Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Blog

As Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyers, we were shocked to hear that a driver recently hit a grandfather and his grandson while they were crossing in a crosswalk, got out of the car to talk to them, and then fled the scene. Unfortunately, we see these types of hit-and-run pedestrian accidents happen all too often. Thankfully, a neighbor caught the hit-and-run driver on surveillance video, so we hope it’s not too long before police apprehend this criminal.

The pedestrian accident occurred on December 7 near 55th Avenue and Hubbell at 7:49 a.m. while the grandfather walked his grandson to school, according to Fox 10. The driver was driving a red 2-door Chevrolet pickup and is Hispanic, in his 30s, between 5’5” and5’10”, and about 170 pounds. He had a moustache and was wearing a blue sweater. Anyone with information is asked to call Phoenix police.

Causes of This Phoenix Pedestrian Accident

The grandfather and grandson were crossing the road in a designated crosswalk and were obeying traffic laws when they found themselves involved in the Arizona hit-and-run accident. The driver turned left into the two victims, knocking them both down and breaking the grandfather’s arm. Luckily, the grandfather shielded his grandson, protecting him from more than some minor scratches. As accident attorneys, we often see pedestrian accidents that occur when drivers are turning left. That is because drivers are looking for oncoming traffic but fail to notice people crossing the street.

Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There were 525 Phoenix pedestrian accidents in 2009 and 589 in 2008, resulting in 77 total fatalities between the two years, according to a report in AZ Central.

Contact a Phoenix Personal Injury Attorney

When pedestrians are hit by cars, they often face serious injuries and expensive medical bills. As Phoenix personal injury attorneys, the team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. begins by investigating the pedestrian accident scene to gather evidence to use against the at-fault driver. The Husband and Wife Law Team then works to obtain a settlement that pays for medical bills, lost wages and more for the victims. When drivers break the law, such as flee the scene of an accident or drive drunk, they can also face punitive damages, which are meant to punish them and further compensate victims. Contact us immediately for your free consultation when you are injured or involved in a hit and run accident at (602) 267-1280.

Tucson motor vehicle accident lawyers, Mark and Alexis Breyer, extend their condolences to the family of a pedestrian accident who sustained fatal injuries. As reported by ABC 15, a man thought to be in his 50’s was recently killed after being hit by a vehicle while crossing the street.

According to police, just before the man was hit, the victim fell in an unmarked crosswalk. The driver of the sedan fled the scene but was apprehended by Tucson police hours later.

It is unclear if impairment was a factor in the accident. Investigation is ongoing as of the moment.

Pedestrian Fatalities in Arizona

Pedestrian safety continues to be a major concern in the state as pedestrian fatalities have increased in 2010 compared to the previous year. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), 155 pedestrians were killed in 2010, depicting a 27 percent increase from 2009.

Arizona State Hit-and-Run Law

It is required by law that if an accident occurs and results in injury or death, the driver or drivers responsible must stay at the scene of the accident until authorities arrive (ARS 28-661). Failure to do so will result in a class 4 felony offense.

Contact a Tucson Personal Injury Attorney

No one wants to lose a loved one in a hit and run accident. As personal injury lawyers, unfortunately, we see this type of accident far too many times. When a driver leaves the scene of an accident it may be that the family, or the injured party if it is not a fatal accident, can file a claim for punitive damages. A hit and run car accident can be complex to handle if you are not experienced in injury and wrongful death law. Mark Breyer of Breyer Law Offices, P.C. is an expert in injury and wrongful death law and can help answer any questions you have regarding your Tucson car accident. Call for a free consultation at (520) 308-6762.

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

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

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

Arizona Hit and Run Accident Statistics

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

Contact an Experienced Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyer

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

According to AZFamily, police are currently looking for the man responsible for a hit and run car accident that killed a bicyclist. The victim was a 45-year-old man who was riding his bicycle at the time when a vehicle struck him and fled the scene. The man died the morning after his accident due to the injuries. Police recently released a picture of a man from a surveillance camera, wanting to find him and question him about his involvement in the Phoenix hit and run car accident.

Phoenix Traffic Accident Statistics
In 2009, Phoenix collisions with bicycles decreased from 478 in 2008 to 467 in 2009. 9 bicyclists were killed and 423 were left injured.

Arizona Hit and Run Laws
Any person who causes injury to another person must stay at the scene of the accident. Drivers are required to leave their name and other contact information with the police. Any driver that fails to stop and leaves the scene will be charged with a felony when there is an injury.

Contact an Experienced Phoenix Wrongful Death Attorney
An experienced attorney will be able to properly assess what legal options are available to the family when a loved one is killed by a hit and run accident. The best Phoenix hit and run accident attorneys will help find the person who hit the innocent bystander.

Finding the person who caused the wrongful death or injury can bring special closure to the family members. If you have been involved in a hit and run accident or have a family member who has been killed by a hit and run driver, call Breyer Law Offices, P.C. for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222. You can also visit our Arizona Personal Injury Lawyers Facebook page for additional contact information, news, and other topics of interest.

As Tucson hit-and-run car accident lawyers">Tucson hit-and-run car accident lawyers, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of a teenager who was killed in a recent Tucson car accident. ABC 15 has reported that a Tucson teenager was killed after being struck by a SUV and car at South Park Avenue around East Tennessee Street just last Wednesday night. According to the Police, the victim was 18-years old. The news reports have indicated that both vehicles left the scene of the accident leaving the victim. Witnesses gave police a description of the fleeing SUV and car. If you have any information at all on the drivers who fled from the scene, please let the Police know as soon as possible.

Arizona Hit and Run Statistics

Based on reports by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there have been 11,388 hit and run accidents in Arizona in 2010. Of those numbers, there were 44 people killed and 3,150 injured.

Arizona Hit and Run Laws

In Arizona, it is considered a criminal offense when a driver leaves the scene of a car accident after injuring or causing death to a person. Drivers who are involved in a car accident that leads to injury or death of a person, should remain at the scene of the accident or as close as possible.

Contact an Experienced Tucson Car Accident Lawyer

The dedicated Husband and Wife Law Team of Breyer Law Offices, P.C., have recovered millions of dollars for victims of car accidents. Having a family member be the victim of a hit-and-run accident is devastating. It is traumatic enough to deal with the loss of a loved one, especially a child, but to not know who the person at fault is that much devastating. We work with family members to try to help in locating the at-fault parties and making the at-fault drivers responsible for their actions. As experienced Tucson car accident lawyers, if your family member has been killed in a Tucson car accident, call Attorneys Alexis and Mark Breyer. All initial consultations are complimentary and we do not charge a fee until we win your case. Call for your free consultation now at 520-308-6762.

A man accused of running over his ex-girlfriend was sentenced to three years probation after pleading guilty to attempting to leave the scene Tuesday (September 13, 2011) according to AZ Central. According to report, the incident happened late March of this year in an apartment parking lot near 3500 N. Hayden Road.

Police say the ex-couple were found arguing before the Scottsdale auto accident happened. According to witnesses, the woman was holding on to the vehicle’s mirror and fell down as the suspect backed up his vehicle. He then ran over her and fled the scene.

In his defense, the 31-year-old suspect said he did not know he had run over the victim and was only trying to leave after the woman pepper-sprayed him.

The woman suffered serious brain injury and continues to be in intensive care.

The suspect was originally charged with endangerment and leaving an accident with death or injury.

Leaving a scene of an accident is a serious criminal offense and involves heavy legal penalties. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hit-and-run accidents cause 1 out of every 5 pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. This goes to show how hit-and-run accidents continue to be a problem in pedestrian safety.

Pedestrians composed 12 percent of traffic deaths in 2009. Don’t let yourself become a victim of a pedestrian accident; use crosswalks and stay alert at all times when crossing.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Arizona and would like to seek compensation, the experienced Scottsdale hit and run accident lawyers at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., can help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact us today for a free consultation at 480-753-4534. You can also visit our Husband and Wife Law Team Facebook page for helpful information, news, and other topics of interest.

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

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

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

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

Every day, there are people who are treated in different emergency departments all across the globe. In the United States alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 2.3 million adult drivers and passengers who were treated in emergency departments as a result of being injured in a motor vehicle crash in 2009. Within this number of people, there are different reasons why these accidents happen.

In Phoenix, police were finally able to identify the taxi cab driver who ran over a man before fleeing from the scene, based on an ABC15 report. The suspect was a 41-year-old man who was said to have had a verbal argument with the 45-year-old victim at a Circle K convenient store at 15th Avenue and Indian School Road around 3 p.m. just before the incident.

Witnesses reported that the argument continued even as driver entered his vehicle when he accelerated and then ran over the man. The 45-year-old man is currently at the hospital and in critical condition.

Police say that the accident was intentional. This is a dangerous act which resulted in a fatality to a pedestrian.

As a pedestrian in Arizona, be responsible and always watch the road for oncoming cars. Be sure to walk on the sidewalk and cross at designated crosswalks to avoid accidents. When crossing the road or perhaps a large parking lot, be aware of oncoming cars which may be pulling out of parking or driving around the lot.

If you or a loved one has been intentionally hit by a vehicle and afterwards fleeing from the scene, you may call us for a free consultation at (480) 753-4534. We are Arizona hit and run lawyers and we may be able to help.

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

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

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

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

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

There were a total of 120 Arizona pedestrian fatalities in 2009. It is horrifying to find that pedestrian fatalities made up 14.9 percent of the total Arizonians killed in car accidents for that year, which saw 807 Arizonians lose their lives in fatal car crashes.

In Scottsdale, a Mesa resident faces a felony charge for an hit and run accident after running over his ex-girlfriend last month. The man was arrested on the night after the incident. Officials have not disclosed the name of the ex-girlfriend, who is 37 years of age. Police reported that the incident happened near Hayden and Osborn at the Sunscape Villas apartment complex, where the couple was seen reportedly in a heated argument as they made their way to the man’s vehicle.

As the suspect pulled out of the parking space of Sunscape Villas, the victim was reportedly clinging to the outside mirror of his car on the left side. She was then run over by her ex-boyfriend and abandoned. She is now in a local hospital and currently in very serious condition.

Arizona hit and run accidents are very serious offenses. In Arizona many of these types of accidents may occur due to a lack of insurance or not knowing the law. In case you are ever involved in a hit and run accident, it is important to protect yourself with appropriate insurance coverage. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are two very important types of insurance that not everybody has, even if you think you have “full coverage,” but they would protect you and your family in the event that you are hit by a hit and run driver, or a driver without insurance. Take a moment today to check your declaration page to make sure you will be covered.

If you have questions about a recent accident, please do not hesitate to call (480) 753-4534 for your free consultation.

Did you know that the chances of being involved in a Arizona drunk driving accident increase between the hours of midnight until dawn? There are often more people drinking when it is already dark. This reaches a peak of 66% of accidents involving impairments when driving during 12 midnight until 3 AM. Before these times, from 9 PM to midnight, 46% of accidents involve an impaired driver, and after 3AM up until 6 AM, a 52% of accidents are alcohol related. The lowest concentration of impaired driving accidents is during 9 AM until noon.

Although the percentage is low during 9 AM until noon for alcohol related accidents, accidents do happen just like what happened recently in Tempe, where a drunken father drove with his two-year-old daughter with him and hit a red pick-up truck that was parked at a Tempe home near Guadalupe and Rural roads.

After hitting the pick-up truck, the driver drove off and his car broke down about 100 feet away from the Arizona hit and run auto accident. The brother-in-law of the owner caught up with him and found that the driver had his daughter with him, luckily she appeared to be completely safe and didn’t suffer any injuries from the crash because she was properly restrained in her seat.

Child car seats are very effective in preventing serious injury. In fact, the risk of fatal injury is 80% lower for children in properly installed car seats (Safe Kids USA 2009). Get your child’s car seats checked today to make sure they are installed correctly by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to find an inspection center near you.

If your child has been injured because of the negligence of another driver, then call (602) 267-1280 so we can give you the proper advice regarding the situation.

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

As parents and wrongful death attorneys it saddens us to hear of another teen dying due to an impaired driver. An arrest has been made in the case of the hit and run that killed a young Peoria teen on Oct. 29. Police reports show that the 23 year old driver was driving impaired when she hit the teen, in fact she was so heavily medicated while driving that she didn’t even realize that she drank a tube of nail polish.

In the police report it states that the 23 year old driver was prohibited from driving while under the influence of the medications she was taking. Due to her disregard she hit and killed a teen pedestrian, then fled the scene. She has been since arrested and charged with manslaughter and leaving the scene of a collision after a death (abc15.com). It is relieving to know that someone will be held accountable for taking the life of this innocent boy, but unfortunately, nothing can return the life of a lost child.

As wrongful death attorneys we know that accidents such as these are 100% preventable. There are many safe ride programs to prevent anyone from driving while impaired such as taxis, buses, and specific services offered only to drive those who are impaired to their homes. We encourage all drivers to utilize these programs before driving under any influence.

Continue reading "Driver Arrested for Pedestrian Hit and Run Death" »

Have you heard about our new program that awards up to $1000 for tips leading to the felony arrest and conviction of a hit and run driver? In the wake of yet another hit and run driver in Phoenix that left a motorcyclist injured, it is even more important—and beneficial—for witnesses to speak out.

On Tuesday in Phoenix the police were following a suspect car during an investigation and the suspect failed to yield to the motorcyclist, striking him and causing a leg injury (AZ Family 11/9/10). The suspect car remains outstanding.

Witnessed a hit and run accident? Afraid your identity or safety will be compromised if you come forward? Please don’t worry. If you call our hit and run tip line, you will remain completely anonymous. You will only be identified with a code number. The line is answered by an uninvolved third party company who will disseminate your information to the appropriate authorities. Without your help and tips from others in the community, these drivers may never be brought to justice!

Continue reading "Another Hit and Run Driver Injures Motorcyclist in Phoenix" »

As 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).

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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" »

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.