Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Scottsdale Car Crash Kills 1, Injures 3

As Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers, we assist thousands of families every year after suffering a tragic loss. For many years, we have had many concerns about the frequency and spread of fatal Arizona car crashes. Although the number of motor vehicle collisions in the state has been decreasing over the past few years, the decline has not been that significant.

Based on reports by ABC 15, two SUVs crashed at the Pima and Dynamite intersection in Scottsdale, around 9:30 pm on Thursday, September 22, 2011. The crash resulted in one death and injured three others. Scottsdale police reported that a woman in an Acura SUV was killed on the scene, while her husband, the driver, sustained life threatening injuries. The other driver, a woman in a Dodge SUV, and her son were also transported by ambulance to Scottsdale Healthcare due to injuries from the crash.

Even though we do not know the family who is involved in this crash, please know that you are in our thoughts, and we offer our sincerest condolences. We see too many fatal accidents because of what we do, and our hearts will always go out to these poor families in the most difficult time of their lives.

Arizona Fatal Car Accident Statistics

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were a total of 106,177 reported car crashes in 2010 with 762 fatalities and 50,110 injuries. Meanwhile, state-wide car crashes in 2009 accounted for 107,094 with 806 deaths and 50,776 crash-related injuries.

Arizona State Car Accident Laws

Many accidents occur at intersections. Oftentimes, breaking traffic laws causes serious accidents. Disobedience to traffic control devices is a traffic offense in Arizona. Many intersections have red light cameras that capture anyone breaking these laws. If a traffic violation leads to an accident, stricter consequences may follow.

What Caused This Fatal collision?

Initial investigations revealed that the Acura SUV failed to stop at a red light. It was then struck by the Dodge SUV, which was travelling eastbound at the time. Authorities also said that alcohol was not a factor. Seat belts were also worn by the victims except for the driver of the Acura SUV, who was ejected from the vehicle.

Contact Your Expert Scottsdale Wrongful Death Lawyer

Surviving family members of fatal Scottsdale accidents may have a claim for wrongful death in which they may seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance for negligence. While financial compensation will never take away the loss of a loved one, it can help pay for funeral costs, medical bills, or future lost wages. Our skilled Scottsdale intersection accident lawyers at Breyer Law Offices LLC are experienced in evaluating fatal accidents and can give you honest and straight-forward answers to all your questions. We offer free consultations and will not take a fee until the case is settled.

Pedestrian related car accidents accounted for 14.9% of fatal car crashes that occurred in Arizona for 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, you can imagine the shock of Phoenix pedestrians last Wednesday a man and a teenager drove by in a car and shot at them with pellet guns in broad daylight. Truly, anything can happen.

It was around 5 in the afternoon when police officers started to get calls from angry pedestrians complaining that a vehicle had passed by and fired shots at them from a pellet gun, according to a spokesman from the Phoenix Police Department. At around 4 o’clock in the afternoon officers of the Phoenix Police Department were informed of a shooting near 43rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road.

Witnesses reported that two men riding a white Ford pickup had shot at a pedestrian with a pellet gun. Ten people in total were victims of this shooting, and three of these pedestrians were children. Three of the victims were taken to the hospital, reportedly sustaining injuries that were not life threatening.

The Phoenix officials later found the pickup near the West Atlanta and South 19th avenues. They took the two males into custody, one was 22 years of age and the other was 17. The pickup driver had told police that he had bought the airsoft guns only earlier that day. They were booked on aggravated assault of 10 counts, and their names were not released.

Pedestrians have been the victims of many unsolicited accidents, if you are one of them, call pedestrian injury lawyers in Phoenix at (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stapley northbound had to be closed after the crash.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every day, roads are very busy due to an overwhelming volume of road vehicles like cars, trucks, motorcycles and bikes and the congestion very often leads to road accidents. In 2009, 33,808 fatalities from car accidents were recorded by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The severity of the impact greatly damages properties and millions of innocent lives.

At around 9 pm, last Wednesday evening, a multiple car collision left two people injured and one in critical condition.

A landscaping truck with a trailer was travelling on 47th and Olive Avenues when the driver lost direction in trying to avoid a pedestrian. With the sudden stop, another silver car, with two women and a young boy, slammed the truck. Then another car smashed into the silver car.

The great impact from the sudden stop of the truck lead its two occupants to be thrown outside the truck. The occupants of the silver car, the driver and the young boy, were immediately taken to the hospital because of the injuries they sustained from the collision. The driver’s injuries were not life threatening but the young boy is in critical condition according to the Glendale officer.

The alarming census of increasing car crashes is the main reason for the authorities to implement the usage of safety equipment like seatbelts strictly. Accordingly, proper use of seatbelt can reduce fatal injuries about 50 percent and 60-70 percent survival.

Continue reading "Fatal Crash in Glendale Injured Two People" »

Most drivers are aware of the risk of rear-end collisions during everyday driving. What is not surprising is that they are one the most common driving accidents that people suffer from today. In 2006, of the about 6.2 million crashes that resulted in injury in the United States, 29 percent of them, that’s around 1.8 million injuries, were due to rear-end collisions (Science Daily 2008).

Two weeks ago around two in the morning on Glendale Avenue, a rear-end accident claimed the life of yet another driver (AZ Central 3/3/11). Although the passenger did not suffer any fatal injuries, the crash was still enough to kill the driver of the Ford Crown Victoria sedan instantly. The crash involved a moving Dodge truck and a semi truck that was parked.

An officer spoke on behalf of the Glendale Police Department. He recounted that while the sedan was going west nearby 127th Avenue, police in the area saw it smash into the rear end of a pickup truck and after swerving to the right, it smashed right into a semi truck that was parked. The couple in the pickup truck that the sedan first collided with did not suffer any fatal injuries.

Nearly all drivers and passengers have either been in a rear-end accident or just narrowly avoided one. It is a common occurrence on the roads of the United States, claiming the lives or significantly changing the lives of many people involved.

Although fortunately many of these accidents do not result in fatal injuries, people spend $8.5 million a year to merely treat back injuries or neck injuries resulting from these accidents.

Continue reading "Three-Way Car Crash on Glendale Avenue Leaves 1 Dead and 3 Injured" »

Arizona pedestrian accidents more often than not take place in urban places compared to rural areas. From 1975-2005, an increase from 59% to 72% of pedestrian accidents took place in urban areas, while in rural areas, it decreased from 41% to 25%. But the bright side of this is that from 1975, the annual number of pedestrian accidents dropped from 7,516 to 4,409 incidents in 2009. This was based on the statistics gathered by the NHTSA. Although the numbers are getting lower, the injuries and fatalities are still devastating.

Just yesterday, around 3 a.m., a fatal car accident took place at westbound loop 202 to Interstate 10 in Phoenix, Arizona. The accident happened on a ramp of the westbound loop 202. The ramp had been closed and then suddenly it was reopened for traffic enabling the I-10 traffic to go through.

The pedestrian's identity is still unknown, but it is claimed that the person sustained fatal injuries in the accident. The Department of Public Safety Officers were on the scene immediately to take action. Investigations are still going to find out what really happened.

A lot of pedestrian accidents happen because of impaired drivers and pedestrians at night wearing dark clothing. Wearing dark clothing makes it hard for the driver to see the pedestrian. Experts indicate that pedestrians should be careful when walking at night and if possible, do not walk alone at nighttime or wear dark clothes, especially on streets that are not well lit or where there are no sidewalks.

Continue reading "Arizona Fatal Pedestrian Accident At Loop 202 Ramp And I-10" »

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a large contributor to fatal car crashes. Not only they can cause injuries and death, the practice of driving while intoxicated is an indicator of alcohol abuse. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 33,808 people died in traffic crashes in 2009 in the United States. Deaths from crashes associated with alcohol are estimated to be 10,839—on average, someone is killed in an alcohol-impaired driving crash about every 50 minutes.

A repeat offender in Arizona was sentenced for another 20 years in imprisonment after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (AZ Central 2/27/11). Luckily the authorities took him off the road before he caused a serious accident.

The 58-year-old offender was already sentenced before with an 8-year imprisonment for the same offense. Six months later, he was released. He was arrested again last February for aggravated DUI and driving with suspended license.

Six months later, he was arrested for a third time for the same offense. He was seen coming out of a bar, stumbling across the parking lot to a white truck, then driving home.

Despite Arizona’s strict DUI laws, there are still many repeat offenders; so authorities have begun a repeat offender program that will identify and target drunken drivers who are caught frequently. The court will decide if the driver’s license will be cancelled, revoked or restricted because of a DUI conviction. If the driver is charged of DUI within seven years, the suspect can face felony charges of aggravated DUI.

Public warnings, public awareness, educational programs, stiffer penalties for violations, and efforts by law enforcement agencies across the nation must be fully implemented to avoid drunk drivers in repeating offenses and driving while intoxicated. On average, a drunk driver drives under the influence 87 times before getting caught for the first time—it only takes one time to kill an innocent victim.

Continue reading "Repeat DUI offenders in Arizona: A Challenge for the Authorities" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Apache Officer Killed in a Collision" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A 7-vehicle Phoenix car crash was reported last week that caused major traffic backups during the morning rush hours. The accident happened on Interstate 10 at U.S. 60, early Friday morning (AZ Central 01/21/2011).

A number of people were reported to have been injured in the car wreck, though we were relieved to hear none of the injuries seemed life threatening. Three lanes were blocked until 8 a.m., including the HOV lane, backing up the I-10 up to Chandler Boulevard and westbound U.S. 60 up to Rural Road. No data is available yet as to what led to the accident.

After more than two centuries since the first “car” was invented, no one would have thought that it would become the world’s leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 29 years (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Car crashes kill about 1.3 million and leave at least 20 million individuals injured every year.

In the United States, more than 33 thousand were killed in 2009 due to motor vehicle crashes (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). While the numbers are still high, it actually has been the lowest number of car accident casualties recorded in a year for NHTSA in a span of more than ten years!

Let us do our share in stopping vehicle accident deaths by following traffic rules at all times, being alert and focused when behind the wheel, putting the cell phones down, getting our cars regularly checked, and of course by not driving while impaired.

Continue reading "7-Vehicle Crash Backs up I-10, US 60 Traffic" »

Bicycling is a good way to spend leisure time. It is not only enjoyable but healthy as well. But unfortunately there are very serious dangers lurking for bicyclists on Arizona roads. Based on the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were reportedly over 51,000 cases of bicycling injuries from motor vehicle traffic accidents in 2009 while an additional 630 lives were lost during that same year. There were 74 victims aged 14 or younger, which is an impressive 58 percent lower from the 178 children killed in 2000 but still too many children’s lives cut short.

Although the number of bicyclist deaths is lower than 2008, the bicycling community is still concerned about this situation. Bicyclist deaths accounted to 2 percent of the total traffic fatalities in 2009.

Just last Thursday, another Glendale bike accident occurred near 57th and Glendale Avenues (KPHO 1/20/11). According to police reports, a man was riding on his bike when for an unknown reason, he lost control and fell into the road. He acquired serious injuries and was taken to the hospital. The initial investigation revealed that he was hit by a small black car.

As more and more riders share the roads, there is a heightened awareness of safety. While helmets are not required for all riders, there are other precautions bicyclists can make to prevent injury. Wearing light, reflective, or neon-colored shirts can help make you more visible to drivers, especially at night. Bike reflectors and lights are also helpful towards this end. Dusk and evening are the most dangerous times to ride, so please be careful if riding during these times of day.

Continue reading "Glendale Bicyclist Seriously Injured" »

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for children aged 2-14 and the leading cause of infant injury death under 2 years (Safe Kids USA 2009). Every year sees nearly 2,500 children’s lives lost in traffic wrecks. As parents and Mesa car accident attorneys, we understand the heartache a parent feels when their child is injured, and we know, as parents, we would do anything to prevent that from happening.

Four children and two adults were injured in a Mesa car accident this morning (AZ Central 1/5/11). A minivan and SUV collided in an intersection, sending the van into a light pole and the SUV remained in the intersection. All six victims were transported to the hospital but their injuries, luckily, are not believed to be life-threatening. The ages of the children are not known, and it is also unknown if they were properly restrained.

Child safety seats saved 1,700 children’s lives between 1996 and 2002, with countless more saved since then (Safe Kids USA 2009). Properly restrained children are 80% less likely to suffer fatal injuries than unrestrained children.

Check your child’s safety seats every six months by bringing your vehicle to a free inspection center. If a seat is improperly installed, it could cause more injuries than not having one at all. You can find an inspection center near you at http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm.

Continue reading "2-Car Accident in Mesa Leaves 6 Injured, Including 4 Children" »

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" »

Driving through neighborhood streets in the evenings during this time of year it is easy to get into the holiday spirit. Homes are lit up with lights, inflatable displays, and moving lawn decorations. Many Arizonans have braved ladders and roofs in honor of this special time of year. However, despite having such good intentions, there are some very dangerous risks that could pose serious injury, electrocution, or even death if proper procedures are ignored while decorating the house, both inside and out.

Here are some questions to ask before you start putting up the lights and other decorations this holiday season to stay safe and prevent serious injury, as compiled by professional decorators, Mission Landscaping.

• Who’s your spotter? Often decorators must use ladders to secure displays appropriately—a spotter should always be used to hold the ladder against the building.
• Is your ladder tall enough? Most homeowners only have 6 foot ladders, but the roofline is at least 8 feet high. Using a ladder that is too short means you will be leaning and stretching to reach above your head, which may cause you to lose your balance and risk a serious fall injury.
• Staples or hooks? There are many different ways to adhere lights and decorations to your house, and some people make them so secure that they leave them up all year round! The pros discourage the use of staples because they may puncture the wire and risk causing a fire or electrocution. Hooks are much safer, and less permanent usually.
• Where’s the power? If you are using extension cords, make sure they are rated to work in the outdoors, which means they are weather-resistant and usually tougher than household cords. Don’t pull cords too tight or leave them exposed in high traffic areas as they could pose a tripping hazard.

Continue reading "Holiday Displays Pose Serious Electrocution or Falling Hazard" »

Another Arizona life has been lost due to a car crash. AZ Family reports it happened at night on Wednesday, November 24th on Interstate 10 near Watson Road (11/24/10). Two other victims were airlifted to the nearest local hospital. Investigations by the Arizona Department of Public Safety can’t determine yet the reason as to why the crash happened on Valley freeway. Authorities decided not to release the victim’s identity. I-10 was closed for investigation and was only re-opened before midnight.

To help decrease deaths in car accidents, there are many pro-active choices drivers can make, such as refraining from cell phone use while driving, following posted traffic signs, and committing all attention to the road ahead. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also advocates for these positive driving habits, and especially to never drink and drive.

Additional safety precautions include using appropriate safety gear, such as seat belts. Wearing seat belts is not only highly advised, but required in all states. Parents with children inside the car are also familiar with the required child safety seats and booster seats depending on child’s age and weight.

In 2008, the percentage increase of seat belt use, while statistically insignificant, is still a positive sign that more people are aware of the importance of buckling up. In fact, seat belts have saved more than 13,000 lives nationwide.

Continue reading "Fatal Crash in Phoenix Leaves 1 Person Dead, 2 Injured" »

Many animal lovers have a hard time parting with their pets. They bring them on car rides, walks, and even fly with them on vacations! As responsible pet owners and Phoenix dog bite attorneys, we must adhere to certain expectations, such as cleaning up pet waste, keeping our animals appropriately vaccinated, and providing adequate restraints. Even the most well-trained dogs are not predictable and there is always a risk that they may injure someone, and this is why these expectations are set.

A passenger on a Phoenix-bound U.S. Airways flight on Sunday was traveling with a dog in a carrier (Associated Press via AZ Central 12/6/10). The passenger let the dog out of the carrier while the plane was in flight and the dog bit another passenger and a flight attendant. The pilot had to make an emergency landing to take care of the situation. The severity of the injuries are not known.

Dog bite injuries send over 1,000 people to hospital emergency rooms every day (Dogsbite.org 12/08/10). There are several breeds that have statistically higher risks of causing bite injuries, including pit bulls, rottweilers, and presa canaries. The dog on this recent flight was a smaller breed as it was being transported in a carrier, but don’t let size fool you; even small dogs can cause serious harm.

Continue reading "Emergency Landing after Dog Bites Two Passengers" »

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" »

Just because the temperatures are finally cooling down in Arizona doesn’t mean water activities come to a halt; even though water temps drop there are still many who enjoy a good swim outdoors. However, even the most experienced swimmer is at risk of a drowning accident if water temperatures are low enough.

Tempe Town Lake opened a few weeks ago to the public after the dam was repaired and the lake was refilled with water. Rental boats are available to the public and for the elite athlete, the water is now open for training (KPHO 11/4/10). Athletes will be able to swim in the lake as training for the Ironman distance open water swim that will be taking place on Saturday. No swimming is allowed by the general public at this time.

When enjoying your time by the lake make sure to be safe around the water. The percent of drowning in natural water settings increases with age. Most drowning accidents among those over 15 years of age occur in natural water settings like lakes. (CDC 11/5/10). If you decide to take a rental boat just remember to be safe and always wear a life jacket. In 2008, 3,330 people were injured, and more than 700 died, in boating incidents. Of those who drowned, 9 out of 10 were not wearing life jackets (CDC). To get more information on this subject or to understand the risks of boating you can go to www.cdc.gov/features/boatingactivities.

Continue reading "Water Safety Tips to Remember as Tempe Town Lake Re-Opens for Athlete Training" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Baby Safety Tips" »

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

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

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

Continue reading "Deadly Accidents Caused by Texting" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As 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 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.