January 19, 2012

Payson Personal Injury Lawyers Discuss Accident Statistics of Payson

As Payson personal injury lawyers, we were surprised to hear that the city has an accident rate nearly five times higher than that of Prescott, which is much larger than Payson. There have been several serious accidents, minor accidents, and even close calls in the city, and while officers say it is usually motorists who are to blame, bicyclists must remember that they must obey traffic signs too, according to the Payson Roundup. Other accidents are caused because of Payson’s narrow streets and lack of bike lanes. In fact, most collisions occur on streets that lack shoulders or lanes for bicyclists, according to the report.

Payson Bicycle Accident Statistics

Payson bicycle accidents make up 3.62 percent of the state total for 2010, which is 1,089. Compared to other communities, this is very high. For example, Prescott comprised .8 percent of the total, Sedona 2 percent, and Pinetop .54 percent. The most common cause of bike accidents, according to the news report, is when motorists fail to yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist at an intersection.

Payson Bicycle Accident Safety

According to the news report, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) released several tips to help bicyclists stay safer. Here they are:

  • Always wear a helmet;
  • Signal your intentions, such as a turn;
  • Stay alert;
  • Ride with traffic and stay out of drivers’ blind spots;
  • Ride away from the curb to avoid car doors opening or other unexpected occurrences;
  • Make sure your bicycle is in good working condition with tires inflated fully;
  • Wear light colored or reflective clothing; and
  • Bicyclists must obey the same traffic signals and laws as motorists.

Contact an Arizona Bicycle Accident Attorney

An experienced Arizona bicycle accident attorney can investigate cases to determine exactly who was at-fault for a bicyclist’s injuries. Oftentimes, it is the motorist who is at-fault for failing to yield the right-of-way. When this happens, bicyclists often face serious and life-threatening injuries. They deserve the best possible representation and lawyers who will work to obtain settlements to pay for their expenses. The Husband and Wife Law Team at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. has obtained large settlements for many bicycle accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation.

December 8, 2011

Drunk Driving Results in Mesa Bicycle Accident

As Mesa bicycle accident attorneys, we were sorry to hear about a bicyclist who was hit and injured by a driver in Mesa on the night of December 5. The bicycle accident happened near Diamond and Higley, according to news reports from Fox 10. The driver fled the scene after hitting the bicyclist, but a witness followed the car to a nearby parking lot where police took over. The injured bicyclist was taken to a nearby hospital with a clavicle fracture, dislocation, and several lacerations. We wish the bicyclist a quick recovery.

Causes of This Mesa Bicycle Accident

Police believe that the driver of the vehicle, a 52-year-old woman, was impaired by both alcohol and marijuana, although blood tests are still pending. According to reports, the driver passed another vehicle in the right-turn-only lane when she hit the bicyclist. Witnesses say she was driving erratically. The bicyclist, on the other hand, appeared to be obeying all traffic and safety laws, including riding in the correct lane, wearing a helmet, and using operable lights.

Mesa Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to the official website for the city of Mesa, Mesaaz.gov, there were 212 bicycle accidents in 2008 and 231 in 2007. Thankfully, there were no fatal bicycle accidents in 2008. The average age of bicyclists involved in an Arizona bicycle accident was 30 years old and nearly 76 percent of those involved were males. Most bicycle accidents also occurred on weekdays during the hour of 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Alcohol was a factor in 4.7 percent of all Mesa bicycle accidents.

How a Mesa Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

As personal injury attorneys, we know that bicyclists are often seriously injured or even killed when they are involved in a collision with a car. All Mesa bicycle accident victims deserve the best possible medical care, as well as the best legal team to fight for coverage for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. The Husband and Wife Law Team have obtained large settlements for their clients and have handled bicycle accident cases for years. Contact us at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. today for a free consultation: (480) 389-2463.

November 7, 2011

Phoenix Bicycle Accident Involves Hit-and-Run Driver

As experienced Phoenix bike accident attorneys, we are deeply saddened to report a fatal bike accident that took place in Phoenix. AZCentral has detailed a tragic collision that took place between a bicyclist and a semi truck near 59th Avenue and Latham Street, south of Interstate 10. The bicyclist is said to have been killed due to the collision. According to the police, the driver of the semi truck did not stop after the crash. The semi truck was said to have been tan with dark fenders. After the collision, another semi truck parked near the victim to avoid being struck again.

We are sorry to hear about this accident and we offer our sincerest condolences to the family of the victim. Immediate steps must be taken to find this truck driver. Hit-and-runs are not acceptable and the driver needs to be held accountable.

Phoenix Bike Accident Statistics

According to recent research in Phoenix, the rate of bicycle accidents in the city has dropped 13% since 2008. In 2009, there were 467 vehicle collisions with bicyclists. 423 were injured from these collisions, while 9 were killed.

Arizona State Hit and Run Law

Hit-and-run is a serious crime. According to the Arizona State Legislature, when a vehicle is involved in an accident that results in serious injury or death, the driver needs to stop at the scene of the accident. If the driver fails to stop, then when found he or she will be charged with a felony.

Contact an Experienced Phoenix Wrongful Death Attorney

An experienced Phoenix wrongful death attorney will be able to help this family by investigating the scene of the accident and speaking to witnesses. There are difference license reports that can be run, and witnesses may have a lot of information. Lawyers generally are able to discuss certain facts with the detectives at the scene as well. The Breyer Law Offices, P.C. has been handling hit and run bicycle cases for years. If you would like a free consultation on an accident such as this one, give us a call at (602) 457-6222. For firm news and other topics of interest, you can follow us on our Arizona Law Team Twitter account.

November 3, 2011

Bicyclist Killed in Phoenix Hit and Run Accident

Phoenix hit and run accident lawyers at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. were glad to hear from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) that fatal bicycle crashes have decreased from 25 deaths in 2009 to 19 deaths in 2010. This is equivalent to 0.99% of total motor vehicle fatalities.

We are sad to report that another bicyclist was killed around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 after being struck by a truck. According to reports by AZ Family, the incident happened south of Interstate 10 on 59th Avenue at Latham Street. Witnesses told police that the driver of the tan Peterbilt left the scene. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Our prayers go out to the family of the victim that lost a loved one in an untimely death. May they overcome this tragic incident. We are thinking about them and our prayers go out to them.

Arizona Hit and Run Accident Statistics

According to Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were a total of 11,388 hit and run accidents in 2010. Although, the number has decreased from more than 12,000 incidents, hit and run fatalities have increased to 44 in 2010 from 41 in 2009.

Contact an Experienced Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyer

An experienced Phoenix bike accident lawyer would tell this family that they need to make sure pictures of the scene and roadway are taken, including skid marks and debris on the ground. Witnesses disappear often if too much time goes by, so we would recommend that witnesses are talked to right away. The police already may be doing this and it would also be good for a representative of the family to talk to the police as well. More details are needed for how this accident happened and why the truck driver fled the scene. For a free consultation on an accident like this one call Breyer Law Offices, P.C. at (602) 457-6222. You can also visit our Arizona Law Team Facebook page for news, useful information, and other topics of interest.

October 28, 2011

Two Teens Injured in Surprise Bike Accident

The experienced Surprise bike accident lawyers at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. were glad to hear that the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has created a Bicycle Safety Action Plan Study which involves different sectors. The study aims to find solutions to reduce fatal and non-fatal bike crashes, focusing particularly on Arizona's State Highway System.

On Thursday afternoon, October 20, 2011, two 13-year-old bicyclists were struck by a vehicle just before 2 p.m. According to reports from ABC15, the incident happened near Cotton Lane and Greenway Road in Surprise. One of the two teens was airlifted to a Valley hospital due to serious injuries. The other teen suffered minor injuries and was sent home.

We hope that the victims will reach a full recovery.

Bike Accident Statistics in Arizona

In 2010, overall bike accidents in Arizona experienced a slight decline from 1,995 bike crashes in 2009 to 1,914. Bicycle fatalities in 2010 decreased from 25 deaths to 19 .The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has revealed that 92.69% (or 1,774 bike crashes), 17 of 19 bike fatalities, and 1,471 of 1,583 bike injuries occurred in urban areas.

Arizona State Bike Law

Bicyclists, just like other motorists, are entitled to the same rights and responsibilities in Arizona. Laws on speed restrictions (ARS 28-701) also applies to bicyclists. Surprise bike accident attorneys Mark and Alexis Breyer can tell you more about a number of bike laws that can be used against those who caused injuries to others due to negligence.

Should you Contact a Surprise Personal Injury Lawyer?

An experienced Surprise personal injury lawyer can go down to the scene of the accident and look at the skid marks on the road to determine who was at-fault for the accident. Many times lawyers will work with accident reconstructionists to put together a report and evidence that shows who is at-fault for this accident. In this case it appears that reports are showing that the bicyclists were at-fault, but this does not mean that it is true. Someone needs to examine the police report, talk to witnesses, and gather other calculations to see who was at fault. It may very well be that the teenagers have a personal injury claim. It is important to talk to a Surprise bike accident lawyer to get as much information as possible on a bike accident claim. You want to make sure you do not miss the statute of limitations. For a free consultation on a bike accident case in Surprise, call (623) 455-6603.


October 21, 2011

4-Year-Old Boy Seriously Injured in Phoenix Bicycle Accident

Attorneys Alexis and Mark Breyer, experienced Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys, are glad to hear that bicycle accidents in Arizona have fallen from 1,995 incidents in 2009 to 1,914 accidents in 2010 according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).

On Monday, October 17, 2011, a 4-year-old boy was struck by a car while crossing Osborn Road with his mother and sister. As reported by AZ Central, the driver of the car was an elderly woman who was travelling west on Osborn Road. The boy sustained serious injuries and was unconscious when he was taken to the hospital. We are praying for the victim's speedy recovery.

Arizona Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Arizona has seen a decline in the number of bicycle accident fatalities from 25 deaths in 2009 to 19 deaths in 2010. Meanwhile, bicyclists from the ages of 15-19 years old have the most number of reported injuries and bicyclists ages 45-54 years old have the most number of fatalities in 2010. For those who are 4-years-old and below, there was only one reported injury in 2010.

Arizona Bike Law

In Arizona, cyclists are entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists. Experienced Phoenix bike accident attorneys Mark and Alexis Breyer can explain to you more of Arizona's Bike Laws, such as ARS 28-792 and ARS 28-904 (commonly known as yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and sidewalks).

Contact an Experienced Phoenix Bike Accident Attorney

Call the Phoenix personal injury attorneys at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. if you have been involved in a bike accident. Injuries from bike accidents can be complex depending on how the accident happened and the injuries sustained. Many times there are arguments about whether or not the bicyclist was in the crosswalk. Also, typically the insurance company likes to blame the bicyclists for their own injuries when they were not wearing a helmet. The law does not always justify these actions, however, so an experienced Phoenix bike injury lawyer can let you know all of your legal options. Call for a free consultation today at (602) 457-6222.

September 8, 2011

Tucson Man Arrested in Hit-And-Run Accident

Riding a bike is a healthy way of getting around. Also, it costs less, saves gas, and is environment-friendly. This is even an efficient alternative to get to work without all the hassle of going through long hours of traffic. However, biking can still be dangerous especially when other motor vehicles get their way on the road. A Crash Facts Summary for Arizona during 2009 shows that by crash severity, out of a total of 106,767, collision with bicycle riders accounted for 1,402 crashes. 25 riders were killed and 1,209 riders getting injuries, both minor and severe.

In recent news, authorities have reported that a Tucson man has been arrested in connection to a hit-and-run incident involving a bicyclist (ABC15 09/04/2011). Police say the victim was even wearing a helmet and riding in a bicycle lane when he was struck from behind at around 9 a.m., Sunday, while on his bike. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but later died due to his injuries. The pickup truck involved was found by police along with the alleged suspect on foot just near the area a little while later. The suspect was booked into the Pima County Jail on account of second-degree murder, leaving the scene of a fatal collision, and criminal damage.

While riding a bicycle in Arizona, using the bicycle lane is recommended. However, always stay cautious as danger is still present, especially with other vehicles around. Make sure to be seen by wearing something reflective or bright clothing. Motor vehicle operators should also be cautious of bicyclist at all times.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Arizona that was caused by a negligent driver, our Tucson bicycle accident attorneys may be able to help. Contact us today for a free consultation at 520-308-6762.

September 6, 2011

Driver Suspected Drug Impairment Hits a Bicyclist in Phoenix

According to the National Highway traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) based on the 2009 research there were a total of 630 bicyclists killed and 51,000 injured due to a bicycle accident. It was also shown that bicyclist’s deaths make up 2 percent of all motor vehicle accidents.

ABC 15 reported that a woman was arrested after hitting a bicyclist and a tree in Phoenix last Saturday. The 65 year old woman was traveling southbound on Cave Creek Road. That was between Pinnacle Peak and Jomax, as when she drove on the right shoulder of the road she hit a 52-year-old man riding his bicycle. Right after the accident the woman drove over the raised median and ended up hitting a tree. According to the detectives, the woman driving the car was under the influence of drugs. She was booked Saturday for Aggravated Assault, on the other hand the victim was not in fatal condition and was stated stable as of Sunday morning.

This accident was very misfortunate and could have been prevented. It is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, doing so puts others lives in danger.

If you or a loved one was a victim of a bicycle accident in Arizona, call experienced bicycle accident attorneys in Phoenix for a free consultation at (602) 267-1280; we may be able to help you.

August 24, 2011

Teen Injured after Bicycle Hits Truck in Surprise

bicycle4.jpgDid you know that pedalcyclist fatalities in 2009 reached up to 630 deaths nationwide? Twenty-five of these deaths were from Arizona. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA), bicyclist fatalities was almost 2 percent of the total road fatalities in 2009. As compared to other motor vehicle fatalities, 2 percent is not that high, however, it still posed a huge threat to each and every bicyclist on the road.

Bicyclist fatalities in Arizona have increased from 19 deaths in 2008 to 25 in 2009. This is equivalent to a huge 31.58 percent change, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Meanwhile, bicyclist injuries slightly decreased with 1,643 injuries in 2009.

Nowadays, not only adults are at risk when it comes to fatal motor vehicle accidents. In fact, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of deaths among teens. Injuries from motor vehicle accidents killed eight teens aged 16- to 19-years-old in 2009.

In Surprise, a teenage girl was riding her bicycle on the crosswalk along 175th Avenue and Surprise Farms Road when she struck the side of a truck Thursday morning (08/18/11). Police reports said that the teen darted out into the intersection and hit the side of the truck while it was passing through the intersection.

Crossing along intersections in crosswalks is not an assurance that we can be safe from road accidents. In Arizona, the light patterns allow for cars to still make turns when the crosswalk is lit, signalling to pedestrians it is safe to cross. As Arizona pedestrians, it is important to always cross with caution, and never assume a driver sees you, or you may be putting yourself at risk for serious injury.

For victims of fatal car accidents in Surprise, don’t hesitate to call our free consultation hotline at (480) 753-4534. As Arizona bike accident attorneys, we are ready to assist you in getting what you deserve.

August 19, 2011

Valley Parents Urged to Teach Children about Bike Safety

With schools opening soon, parents are urged to instill bike safety into their kids (AZ Central 08/15/2011). Bike accidents have become a big threat to child safety for years that safety advocates continue to remind parents on their big role in preventing such accidents from happening.

bike-11775516.jpgAccording to AZ Central, there were 81 children rushed to Maricopa Medical Center, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, and Cardon Children's Medical Center because of bike accidents since 2009. One of the victims was a 9-year-old Apache Junction boy who survived an almost fatal accident in March after being hit by a Ford Explorer while riding his bike. The accident has left him “scratches, scars and some memory loss.”

There are a lot of ways parents can protect their kids against bike accidents. One of them is to encourage the use of helmets. Victims can easily acquire traumatic brain injuries when the head is left unprotected. However parents should make sure that their kids wear standard approved ones and so as not to sacrifice comfort, should fit snugly.

More importantly, kids should be well-aware of the basic bike-safety techniques. This includes being alert at all times of motorized vehicles, the intelligent use of traffic signals, and to use bike lanes if available. With proper training and knowledge, children’s lives are spared from these deadly accidents.

If your child has been the victim of a bicycle accident in the Arizona area and you would like to talk with a Phoenix bike accident lawyer, call us at (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation.

August 15, 2011

Boy in Critical Condition after Flagstaff Bike Crash

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a research that in 2009 there about 630 bicyclists that were killed and 51,000 were injured. Pedal cyclist death has a percentage of 2 of all motor vehicles deaths. The average age bicyclist who got killed is of age 41 and the average for those injured are age of 31.

bike-broken-3840236.jpgABC15 reported that a 7-year-old boy is as of the moment in a serious condition in a hospital in Flagstaff after being stuck by a vehicle. The accident happened near West Street and Fourth Avenue last Tuesday in the afternoon. It shows that the boy not wearing any helmet in which when the bike accident happened he gained serious injuries. The boy was taken to Flagstaff Medical Center in which he still remains in serious condition. The accident is still under investigation and the driver of the vehicle voluntarily came to the police.

Bicycle riders should be alert at all times. When there is a red light stop behind a car instead at the side of it since it makes you visible to the traffic. Always avoid busy streets, and always signal your turns to less likely to be hit by the motorists.

If you or a loved one was a victim of a bicycle accident, call our Arizona bicycle accident lawyers for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222, we may be able to help you.

July 8, 2011

Phoenix Bike Crash Causes Handlebar to Impale Boy

Learning how to, ride a bike is a rite of passage for children and also a family activity. But while this is a positive and enjoyable activity, it is also associated with a number of childhood injuries and even death. Especially in the summer months when childhood deaths due to bicycle accidents are increased by 45%.

In Phoenix, an 11-year-old boy was impaled by the handlebar of his bicycle on Sunday (AZCentral 5/1/2011). He was taken to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital at 5 p.m., his condition serious, even though he was still talking and alert while being taken to the hospital. Officials say that the boy was riding his bicycle by Indianola and 77th avenue, when the crash occurred, and the handlebar went into his stomach.

May was the bike safety month, as declared by the Safe Kids USA coalition. Safety while riding bicycles should be emphasized by the parents. One of the rules of safety while riding a bicycle is to wear a helmet, one that should be a right fit for the child. Parents should also ensure that the bike fits the size of the child correctly, not one he will grow into. The child’s feet should be able to touch the ground while he is sitting on the seat. The bike reflectors should be secure, ensure that the brakes work properly, the gears shift smoothly, the tires are properly inflated and tightly secured.

If you or a loved one has been involved in bicycle-related accidents, take advantage of your free consultation by calling this number (602) 457-6222, we are bicycle accident lawyers in Phoenix, and we may be able to help.

June 1, 2011

Mesa Cyclists offer “Ride of Silence” for Fallen Cyclists

bicycle4.jpgThe number of bicyclist fatalities may have decreased from 2008 to 2009, however pedal cyclists encounter injuries from crashes every day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009, 630 pedal cyclists were killed and an additional 51,000 were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Pedal cyclist deaths accounted for 2 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities, and made up 2 percent of all the people injured in traffic crashes during the year.

In Mesa, a group of bicyclists went on a “Ride of Silence” from Mesa to Gilbert (ABC15 05/18/2011). The mission of the “Ride of Silence” is to save lives across the country by letting motor vehicle drivers be aware of the safety of bicyclists. A few of those who participated in the ride had their own crash stories to tell. Others just wanted to honor those cyclists who have been injured or died from a crash.

There are many factors as to why bicycle crashes occur. The risks stem from distracted to impaired drivers. An important reminder which is constantly being told to cyclists is to wear a well-fitting helmet to reduce the possibility of severe head injuries in Arizona crashes. Drivers of motor vehicles should also share the road with bicyclists. Always allow ample distance between the vehicle and the cyclist. Be especially watchful of cyclists when turning left or right on a road.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Arizona bicycle crash, know your legal rights and options. You may call our Mesa bike accident attorneys for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222. We may be of help to you.

May 27, 2011

Elderly Man on Bike Killed after Being Struck By a Car in Phoenix

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

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

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

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

May 2, 2011

Cyclist Suffers Minor Injuries after Peoria Bike Accident

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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