Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Blog

As Mesa car accident attorneys, we were appalled to hear that a drunk driver smashed into a traffic light near McKellips and Power Roads on January 19, 2012, according to Fox 10. The man then put the car in gear and sped away, telling the 12-year-old inside that he had to get him home so he didn’t get in trouble. However, a witness called police and gave them the license plate number, and police were able to apprehend the man quickly. The child was injured in the accident, but luckily, injuries appear to be minor. We wish him a quick recovery.

Causes of This Mesa Drunk Driving Car Accident

This Mesa drunk driving car accident happened because a 32-year-old man decided to drive while drunk, and even worse, endanger the life of a child. The man’s blood alcohol level turned out to be 0.317, almost four times the legal limit. The man also reported to police that he is an alcoholic and had consumed “Jack and Cokes” before getting into the car. He also takes Lorazapam, which is a drug that makes alcohol more potent.

Mesa Car Accident Law

Mesa car accident law as well as Arizona law calls for an aggravated DUI when a child is inside the vehicle. According to ARS 28-1383, the drunk driver faces an aggravated charge when a person under 15 years old is in the vehicle with them.

Mesa Car Accident Statistics

There were 294 alcohol-related crashes in 2010 that resulted in seven deaths and 182 Mesa car accident injuries, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).

Contact a Mesa Personal Injury Attorney

A personal injury attorney in Mesa who is experienced with aggravated DUI cases will be able to help the child’s family pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. Even if the driver is family member, it is still possible to bring a claim against the driver's insurance. The Husband and Wife Law Team take driving drunk, especially with a minor in the car, very seriously. We work hard to recover money that pays for medical bills and more. People pay for insurance so that others can be compensated when there is a negligent action. For a complimentary consultation give our law team a call today.

The law team at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. was sorry to hear that two people were injured on Dynamite Road on December 7 at 1:30 a.m., according to a news report from AZ Central. Two people inside the car who were not wearing seatbelts were injured when the car went out of control and drove into the desert on the south of the road. One person suffered life-threatening head trauma while the other had minor injuries. Under Arizona law, not wearing a seatbelt does not mean that you automatically do not have a personal injury claim. We have helped many people who have been injured and were not wearing their seatbelts. If another driver is at fault, you may still have a valid injury claim despite not wearing a seatbelt.

Scottsdale Car Accident Statistics

Seven people died in fatal Scottsdale car accidents in 2009, according to City-Data.com. Drunk drivers caused four of these accidents. In Arizona, 223 people were killed in fatal car accidents due to drunk drivers in 2010. Drunk drivers caused 5,489 car accidents. While the cost of lives lost is the highest cost of all, the state also faced a $416,311,470 economic loss because of drunk drivers.

Contact a Scottsdale Personal Injury Attorney When A Drunk Driver Hits You

An experienced Scottsdale auto accident attorney knows how important it is to collect evidence in any Scottsdale car accident. The Husband and Wife Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. uses the information about the car accident to hold the at-fault driver responsible for paying the car accident victim’s medical expenses, future lost wages, and more. Contact the team at Breyer Law Offfices, P.C. today for a free consultation.

As Prescott car accident attorneys, we never like to hear jokes about drunk driving. It is dangerous and results in numerous deaths and injuries every year in Arizona. We were especially shocked to learn about a woman who took her entire DUI arrest as a joke, according to Fox 10. The 24-year-old woman was arrested for assaulting an officer and driving under the influence of alcohol. When police went to take her mug shot, she smiled at the camera and gave it two-thumbs up. Her breathalyzer test registered at .235 BAC, and when police tried to arrest her, she kneed an officer in the groin and fought with them. Police booked her into the Yavapai County Jail on November 22, 2011.

Prescott Car Accident Statistics

There were four fatal Prescott car accidents in 2009, according to City-Data.com. Five vehicles were involved in those car accidents, and one was caused by a drunk driver. Four people died in the car accidents. Drunk drivers were involved in 223 fatal car accidents in Arizona in 2010, and they caused 3,724 injuries.

Arizona Drunk Driving Law

According to ARS 28-1381, it is against Arizona law to drive while:

• Under the influence of intoxicating liquor;
• Having an alcohol concentration of .08 or more; or
• There is a drug or its metabolite in the person’s body.

How a Prescott Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

As Prescott car accident lawyers, we know that drunk driving is dangerous, deadly, and against the law. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, contact us immediately so we can begin investigating your case. We begin by studying the car accident scene, talking to witnesses, and more. Our aim is to hold the driver responsible for paying medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, damages, and more for the victim. In cases in which the driver breaks the law, such as when they drive while under the influence of alcohol, we also pursue punitive damages, which are meant to further compensate victims and punish the at-fault driver. We help victims throughout the state of Arizona. Contact us today for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222. You can also find news, helpful information and additional topics of interest on our Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys Facebook page.

As Mesa car accident lawyers, we see many car accidents where the negligent party is driving while impaired. Everyone must know this behavior is not acceptable. According to reports by ABC 15, there was an altercation which led to a driver chasing another vehicle. Apparently, there was an accident and one of the drivers tried to flee the scene. One of the witnesses saw that the driver was fleeing the scene and chased after him.

Investigations reveal that the said driver ran a red light, causing a three vehicle crash. He was transported to a local hospital after acquiring minor injuries. There have been no reports on other individuals being injured in the crash.

Arizona Car Accidents Caused by Driver Impairment

Alcohol impairment has been a major problem in the state’s road safety. In fact, a holiday DUI task force held last year resulted in thousands of DUI arrests in just a span of weeks. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), DUI collision statistics show crashes related to alcohol impairment composed approximately 5 percent of all crashes in the state last year. A more alarming figure is that 30 percent of fatal crashes in Arizona are reported as alcohol-related.

Drinking and Driving Don’t Mix

Impairment and driving are a lethal combination. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 32 percent of fatal car accidents in the U.S. involve an impaired driver. Alcohol impairment can cloud judgment and affect cognitive and motor skills.

Mesa Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You

When a drunk driver causes a car accident, it is important to talk with the prosecutor and make sure that the at-fault driver is being charged. Criminal charges, though, are much different than civil charges. Civil charges are against the driver for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other personal injury claims. Arizona law also allows for there to be punitive damages when a person is hurt by a drunk driver. Each case is different though and many judges will not allow punitive damages, so you need an experienced Mesa auto accident lawyer to help you pursue such a claim. For a free consultation, call the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. at (480) 389-2463 today.

An experienced Mesa car accident lawyer will be able to determine who the negligent party is in an accident. According to ABC15, there was a crash in Mesa which led to an altercation on Saturday night. Reports say that a driver ran a red light when it struck a vehicle, followed by third vehicle striking the first vehicle. The driver of the first vehicle tried to flee, but was chased by a witness, which led to an altercation. The driver sustained minor injuries and received treatment from a local hospital. Police are saying that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. He has been charged with aggravated assault as well as drunk driving.

Mesa Car Crash Statistics

In 2009, there were 10,839 people who died due to alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. This amount comprised 32% of the total fatal crashes in the United States during the year.

In Mesa, there has been a decrease of fatal car accidents due to drunk driving from 2008 to 2009, with 13 in 2008 and 5 in 2009.

Arizona State Hit and Run Laws

According to the Arizona State Legislature on Transportation, Section 28-662, when a driver of a vehicle hits and damages another vehicle, the driver should stop and stay on the scene of the accident. If the driver attempts to flee and not perform his or her responsibilities for the accident, he or she will be charged with a misdemeanour and have their license suspended.

Contact an Experienced Mesa Auto Accident Lawyer

An experienced Mesa auto accident lawyer will be able to discuss the facts of each individual accident. When a driver hurts someone and is driving drunk, the injured person may be is entitled to punitive damages. A lawyer who understands the laws of negligence can help assess the accident. To have a free consultation for your case, call Breyer Law Offices at (480) 389-2463.

Phoenix personal injury attorneys Alexis and Mark Breyer are sad to report another fatal Arizona drunk driving accident. According to ABC 15, another accident due to impairment took place last Tuesday morning. The driver, a 30-year-old woman, crashed into another vehicle. The accident caused a woman to die and three other people sustained injuries.

The woman was driving a blue Chevy Cobalt 2005 edition north of 19th Avenue and lower Buckeye Road at 5:00am when she did not stop at a red light. This simultaneously happened as a Chevy Cobalt took a left turn and was crashed into by the other car. The woman is charged with three aggravated assaults and a manslaughter charge for the accident. This is due to the death of the 27-year-old woman, along with serious injuries to a 27-year-old man, a two year old boy, and a 5 year old girl in the back seat.

Arizona Impaired Driving Statistics
According to the Governor’s Office of Arizona, the number of arrests for driving under the influence was much higher in 2009 compared to the previous year. DUI task forces were responsible for more than 14,000 arrests last year. 4,500 arrests were made between Thanksgivings to New Year.

Laws and Penalties Associated with Impaired Driving
Based on DUI laws, there are two ways that a driver can be arrested for drunk driving in Arizona. The first is if a police officer can notice that a driver’s driving is inconsistent. The second way to get arrested is if the police officer conducts a test that proves that the driver's BAC level is .08% or more.

Contact an Experienced Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer
When injured by a drunk driver, it is best to seek help from skilled Phoenix car accident lawyers. Breyer Law Offices, P.C. can help the surviving family get compensation for funeral costs, hospital bills and other legal claims. If you have a family member or relative that is killed or hurt in an accident caused by an impaired driver, contact Arizona's Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P. C. for a free consultation. Call us at (602) 457-6222.

It is a sad fact that more and more people are going out on the road while drunk. According to ABC 15, there has been another incident of drunk driving that has led to an accident that occurred in Yuma, Arizona last Saturday, October 1, 2011, at around 2:00 am. The accident involved three pedestrians, when the driver lost control and hit the pedestrians. It was discovered that the driver did not have a driver’s license.

According to the police responder, the Arizona drunk driving accident was caused by a 30-year-old drunk driver that is now being detained at the Yuma County Adult Detention Center. The three pedestrians that were involved in the accident were given medical attention at the Yuma Regional Medical Center, where two of them were immediately released and the other one was transferred to a Phoenix hospital because of life-threatening injuries.

Arizona Drunk Driving Statistics

In 2009, around 2.35 million people were involved in a drunk driving accident, where approximately 37,000 of these people died from their injuries.

Contact an Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer

Contact Alexis and Mark Breyer, Phoenix personal injury lawyers, to help you when you have been injured as the result of an individual who made the decision to drive drunk. Breyer Law Offices, P.C. is comprised of Alexis and Mark Breyer, an expert injury lawyer in Arizona. When you have been injured by a drunk driver, it is important to hire a lawyer who understands the laws. When an at-fault driver is driving drunk and injures an innocent person, it may be that the injured person is entitled to punitive damages. To learn more about your legal rights call for a free consultation at 602-457-6222.

Despite the warnings, news, penalties, and the state laws people still driving under the influence. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 33,808 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2009. Drunk driving fatalities made up 32% of all crashes.

In recent news, a man charged with killing two people and injuring five others has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison due to a deadly DUI crash that happened two years ago. The 29 year old, was driving a Cadillac Escalade, when he collided with a Chevrolet Impala at Indian School Road and Grand Avenue on September 5, 2009. The crash occurred after he turned left against a red arrow. According to police, two of the six people died and four others were injured. Investigators found that the driver had a BAC of .138, just two hours and 45 minutes after the collision. He was convicted by a jury last April 27, 2011 and sentenced to 30.75 years in prison on September 9, 2011.

Driving while impaired is dangerous and risks the lives of many. Therefore, it should be best to avoid drinking altogether when driving or planning to drive. When planning to drink make sure that you have a sober designated driver or take a taxi cab to ensure your safety and others on the road.

Even if a person is criminally convicted for DUI, they may still be held liable in civil court. If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI accident in Arizona, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call the experienced drunk driving victim lawyers in Phoenix at the Breyer Law Offices for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222. We may be able to help.

Driving under the influence or otherwise known as DUI is a criminal offense in most countries. The degree of penalty varies among jurisdictions, however. Some may set limits as to BAC of .08% and some even lower than that. Even a .02 BAC can get one arrested. The number of deaths due to DUI is alarmingly high but it has gradually decreased in 2009. From a record of 11,773 in 2008, it has fallen to 11,769 in 2009.

In recent news, a 32-year-old woman was arrested after she rear-ended an on-duty police officer and tried to flee the scene (AZCentral 09/08/2011). She was arrested on suspicion of aggravated DUI Wednesday afternoon after the accident near Dobson and Baseline roads. It was noted that the woman had a glazed look to her, was unable to roll down her window and was also slow to respond to anything the police asked. She was said to have driven off after police asked her to pullover. Police caught up with her just one eighth of a mile from the collision. The woman confessed to taking Xanax and Lorazepam but denied having consumed alcohol. She refused to take field tests and she was confrontational. She was also arrested last 2008 on suspicion of DUI.

Drunk driving can injure anyone in the way, or worse, it can kill. Do not drink and drive. It’s not worth the time in jail and not worth the cost of court fees and civil penalties.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a suspected DUI driver, the knowledgeable Arizona DUI accident victim lawyers at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C., may be able to help. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact us today at 602-457-6222 for a free consultation.

Labor Day in the United States is often celebrated every first Monday of September. This year, Labor day fell on the 5th of September. Other than commemorating the economic and social contributions of workers, Labor Day also signifies the symbolic end of Summer and in U.S. sports, the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons.

The long weekend before Labor Day has always been a concern for Traffic authorities due to the increase of alcohol-impaired drivers during these days. Arizona was prepared for the celebration of Labor Day, however, and as drunk driving victim attorneys in Arizona, we are happy to report that DUI arrests during the holidays declined compared to 2010.

Meanwhile, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has reported 9 fatal crashes and 11 fatalities. Alcohol-related fatal crashes and alcohol-related deaths both have two reported incidents.

The Governor's Office has revealed that 617 were arrested by the statewide task force targeting impaired drivers during the Labor Day weekend as compared to the 949 DUI arrests last year. Extreme DUI arrests accounted for 192 arrests while 79 arrests have prior DUI arrests while 43 arrests were drivers under 21 years old.

However, Agency Director Alberto Gutier believes that the cause of fewer DUI arrests this year is due to a fewer number of officers involved in the task force.

Victims of car accident involving alcohol-impaired drivers can call (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation with an Arizona accident lawyer. For more news, helpful information, and other topics of interest, you may also visit our Arizona Personal Injury Lawyers Facebook page.

Did you know that impaired driving accidents are the cause of 32 percent of traffic fatalities in the U.S? As experienced DUI accident victim attorneys in Arizona, we are only too aware of this unfortunate fact. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), out of 33,808 crash-related deaths in 2009, 10,839 involved an alcohol impaired driver.

In an effort to increase awareness on impaired driving, a Valley woman shares her experience with DUI (ABC 15 09/05/2011). She recently published in a book called Destination Tent City, AZ by author Mark Feuerer, in which the flight attendant from Scottsdale recalls the time when she was pulled over for DUI back in 2009. The woman admitted to the officer of having a few beers and thought she was still capable of driving.

She says though the legal limit for Blood Alcohol Concentration is .08, a driver could go to jail for having .02. She recalls having spent more than $8,000 for fees and fines including DUI class fees and having to install an ignition interlock device in her car for 14 months. This unpleasant experience has taught her a valuable lesson and she hopes that others will learn from her mistake.

Arizona has had its fair share of impaired driving accidents. In 2009, 219 or 27 percent of traffic deaths involved a driver with blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Out of these fatalities, 137 were impaired drivers. Protect yourself against one of the most common causes of fatal accidents by completely avoiding alcohol before driving.

If you have been a victim of an impaired driving accident in Arizona and would like to pursue compensation for a personal injury, our drunk driving victim lawyers in Scottsdale may be able to help. Call us at (480) 753-4534 for a free consultation with an accident lawyer. You can also visit our Husband and Wife Law Team Facebook page for helpful information, news, and other topics of interest.

Police suspect alcohol and speeding to be factors in a recent fatal accident that killed one person and injured two more in Goodyear (AZ Family 08/29/2011). According to report, the crash happened approximately 12:30 early morning at the intersection of Bullard and Vineyard Avenues. Goodyear Police Department says all victims were under 21 years of age.

Initial investigations reveal the Sedan carrying the victims was travelling at high speed and the driver did not realize that they were approaching a dead end. Police say there were signs that the driver attempted to make a left turn but did not make it on time.

The vehicle went airborne after hitting the curb and crashed into a tree before resting upside down. The impact killed the driver instantaneously.

Two of the victims were able to get out of the wreck and called for help. They were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries and are reportedly in stable condition.

Police say there was an apparent stench of alcohol in the vehicle which and found empty bottles inside the trunk.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), on the average, people arrested for driving under the influence have at least driven drunk 87 times before being caught. This prevalent problem results into thousands of fatal drunken driving accidents reported each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that in 2009, alcohol was involved in at least 32 percent of traffic fatalities.

We urge our readers be safe by completely avoid alcohol before driving.

Arizona car accident victims can call (623) 455-6603 for a free consultation with a Peoria car accident lawyer.

DUI cases are seemingly common in Arizona. According to a Crash Fact Summary for 2009, alcohol-related crashes had a total of 5,854 that accounted for 5.48% out of all crashes. However, this was lower by .23% compared to 2008, a total of 6,878 that accounted for 5.71% out of all crashes. 261 people were killed in 2009 in alcohol-related crashes.

In recent news, a man was found dead and unidentified after an overnight pursuit by police ended up in a fiery crash in Mesa, Thursday morning (ABC15 08/25/2011). Gilbert police witnessed a truck driving erratically in the area of Ellsworth and Queen Creek at around 12 a.m. Mesa police, Gilbert police, and Pinal County deputies worked together to locate a possible DUI suspect who also failed to yield riding a 1989 Chevy Silverado. Police started following the vehicle when the suspect didn’t have lights on and wouldn’t stop. They deployed stop sticks to disable the tires but it kept going north on Ellsworth toward Baseline, where the suspect purposely hit two police cruisers, which caused the fiery explosion. It left the vehicles engulfed in flames and the suspect, dead. Thankfully, the officers were out of the way and were not harmed. The intersection of Ellsworth and Baseline is currently closed for further investigation.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving a DUI driver in Arizona, there is free consultation. Just call (602) 457-6222 to talk to one of our skilled intoxicated driver attorneys in Phoenix.

Did you know that 5,489 out of more than 106,000 crashes in Arizona were alcohol-related? According to the Arizona Department of Transport (ADOT), alcohol-related crashes have slightly declined from 2009. Alcohol-related injuries and fatalities during the same year has also decreased to 223 deaths and 3,724 injuries from 267 fatalities to 4,174 injuries in 2009. The ADOT also revealed that 78.23 percent of impaired-driving crashes occurred in the urban areas and only 21.77 percent in rural areas.

Alcohol-impaired driving kills nearly 30 people everyday according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That is why Arizona, just like the other states has established laws and guidelines for drunk driving. For Arizona drivers caught driving while under the influence face penalties including mandatory jail time, thousands of dollars in fines and court fees, driver license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and other costs.

In Tucson, an off-duty police officer was booked in Pima County Jail due to an accident which injured three people on early Saturday morning (08/20/11). The 35-year-old officer was driving her car when she rear-ended another vehicle at a stop light at the intersection of South Freeway and West Silver lake Road.

According to the officers who responded at the scene, the driver appeared to be impaired. She was booked on suspicion of endangerment, criminal damage and aggravated assault. Meanwhile, her passenger and the two men from the other vehicle were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Impaired-driving crashes can be prevented. The government is doing their part by creating laws. It is our responsibility to follow each of them to make sure that we and the ones we love can feel safe whenever we go out.

If you have been a victim of a fatal car crash involving an alcohol-impaired driver in Arizona, call our car accident attorneys in Tuscon at (520) 308-6762 for a free consultation. One of our top personal Injury lawyers will assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.

Whether it is the driver or passenger, being under the influence of alcohol will cost a life. For more than a few instances, alcohol has been one of the contributing factors involved in accidents. According to a Crash Facts Summary for Arizona during 2009, alcohol-related crashes have totaled an economic loss of $484,582,824. By manner of collision, rear end crashes involving alcohol accounted for 1,335 out of 3,298 or a whopping 40.48%, the biggest contributing factor out of all manners of collision.

In recent news, a man was arrested when he was driving a car that hit the rear end of an SUV in Loop 101, West Phoenix, killing three people, AZCentral reports just last Monday. The man is believed to have been impaired during the time of the collision. James Earl Morang, 32 years old, from Litchfield Park was suspected of speeding in northbound Loop 101, along Indian School road around 1:30 in the morning of Saturday, colliding with a Chevrolet SUV with three passengers inside. Both vehicles rolled over because of the collision with the SUV getting the most impact and became engulfed in flames, burning its passengers inside.

Drivers should not be complacent to think that they can handle themselves well while driving under the influence of alcohol. Consequences are always unpleasant when there are liabilities and damages to settle after sobering up.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a rear end accident with a drunk driver in Arizona, there is free consultation. Just call our Scottsdale drunk driving accident victim attorneys at 480-753-4534.

Did you know that in the United States, almost 30 people die every day in motor vehicle crashes which involve an alcohol impaired driver? With this data, the Centers for Disease Control and prevention estimates that a person dies every 48 minutes because of impaired driving accidents.

There were a number of drunk driving accidents in Arizona this week. In Surprise, a man suspected of driving under influence hit a tree with his car while having his son on board the vehicle (AZ Central 07/19/2011).

Police say the 21-year-old driver was travelling at high speed and lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree near Northwest Ranch Parkway and Carmen Drive in Surprise. According to reports both the driver and the passenger did not need any medical attention and no other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Blood alcohol content tests showed the driver having 0.15 which is far above the legal limit and had slurred and mumbled speech.

He will be facing aggravated DUI, with a passenger under the age of 15 in the vehicle.

Alcohol is notoriously known to cause car accidents. When taken at certain amounts, a few of its effects include problems with muscle coordination, blurry vision, and delayed reaction - all of which are very essential in driving.

For the safety of everyone, we strongly advise our readers to completely avoid alcohol when driving.

If you have been a victim of an impaired driver in the Arizona area and are seeking compensation regarding a personal injury, call our drunk driver injury attorneys in Arizona at (480) 389-2463 for a free consultation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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" »

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

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

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

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

The 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" »

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 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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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!" »

After the dam burst at Tempe Town lake, not only did the area lose a part of its great scenery, but it also was without the area’s hub for water activities. Now that the dam is repaired and the lake has been refilled, it is expected to reopen on Tuesday 10/26. As excited as we are to have the attraction back to its glory, the boat accident attorneys within us are worried about the sudden influx of inexperienced boaters that will flock to the lake. We wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about boating safety with some tips courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s National Water Safety Program.

• Wear your lifejacket at all times! Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of accidental death for individuals between 15-44 years old.
• Never drink and boat! Alcohol impairs your judgment and slows your reaction time and balance, so if you find yourself overboard, you may not be able to act quickly enough to avoid taking in water.
• Don’t overload your boat! Consider the weight of your equipment and the number of people aboard and stay below the maximum allowance to avoid capsizing.
• Check your boat before leaving the dock to ensure all equipment is functioning properly. You don’t want to be in the middle of the water at night when your head lamp burns out without an extra bulb.

Continue reading "Boating Safety Tips to Remember as Tempe Town Lake Reopens" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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.

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.