killed and 350,000 were injured in motor vehicle accidents in the United States according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Failure to wear a seatbelt is also one major reason why motor vehicle accidents are the primary cause of teen fatalities. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 10% of high school students reported they rarely or never wear seat belts when riding with someone else.

On Tuesday morning, a minivan collided with a beer truck after running a red light. According to police authorities, the accident happened in the intersection of the 59th Avenue and Greenway Road. The boy was seriously injured. The driver of the beer truck was not hurt in the accident.

There are many options for parents to make sure that their teens are safe on the road. One of which is GDL or the Graduated Driver Licensing systems, it is designed to delay full licensure while allowing teens to get their initial driving experience under low-risk conditions. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent teen drivers from being involved in fatal accidents.

If you or someone you know have been involved in a fatal Arizona car accident and are in need legal representation, call us at (480) 753-4534 for your free consultation.

Every year, more than six million people die in fatal car accidents in the United States alone. Perhaps even more alarming is that 40,000 of them are killed every 12 minutes or someone is injured every 14 seconds because of a car crash. As alarming as these numbers may sound, fatalities have been decreasing for the past few years.

Unfortunately, recently in the East Valley, two vehicles collided in the intersection of the westbound Red Mountain Loop 202 and Rural Road. The Arizona intersection accident happened around 7 a.m. and the two people in the cars were injured, according to reports from the officials of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. No official state of the injuries has been released although one of the injured was sent to the hospital. While the crash blocked the right lane of the traffic of Loop 202 for some time, it was then opened.

The top 3 leading causes of Arizona car accidents are human error, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and distracted driving—texting while driving. Although it’s an easy misconception to make that teenagers are the only ones that drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or text while they drive, it is very common among adults as well. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has found that, on average, a drunk driver gets behind the wheel 87 times before the first arrest (2011)! Distracted driving is a growing problem that some states are addressing with cell phone bans, but unfortunately, there is difficulty in enforcing these bans as many drivers keep their cell phone usage out of sight while driving.

If you know someone who was involved in a car accident and has been seriously injured, please have them call us to answer their questions at (602) 267-1280, or (480) 753-4534.

Did you know that one person is injured every 14 seconds and about 40,000 people die every year due to car crashes in the United States? In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that motor vehicle accidents are considered to be the leading cause of physical impairment and disability nationwide. It is also the leading cause of deaths for people ages to 2- to 34-years-old.

There are a lot of factors that cause fatal road accidents. After human error, alcohol impairment or drunk driving is the most common factor that causes fatal accidents. Meanwhile, speeding accounts for about 30 percent of the total crashes every year. Lastly, distracted driving comes in third, which causes reportedly 5,474 fatalities every year.

Another fatal Arizona SUV crash occurred in Glendale recently (ABC 15 4/25/11). The SUV crashed into a bus stop near Camelback Road and 55th Avenue. It was shown in the video that a red SUV was already on the sidewalk. The wreck has damaged the front of the SUV and the bus stop.

Glendale police has not confirmed any injuries with regards to the wreck. We hope anyone who was waiting for the bus was able to get out of the way before the car hit.

In 2009, the NHTSA revealed that Arizona had 807 deaths due to car crashes. Nevetheless, the government has been trying their best to decrease the number of victims by implementing more programs for road safety.

As one the top Glendale car accident lawyers, we urge victims of impaired drivers to call us for their free consultation at (480) 753-4534, we may be able to help you.

Vehicle occupants are not the only people at risk of acquiring fatal injuries during a car accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals in their 2009 Fatality Analysis Reporting System that pedestrians and bicyclists make up almost 14 percent of fatalities from motor vehicle crashes for the year.

This goes to show that anyone on the road could be a victim of a fatal accident.

In related news, a bicyclist was hit by a vehicle last week which luckily only resulted in minor injuries (AZ Central 03/16/2011).

The Peoria accident happened at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday morning when an SUV hit the victim while crossing the street near Union Hills and Westbrook Parkway.

The bicyclist survived with only minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

No word as of yet with regards to who was to be blamed in the accident and whether or not citations will be issued as Maricopa County Sheriff's Office continues their investigations on the incident.

There were 630 reported deaths of cyclists due to vehicle crashes in 2009 (NHTSA). As a reminder for safety, it is advised that before going for a ride, cyclists should make sure to wear the recommended protective gear to help shield themselves from serious injuries.

Victims of similar Peoria bike accidents may reach us at (480) 753-4534 for a free consultation. Call now and one of our Peoria bicycle accident lawyers will be available to assist you with your needs.