Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Blog

As Tucson car accident attorneys, we were shocked to hear that a car that was rear-ended immediately ignited because of the 500 rounds of ammunition inside the trunk, according to a news report in the Tucson Citizen. The car accident occurred near the Bethany Home Road exit on Interstate 17 Thursday afternoon, December 15, 2011. One person was injured and transported to an area hospital.

Causes of this Tucson Car Accident

As Tucson car accident lawyers, we know that rear-end car accidents are often caused by drivers who are following too closely to the car in front of them. It is likely that the second driver was tailgating the first, which is especially dangerous when traveling on the freeway at high speeds.

Tucson Car Accident Law

According to ARS 28-730, drivers should not follow vehicles in front of them too closely. The law states specifically that they should not follow more closely than is “reasonable and prudent” and should consider the speed they are traveling, in addition to the traffic around them.

Tucson Car Accident Statistics

There were 32 fatal car accidents in Tucson in 2009 that resulted in 35 fatalities, according to City-Data.com. Rear-end car accidents in the entire state of Arizona totaled 40,371 in 2010, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), and resulted in 54 deaths and 12,058 injuries. Common injuries associated with rear-end car accidents include back and neck injuries.

Contact a Tucson Car Accident Injury Attorney

An experienced Tucson car accident injury attorney is able to investigate this accident more closely. Many times, the people who are involved in an accident such as this one will have emotional injuries as well as physical ones. After an accident, many people find it difficult to drive or ride in a vehicle again. The Husband and Wife Law Team at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. work to obtain settlements from the at-fault drivers that cover the cost of medical bills, lost wages, future damages, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation.

As Mesa car accident attorneys, we were happy to hear that Forbes rated Mesa 7th in the nation for safety. These statistics were based on violent crime as well as fatal traffic accident statistics, according to a news report on Fox 10. According to the report, Mesa is Arizona’s third largest city and 38th largest in the nation. While the report doesn’t attribute the low number of fatal car accidents to any one thing, it is likely that safe roads, good lighting, and consistent police monitoring play a role. We want to commend Mesa for this distinction.

Mesa Car Accident Statistics

In 2010, Mesa saw more than 6,130 car accidents, 23 of them fatal. Phoenix had the highest number of fatal car accidents with 134. Glendale was close behind Mesa with 19. Drunk drivers caused 294 car accidents in Mesa in 2010, which was lower than Phoenix at 1,457 and Tempe at 331. Glendale and Chandler were right behind in the number of alcohol-related car accidents with 220 and 193, respectively.

Avoid Mesa Car Accidents: Tips to Stay Safe

Drivers can work to avoid Mesa car accidents by following these tips:

• Obey all traffic and safety rules
• Never drive while impaired, intoxicated, drowsy, or distracted
• Always make sure your vehicle is in good working condition
• Remain aware of other drivers at all times
• Look carefully for pedestrians before driving across a crosswalk
• Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left

Contact a Mesa Auto Accident Injury Attorney

As Mesa auto accident injury attorneys, we know that car accidents can happen even when drivers obey all traffic rules and safety tips. That’s where we come in. The Husband and Wife Law Team at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. represent victims and make sure they receive excellent medical care. Medical expenses, however, can be extremely high, so we hold the at-fault party responsible for your bills. Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn your legal rights when you are injured by another party.

As Flagstaff car accident attorneys, we know that drowsy drivers are often as dangerous as impaired drivers. On December 8, 2011, a drowsy driver drove his GMC pickup truck into a semi-truck hauling a flat-bed trailer that was parked on the side of the road. Luckily, both drivers were alright, although the pickup truck driver was treated for chest pains. He admitted that he fell asleep at the wheel, according to a news report in the Eastern Arizona Courier.

Arizona Car Accidents: Drowsy Driver Statistics

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety published in 2010, two out of every five drivers fall asleep while driving. Representatives of AAA liken drowsy driving to using drugs or alcohol, saying that driving while tired slows reaction time and impairs judgment. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), 1,287 Arizona car accidents were caused by drowsy drivers in 2010. They resulted in 14 deaths and 579 injuries.

Avoid Arizona Car Accidents: Stay Awake

As Arizona car crash lawyers, we recommend that no one drive when tired. It is highly advisable to take a nap, call for a cab or pull over and wait until morning to drive. If you begin to notice signs of fatigue, pull over in a safe location, such as a rest area, immediately. While many drivers believe drinking coffee or energy drinks may help, they risk serious fatigue when the caffeine begins wearing off. Also, these drinks don’t always work.

Contact an Arizona Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one is injured by a drowsy driver, an experienced personal injury attorney at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. works to investigate your case and hold the at-fault driver responsible for your medical expenses, lost wages and more. We interview witnesses and study police reports to determine whether the other driver was fatigued or fell asleep at the wheel. We then use this evidence to obtain a settlement for the victims. Contact us for a free consultation at (602) 267-1280. You can also find news, useful information and other topics of interest on our Husband and Wife Law Team Facebook page.

As Yuma car accident attorneys, we were sorry to learn about a car accident on Highway 95 that sent one woman to the hospital for moderate injuries. The car accident occurred at the intersection of Highway 95 and Avenue 8E, according to a news report in the Yuma Sun. It happened at about 6:30 p.m. on November 28, 2011, and involved a white Toyota Tundra and a Ford Explorer. The driver of the truck had to crawl out his passenger window and was slightly injured, while the female driver of the Explorer was taken to the Yuma Regional Medical Center. Our thoughts are with her, and we wish her a quick recovery.

Possible Causes of This Yuma Car Accident

This Yuma car accident occurred at the main entryway into Arizona Western College. There are a few possible causes of this auto accident. It is possible that one of the drivers failed to yield when making a turn. As Yuma car accident attorneys, we also see many car accidents in which drivers fail to yield, don’t see other drivers, side-swipe other vehicles, and more. The front end of the Explorer was severely damaged, as was the side of the truck, which accounted for why the driver of the truck had to crawl out of the passenger window.

Yuma Car Accident Statistics

According to City-Data.com, there were eight fatal car accidents in Yuma in 2009. Drunk drivers caused three of these accidents, and eight people died, two of them pedestrians. In Arizona in 2010, there were more than 106,000 car accidents that resulted in more than 33,000 injuries.

Contact a Yuma Car Accident Lawyer

An experienced Yuma car accident lawyer can investigate this case to determine who was at-fault. The Husband and Wife Law Team at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. start by investigating the intersection where the car accident occurred. We look for skid marks, brake marks, and leftover debris. We study the police report, and many times consult with experts to reconstruct the accident. Sometimes, even when liability is clear, the insurance company may argue that their insured was not at fault. For a free consultation at your home, hospital, or at our office, contact us today at (602) 457-6222. You can also follow our Arizona Law Team on Twitter for news and other topics of interest.

As Gilbert car accident attorneys, we were saddened to learn about one man’s death after the car he was riding in smashed into a tree Thursday night, November 10, 2011. According to a news report from AZ Central, the crash happened at 9 p.m. near the area of Guadalupe and Gilbert Roads. Police say a 21-year-old man was driving a 2006 Subaru WRX top fast when he lost control and hit the tree, killing his passenger. The driver was taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. We wish to express our deepest condolences to the victim’s family. Our thought and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Causes of This Gilbert Car Accident

Police believe speeding caused this Gilbert car accident and have ruled out the possibility of alcohol being a factor. It is believed that the driver lost control of the car because of excessive speeds and crashed into a tree in the front of an apartment complex.

Arizona Excessive Speeds Law

According to ARS 28-701.02, the driver of a vehicle must drive at speeds necessary to the area. Excessive speeds can result in a class 3 misdemeanor. The person may not:

• Exceed 35 mph when approaching a school crossing;
• Exceed the posted speed limit in a business or residential area by more than 20 mph;
• Or exceed 85 mph in other locations.

Contact a Gilbert Car Accident Attorney

A Gilbert car accident attorney can help identify who was at fault and hold that person responsible for paying the victim’s medical expenses, funeral costs, and future lost wages. If the at-fault driver broke the law, such as ARS 28-701.02 and drove at excessive speeds, his or her insurance company would be liable for covering damages to the passenger. The best auto accident attorneys act as advocates for the family until the case is settled. The team at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. has obtained large settlements for their clients for wrongful death and car crash claims, and understand that passengers bringing claims against drivers may be complicated to all parties involved. A passenger can bring a claim against the driver's insurance which is why we have insurance to help pay for expenses. Contact the team for a free consultation today at (480) 389-2463. Please also visit our Husband and Wife Law Team Facebook page for firm news and other topics of interest.

As experienced Avondale car crash lawyers, we regret to report that there has been another fatal accident in Avondale. A fatal collision involving a truck and another vehicle occurred on October 31, 2011. According to ABC15, the collision occurred on westbound Interstate 10 at Dysart Road around 2:10 am. The Arizona Department of Transportation (DPS) said that the truck was travelling at a high rate of speed when it struck another vehicle. The truck driver was ejected from the vehicle and died. According to authorities, the 27-year-old driver of the Ford truck rear-ended the white Jeep SUV driven by a 45-year-old man. The Jeep rolled over while the pickup fell into a dry river bed. The driver of the other vehicle rolled-over and sustained non-life threatening injuries.

We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of all parties involved in this accident.

Car Crash Statistics in Avondale

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were 1,044 reported car crash accidents in Avondale in 2010. Although the number of car accidents was much higher than the 1,036 crashes in 2009, there were no reported fatalities.

Arizona State Reckless Driving Law

Reckless driving is a serious offense. Anyone proven guilty and convicted of reckless driving can face either a class 1 or class 2 misdemeanour and is subject to other penalties as well. Experienced lawyers can give you more details regarding ARS 28-693.

How an Experienced Avondale Car Collision Attorney Can Help

An experienced Avondale car collision attorney can investigate the facts in more depth. It may be that the City is responsible for the death of the truck driver for not having adequate barriers, allowing the driver to fall into the dry river bed. It may also be that the truck driver was cut off by another vehicle and that is why he rear-ended the other car. In addition, it may also be that the truck driver is totally responsible and that the man in the Jeep has a personal injury claim against the truck driver and possibly another party. These are things that an experienced attorney would investigate to make sure to obtain the best settlement possible for the client. The Breyer Law Offices have been helping car accident victims for years. For a free consultation call (623) 455-6603.

Phoenix car crash lawyers, Mark and Alexis Breyer, are alarmed to hear of another injury crash in west Phoenix which sent two people to a local hospital. According to reports by ABC 15, the two vehicles collided near 35th Avenue and Osborn Road around 3 p.m. Friday in Phoenix.

A 36-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were rushed to a local hospital after acquiring serious injuries, while a third victim refused treatment.

Police are still looking into what factors led to the crash. Aerial footage of the wreck showed both vehicles heavily damaged.

What Caused This Injury Crash?

As both cars had heavy damage, speeding could have been a factor in the incident. The strong impact between the vehicles is reflected by the damage each has sustained. Heavier legal penalties may be imposed once it is proven that one of the parties violated a traffic rule which led or contributed to the crash.

Injury Crashes in Arizona

According to reports by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were a total of 106,177 car crashes across the state last year. Among those, 33,195 were reported as injury crashes. This reflects an approximately 31.3 percent injury rate in car accidents for 2010.

Hiring an Experienced Phoenix Car Accident Attorney

Choosing who will represent you could be the key to winning a Phoenix personal injury case. Mark and Alexis Breyer of Breyer Law Offices, P.C. understand how difficult it is to be the victim of a speeding accident and have helped people for years in injury and wrongful death law. Mark Breyer has been certified by the State Bar of Arizona as one of the very few specialists in injury law. Contact Breyer Law Offices, P.C. today at (623) 455-6603 or (602) 457-6222.

As Glendale car accident lawyers, we are saddened to report that a Glendale police officer was recently injured in a car accident. According to reports from AZCentral, a Glendale police officer was answering a call in the area around 5 p.m. when his police cruiser was struck by another vehicle at 67th Avenue and Beardsley Road. The officer was then transported to the local hospital for minor injuries and released right after. On the other hand, the woman that was driving the other car was brought to the hospital due to some chest pains. As of the moment, the cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Arizona Car Accident Statistics

According to research from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were a total of 106,767 traffic crashes in Arizona in 2009, of which 709 were fatal and 33,380 caused injuries. There were 50,610 people who were injured and 806 killed.

Arizona State Car Accident Law

In Arizona, all drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license and have a bodily insurance of at least $15,000 and property insurance of $10,000. For drivers who are involved in an accident without any license and without any insurance, they will be charged for misdemeanor citation which will result in financial penalties.

Contact a Skilled Glendale Car Accident Attorney

The Husband and Wife Law Team are Glendale car accident lawyers who have been helping people for years. Alexis and Mark Breyer of Breyer Law Offices, P.C. can help you if you have been injured in a car accident. There are many different rules that people should be aware of in order to not destroy their legitimate accident claim. Contact Breyer Law Offices, P.C. for a free consultation today.

ABC15 has reported of a multiple vehicle crash in Phoenix at 103rd Avenue and Camelback Road that caused injuries to all involved, including five vehicles and six people. Police say that there were no fatalities among those involved, however, some individuals sustained serious injuries and have been transported to different hospitals. One person was said to have refused treatment. There is no news about the cause of the incident as of now and there could be many causes for an accident such as this.

Phoenix Car Accident Statistics
Car accident statistics for Phoenix had a citywide decrease from 2008 to 2009. Accidents were said to have dropped 13% and were the lowest in 20 years. There was also reportedly a decline in the number of injuries by 8.9% since 2008.

Arizona Traffic Accident Law
According to the Arizona State Legislature, when a driver is involved in an accident that causes injury or death to others, there will be penalties incurred depending on the cause of the accident. Penalties, depending on what is proven, can range from paying a large amount of money for traffic violations to having a suspended license and taking classes, or even jail time.

Contact an Experienced Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer
A skilled Arizona auto accident injury attorney knows how to properly assess an accident and can take steps to hold a person accountable for his or her negligent actions. Multiple vehicle accidents can be particularly complex because there are so many different people involved. The Husband and Wife Law Team are aggressive and experienced injury lawyers who have been handling multiple vehicle car accidents in Phoenix for years. Call the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. today at (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation.

Goodyear car accident lawyers at Breyer Law Offices are aware that car accident statistics in Goodyear are not as high compared to other areas in Arizona. Although reported car accidents in 2010 increased to 939 from 813 in 2009, it can still be concluded that these incidents are much lower than crash incidents in Phoenix, Mesa, and other prominent areas in Arizona.

On Tuesday morning, October 10, 2011, a vehicle crashed into a tree in Goodyear. According to reports by AZ Central, the crash happened around 6:32 a.m. near Elliot and Hacienda Roads. The driver of the vehicle was a 24-year-old woman. She was trapped in her vehicle and was later airlifted to a hospital in Phoenix. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries from the crash and is now in stable condition. Based on reports by AZ Central, the 24-year-old driver lost control of her car after she lost control of the wheel. She was driving in Estrella Mountain Ranch when the incident happened. We are glad to hear that the victim is now in stable condition, and we wish her a speedy recovery.

Goodyear Car Accident Statistics

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the reported number of collisions with fixed objects in Arizona has amounted to 11,311 crashes in 2010. This is a decline from 242 crash incidents from the previous year, 2009. Meanwhile, ADOT has recorded three deaths and 408 injured people due to car accidents for 2010. There were two deaths and 378 injured persons in 2009 in Goodyear, Arizona.

Contact an Experienced Arizona Car Accident Lawyer

As Arizona car accident lawyers, we at the Breyer Law Offices, PC know that losing control of your vehicle and being injured is a scary and emotional event. There are times when losing control of your vehicle is not your fault. It may be another car cut you off, or perhaps something was defective or not working in your vehicle. Also, passengers in vehicles where a driver lost control are almost never at fault for the accident and are entitled to be compensated for their medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. If you have been hurt in an Arizona car accident, call the experienced Arizona personal injury lawyers Alexis and Mark Breyer of Breyer Law Offices, P.C. at (602)457-6222.

A Scottsdale car accident took place on October 4, 2011 when the driver of a Cadillac Sedan rear-ended a police car. Based on the Scottsdale PD representative, David Pubins, the accident took place near Indian Bend Road and Pima at approximately 7:00p.m. The driver is reported to be a 23-year-old female. The police officer, who is a sergeant, was taken to a hospital in Scottsdale for non-fatal injuries. Investigation into the collision is ongoing but it seems that alcohol may be a factor.

Arizona DUI Car Accident Statistics

According to the data gathered by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were 5,489 car accidents in Arizona that were alcohol related. Further, there were 3,724 injured people in alcohol related car accidents and 223 people sustained fatal injuries in these car accidents.

Contact a Scottsdale Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been involved in a Scottsdale car accident, it is important to understand your legal rights and the consequences of waiting or handling your own claim. Especially when you are involved in a car accident and are working at the time of the accident, it can be vital to your personal injury case that you speak with an experienced Arizona car accident lawyer. Alexis and Mark Breyer, attorneys at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. are experienced Scottsdale personal injury lawyers who can help you if you are seriously injured in a car accident. If you have questions, call any time at 480-389-2463 for a free consultation and to have all your questions answered.

Nowadays, the main mode of transportation for many is the car. While this gives people the freedom to be mobile and to be able to go wherever, this has also become one of the top causes of death in people ages 3 through 34. In Arizona, there were a total of 106,177 traffic deaths in 2010 (Arizona Department of Transportation). 698 of those were considered to be fatal. Based on this latest data, there are approximately 2.09 people who were killed in a day.

In Tempe, a 4-vehicle crash caused the injury of one person (AZCentral 08/29/2011). The crash was also the cause of the road closure on eastbound Warner from Rural Road to 71st Street. The injured person has been taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries. The cause of the crash has not been mentioned in the news item.

There are many reasons why an Arizona crash such as this could happen. Therefore, when driving in Arizona, it is important to pay attention to the road and avoid being distracted by a cell phone. Impairment should also be avoided when planning to drive. If taking medications, ask the pharmacist if the medication will cause drowsiness. Driving while fatigued should also be avoided as it may cause the driver to fall asleep while driving and this could cause devastating effects. To avoid any dangers while driving, it is also recommended to wear a seat belt at all times.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident while driving in Arizona, you can reach us at (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation. We are Phoenix car accident lawyers and we may be able to help you.

Despite the slightly declining number of road traffic accidents in Arizona, motor vehicle crashes in 2010 resulted to an economic loss of $2.668 billion according to the Arizona Department of Transport (ADOT). Having this amount as loss in 2010, we can tell that motor vehicle crashes still pose a huge threat not only in the safety of road users but financially as well.

In 2010, ADOT reported a slight decline in the overall number of car accidents in Arizona with 106,177 incidents. They also revealed that on the same year, car-related injuries and fatalities have also declined to 50,110 and 762 incidents respectively. It means that on the average, fatalities everyday is equivalent to 2.09 persons while motor vehicle injuries were 137.19 persons everyday.

With only a 40 minutes interval, two crashes happened in both Temple and Mesa. The first crash happened around 5:30 a.m. near McClintock Drive. Two SUVs collided and caused injuries to its occupants. Although, there was no specific information on how severe the Arizona SUV accident injuries were and how many were hurt, the crash caused the temporary closure of the HOV lane.

The second crash, which also involved two vehicles, happened east of Dobson Road. Only minor injuries were reported. Occupants of the vehicles were treated at the scene while the crash resulted in the closing of three lanes.

Did you know that only about 17 percent or 18,501 cases involve single-vehicle crashes while the remaining 87, 676 cases were multi-vehicle crashes? However, a single-vehicle and multi-vehicle crash is of no difference. It can still pose a major threat towards everyone. Distracted driving, alchol-impaired driving, speeding are just three factors that can result to a fatal car crash. Hence, it is always vital that we are attentive and responsible while on the road.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of an Arizona traffic accident and would like to seek compensation, call one of our Arizona accident lawyers at (602) 267-1280 for a free consultation.

With the country’s car accident deaths and injuries still alarmingly high, any development made to improve motorist safety is positive news. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announces the start of actual testing for vehicle-to-vehicle technology in August 2012 (All Car Tech 08/23/2011).

Also known as V2V technology, the system aims to give way for vehicles to “communicate” with each other thus helping prevent accidents on the road from happening. Vehicles sporting such technology will be able to detect other vehicles even when the driver fails to do so.

NHTSA will be conducting its test known as “The Safety Pilot” in Ann Arbor, Michigan for over one year. The test involves around 3,000 cars and NHTSA will record information which will help develop a system based on the most helpful data sent between vehicles. Costs and other factors will also be taken into consideration in the test period.

It is interesting to note that some of the biggest car manufacturers are also developing similar technologies of their own in to help topple down accident rates in the country and the rest of the world.

With more than 2 million people suffering injuries and over 30 thousand dying from car crashes in the US2, this breakthrough in motorized vehicle safety gives hope that a better road awaits us in the future. Imagine the number of lives that will be saved once V2V is pushed through.

Car accident victims in Arizona who wish to talk to a Mesa traffic accident lawyer can call (480) 389-2463 for a free consultation.

AZCentral reports that a car flipped and injured three people on a road near the Grand Canyon. Reports say that an out-state-driver said the he was apparently following an outdated GPS navigation instruction while driving to the Grand Canyon. He said that he and four of his passengers were driving from Michigan and was just visiting the Grand Canyon Skywalk. He said that the GPS system was showing the alignment of Diamond Bar Road before it was paved and he drove off the road and flipped the car.

The three backseat passengers were brought to the Kingman Regional Medical Center and were treated for non-life threatening injuries. The driver and the front passenger were injured.

Unfortunately car accidents occur due to mechanical errors. When driving in an unfamiliar place, always be alert as Arizona roads are constantly under construction and always expanding.

If you or a loved one was a victim of a car accident in Arizona, call us for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222. Our Arizona personal injury attorneys may be able to help you.

As experienced Arizona car accident lawyers, we are well aware of all that could go wrong when one violates the road rules. Especially when trying to avoid officers of the law. According to a Crash Facts Summary for Arizona in 2009, by jurisdiction, Flagstaff alone accounts for 1,940 out of a total of 3,768.

In recent news, a woman in Flagstaff who was trying to outrun police with her vehicle, crashed and died. According to police, the woman was 44-years-old. While outrunning the police, she was ejected from her vehicle and it rolled on top of her. Flagstaff police were trying to pull her over when they noticed an equipment violation on her vehicle. They were following her as she sped from area to area. Exactly 20 minutes later, police found her on Lake Mary Road and attempted to pull over her vehicle with emergency police lights. Seeing this, the woman accelerated and eventually lost control of her vehicle causing it to rollover. She was rushed to the Flagstaff Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a vehicle accident, there is free consultation. Just call these

numbers: (602) 457-6222 or (480) 389-2463. You may also follow our Arizona Law Team on Twitter for news, useful information and other interesting topics.

According to the New Registration Database (NRD) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), research of 2009 shows that there were a total of 24,474 people killed due to car crashes. 17,640 of those were drivers, 6,770 were passengers and 54 were unknown.

ABC15 reports that there was a car collision that happened at Indian School Road and Loop 101 when a white minivan and a gray sedan collided. The white minivan got front-end damage while the sedan had severe driver’s side damage. The woman who was believed to be at her 50s was rescued from the vehicle and rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. On the other hand, the second victim also required medical treatment. However, the person’s injuries are still unclear. As of this time, the cause of the Phoenix auto accident is unknown.

In driving, one must be alert at all time, if one feels sleepy then don’t drive. Always keep in mind to never take eyes off the road and switch off mobile phones or other gadgets that would make a distraction. Always make it a habit to wear seatbelts when driving. In case there is a bad weather drive slowly, and always maintain distance between cars to avoid sudden braking.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a car collision in Arizona, call our Phoenix car crash attorneys for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222, we may be able to help you. You can also visit our Husband and Wife Law Team Facebook page for valuable information and topics of interest.

Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among those ages 5-34 in the United States? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2009, more than 2.3 million adult drivers and passengers were treated in emergency departments as the result of being injured in motor vehicle crashes.

Statistics show that there has been a decline among the number of vehicles involved in fatal crashes in the United States. In 2009, there were 45,435 vehicles involved in motor vehicle accidents. From this number, 40.4 percent or 18,350 of which were passenger cars.

Recently, a Phoenix car crash occurred in Seventh Street and Thunderbird Road around 7 a.m. (7/25/11). The crash involved two cars and injured five people. The first car was upside down while the back end of the other car was extremely damaged.

According to the Phoenix Fire Department, the first car was travelling extremely fast which resulted to the roll over, and then hitting the other car.

It was also reported that three of the five injured victims were currently in critical condition after

Car crashes, just like any other accidents can happen anytime. The CDC has reported that during the period when 14 additional states passed primary seat belt laws (from 2001 to 2009), the nonfatal, motor vehicle--occupant injury rate declined. This only shows that, indeed, adult seat belt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of an injury car accident in Phoenix and would like to seek compensation, call one of our Arizona intersection accident lawyers at (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation.

Some people have medications that they need to take on a daily basis. However, there are some medications whose effect is to make a person drowsy, and this may be dangerous for someone that chooses to drive after taking the medication. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2.5% of the fatalities in 2009 in U.S. roadways were reported to involve drowsy driving.

Related to this fact, AZCentral reports that a man rammed his truck into a house near 63rd Avenue and West Mountain View Road in Glendale. Police say that at around 11 o' clock AM, the man lost control of his truck which resulted in his collision with the front of a house. Luckily the house was unoccupied during the incident. The man reportedly gained some minor injuries and has been treated at the hospital. Police are investigating impairment in the crash, however, it was also possible that the accident was caused by the medication that the man was taking.

Drowsy driving increases the risk of hurting yourself and others. Therefore, when taking medications that may make a person drowsy, avoid driving and instead take other means of transportation. It is also important to get enough sleep at night before driving in the morning, so as not to experience fatigue, which will also result to drowsiness while driving.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a drowsy driving accident in Arizona, you may call us for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222. We are Glendale car accident lawyers and we may be able to help.

Arizona car accident statistics show that crashes are a common concern in Arizona. However, accidents are a sad reality and also a big public issue all across the United States. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reported that road accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. This explains the fact that every day, more and more people are being brought to the hospitals because of motor vehicle injuries.

In the recent news by AZCentral, two accidents in Arizona left three people dead. According to the report from the Arizona Department of Public Safety who are investigating the said accidents, 2 were killed in the north of Payson and one was killed near Wickenburg.

Little information is available about the accidents. The first accident was a rollover incident that happened little before 8 in the morning at US 60 at the west of Wickenburg. The second incident happened in the afternoon at 40 miles north of Payson at Arizona 87. The incident, involved 2 vehicles. DPS has not released the victim’s names pending the notification of family or relatives.

Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, but we can still take some preventive measures. We can prevent this from happening by keeping our eye on the road and follow simple traffic rules. With responsible driving, we can keep ourselves and our families safe and we might even save a life.

If someone you love was killed in a road accident, feel free to contact our Phoenix vehicle wrongful death accident lawyers at these numbers (602) 267-1280, or (480) 753-4534.

Whenever it is raining, the chances of accidents are higher due to the wet roads, which tend to be slippery. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, traffic crashes are the world’s leading cause of death between 15-29 year olds. .

A woman is safe after a car accident, in which she accidently drove into the Avondale Canal. (ABC15 07/11/2011). The road was still wet with rain when the woman attempted to make a turn from Indian School Road to 99th Avenue, but she lost control of the car, and ended up in the canal. The woman was the only occupant of the car. A passerby reportedly helped the woman out of her car and to safety.

To prevent car crashes in Arizona, especially when the road is slick with rain, it is important to take extra precautions, and know that drivers need to be more alert. One of the best things to do to when driving in rainy conditions is to slow down since it takes longer to stop or adjust when driving in wet weather. Cars should also maintain a proper distance from the next car while driving; such distance should be increased in wet weather. And of course, remember to buckle up at all times as protection in the case that the car may lose control.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash while driving in rainy weather in Arizona, you may call us for a free consultation at (480) 389-2463. We are Arizona car accident injury lawyers and we may be able to help.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of death for those ages 5 - 34 in the United States. Since 1975, there has been a decline of child deaths in crashes, but it is still the cause of about 1 in every 3 deaths among children who are younger than 13.

In Phoenix, a head-on collision caused the injury of 3 people (ABC15 07/06/2011). The accident happened at 7th Street and Broadway Road at around 8:30 in the morning. Among those injured in the crash were a man and a 2-year-old boy who were taken to the hospital as trauma codes, and a woman who had less serious injuries. ABC15 reported that the incident was still being investigated.

As citizens of Arizona, children should be kept safe every time they are within a car. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there were a total of 1,062 children who died from crashes in 2009.

The following are tips to keep children safe while being driven in a car:

• Always make sure that children are properly buckled up with a seat belt in their car seat or booster seat, depending on the size and age of the child.
• If children are below 13 years old, they are to be seated at the back seat.
• A child should be placed in the middle of the back seat whenever possible as this is the safest place for the child.
• Always set a good example by wearing seat belts, no matter how short the trip is.

If your little loved one has been injured in a car accident in Arizona, you may call our Phoenix child injury attorneys for a free consultation at (480) 389-2463.

Traumatic experience following a car accident can be felt by victims of car crashes. Aside from the physical injuries that they can sustain, mental pressure can also become a burden for them. Other symptoms may just go away in a matter of days or weeks, but other may last a lifetime. According to NHTSA, in 2009, almost 6 million car crashes reported in United States in which 30,000 were fatal; and left 2 million people injured. About 31% of fatalities were cause by over speeding.

Two reported car crash happened on both sides of Anthem. In Southbound, a single-car crash took one life and just a matter of 25 minutes another car crash happened on the northbound side.

The first crash happened at about 1pm last Sunday afternoon according to Daisy Mountain Fire Department spokesperson. A convertible car was travelling at a high rate of speed when suddenly it lost control and traveled away from the road at about 150 yards from the Anthem Way Bridge.

When the firefighter arrived at the scene, the car was already fully covered with flames after it ignited following the rollover. This was also the reason why they haven’t saved the driver of the car.

The accident led the authorities to close the southbound lane near the Anthem Way exit temporarily, which resulted to heavy traffic.

Just after 25 minutes, another case of rollover happened on the other side. One car bumped on another car on northbound I-17 luckily no one was hurt and traffic was not affected.

Every year, many people and families have been devastated by fatal car crashes. This can be prevented if only all road users must practice defensive driving. Always wear protective gadgets like seatbelts and restrains. Pay attention to the road and avoid distractions as much as possible.

If someone was injured in an Arizona car crash, call our Phoenix car accident lawyers immediately using this number (480) 389-2463 for free consultation and assistance. We are always available to answer any questions that you might have.

Fatal car accidents are not only the top cause of mortality and morbidity among people, but also the main reason for biggest lost and damage in properties. According to NHTSA, in 2009 5.5 million car accidents have been reported in United States. The severity of a crash depends on several factors. Factors include negotiating a curve, turning into an intersection and stopping at a traffic light.

In addition to that, some accidents may happen even at the same time or same place. Just like what happened in U.S. 60 in Tempe.

At about 7:14 in the morning, two lanes of U.S. 60 near Rural Road exit were blocked by a three-vehicle traffic crash in Arizona.

Then an hour later, another car accident took place. Two vehicles travelling the same road were accountable on the car crash according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The collision has been moved off to the left side but the HOV lane was blocked by an ambulance that catered to minor injuries.

These instances may happen any time, to anyone and anywhere. We never know where these fatal car crashes may happen. The best advice to all road users is to practice defensive driving, avoid distractions and pay attention particularly to other road vehicles and road signs.

Accidents are inevitable, but if you have experienced such accident and you are seeking for help, just give our Arizona car accident lawyers a call at (602) 457-6222, or (480) 389-2463 and we’ll give you free consultation.

Driving is a privilege that almost anyone of legal age can enjoy. It gives a feeling of freedom, competence and control. Being able to drive will take a person to destinations where he or she needs or wants to be. Driving is also a complex skill. All senses must be alert when driving, and having any problems physically, emotionally or psychologically, will affect the ability to drive safely.

In Bullhead City, a car unintentionally drove into the Colorado River, taking the life of its driver, a 21-year-old pregnant woman (TucsonCitizen 4/21/2011). It took a while for the emergency divers to rescue the woman’s body from the submerged car due to the strong currents in the river. Davis Dam operators had to cut down the water flow in order to assist with the rescue efforts. The divers were finally able to retrieve the woman’s body when the currents slowed. She was pronounced dead at the hospital. The victim’s family reported that she suffered from seizures, and was probably having an episode when the accident occurred.

Having seizures can cause a person to lose control of the body. It could change the way a person acts and sense things, it could also cause a person to lose consciousness. If a person has been diagnosed with having seizures, it is wise to avoid driving and instead, consider rides with family and friends, taking cabs, shuttle buses or vans, public buses, trains and subways, and walking.

If you or someone you know has cognitive impairments and was involved in accidents, you may call our Arizona car accident lawyers for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222. We may be able to help.

Irresponsible driving continues to take its toll as another life was put in danger in an impaired driving accident last week. According to report, a group of firefighters were seen pulling a driver from a pickup truck after a van collided into the vehicle’s driver side door (AZ Central 06/10/2011).

The auto accident in Mesa happened Thursday afternoon at around 4:30 p.m. at Emelita and Dobson roads, just north of Southern Avenue. Investigation reveals that the van was heading northbound on Dobson road and ran a red light hitting the pickup truck that was preparing to make a left turn onto Dobson from Emelita.

The victim suffered broken ribs and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Police believe that drug impairment was a factor in the accident.

The suspect will be charged with aggravated assault.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impairment is involved in almost one third of vehicle crash fatalities in the U.S. in 2009. Being involved in 10,839 traffic deaths for that year alone, it is apparent that impaired driving remains to be one of the major problems in road safety.

In Arizona, 219 or 27 percent of car accident deaths in 2009 were associated with impaired driving. While authorities and safety advocates continue projects to stop impaired driving, their efforts will only be in vain if people will continue to ignore the obvious danger in impaired driving. We strongly advise or readers to avoid alcohol when hitting the road.

Accident victims in the Arizona area who wish to seek compensation related to a personal injury can reach our car crash lawyers in Mesa at (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation.

Every year, many people are injured and killed due to car accidents. According to the NHTSA, 5.5 million car crashes were reported in the vicinity of United Stated in the year 2009. The high incidences of fatal crashes are due to rough rural roads, unwise decisions, inability to foresee potential road hazards, night driving, driving under the influence, distracted driving and vision impairments.

A car accident in Phoenix caused a massive delay on Bell Road near 33rd Avenue recently.
According to the Phoenix police, the collision between a white sedan and a red pickup truck caused the complete blockage in the eastbound lanes of Bell Road until the end of rush hour.

Fire crews and three ambulances were called on the scene for extrication. The 50-year-old driver of the white sedan sustained non-life threatening injuries. However, the driver of the red pickup was just shaken up with the incident and he sustained no serious injuries.

Effects of car accidents are very traumatic on the part of the victims. Sometimes, it may just take weeks to heal the wounds but some injuries may last a lifetime. Despite the efforts of preventing Arizona auto accidents, many people are reckless in driving. If only road users can follow road and traffic regulations religiously, millions of innocent lives can be saved. Practice defensive driving and be aware of the blind spots in the roads.

If you have encountered a case similar to this, then call (602) 457-6222 so we can give you the proper advice regarding the situation.

Young people are often involved in car accidents. In 2009, teenagers and young adults ages 16 below up to 24 years of age 2,619,000 were involved in car accidents whether fatal or not.

Recently traffic came to a standstill on Stapley drive and Southern Avenue due to a car crash in Mesa. The car that had crashed was driven by a 22-year-old male and had a 19-year-old female passenger.

The 19-year-old female explained that her boyfriend, the driver, had a seizure while driving. When she realized that her boyfriend was having a seizure, he tried to steer the car from where she is seated. As a result, the car had curbed and rolled into a dirt lot.

Both were injured. The driver was airlifted to the hospital while the passenger was driven to the hospital by an ambulance. The driver is suffering life-threatening injuries and the passenger had minor injuries.

It is an unenviable incident that drivers suffer seizures while driving. These types of accidents usually result in injuries. The best protection that these drivers can have is to restrain themselves with a seatbelt and always drive with somebody, and in case something happens a person could assist them.

If you are one of these people, then give our car accident attorneys in Mesa a call so we can help you through your case. Our numbers are (602) 267-1280, or (480) 753-4534.

About 807 people lost their lives due to fatal car crashes within the state of Arizona in 2009. Approximately 314 of those tragic fatalities were the drivers of vehicles, and they understandably still make up the largest percentage of fatalities among all person types that had lost their lives to car crashes. As experienced car accident attorneys in Arizona, we know the risks of car accidents all too well.

In Mesa Arizona, a woman was hit in the back of the head by a tire jack that flew into the air after a car collision. The incident happened on Thursday and according to the Mesa Police Department, the woman was only 23-years-old. The reason for all this was the collision of two vehicles on the corner of Emerald Avenue and the Alma School Road. The woman that was driving was carrying a tire jack in the back of her vehicle.

Police officers detailed that the crash happened because the woman did not stop when a traffic light flashed red. Due to this, she rammed into another vehicle that was trying to make a left turn at the corner. The impact caused the tire jack in the back of her car to fly forward and strike her in the back of the head. She suffered a serious injury, as the police said, and was rushed to Scottsdale Osborn hospital.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a tragic accident in Arizona, please call us for a free consultation (602) 457-6222.

Traumatic experience following a car accident can be felt by victims of car crashes. Aside from the physical injuries that they can sustain, mental pressure can also become a burden for them. Some symptoms may just go away in a matter of days or weeks, but other may last a lifetime. According to NHTSA, in 2009, almost 6 million car crashes reported in United States in which 30,000 were fatal; and left 2 million people injured. About 31% of fatalities were cause by speeding.

Two reported car crash happened on both sides of the Anthem Highway. In the Southbound lane, a single-car crash took one life and just a matter of 25 minutes another car crash happened on the northbound side.

The first crash happened at about 1pm on a Sunday afternoon according to a Daisy Mountain Fire Department spokesperson. A convertible car was travelling at a high rate of speed when suddenly it lost control and traveled away from the road at about 150 yards from the Anthem Way Bridge.

When the firefighter arrived at the scene, the car was already fully covered with flames after it ignited following the rollover, which prevented them from removing the driver.

The Arizona auto accident led the authorities to close the southbound lane near the Anthem Way exit temporarily, which resulted to heavy traffic.

Just after 25 minutes, another rollover happened on the other side. One car bumped another car on northbound I-17 luckily no one was hurt and traffic was not affected.

Every year, many people and families have been devastated by fatal car crashes. This can be prevented if only all road users must practice defensive driving. Always wear protective gadgets like seatbelts and restrains. Pay attention to the road and avoid distractions as much as possible.

If someone was injured in an Arizona car crash, call our car accident claim attorneys in Phoenix immediately at (480) 389-2463 for free consultation and assistance. We are always available to answer any questions that you might have.

Did you know that in 2009 alone there are about 505,000 cases of car crashes? These are accurately based on the statistics of the NHTSA for that year. Among the crashes of that year, a total of 1,517,000 crashes have resulted to injury where most of this case had happened on the roadway. Roadway crash accidents are the most frequent incident when it comes to crash incidents even for those that have resulted to fatality and property damage only.

Multiple car accidents in Arizona took place in Interstate 17 of Phoenix last week. The multiple accidents that have occurred lead to a huge traffic jam, which required a traffic backup in the location.

The first accident took place in the southbound lane of I-17 at Thunderbird road where a Volvo crashed on a wall. The second accident involved two vehicles at the southbound lane of I-17 and resulted to serious injuries. There were two other accidents that took place at the northbound of I-17 at Peoria Avenue ramp and at the Dunlap Avenue ramp. The accidents caused the lanes to be blocked and the congested traffic was relieved late in the afternoon. The number of injured people is still unknown and.

Car crashes can happen at any time and anywhere. There are different causes and reasons why it happens. Apart from impaired, driving, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. However, distractions can be by texting or calling while driving. It can also be by eating and drinking while driving or talking to other people in the car. Most of the time, we cannot avoid dealing with these kinds of accidents. But what we can do is changing our driving habits and drive safely.

If you were a victim in a car accident, give us a call at (602) 457-6222, or (480) 389-2463 for some free advice.

Car crashes is one of the most frequent occurrences when it comes to accidents. Most of the crash accidents are between a vehicle and another vehicle, next on the line are between a vehicle and a fixed object with 15.9 percent of the total crash accidents. The percentage may not be that big, but the number of accidents of this kind has reached 875,000 in 2009 alone, according to the NHTSA 2009 statistics.

Last Sunday morning, a woman was transported to the hospital after a car crash in Phoenix. The crash was between a vehicle and two different objects. The first was an APS power pole near 7th street and Grovers avenue. The second is a wall around the same area.

The crash resulted in a devastating incident that required the rescuer’s equipment called the Jaws of Life to free the 39-year old woman. She was transported to John C. Lincoln hospital and was found to have serious injuries. As of the moment, it is still unknown what caused the woman to crash. Luckily, nobody else was injured in the crash accident.

Most of the time, crashes of a vehicle with a fix object usually happens because the driver is impaired. This may be because he is drunk, high or sleepy. If ever the impairment is caused by an alcohol, it is advised not to drive yourself. If you are sleepy, stop at the side of the road and take a nap, this is better compared to having an accident.

But of course, there will always be instances that you cannot avoid this, such as emergencies. If this is your case, and you were involved in such an accident, call us at (602) 457-6222, or (480) 389-2463.

A Mesa auto accident left one man dead after a scooter and a car crashed Saturday morning (AZ Central 04/02/2011).

Spokesman for Mesa police say the fatal crash happened near Brown Road and Grand Street when a man riding a three-wheel scooter crossed the street and was hit by a car travelling eastbound around 9:30 in the morning.

The 80-year-old driver of the scooter was killed instantly while no other injuries were reported in the accident.

Authorities neither see impairment as a factor nor the driver of the car to be at fault in the crash.

It is unfortunate to hear such a tragic accident to happen. But fatal car crashes have been a regular on U.S. roadways ever since motorized vehicles came into popularity.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in a span of three years (2007 to 2009), roadway fatalities on the average reached 37497 each year. That’s about 103 people killed in car crashes every day.

If there’s any consolation to these figures it’s that roadway fatalities have been steadily declining in recent years. This improvement could be attributed to stricter implementation of traffic safety policies, improvements in roads and as well as vehicle safety technology, and successful information drives against the most common causes of car accidents such as impaired and distracted driving.

Victims of Arizona car accidents who are seeking for compensation related to a personal injury may call us at (480) 389-2463 for a free consultation. One of our Mesa accident lawyers will be available to discuss your case with you.

Oftentimes, the most common causes of motor vehicle collisions are impaired driving, speeding, and distracted driving. In fact, research shows that alcohol-impaired driving ranks first having more than 10,000 fatalities involving a person having Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of greater than 0.08.

Last week, a crash involving a car and a scooter occurred in Peoria. However, the cause of the crash was unusual. According to Peoria Police, a 36-year-old woman was arguing with her 44-year-old husband when she hit him with the front side of the car.

Further investigation of the Peoria auto accident showed that she intentionally knocked her husband off his scooter. The two were arguing at a dog-training class about a block away from the intersection of 91st and Olive avenues. The man left the class with his scooter but the wife caught up with him around 7 p.m. The man sustained minor injuries such as scrapes and bruises.

Meanwhile, the wife was arrested and booked in suspicion of aggravated assault.

This accident showed that alcohol and distracted driving such as cell phone use are not the only factors in car crashes and injuries. Whether it is intentional or unintentional, angry, upset, or irritated drivers can have a higher risk of getting into an accident because they cannot concentrate properly on driving.

For victims of fatal car accidents in Arizona, don’t hesitate to call our free consultation hotline at (480) 389-2463. As Peoria car accident attorneys, we are ready to help you.

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.

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.

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 dies every minute due to impaired driving? In 2008, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that approximately 32 people died every day as a result of drunk driving accidents. In fact, impaired driving is still considered one of the major causes of fatal car crashes in the United States. In 2009, a total of 9813 out of 30,797 accidents were the result of alcohol-impaired driving in the United States.

Arizona had 710 cases of fatal accidents in 2009. From this numbers, 196 or 28 percent were due to alcohol-impaired driving. Out of those alcohol caused accidents 134 of them involved single car accidents, and 61 involved multiple vehicles.

One fatal Arizona car accident occurred in a busy Peoria intersection, of 83rd Avenue and Union Hills Drive on Saturday afternoon (AZ Family 3/19/11). Police investigations show that the driver of a Lincoln Navigator was impaired when he rear ended a gold sedan. This collision triggered a series of crashes involving four vehicles. Sadly, the driver of the gold sedan, a woman, died in the hospital.

Meanwhile, the driver was also taken to the hospital due to minor injuries and will recover soon. He might face DUI charges. Investigators are still waiting for the result of the blood test for additional charges.

Drinking and driving is a serious offense but despite its danger, impaired driving is still a prevalent problem in traffic safety. In you have been drinking and are not able to operate your vehicle have a designated driver or cab take you to your destination safely.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of an impaired driver, you can reach us at (480) 753-4534 for a free consultation. As Arizona impaired driving accident lawyers, we may be able to help you in getting the payment you deserve for the damages you or your family member has acquired.

A Peoria traffic accident occurred late last week which sent three people to the hospital including an 82-year old and 70-year-old for minor injuries (AZ Central 04/15/2011). Six senior citizens were on board a van near Northern and 83rd avenues when a truck rear-ended the vehicle.

According to a spokesperson for Peoria police, the crash injured two of the passengers and the driver of the small van who were sent to a local hospital for treatment.

The van was from a foundation for senior citizens.

While being the leading cause of death for persons aged 5-34 in the US (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), car accidents have also taken its toll among the elderly. From 2007 to 2009, there were 28,764 people aged 55 and older killed in car crashes as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System (NHTSA-FARS).

Aside from the alarming number of fatalities are the millions of injured people reported each year from motor vehicle crashes. Injury crashes have reached 1,517,000 in 2009 alone.

In an effort to mitigate high injury and fatality rates, campaigns for road safety have been strengthened by authorities including a more active task force against DUI .

If you or someone you know has been in a car accident and would like to seek compensation relating to a personal injury, we are available at (602) 267-1280. Call now for a free consultation with one of our Arizona accident lawyers.

Did you know that in 2009, 40.4 percent of the total number of vehicles involved in fatal crashes was passenger cars? In the same year, more than 33,000 cases of traffic deaths occurred in the United States. Statistics also showed that traffic-related injuries reached more than 2.3 million as per the number of drivers and passengers being treated in emergency department.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that motor vehicle crashes are considered to be the leading cause of death among people ages 5 to 34. If accidents continue at this rate, car accidents are expected to become the third most serious threat to human health by 2020.

In Mesa, two were injured after crashing near Stapley Drive and Southern Avenue around 2:15 p.m. on Friday (AZ Central 03/25/11). According to Mesa police, a Pontiac Grand Am was travelling westbound when the driver, a 22-year-old man, suddenly lost control of the wheel. The man's 19-year old girlfriend believed that he was having a seizure. Police investigator revealed that the girlfriend veered the car off the roadway, over a curb and rolled into a dirt lot.

The driver was severely injured in the crash and had to be airlifted to a hospital. Meanwhile, the passenger, although she only sustained minor injuries, was taken to the hospital by an ambulance.

Continue reading "Mesa Couple Injured after a Crashing due to Seizure" »

Did you know that 33,808 people in the United States died in 2009 because of alcohol impaired driving accidents? According to the NHTSA, fatal car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and one out of three of those are alcohol related. On average Arizona suffers 200 accidents annually that are alcohol related with fatalities.

In the United States, one person is killed every 45 minutes as result of motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. This April, we are celebrating Alcohol Awareness Month, a campaign which was started by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence in 1987. AAM's main objective is to enlighten and change society's norms of drinking.

Statistics show that every day 350 Americans die because of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, while thousands more are suffering in hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and prison. When it comes to motor vehicle accidents, the number of alcohol-related crashes is quite high.

This month, let us put extra effort in appreciating the importance of having safe roads not only for us but for our children. The first weekend of April is intended for Alcohol-Free Weekend, a great opportunity for parents to teach their children about alcohol and reflect on the dangers and consequences that it can bring if abused.

Continue reading "Drunk Driving Prevention During Alcohol Awareness Month in April" »

Car accidents often result in serious injuries and they can be fatal depending on how the impact happened and at what speed was the collision. Car accidents are now the leading cause of death of kids aging from 2-14. Every 14 seconds, a person is injured in a car crash; And each year 250,000 children are involved in car accidents. This means that there are around 700 children that are injured every day. Aside from fatalities, car accidents are also the leading cause of acquired disability (NHTSA).

A 15 year old boy suffered a deep cut, which could have been fatal, from a hit and run accident. Although the blow was a glancing hit from the car, it was enough to make a deep cut. The car involved was an old Volkswagen beetle.

The driver took off after the accident. It was clearly a scenario. Luckily, a friend was there to aid him after the accident had happened. If you know anything about this accident in regards to the identity of the driver or the vehicle, please call our anonymous Hit and Run Tipline. Your information, if it leads to the successful arrest and felony conviction of the driver, could get you up to $1000!

There is no telling when an accident happens, if the driver would stop and help the victim. Sometimes drivers without insurance are more likely to leave the scene of an accident, or sometimes drivers might just be scared and not know what to do. No matter what the situation, it is never acceptable to leave the scene of an accident, no matter how minor it may seem.

Continue reading "Teen Injured in Hit and Run Accident" »

A Mesa car accident was reported late last week and police say the medical condition of the driver was a factor. (AZ Central 3/25/2011).

According to report, the 22-year-old driver suffered a seizure and lost control of his vehicle near Stapley Drive and Southern Avenue, 2:15 pm Friday afternoon. His 19-year-old girlfriend who was with him at the time of the car accident tried to steer the vehicle from the passenger seat.

The vehicle swerved off the roadway and rolled into a dirt lot.

The driver suffered life threatening injuries and had to be airlifted to a local hospital while his girlfriend was lucky enough to escape with only minor injuries.

Stapley northbound had to be closed after the crash.

While most car accidents are attributed to negligent driving behavior, rare are the instances when the medical condition of the driver becomes a main cause.

A seizure happens when the brain undergoes uncontrollable discharge of electrical activity which interferes with normal functioning. It can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or can be caused by alcohol or drug withdrawal.

While a completely accidental occurrence, some states have enabled laws to try to prevent seizure-related accidents with drivers who have had history of seizures. They may require that seizure victims have to be treated and need to establish that their condition is under reliable control before being allowed to drive again. Usually this is established with a doctor’s approval.

Continue reading "Mesa Car Crash Leaves 2 Injured After Seizure Incident" »

Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA-FARS) in 2009 revealed that 3,215 or 7.1 percent large trucks and 17,902 or 39.4 percent light trucks were involved in fatal crashes nationwide. NHTSA also revealed that approximately 2.6 million passenger vehicle occupants were injured due to motor vehicle accidents.

Based on statistics, fatal truck crashes often occur in rural areas and only 1 percent of those accidents are DUI-related. Fatal passenger car accidents on the other hand are more commonly caused by impaired driving. Most truck accidents are caused by fatigue. In fact, 30 percent of all truck crashes were the result of truck drivers driving without proper rest or enough sleep.

At around 6 a.m., a collision between a pickup truck and dump truck occurred on the Interstate 17 access road north of Dixileta Drive (AZ Family 03/25/11). According to investigations, the driver of the Ford F250 was negotiating a turn when he collided with an Isuzu dump truck.

The driver of the pickup truck, a 30-year-old man, died in the collision while his passenger suffered minor injuries. Meanwhile, the 35-year-old driver of the Isuzu also sustained minor injuries. Authorities believe that speed was a factor in the collision.

Arizona roads are prone to motor vehicle accidents and driving in this state requires safety precautions. Most of the time carelessness and negligence are primary causes of traffic accidents. It is important to be responsible drivers by following road safety signs and reminders. By being more alert to our surroundings we can contribute in the decreasing number of fatal traffic accidents.

Continue reading "1 Dead, 2 Injured in a Pickup and Dump Truck Collision" »

Did you know that according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes are considered to be the leading cause of death among all ages, from 5 to 34? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the other hand revealed that there were 33,808 reported cases of traffic deaths in the United States. Traffic-related injuries have reached more than 2.3 million based on the number of drivers and passengers treated in the emergency department. In fact, by 2020 car accidents are expected to become the third most serious threat to human health.

Head-on collisions are often considered to be worse than other types of crashes. It usually occurs when the driver travels in the wrong lane, crosses a centerline or a median and crashes into an approaching vehicle.

As the result of a fight between a mother and her daughter, five kids were injured and sent to the hospital after a head-on car crash happened between Peoria and Cactus roads in Glendale (KPHO 03/23/11). The car was travelling northbound on 67th Avenue when it swerved into oncoming traffic and collided with another car which was carrying five kids, all under the age of 10.

The four children suffered broken bones. The police reported that the injuries may be the result of improper car seats and seat belts. Meanwhile, the mother might be facing charges since she was the driver of the car that caused the accident.

Accidents happen in a blink of an eye and being involved in a fatal car crash is no joking matter. Seat belts can protect us from serious injuries, and have saved thousands of lives since laws in most states require them. Statistics show that most head-on collisions are due to distracted driving, unintentional manuevers, and speeding. Thus, it is also important that we exert more effort in following traffic rules and regulations while on the road.

Continue reading "5 Kids Injured in Head-on Crash" »

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" »

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" »

Within the span of one year, 30,797 people in the U.S. died due to car crashes–6,770 of these victims being passengers (NHTSA-FARS). This information, collected in 2009, was a decrease compared to the 34,172 deaths, 7,441 of which were passengers, that occurred in 2008. But within the state of Arizona, it is noted that within the same year, arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) increased by more than 3,500—from the 10,500 arrests made in 2008 to the 14,000 in 2009.

A sports car was pulled over last Monday night after police noticed its irregular driving in Mesa. The 23-year-old driver had been found to have a 0.16 % alcohol level in his blood, double the limit allowed by the state. The passengers of his car at first seemed to be four kids packed into the backseat, and a mother who did not wish to reveal her name. However, an older child passenger told the police that there were in fact three more children squeezed into the trunk of the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Both adults are now being accused of child endangerment. Moreover, this was not the driver’s first brush with the law, but his sixth, and he had been arrested for DUI already before.

Sometimes the simplest of actions can prevent the most disastrous of outcomes. Did you know a person typically drives drunk about 87 times before being caught? Luckily for the parents of these children, this drunk driver was caught before any lives were lost. Please always look for the signs of impaired driving—swerving, tailgating, drifting lanes, or speeding—and report any suspicious drivers to the police. Being even the least bit proactive can prevent a child from losing his mother, or a person from losing his life.

Continue reading "Mesa Repeat Drunk Driver Endangers Seven Children" »

Did you know that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found an estimated 2.6 million passenger vehicle occupants are injured every year as result of traffic accidents? From these injury accidents, 7 percent were injured in pickup trucks.

In 2009, 2,306 compact pickup trucks and 6,104 standard pickup trucks were involved in fatal crashes (NHTSA-FARS). In Arizona, the percentage of pickup trucks involved in fatal crashes is almost the same as the nationwide percentage. In the same year, Arizona had 1,008 total vehicle types which were involved in fatal accidents. Of these, 60 compact and 124 standard pickup trucks were involved in fatal accidents.

In Glendale, an 18 year-old man slammed his truck into his own home near 68th Avenue and Bethany Home Road last Monday night (KPHO 02/21/11). Glendale police are investigating the cause of the accident and fire-fighters on scene said that there were three more people inside the truck; the driver's 5-year-old sister, his mother, and his father. Meanwhile, a 14-year old girl was inside the home when the incident happened. Fortunately, no one was injured according to fire-fighters.

As per the investigation conducted by the officers, the crash was not due to impaired driving. It was likely that the driver accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake. These kinds of driver errors cause a majority of accidents on the roads today, so it is very important to be completely aware while driving, as a distraction is likely to lead to an error.

Not everyone is lucky enough to get out of a vehicular accident alive and unharmed. In the cases that we deal with every day, lives of innocent people involved in accidents can be changed in an instant, forever. Unexpected things can happen in a blink of an eye. Thus, it is always important for us drivers to remind ourselves to stay alert and become even more responsible while driving.

Continue reading "Glendale Home Slammed by Truck" »

Fatal pedestrian accidents totaled 120 in 2009 (NHTSA). The pedestrian fatality rate in Arizona as a result is the eighth worst rate in the nation. Those most at risk include adults aged 65 or older, and children between 5 and 9 years of age.

Time of day plays a large part in the frequency and severity of pedestrian accidents. Early morning hours and dusk to evening time are some of the most deadly times of day for pedestrians sharing the road with vehicles. The position of the sun may hinder the visibility of approaching cars, and as most pedestrians do not carry lights with them, they can be very hard to see.

One recent fatality in Flagstaff killed a 50 year old man (ABC 15 2/22/11). He was crossing the street early in the morning and he was hit by a commercial van. Witnesses say he was wearing dark clothing and the driver said he appeared so quickly she didn’t have time to stop. He passed away from his injuries shortly afterwards at the hospital. Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the accident but it is still under investigation.

To keep yourself and your loved ones safe as pedestrians, it is always helpful to wear bright or light-colored clothing, reflective gear such as shoes, pants, or vests, and carry a flashlight if in the early morning or dusk hours. When crossing the street it is imperative to never assume an approaching driver sees you. Wait for traffic signals before crossing the street and even when it is your turn, look both ways for approaching cars. You never know who could be distracted at that same moment you step foot in the road, so as a pedestrian you should always be on alert.

Continue reading "Another Arizona Pedestrian Death" »

For parents, school buses are a wise option of sending their kids to school. The level of safety as well as convenience offered by school buses is the primary reason why parents favor them as compared to other means of transportation. Moreover, research has shown that American students are nearly eight times less likely to be involved in traffic accidents when riding a school bus (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2002). However, despite this impressive reputation, recent finds in 2008 revealed that there were 1,409 fatal accidents involving school buses and 1,564 people lost their lives (NHTSA).

School buses are still vulnerable to road crashes. Recently, a school bus was involved five-vehicle crash in Phoenix. The crash occurred on Friday morning and was caused by a hit-and-run by a semi-truck in Interstate 17 (AZ Central 02/18/11). According to reports, the semi-truck struck a Lincoln sedan near Glendale Avenue. The truck didn't stop and continued south of I-17 while the Lincoln sedan spun, hit the barrier and finally stopped in the HOV lane. The driver of the Lincoln was injured and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, the authorities are still looking for the driver of the semi-truck.

The school bus on the other hand was unable to stop in time for the traffic caused by the Lincoln. It then hit another vehicle in a collision which involved five more vehicles. It was carrying 48 students and 10 adults when the collision happened.

Most if not all schools in the country have specific standards in hiring school bus drivers. This is to ensure the safety of the kids going to school. However, it is often other drivers on the road that cause worry. Unfortunately, the only preparedness for those unpredictable situations is to be 100% aware while on the road—whether as a driver or passenger.

Continue reading "School Bus involved in a five-vehicle collision" »

Based on the 2009 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) Encyclopedia, there were 4,595 motorcycle crashes, accounting for 10.1 percent of the total number of fatal crashes in the United States. Fatalities in 2009 due to motorcycle crashes were 814 less than the previous year’s 5,409 deaths. In Arizona, deaths due to motorcycle crashes have likewise declined from 146 in 2008 to 126 in 2009.

This decline shows that more and more motorcyclists are starting to become aware of the risks involved in motorcycle accidents, and more drivers are watching out for riders on the roads.

In a motorcycle crash, serious head injuries are the main cause of death. Many motorcyclists choose to protect themselves from these injuries by wearing helmets and other safety gear while on the road, but many others find them too cumbersome. Motorcycle helmets are helpful in protecting motorcyclists from severe head injuries, but the right to choose whether to wear one or not is a right held dearly in Arizona. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that from 1993 to 2002, helmets were 37 percent effective in preventing fatalities from motorcycle accidents (FARS).

Another motorcycle accident happened on the westbound I-10 at Baseline Road in late January (AZ Central 01/24/2011). Other than the motorcycle, three more vehicles were involved in the collision. Fortunately, the motorcyclist only suffered non-life-threatening injuries from the collision. Further information regarding the cause of the accident remains unknown. We encourage all drivers out there to be aware that we share the roads with many motorcyclists that want to get home to their families too; keep your eyes and ears open for motorcyclists and try to avoid distractions that could lead to another disastrous accident.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Involved in 3-Car Accident" »

Did you know that fatal crashes decreased by 3.6 percent from 2006 to 2007 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System)? As a result of this, the fatality rate also dropped to 1.36 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel in 2007.

In Arizona, out of 807 fatalities in 2009, 195 passengers and 27 unknown occupants were killed in car crashes, a decline of 40 fatalities from 2008.

Another vehicle occupant, a grandmother, was killed in a fatal crash just past 8:00 p.m. at the intersection of Higley Road and Southern Avenue last week (KPHO 02/07/11). According to the investigators, three cars were involved in the incident. The drivers of the first and third vehicles were unconscious after the crash and were taken to the hospital by the firefighters who responded to the incident.

For the second car, although the driver was not hurt, her grandmother, who was with her during the accident in the passenger seat, died because of the injuries she acquired. Police say that impairment was not the cause of the crash.

Many of us have become more aware of how dangerous the roads are, and have become much more safety-minded. Evidence of this can be perceived in the slight decline of the number of car accidents and fatalities from recent statistics. Wearing seat belts is one of the most effective ways to stay safe while on the road and inside a vehicle. Most government and private sectors have continued to advocate the benefits of this in order to further reduce car accident fatalities.

Continue reading "Grandmother Killed, 2 Unconscious in a 3-car crash" »

Did you know that the majority, 68 percent, of fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas during the daytime and on weekdays? In 2009, tractor trailer trucks accounted for 2,131 or 4.8 percent of the total vehicles involved in fatal crashes while 82 or 0.2 percent of farm equipment vehicles other than trucks were involved on fatal accidents on the same year according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In the state of Arizona, 52 tractor trailer trucks and 2 farm equipment vehicles other than trucks out of a total of 1,008 vehicles were involved in fatal accidents. Although the number is not as high as compared to other types of vehicles involved in crashes, the dangers of large truck accidents should not be neglected. In fact, statistics show that one person is either killed or injured every 16 minutes in accidents which involve 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers or semi-trucks.

On Sunday, a San Carlos Apache officer died due to a collision involving a stray trailer and his vehicle around 3:30 p.m. along U.S. 70 near milepost 279 (AZ Central 02/13/11). The victim was on his way to a mandatory meeting that afternoon when his car was struck by a detached trailer from a vehicle. Further investigations are currently being conducted by the authorities to gather more information about the accident.

Continue reading "Apache Officer Killed in a Collision" »

Alcohol impaired driving continues to take its toll on the lives of Arizonans as two cars hit head-on earlier this week, leaving one dead and two others seriously injured in Mesa (AZ Central 02/07/2011). The 26-year-old passenger of a white Chevrolet Malibu was pronounced dead on the scene.

The fatal Mesa accident happened Monday around 10:50 a.m. The Malibu was reportedly speeding west on McKellips Road and hit an SUV head on when the driver tried to move to the middle lane to turn left near Center Street and McKellips.

The strong impact of the collision threw the driver and the passenger out of the Malibu and while on the street, a third vehicle hit one of them, according to the responding officer.

Drivers of both vehicles were rushed to a nearby hospital and continue to remain in extreme critical condition.

Police believe that alcohol was a factor in the crash after discovering empty cans of alcohol and one still with alcohol in it in the Malibu.

This and many more car accident deaths will occur if impaired drivers are allowed to get on the road. Involved in 32 percent of total collision fatalities in 2009 (NHTSA), drunken driving has always been a big factor in fatal car crashes. Unfortunately, it is impossible for authorities to be present at every instance of impaired driving. But it is possible for the peers and others around these drivers to stop them before they get in the car.

Please, if you spot any suspected impaired drivers, report it to the authorities. The life you save could be your own.

Continue reading "1 Dead, 2 Others Critical in Mesa Drunk Driving Crash" »

Reports of vehicle crashes are starting to pile up as we are already nearing mid-February which, statistically speaking, is quite normal given the millions of car accidents reported each year. In 2009 alone, 5,505,000 crashes were reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; More than thirty thousand of which were identified as fatal crashes.

A car crash was recently reported involving a red coupe and a sedan at the intersection of West Bell Road and North Cotton Lane in Surprise Friday evening (AZ Central 02/05/2011). While further investigations are still being conducted, initial reports reveal that the southbound red coupe on Cotton Lane from Bell Road hit the other car that was headed eastbound on Bell.

The wreck left both drivers hurt, one suffering a head injury, possibly a skull fracture, and the other suffering pain and seat belt burn. The drivers were rushed to separate hospitals for treatment.

Though 5.5 million crashes a year may sound too much for a country with 300 million people, figures were actually lower compared to 2008, posing a -5.3 percent change. Fatal crashes have also been declining as of recent, in fact 2009’s roadway fatalities were the lowest since 1950 (33,808 fatalities as opposed to 33,186 in 1950).

Continue reading "Surprise Car Accident Results in Multiple Injuries" »

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say that light rail is a much safer means of travel as compared to other forms of motorized transportation. The United States Bureau of Transportation Statistics found that in 2007, light rail accidents only accounted for 0.00008 percent of all fatalities, or 18 deaths (Transit Safety Data by Mode for all Reported Accident Fatalities).

The Transit Cooperative Research Program stated that most light rail collisions are between light rail trains and motor vehicles. The most common causes of these collisions are motorists making improper turns or running red lights. Making illegal turns in front of approaching trains cause the greatest percentage of light rail collisions.

In Phoenix, a man was driving his truck when it collided with a light rail train and rolled over on 19th Avenue south of Bethany Home (KPHO 02/03/11). The driver suffered some minor injuries and had to be extricated from the truck. Luckily, no passengers were inside the train when the collision happened.

It is largely upon motorists to drive appropriately around light rail trains. Most light rail accidents are due to collision by motor vehicles. Light rails are confined to the tracks, therefore they obviously can not move to avoid an accident, and stopping a train takes a much longer distance due to the added weight behind them, so it is rarely possible for a train to stop in time to avoid an accident. The Administrator of the Federal Highway Traffic Administration in 2002 reported that passenger injuries per million passenger miles have declined by almost 24 percent while light rail fatality rates have still remained stable at 0.008 deaths per million passenger miles. Hopefully drivers will pay closer attention around tracks to prevent future light rail accidents.

Continue reading "Light Rail Train-Truck Collision Leaves 1 Injured" »

Did you know that in the United States, 3,215 large trucks and 17,902 light trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2009? Out of these total figures, 67 large trucks and 395 light trucks were involved in fatal crashes in Arizona. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (NHTSA-FARS) also reported an additional total of 422 large trucks in fatal rollover crashes.

Rollover accidents are unfortunately a common cause of accidents with many vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, minivans, and pick ups. In most cases, the abrupt turns of trucks and SUVs are the main cause of rollovers. This is due to the vehicles' high center of gravity.

It is suspected that a sharp turn caused one recent accident in Tempe last Thursday. A semi-tanker filled with 6,200 gallons of milk rolled over near Priest Drive and Baseline Road. Investigators said that the rollover happened when the driver was turning left from Baseline Road to Priest Drive, and since he was turning too fast, the milk shifted from the inside, which caused the rollover.

In order to release the driver from the tanker truck, fire-fighters had to pry its cab open. The driver sustained some minor injuries while half of the milk was wasted, spilled onto the roadway.

Unlike recent model SUVs, most large trucks do not have counter measures which will protect its drivers and passengers from rollovers. Thus, drivers of these kinds of vehicles are required to take extra courses and certification to become licensed to drive them. The additional weight load, wide turning radius, and blind spots are all obstacles that must be accounted for and overcome in order to be a safe truck driver.

Continue reading "Milk Truck Rollover Traps Driver Inside, Trashes Roadway in Tempe" »

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" »

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.

Continue reading "Sun City Man Dead after Crashing Car through House" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

All too often we see headlines about motorcyclists who have been killed in an accident. They remind us again and again about the importance of driving defensively and being completely attentive no matter what we drive—cars, trucks, and motorcycles alike.

On Tuesday night at 28th St and Union Hills Drive in Phoenix, a motorcyclist lost his life in a fiery accident (Arizona Republic via AZ Central 10/26/10). He was traveling westbound and collided with a sedan. It is unclear how the accident actually happened. Both vehicles caught fire after the collision. The rider was thrown 30 feet in the air and suffered severe chest injuries and later died at the hospital. The sedan driver only had minor cuts and scrapes.

Even though the exact cause of this tragic accident is not yet known, it is an opportunity to remind all drivers to be pro-active in their driving. Put away distractions and focus on the road. To be even more prepared to spot a potential hazard on the road, you may want to consider taking a defensive driving course. If you don’t have time to take a course in a classroom, you can take one online at http://www.ddcaz.org/arizona-defensive-driving.htm. In the course, you will learn how to avoid accidents, how to safely travel through intersections and pass other drivers, how to recognize unavoidable hazards, and much more.

Continue reading "Phoenix Accident Fatal for Motorcycle Rider" »

Halloween is not just for kids anymore. Many will celebrate the holiday with alcohol and dancing instead of candy and costumes on Sunday, which means an increased number of impaired drivers that may hit the roads. This Halloween, make the safe choice for yourself and others by staying off the road if you plan on drinking. If you are hosting or attending a party this holiday, keep these tips in mind, courtesy of AAA Arizona and KPHO (10/25/10):

• While traveling to and from locations at dusk time, try to avoid residential areas as much as possible. Dusk to evening will be the time where more trick-or-treaters may be on the streets, and it is also the time of day during which most pedestrian accidents happen because the sun is right in the line of sight for drivers, making it difficult to see children on the road.
• If you must drive through a residential area, travel at the speed limit or below. Pedestrians are more than nearly twice as likely to be killed in a 30 mph accident than at 25 mph (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety).
• The state legal blood alcohol concentration level is .08, but even before reaching that point, with as little as a .02 BAC, drivers may lose the ability to focus visually on moving objects, and have a reduced ability to appropriately divide their attention (StopImpairedDriving.org—ABCs of BAC). Arrange a ride with either a designated driver or a taxis service beforehand if you plan on drinking, and if you are a party host, don’t let anyone drive who has been drinking.

Continue reading "Prevent Drunk Driving Accidents this Halloween!" »

While Arizona is known for its single-digit rainy days every year, a few hours north of the valley there is a different story. Northern Arizona experiences all the seasons, which is great for skiers but for drivers, it can be a very unpredictable and dangerous situation, leading to risks of deadly accidents.

This week in northern Arizona, there were some strong storms, which brought sudden heavy hail down across the Flagstaff and Williams areas. Three roll-over accidents were reported and 6 other cars slid off highway I-40 (Associated Press via AZ Central 10/21/10). One of the roll-over accidents involved 2 individuals suffering serious injuries, with one of them having been ejected from the truck. A different roll-over left 4 people with minor injuries. No fatalities have been reported yet.

When a sudden storm dumps gallons of rain or hail on the highway, there are certain precautions drivers should take.
1. Always keep extra space between you and the car in front of you. The first few minutes of rain are the most dangerous because it draws out the oil to the surface on the streets. The oil can create a slick surface, causing your car to take longer to stop.
2. Always turn on your headlights if your wipers are on. This is a simple rule we were taught in driving school, but it has more practical applications. If your wipers are on, they cross your line of vision every few seconds, which makes it more difficult to see oncoming cars. Having your headlights on makes you more visible.
3. If you start to hydroplane or glide on the road during or after a rain storm, don’t panic. Start braking slowly and avoid turning the steering wheel. To prevent the situation, take turns slowly, keep within or below the speed limit in poor driving conditions, and maintain your vehicle’s tires.

Continue reading "Weather-Related Car Accidents in Northern Arizona Leave 6 People Injured" »

Riding public transit is a green and practical idea for many city residents. Whether it is the bus, carpool, or light rail, there are several options available, each offering its own benefits and disadvantages. However, no matter what your choice of transportation, there is always a possible risk of an accident the minute you board.

A man who tried to carjack several vehicles died in Tucson on Monday after he crashed a stolen police car into a bus (Associated Press via AZ Central 10/18/10). The man had knocked down a police officer at Ronstadt Transit Center, stole his patrol car, and started to drive away. The officer shot at the fleeing car and the man ended up crashing into a Sun Tran bus carrying 14 people. Luckily none of the bus passengers were injured, but the man was taken to University Medical Center where he later died; his cause of death is not yet known as to whether he had been shot or if it was a result of the accident.

Bus passengers have little control over what happens outside their personal space, but there are a few precautions one can take to have a safer ride.
• Always wait for the bus on the sidewalk, never in the street.
• Always stay seated until the bus has completely stopped, unless holding onto a rail.
• If standing, keep your feet shoulder-width apart to help your balance and always keep at least one if not both hands on the handrail.

Continue reading "Car Thief Dies After Tucson Bus Accident" »

Roll-over accidents leave some of the scariest looking scenes. Many times, the safety equipment in the car protects the driver and passengers, who are lucky enough to walk away. If safety equipment is not used or is used improperly, the results can be much different, they can be deadly.

On Wednesday in Casa Grande, Arizona, an attempted routine traffic stop ended with the death of three people and a fourth with critical injuries (KPHO 10/14/10). Casa Grande police had suspicions about an SUV and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver instead accelerated. Witnesses and police have different stories about the events that followed; the police say they did not initiate a chase, but witnesses say the police were following the SUV very closely, at high speeds. What caused the wreck is under investigation at this time, but somehow the SUV rolled over several times, ejecting all six occupants, and crashed through a cement wall, killing a woman on the other side.

The riders in this vehicle may have had a different fate had they been wearing their safety belts. Seat belts help keep occupants secure in their seats in case of an accident. Every year, seat belts save about 9,500 lives, yet only about 68% of vehicle occupants wear them (Arizona Department of Public Safety 2010). If that percentage were higher, imagine how many more lives would be saved!

Continue reading "Fatal Roll-Over Accident in Casa Grande, Arizona" »

While seemingly uncommon, nearly 2,000 train accidents occur every year (Federal Railroad Administration 2010). With so much weight behind the momentum of the train, combined with the increased distance needed for stopping, trains can be very deadly weapons. As Arizona car accident attorneys, we hope all drivers use caution around railroad track crossings to prevent accidents.

On Wednesday in Tucson, a car was crossing railroad tracks when it stalled and was hit by an oncoming train (KOLD 13 10/6/10). Luckily, no one in the car or the train were injured, but the car is likely totaled. It is important while crossing tracks to shift as you approach the crossing, not while you cross it to prevent these types of accidents.

Track crossings are common throughout the metro area with the light rail system in Phoenix, as well as the cargo trains that pass through the state. Nearly 2,000 people are killed or injured at railroad crossings every year in the U.S. according to Operation Lifesaver. Although trains may seem to approach slowly sometimes, the weight ratio of the train to the average car is 4,000 to one, so even at a slower speed, damages can be devastating—much like a car crushing a soda can.

Continue reading "Tucson, Arizona Train Accident Destroys Car" »

Biking around town is more than just a hobby for many, it is their only mode of transportation. As Arizona car and bike accident attorneys, we want to remind all road users that traffic laws apply to bicyclists as well as cars, and it is important for all to share the road so we can all travel safely.

On Sunday, a Mesa bicyclist was critically injured after being hit by two cars (KPHO 10/4/10). Driving against traffic, he was hit by a sedan, which threw him off the bike and into the path of a pick-up truck. Both drivers showed signs of impairment and were arrested at the scene, but the police say it was not a factor in the accidents.

Bicyclists must follow traffic laws just as car drivers do. Here are a few key statutes to remember regarding bike riding (Courtesy of Pima Association of Governments 10/5/10):
• Always ride with traffic, never against it.
• When passing a bike, cars can be no less than 3 feet away.
• Bicyclists must signal their turns with hand and arm movements. All signals are made with the left hand. For a left turn, extend your left arm. To turn right, make a right angle with your left hand extended upward. When you are braking, make the right turn sign pointing down.
• Every rider must have a regular seat to sit on.
• Never hold on to or attach your bike to another vehicle.
• Bicyclists must ride as far to the right of the road as possible, only moving to pass other vehicles, avoid obstacles, or make a left hand turn.
• Bicyclists may only ride up to two side-by-side, except on bicycle only routes.
• At least one hand must remain on the handlebars at all times.
• If riding at night, bikes must have at least one white headlight and one red rear reflector.

Continue reading "Mesa, Arizona Bicyclist Critically Injured after 2-Car Crash" »

Getting to and from school, our children may take the bus, walk, or get picked up. School zones surround schools for a certain radius in which drivers are expected to drive slower, with even more caution while watching for children. As Arizona car and bus accident attorneys, we are reminded again by this story of how important it is to follow posted road signs and slow for school zones.

In Apache Junction on Wednesday, a man hit a school bus with six special needs children on board (AZ Central 9/29/10). He was sent to the hospital but is in stable condition. Luckily, no children were injured. The accident happened in a school zone.

Most school zones have speed limits of 25 miles an hour or slower during school hours. Crossing guards are present at every intersection to escort children across the street. Many school zones have speed bumps to help enforce the speed limit.

Consequences for violating the speed limit or other infractions are more severe in school zones due to the increased pedestrian and minor traffic in the area.

Teaching our children how to safely de-board a bus and cross the street is very important. Children should never pass behind a school bus or directly in front of it because drivers can’t see them over the nose of the bus. Also, other drivers may have trouble seeing children who walk close in front of busses.

Continue reading "Man Injured After Apache Junction, Arizona School Bus Accident" »

Drunk drivers cause thousands of accidents every year, resulting in hundreds of injuries and deaths. As Arizona car accident attorneys, we assist many victims of drunk driving in getting the compensation they deserve.

A national insurance company did a study and found Phoenix to be fourth in the U.S. with the highest percentage of drivers with alcohol-related driving convictions (ABC 15 9/29/10). San Diego, San Jose, and Charlotte are the top three cities. Reasons for larger percentages may be due to more drinkers or less public transportation. Another reason for more DUI convictions may be due to stronger enforcement. Phoenix is known for having strict DUI enforcement and repercussions, but also is home to a large college student population.

The city may not be able to decrease the number of drivers with impairment convictions that currently exist, but there is an easy way individuals can prevent that number from increasing. Taking advantage of the numerous safe ride programs across the city will not only prevent drivers from being convicted of impairment but will also keep other drivers safer by keeping drunk drivers off the streets. For those impaired drivers that still make it on the streets, we can be proactive in avoiding them instead of waiting for them to be caught by the authorities. Driving defensively is key in avoiding accidents.

Continue reading "Phoenix Ranks in Top 5 of U.S. Cities for Most Drunk Drivers" »

As Arizona car accident attorneys residing locally, we pass through Gilbert frequently. The recent upsurge of deadly accidents around Higley and Guadalupe roads has reminded us to drive more carefully. We support the police in their efforts to make their town safer for all travelers.

Over the past year, Gilbert has seen an increase from three car accident deaths a year to five (Arizona Republic via AZ Central 9/25/10). The Higley and Guadalupe intersection seems to be the most dangerous spot in the town for accidents. Police have taken up the issue by increasing patrols in the area between Tuesday and Friday afternoons. They issued 48 citations on Tuesday, and 40 more on Wednesday, including seven arrests across the days for suspended licenses and DUI.

Many accidents are caused by a combination of inattention and speeding. Distractions increase reaction time just when speeding demands it to be faster. Police encourage drivers to avoid talking on cell phones and never send text messages while driving. Hopefully the crackdown in the area will make drivers slow down and focus more on driving to prevent accidents.

Continue reading "Gilbert, Arizona Increases Patrols as Accident Fatalities Rise" »

Distracted driving is the cause of many accidents. Drivers may be texting, talking on a cell phone, eating a cheeseburger, or looking at another accident. No matter what it is, it is taking drivers’ eyes off the road and risking the lives of everyone else as well as themselves. As Arizona car accident attorneys, we can’t stress enough the importance of making the road in front of you the only thing you keep your eyes on.

A study done by U.S. researchers found that texting is responsible for 16,000 deaths from 2001 to 2007 (Reuters 9/23/10). Texting has become by far one of the most popular ways of communication over the past few years, and its growing prevalence means people are texting while doing many different activities, including driving.

Despite claims of hands-free devices to be safer alternatives of communicating while driving, the study found that they only make the dangers more widespread and accepted due to many states’ laws requiring hands-free devices. Researchers Wilson and Stimpson also estimate that for every 1 million new cell phone subscribers, there will be an associated 19% rise in distracted driving deaths (Reuters 9/23/10).

Continue reading "Deadly Accidents Caused by Texting" »

Sometimes we don’t realize the dangers we actually face when we are on the roads. We take risks every time we get behind the wheel and put a lot of trust into our fellow drivers that they will stay in their lane, signal when turning, and stop when required. Unfortunately when a driver is impaired, they can not be trusted to obey traffic laws, which puts everyone else in danger. As Arizona car accident attorneys, we hope these drivers are taken off the roads as quickly as possible.

Police in Mesa were alerted to a driver who appeared intoxicated on Monday night while pumping gas (AZ Central 9/22/10). Luckily, they were able to stop the driver before any accidents occurred. The driver was a minor, 17 years old, with a history of several arrests, prior convictions of drug charges, a suspended license, even assault and theft. He failed the sobriety test and had evidence of drug use on his arms. The police also found him in possession of drugs.

The history of this Mesa teen is very sad. Hopefully this latest arrest will be a wakeup call for him to get sober. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2005, 28% of 15-20 year old drivers killed in car accidents had been drinking. As parents, we understand how important it is to teach our children about safe driving. Even if our children don’t drink and drive themselves, the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance reported in 2009 that nearly 30% of high school students have ridden in a car with an impaired driver. It may be other drivers that a parent has to worry about, so children should be taught early of the signs of an impaired driver.

Continue reading "Mesa, Arizona Teen Arrested for DUI" »

While it may be our nature as humans to be curious about things we see, we must keep our curiosity in check for our own safety. The old saying goes, “curiosity killed the cat,” but it can also injure a person. As Arizona car accident attorneys and drivers on the state’s highways ourselves, we hope we all can curb our curiosity on the road enough to keep us out of harm’s way.

One Mesa woman’s curiosity got the best of her, causing her to hit a police car (ABC 15 9/20/10). The police officer was responding to a multiple car crash and was trying to find a place to park his vehicle when the woman rear-ended him. She admitted to being distracted by the original accident and not watching the road. Luckily no one was injured in the accident she caused, but the results could easily have been different.

This accident just goes to remind us again of the importance of Arizona’s Move Over law. When you see an authority on the side of the road, it is the law that you must change lanes away from the scene or at least slow down if you can not move. We may not be able to help our curiosity to see what happened, but we can prevent causing an accident ourselves by putting space between us and the scene.

Continue reading "Rubbernecking Causes Mesa, Arizona Car Accident" »

Many Arizona highways are not well lit because they seldom have a lot of traffic. Driving at night on these smaller highways that are sometimes only two lanes wide can be very dangerous. While driving on a poorly lit road, we advise, as Arizona truck accident attorneys, to use high beams as much as possible to see further ahead of your car.

On a minor highway in Buckeye on Sunday night, a semi-truck hit a passenger car (ABC 15 9/20/10). Four sustained injuries, including three children. The cause of the accident and ages of the children are not yet known. The road remains blocked for investigation.

A poorly lit road combined with high speed and trucks can be very dangerous if drivers are not careful. At highway speeds, it only takes a small miscalculation to cause a big accident. It is important to keep even more distance between other cars when traveling on a poorly lit road. Truckers driving on the highways are another dangerous variable. With so much cargo weight, the powerful trucks can be very deadly machines should they be involved in an accident because they are more difficult to stop. Some truck drivers put themselves and others at risk by driving fatigued, the effects of which are similar to driving under the influence.

Continue reading "Four Seriously Injured in Buckeye, Arizona Truck Accident" »

Evening time in Arizona typically means cooler weather as the sun goes down, and more people are out walking. It is also the most dangerous time to go walking on the streets because shadows on the road along with the brightness of the sun in drivers’ line of vision can be distracting and/or blinding. As pedestrians, it is important to wear reflective clothing and be extra cautious while walking during this time to avoid a serious accident.

One Gilbert woman’s walk on Wednesday was not enjoyable at all. She was hit by a car, sustaining head injuries at Higley and Houston (Arizona Republic 9/16/10). She was conscious at the scene but taken to the hospital for treatment. The accident happened at 6:30pm, at which time the sun is still setting. It is not yet known if she was crossing a street or hit on a sidewalk, or what caused the crash.

There were 69,000 pedestrian injuries in 2008, and another 4,378 pedestrian fatalities (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Pedestrian Safety Fact Sheet 2008). These numbers are far too high for our most basic form of transportation. Those 65 and older and children between 5 and 9 years old are the most at risk for a pedestrian injury. To have a safer walk, the CDC recommends carrying a flashlight and wearing reflective clothing at night, being extremely cautious in intersections, and using a sidewalk if available, or walking facing traffic.

Continue reading "Woman Suffers Head Injuries after Gilbert, Arizona Car Accident" »

It is well known that the legal blood alcohol level is .08. It is better not to drive after any number of drinks, but especially once the legal limit is met. As car accident attorneys in Arizona, we advise to always have a designated driver or plan to stay over if you have been drinking, to keep us all safer.

Monday night was a destructive night for one man in Washington. He has been charged with three counts of driving under the influence after he crashed both of his family’s cars and returned to tow them home with his own tow truck (KGMI 9/15/10). The two cars were wrecked on the same road and luckily no one else was hurt, although the driver suffered minor scratches. The situation could have been much worse had anyone else been on the road or in the cars at that time.

Before having a few drinks, it is important to have your transportation home already figured out and set in stone. Nominating a designated driver is a great option. If none of the people you are with are willing to be a sober driver, there are many other options available to get you and your friends home safely. Not only are taxis, buses, and light rails running at all hours, but there are also designated driver services for hire. You can find a shuttle, a tow truck, or some services that even drive your car home for you. A simple search before you go out to drink can be the difference between coming home at night and never coming home again.

Continue reading "Man Charged with 3 DUI Counts in Same Night" »

The responsibility of the police is to enforce the law, and as car accident attorneys, we recognize the dangers that a high speed chase presents.

On Monday in Flagstaff, police spotted a man driving a stolen car at high speeds and started pursuing him, but traffic was too heavy to initiate a high speed chase after him (KPHO 9/13/10). Luckily the driver didn’t get away, but he did end up hitting two pedestrians and a wall. The pedestrians went to hospital with minor injuries, along with the driver, who was pulled out of the wreck right before it engulfed in flames.

Police chases can be very dangerous, as this accident shows. Luckily no one was seriously injured, but had the police ruled the situation safe to follow the car at similar high speeds, the situation could have been deadly.

So many factors are involved in a safe road trip, whether it is down the street to get gas or across the country. Individual variables must be calculated and avoided, such as a high speed chase, someone texting and driving, or even an animal crossing the street. It only takes a small miscalculation to cause an accident. At high speeds, reaction times can be increased because everything passes so quickly. The pedestrians who were struck by the stolen car were an uncalculated factor in the drivers’ mind who was compromised by the high speed at which he was traveling. He may have lost control of his car due to a preventative move to avoid the pedestrians in the first place, but his speeding made the move happen too late.

Continue reading "Police Chase Ends in Firey Crash, Two Pedestrians Hit" »

An Arizona native, rising hip-hop musician Emcee Abay Lattin, was killed in a Tempe car accident on Saturday morning (AZ Central 9/12/10). As accident attorneys and Arizona residents, we are saddened to see young, local talent lost to such a tragic incident. His car was hit by an SUV driven by a minor who is suspected of DUI. A motorcycle hit the wreckage shortly after it happened, the 19 year old driver of which died later at a nearby hospital as well.

Lattin, also known as Carnegie, was half of a hip hop duo called Silver Medallion, who was recently on tour and had returned to Arizona for a few shows this past weekend. He had been drinking that night and had a designated driver to escort him home. It is not known yet if the motorcyclist was impaired at the time of the crash, but the SUV driver is suspected to have been under the influence.

Nominating a friend to be a sober driver is always a great option for a safe ride home, but they may not always be depended upon. Designated driver services are available at various rates throughout Arizona. Some services drive your car home, others provide a shuttle, and some have tow trucks. There are also numerous taxi services in the metro area, available at any time. Check out Got a Ride? Got a Choice, a local grassroots organization founded by a survivor of a fatal DUI accident, for more information on driver services. There is no excuse for driving under the influence, especially when so many services are available to get you home safely.

Continue reading "Fatal Car and Motorcycle Accident in Tempe Kills Two, Including Rising Musician" »

While our sports loyalties may lie elsewhere, we are happy for the New England Patriots in that their quarterback, Tom Brady, was not injured in the two-car accident he was in Thursday morning (AZ Central 9/9/10). As car accident attorneys, the incident reminds us that everyone is at risk of being in an accident. Unfortunately the other driver did sustain serious injuries. There currently is no determination as to the cause of the crash or who is at fault.

Car accidents are just that—accidents. But many can be prevented. Distractions can be eliminated or at least quelled. Drivers can refrain from drinking and driving. Following the speed limit, driving with the road conditions in mind, and stopping for yellow lights are all ways to become a safer driver.

In Arizona, yellow lights must all be at least three seconds long to warn drivers of an upcoming red light. Many intersections are equipped with photo radar to capture drivers who cross a red light, and the three-second yellow is designed to adequately prepare drivers to stop and prevent blowing a red light. It was thought that some cities were actually toying with the length of the yellow light to make more revenue from red light citations, so the legislature moved to standardize the length of the yellow light in fairness to drivers.

Continue reading "Two-car Accident Leaves Quarterback Unharmed" »

As parents and Arizona car accident attorneys, we are strong advocates of sober driving. If you choose to drink alcohol or become otherwise impaired, always have a designated driver and/or do not leave your location.

Over the Labor Day weekend in Indiana, a woman was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol with seven children under 16 in the car with her (Indianapolis Star via AZ Central 9/8/10). Luckily she was stopped before any accidents ensued, as the result could have been very tragic. The relationship of the children to the driver is not known at this time. We’re sure the families of the children are very grateful to the police officer who spotted her driving erratically, and thank them kindly ourselves.

Drunk driving causes thousands of accidents and deaths every year. Driving alone under the influence is extremely dangerous as cars and trucks become thousand-pound weapons, but when children are present the dangers are escalated even more. No parent should have to suffer through the loss of a child.

Continue reading "Woman Drives under the Influence with Children in Car" »

As Arizona residents and car accident attorneys, we are excited to hear this news. The Arizona Republic reported that although there was a slight increase in the number of arrests for driving under the influence over the Labor Day weekend, it was not as high as expected (Hensley 9/8/10). There was only a 35% increase in arrests despite a 400% increase in the number of officers (Hensley 9/8/10). More people were nominating designated drivers and/or not driving after having a drink.

Keeping impaired drivers off the road is safer for everyone else on the road, and it seems like it is catching on. Drunk or impaired driving is the cause of thousands of accidents every year.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident that possibly involved impaired driving, it is important to know that you may deserve compensation. Impaired drivers may be subjected to punitive damages if they are at fault in an accident. Punitive damages are only awarded if certain conditions are met, such as proving the driver acted with an “evil hand and evil mind.” They are designed to penalize the wrongdoer and prevent them from committing it again in the future.

Continue reading "Labor Day Arrests not as high as Expected" »

As Arizona truck accident attorneys and parents ourselves, this story really saddened us. Two infants were killed when a semi truck hit their mothers’ car (AZ Family.com 9/4/10). The accident precipitated after a car slowed down to view another accident, causing the semi to lose control and hit the family’s car. The mother is currently in serious condition as well.

It is hard to believe such a horrific accident stemmed from what seems to be an innocent act of rubbernecking. Obviously there are serious consequences to taking your eyes off the road, whether it is to yourself or other drivers.

Everyday brings a new distraction to drivers, whether it is a text message, a movie on the drop-down television, a passing fender-bender, or even children in the backseat. While frequently things of importance arise while we are driving, it is even more important to focus on the road in front of you, as well as on both sides and in back of your vehicle.

If you must answer a phone call while driving, try using a hands-free device or have a passenger answer for you. Make sure children know the importance of keeping quiet in the car for their own safety; try making it into a game so it is more fun for them—who doesn’t love the quiet game? Providing rewards for everyone involved will ensure a good competition, maybe even some success.

Continue reading "Fatal Semi Accident on I-10" »

AZ Family news reported that AAA Arizona will be offering a free “Tipsy Tow” this Labor Day Weekend, starting Sunday evening and stretching into the morning of Sept 6th. Available to those who have become impaired after drinking alcohol, the service is designed to reduce the number of cars on the road with drunk drivers behind the wheel. We appreciate the message AAA Arizona is sending to valley residents and stress that even when this service is not available, never have a drink of alcohol when you plan on driving.

There are too many drivers who think it is okay to drink and drive. Even one drink is enough to influence a driver, and they may not even be conscious of the effect. If you are driving and notice another driver showing signs of possible intoxication, including swerving, speeding, changing lanes without signaling or even driving excessively slowly, try to keep your space from them. If it is severe enough, you may want to notify the authorities. Visit MADD for more information and statistics about drunk driving.

Continue reading "Arizona Tow Company Offering Free Service to Prevent Drunk Driving" »

As the summer weather cools into a lovely Arizona fall, more residents will be enjoying some outdoor exercise. An evening or morning walk is typical practice for many Arizona residents during this time of year, but recently, for one San Tan Valley family, was cause for tragedy.

AZ Family reported on 8/26 that a woman and her adult daughter were walking nearby their house when the mother was struck by a truck backing out of a driveway. She unfortunately passed away at the scene. Such a tragic accident is a scary reminder of the everyday dangers present in our habits.

While enjoying an outdoor activity such as walking, jogging, or riding a bike, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. When traveling past a driveway or alleyway, always peek around the corner before proceeding to cross to check for cars. Also remember to use a flashlight and/or wear reflective clothing at night to remain visible to cars driving past.

Continue reading "Nice Weather and Outdoor Activities Require Caution" »

As Phoenix auto accident attorneys, just a reminder that we are offering our Arizona Accident Book for a limited time. The book details the 13 Biggest Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Accident Claim.

Also check out our new website. We have live chat and are available 24/7 to help you.

To talk to Phoenix Car Accident lawyers now, just give us a call.

As Mesa wrongful death attorneys from car accidents and other events, we would like to let you know that there are many details that most people do not know about pursuing a Mesa car accident claim when a loved one has passed away. Typically, wrongful death cases it is necessary to have an estate set up and specific surviving family relatives then have the right to make a claim for damages. Depending on the circumstances typically the law allows for a parent, spouse or child to make a claim for the wrongful death of a loved one.

The estate can usually claim back compensation for the descendant’s lost wages, costs for medical care and the funeral, and the pain the descendent consciously suffered before death. Some surviving family members may have the opportunity to make individual claims for damages that they suffered as a result of the decedent’s death. For example, a surviving member if qualified under the words of the statute, can be compensated for emotional distress they underwent, loss of consortium, along with some other claims.

Surprisingly, the Arizona wrongful death law usually only allows for a surviving spouse and their children to recover for a wrongful death. After these fatal accidents, even the decedent’s siblings don’t have access to separate wrongful death recovery claims for their loved one unless they are able to become a beneficiary under the estate. Each claim is different and that is important to remember when pursuing a wrongful death claim.

Arizona wrongful death cases are typically very complicated and require the expertise of a an experienced Mesa personal injury lawyer. At Breyer Law Offices, we know that these cases require a lawyer who is experienced in wrongful death law and understands the intricacies of the legal system. In these wrongful death cases, it is vital to collect every individual detail of the case, especially the lost wages, as future lost wages are usually a majority of the wrongful death claim given the strict wrongful death statute in Arizona for those who have been killed by the negligence of another individual. Although it is very difficult to start pursuing an investigation after a wrongful death of a loved one, it is very important to prepare a case so that the family members get the maximum settlement possible.

Mark and Alexis Breyer are experienced personal injury lawyers. Mark is a certified specialist in injury and wrongful death law by the State Bar of Arizona. This means that the State Bar of Arizona has certified him as being an expert in injury and wrongful death law in Arizona. There are only about 2% of Arizona injury and wrongful death lawyers who have been declared experts in this area of law by the State Bar of Arizona.

If you need help following the loss of a loved one due to the negligence of another individual, call us now and you will be able to talk directly to our office.

As Mesa personal injury lawyers, we see all the time that people are taking cell phone for granted when talking on the phone and driving. People believe that they can use cell phones anywhere while doing anything thing. Drivers do not realize how much attention is taken away from the road when they are on the cell phone and speaking to someone. Texting and driving is even more dangerous.

In seven states now, drivers are not allowed to drive while talking on their cell phones. In six of these seven states, if the driver is caught on the cell phone, they only get basically a warning or a ticket but only for driving while talking on the phone. They do not get any other tickets for other traffic offenses.

Over the last three years, text messaging while driving was made illegal in 28 states. In Arizona, texting while driving is legal. In fact, in Arizona people can still drive and talk on the cell phne as well and that is not illegal yet either. The Arizona Senate banned texting in March 2010 through the bill SB 1334 however the bill did not make it out of the House of Representatives and never became a law.

If you or a loved one was in a Mesa car accident involving the use of a cell phone, contact our law team. We have an office conveniently located in Mesa and as Mesa car accident lawyers we understand what is necessary to achieve the best settlement possible. Mark Breyer is a certified specialist in injury and wrongful death law – certified by the State Bar of Arizona. Here at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., we are experienced attorneys who can provide you with the information you need to make a good decision on what to do next in your case. There are very important deadlines and statute of limitations that many people do not know about. If you need the help of a lawyer or just want a free consultation call us right away. We will give you honest answers and let you know what should be done on your case to get the best results, which is what you deserve.

Many Mesa car accidents that cause very serious personal injuries and many fatalities as well happen because a driver fails to yield. When a driver fails to yield often the police officer cites the drivers with ARS28-701(A). This statutes means that the driver did not control the speed of the vehicle in which they were driving and as a result were unable to avoid an auto accident. This is a very common citation in serious injury personal injury cases in Mesa and all over Arizona.

It is always important to note that just because a police officer gives a citation or does not give a citation, it does not mean that the injured party does not have a case. There are still more questions to be answered. Often times, when the person receives a failure to yield citation that person will be deemed at fault. However, the insurance company, the judge and jury are the ones who ultimately decide who is at fault. In reality, it is the jury and sometimes the judge who decide but the insurance company still initially can deny payment indicating that they do not believe their insured is at fault, causing the case to go to a judge or jury.

As Mesa injury lawyers and attorneys who handle cases throughout the State of Arizona, we get many calls from individuals who were not cited in the accident and yet the insurance company is refusing to accept responsibility for their insured's actions. This is not uncommon at all. The reason for this is that the insurance companies are not required by Arizona law to follow the determination of the police officer. The insurance company is able to make their own determination as to fault.

If you have been seriously injured in a Mesa car accident or a car accident in Arizona, call the Arizona car accident lawyers. We can review your claim and give you an honest opinion of where we think your claims stands given Arizona law. You can depend on the husband and wife law team for an up front evaluation.

Mesa auto accident attorneys deal with insurance claims on a very frequent basis. As attorneys in Mesa and throughout the Valley, we see Mesa car accident victims all of the time. When you are involved in a Mesa car accident, the first thing that you should do is file a claim with the adverse party as well as your own insurance company. Of course, when you are injured or the family member of someone who has been killed by the negligence of another individual this is not the first thing that is on your mind. As Mesa car accident lawyers, we handle filing the claim against the adverse party, the property damage (free of charge with handling the injury claim) and filing against your own insurance company as well.

The insurance companies are in business to make a profit. The adjuster is not your friend. The insurance companies want to deny as many claims as possible and this includes the adverse as well as your own insurance company. In order for insurance companies to make the most profit they need to minimize injury payments. Many victims think that they can negotiate with the adverse insurance company or their own and obtain a fair settlement, however, in keeping in mind the insurance company’s goal to make the most in profits, remember the adjuster is not going to have fairness in mind. Why would they?

Important to know as well is that filing a claim is not the same as filing a lawsuit. There are specific steps that must take place and the rules that apply for an injury claim are different than those rules that apply for filing a lawsuit. The deadlines for each are different. The rules of evidence in Court for example do not apply when dealing with an insurance company prior to litigation but they do apply after you file a lawsuit against a negligent party.

It is important to consult with a Mesa car accident lawyer before speaking to anyone who represents the insurance company. At Breyer Law Offices, as “The Husband And Wife Law Team” we welcome your calls and offer free consultations. We also offer a no fee guarantee which means if we can accept your case we will accept it on a contingent fee basis, which means we will not be paid until we obtain a settlement on your case. By calling our office, you will learn the deadlines on your case and get the advice that you need so you can make the best decisions that is necessary for your family, whether it be filing a lawsuit, filing a claim, or not pursuing the claim at all.