Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Blog

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.

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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!" »

With an eighth child on the way, we have a lot of baby things in the house; cribs, strollers, toys, playpens, etc. Even though it’s great that we get to re-use these items from our older children, we always make sure to check all the products for wear and tear, damage, or recalls. A recent recall of 2 million Graco strollers after the death of four infants reminds us again of how important it is to keep all baby products current and in good operating shape to prevent injury.

Check out your child’s items today and periodically with your children’s safety in mind:

1. Strollers:
a. If collapsible, make sure all latches are firmly in place.
b. Always keep your child strapped in the seat.
2. Car seats: Make sure they are properly installed and that all buckles and straps are secure. There are many locations throughout Phoenix you can take your car and car or booster seat to have it inspected for free!
3. Cribs
a. Slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent a child from getting stuck.
b. The corner posts should not be any higher than the end panels to prevent strangulation from clothing.
c. Mattresses should fit firmly to prevent a child from getting stuck between the crib and mattress.
d. Remove all mobiles once your child can pull him or herself up to prevent it from falling on them and keep the crib free of stuffed animals.

Continue reading "Baby Safety Tips" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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 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.