Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Blog

While motorcycling has increased in the past few years, the number of motorcycle-related accidents, despite the warnings, still continue to occur. The problem usually stems from either impaired drivers or distracted drivers. In 2009, 4,462 motorcyclists were killed and an additional 90,000 motorcyclists were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the same year, 43% of fatally injured motorcycle riders and 57% of fatally injured motorcycle passengers were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

In Gilbert, Arizona, 2 people were injured in a motorcycle crash (ABC15 07/16/2011). The injured motorcycle riders were a 44-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl, who both sustained serious injuries, but were not life-threatening. Police say that the motorcycle was rear-ended by a vehicle, which was why the motorcyclist lost control and the bike fell down before sliding on the ground. The man was not wearing a helmet; only the girl was wearing a helmet. Both were sent to the hospital. Police say the woman left the scene but was later caught. Police say that impairment was a factor in the crash.

When riding a motorcycle in Arizona, riders should wear their helmets. Even though Arizona does not have a universal helmet law, helmets do save lives. Wearing a helmet is the most effective way to prevent a serious head injury.

If you or a loved one has been injured by an impaired driver while riding a motorcycle, you may call us for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222. We are Arizona motorcycle accident lawyers and we may be able to help.

Motorcycle safety has always been an issue not only in Arizona but also worldwide. According to the reports by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2009 alone there are about 4,281 deaths that were caused by motorcycle crashes. Motorcycle accidents are often a result of intoxication and speeding.

A Mesa motorcycle accident occurred where a high-speed motorcycle chase ended in Florence last Monday (ABC15). A motorcyclist was halted by a Mesa police officer for traffic violation but the driver took off and headed south proceeding to Higley. A police officer was also involved in the high-speed chase.

The motorcycle driver stopped for a minute when the police placed a roadblock at the US 60 and Val Vista but drove towards the officers. The motorcycle driver’s speed was recorded at 130 mph when he entered US 60. He was being chased by the Air Unit and went through Mesa and South Queen Creek. The high-speed chase stopped when he crashed at Hunt Highway and Highway 79 in Florence. No serious injury was reported as a result of the incident. In the police report, they recovered 22 grams of drugs (methamphetamine), a semi automatic handgun as well as money in the driver’s belongings.

Remember that motorcycles are small vehicles and are often difficult to see in traffic especially when running at a high speed.

If you or any one you know have been injured by a high-speeding motorcycle driver, please let us know and our motorcycle accident attorneys in Mesa might be able to help you with your concerns.

Deaths and injuries related to motorcycle crashes are a growing public health concern. The Centers for disease Control and Prevention has announced that in 2008, motorcycle crashes killed 5,290 people. Motorcycle crash-related injuries and deaths totalled $12 billion in one year, in medical care costs and productivity losses.

In a recent fatal motorcycle crash in Phoenix, killed one rider, while another sustained serious injuries (AZFamily 05/28/2011). Both motorcyclists were male, and 45 years old. Police say neither of the two men were wearing their helmets when the crash occurred. One of the men was reported to be in a serious, but stable condition at a local hospital. A car was leaving the Desert Sky Mall at about 11:00 pm when the driver failed to yield, leading to a collision with one of the motorcycles. The other motorcycle swerved to avoid the crash, struck a median, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The person driving the car was not impaired and no charges have been filed.

Helmets are important for any rider’s safety. Helmets will help reduce the risk of injury by 69%. In most states, a helmet law has been enacted; however, there are some states including Arizona still has not done so. Remember, helmets won’t impair hearing or sight when used.

If you or a loved one has been injured in motorcycle-related accidents, then know your legal rights and options. You may call our motorcycle accident attorneys in Arizona for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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" »

Based on the 2009 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) Encyclopedia, there were 4,595 motorcycle crashes, accounting for 10.1 percent of the total number of fatal crashes in the United States. Fatalities in 2009 due to motorcycle crashes were 814 less than the previous year’s 5,409 deaths. In Arizona, deaths due to motorcycle crashes have likewise declined from 146 in 2008 to 126 in 2009.

This decline shows that more and more motorcyclists are starting to become aware of the risks involved in motorcycle accidents, and more drivers are watching out for riders on the roads.

In a motorcycle crash, serious head injuries are the main cause of death. Many motorcyclists choose to protect themselves from these injuries by wearing helmets and other safety gear while on the road, but many others find them too cumbersome. Motorcycle helmets are helpful in protecting motorcyclists from severe head injuries, but the right to choose whether to wear one or not is a right held dearly in Arizona. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that from 1993 to 2002, helmets were 37 percent effective in preventing fatalities from motorcycle accidents (FARS).

Another motorcycle accident happened on the westbound I-10 at Baseline Road in late January (AZ Central 01/24/2011). Other than the motorcycle, three more vehicles were involved in the collision. Fortunately, the motorcyclist only suffered non-life-threatening injuries from the collision. Further information regarding the cause of the accident remains unknown. We encourage all drivers out there to be aware that we share the roads with many motorcyclists that want to get home to their families too; keep your eyes and ears open for motorcyclists and try to avoid distractions that could lead to another disastrous accident.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Involved in 3-Car Accident" »

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" »

Motorcycle accidents are considered to be some of the most deadly road accidents because of the lack of barrier between the rider and the oncoming force. Motorcycles have a higher fatality rate per unit distance travelled compared to automobiles. Unfortunately, the most common injury that riders acquire in a motorcycle accident is severe brain injury, often resulting in permanent damage.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helmets can help prevent fatal head injuries by 37 percent (2006). In Arizona there is no across-the-board helmet requirement; only certain age groups must wear helmets. The right to choose your preference as to wearing a helmet or not is a right that is cherished and defended by all Arizona bikers.

In Phoenix, a motorcyclist is in critical condition after colliding with another vehicle at 67th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard on Wednesday (ABC 15 1/12/2011). Police said that the motorcyclist was in serious condition when he was sent to a local hospital. He was not wearing a helmet when the crash happened. The details of the accident are still being investigated.

One major factor that may lead to motorcycle accidents is the comfort level and skill of the rider. Many motorcycle accidents occur because the rider doesn’t understand the capabilities and limitations of the bike. Even seasoned riders have things to learn when it comes to riding. It is important for bikers to realize and consider the difference between riding a bike and driving in a car. Taking a motorcycle riding course can be beneficial for riders of all abilities to recognize the best practices for avoiding accidents. There are many programs available at motorcycletraining.com.

Continue reading "Central Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Leaves 1 in Critical Condition" »

Did you know that every minute, one person is injured from an alcohol-related crash? According to the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (FARS) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 10,839 people will be killed in alcohol-related crashes in United States this year alone (2009). Did you know that out of the 45,435 vehicles in the U.S. that were involved in fatal crashes, 4,595 of them were motorcycles, and in those accidents, around 97 percent of motorcycle riders were the ones killed in the accidents? As Scottsdale motorcycle accident attorneys, we help the victims of these careless drunk drivers and their survivors get the assistance—and the justice—they deserve.

Another drunk driver might be charged of manslaughter due to the death of a motorcyclist on the night of Sunday, November 29th in Scottsdale (Arizona Republic via AZ Central). A woman was driving her BMW, turning left to 124th Street from Shea Boulevard when she struck a motorcyclist.

According to reports, the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet. He was sent to a local hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival because of severe head injuries. The suspect was said to be driving under the influence when the collision occurred.

Statistics from the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS) states that there has been a four percent gain of DOT-complaint motorcycle helmets from 63 percent in 2008 to 67 percent in 2009. In fact, motorcycle helmet use in the past five years has been steadily increasing (NHTSA). It only shows that more and more riders are aware of the benefits of wearing a helmet.

The NHTSA has developed a program called “Share the Road” language. It aims to provide common themes and language to effectively communicate the importance of safely sharing the road to motorcyclists. We hope all Arizona drivers share the road this holiday season with bikers, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike so everyone can travel safely.

Continue reading "Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Scottsdale, Suspect faces Manslaughter Charges" »

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 Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys, we see all too often the dangerous side of motorcycle riding. We encourage all riders and drivers alike to enjoy themselves out there on the open road but to always be alert to their surroundings.

A Phoenix police officer on a motorcycle hit a car and was transported to the hospital on Friday morning (AZ Family.com 11/5/10). Her injuries are said to be non-life threatening, and the road remains closed as authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.

Motorcycle-riding police officers are required to wear helmets as part of their job, but the general public is not obligated to do the same in Arizona. Arizona has no written statute requiring licensed motorcycle riders over 18 years old to wear helmets. However, Arizona courts have developed an unwritten precedent that punishes riders who choose not to wear one and are involved in an accident. The unwritten law frequently leaves injured riders with less compensation than they deserve. If the motorcyclist’s injuries could have been prevented if they had worn a helmet, the at-fault driver could avoid paying for medical bills and other damages.

Continue reading "Phoenix Police Officer Injured in Motorcycle Accident" »

All too often we see headlines about motorcyclists who have been killed in an accident. They remind us again and again about the importance of driving defensively and being completely attentive no matter what we drive—cars, trucks, and motorcycles alike.

On Tuesday night at 28th St and Union Hills Drive in Phoenix, a motorcyclist lost his life in a fiery accident (Arizona Republic via AZ Central 10/26/10). He was traveling westbound and collided with a sedan. It is unclear how the accident actually happened. Both vehicles caught fire after the collision. The rider was thrown 30 feet in the air and suffered severe chest injuries and later died at the hospital. The sedan driver only had minor cuts and scrapes.

Even though the exact cause of this tragic accident is not yet known, it is an opportunity to remind all drivers to be pro-active in their driving. Put away distractions and focus on the road. To be even more prepared to spot a potential hazard on the road, you may want to consider taking a defensive driving course. If you don’t have time to take a course in a classroom, you can take one online at http://www.ddcaz.org/arizona-defensive-driving.htm. In the course, you will learn how to avoid accidents, how to safely travel through intersections and pass other drivers, how to recognize unavoidable hazards, and much more.

Continue reading "Phoenix Accident Fatal for Motorcycle Rider" »

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!" »

As Arizona car accident attorneys residing locally, we pass through Gilbert frequently. The recent upsurge of deadly accidents around Higley and Guadalupe roads has reminded us to drive more carefully. We support the police in their efforts to make their town safer for all travelers.

Over the past year, Gilbert has seen an increase from three car accident deaths a year to five (Arizona Republic via AZ Central 9/25/10). The Higley and Guadalupe intersection seems to be the most dangerous spot in the town for accidents. Police have taken up the issue by increasing patrols in the area between Tuesday and Friday afternoons. They issued 48 citations on Tuesday, and 40 more on Wednesday, including seven arrests across the days for suspended licenses and DUI.

Many accidents are caused by a combination of inattention and speeding. Distractions increase reaction time just when speeding demands it to be faster. Police encourage drivers to avoid talking on cell phones and never send text messages while driving. Hopefully the crackdown in the area will make drivers slow down and focus more on driving to prevent accidents.

Continue reading "Gilbert, Arizona Increases Patrols as Accident Fatalities Rise" »

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

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

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

Continue reading "Deadly Accidents Caused by Texting" »

An Arizona native, rising hip-hop musician Emcee Abay Lattin, was killed in a Tempe car accident on Saturday morning (AZ Central 9/12/10). As accident attorneys and Arizona residents, we are saddened to see young, local talent lost to such a tragic incident. His car was hit by an SUV driven by a minor who is suspected of DUI. A motorcycle hit the wreckage shortly after it happened, the 19 year old driver of which died later at a nearby hospital as well.

Lattin, also known as Carnegie, was half of a hip hop duo called Silver Medallion, who was recently on tour and had returned to Arizona for a few shows this past weekend. He had been drinking that night and had a designated driver to escort him home. It is not known yet if the motorcyclist was impaired at the time of the crash, but the SUV driver is suspected to have been under the influence.

Nominating a friend to be a sober driver is always a great option for a safe ride home, but they may not always be depended upon. Designated driver services are available at various rates throughout Arizona. Some services drive your car home, others provide a shuttle, and some have tow trucks. There are also numerous taxi services in the metro area, available at any time. Check out Got a Ride? Got a Choice, a local grassroots organization founded by a survivor of a fatal DUI accident, for more information on driver services. There is no excuse for driving under the influence, especially when so many services are available to get you home safely.

Continue reading "Fatal Car and Motorcycle Accident in Tempe Kills Two, Including Rising Musician" »

As parents and Arizona car accident attorneys, we are strong advocates of sober driving. If you choose to drink alcohol or become otherwise impaired, always have a designated driver and/or do not leave your location.

Over the Labor Day weekend in Indiana, a woman was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol with seven children under 16 in the car with her (Indianapolis Star via AZ Central 9/8/10). Luckily she was stopped before any accidents ensued, as the result could have been very tragic. The relationship of the children to the driver is not known at this time. We’re sure the families of the children are very grateful to the police officer who spotted her driving erratically, and thank them kindly ourselves.

Drunk driving causes thousands of accidents and deaths every year. Driving alone under the influence is extremely dangerous as cars and trucks become thousand-pound weapons, but when children are present the dangers are escalated even more. No parent should have to suffer through the loss of a child.

Continue reading "Woman Drives under the Influence with Children in Car" »

As Arizona residents and car accident attorneys, we are excited to hear this news. The Arizona Republic reported that although there was a slight increase in the number of arrests for driving under the influence over the Labor Day weekend, it was not as high as expected (Hensley 9/8/10). There was only a 35% increase in arrests despite a 400% increase in the number of officers (Hensley 9/8/10). More people were nominating designated drivers and/or not driving after having a drink.

Keeping impaired drivers off the road is safer for everyone else on the road, and it seems like it is catching on. Drunk or impaired driving is the cause of thousands of accidents every year.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident that possibly involved impaired driving, it is important to know that you may deserve compensation. Impaired drivers may be subjected to punitive damages if they are at fault in an accident. Punitive damages are only awarded if certain conditions are met, such as proving the driver acted with an “evil hand and evil mind.” They are designed to penalize the wrongdoer and prevent them from committing it again in the future.

Continue reading "Labor Day Arrests not as high as Expected" »

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

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

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

As Phoenix auto accident attorneys, just a reminder that we are offering our Arizona Accident Book for a limited time. The book details the 13 Biggest Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Accident Claim.

Also check out our new website. We have live chat and are available 24/7 to help you.

To talk to Phoenix Car Accident lawyers now, just give us a call.

As Mesa wrongful death attorneys from car accidents and other events, we would like to let you know that there are many details that most people do not know about pursuing a Mesa car accident claim when a loved one has passed away. Typically, wrongful death cases it is necessary to have an estate set up and specific surviving family relatives then have the right to make a claim for damages. Depending on the circumstances typically the law allows for a parent, spouse or child to make a claim for the wrongful death of a loved one.

The estate can usually claim back compensation for the descendant’s lost wages, costs for medical care and the funeral, and the pain the descendent consciously suffered before death. Some surviving family members may have the opportunity to make individual claims for damages that they suffered as a result of the decedent’s death. For example, a surviving member if qualified under the words of the statute, can be compensated for emotional distress they underwent, loss of consortium, along with some other claims.

Surprisingly, the Arizona wrongful death law usually only allows for a surviving spouse and their children to recover for a wrongful death. After these fatal accidents, even the decedent’s siblings don’t have access to separate wrongful death recovery claims for their loved one unless they are able to become a beneficiary under the estate. Each claim is different and that is important to remember when pursuing a wrongful death claim.

Arizona wrongful death cases are typically very complicated and require the expertise of a an experienced Mesa personal injury lawyer. At Breyer Law Offices, we know that these cases require a lawyer who is experienced in wrongful death law and understands the intricacies of the legal system. In these wrongful death cases, it is vital to collect every individual detail of the case, especially the lost wages, as future lost wages are usually a majority of the wrongful death claim given the strict wrongful death statute in Arizona for those who have been killed by the negligence of another individual. Although it is very difficult to start pursuing an investigation after a wrongful death of a loved one, it is very important to prepare a case so that the family members get the maximum settlement possible.

Mark and Alexis Breyer are experienced personal injury lawyers. Mark is a certified specialist in injury and wrongful death law by the State Bar of Arizona. This means that the State Bar of Arizona has certified him as being an expert in injury and wrongful death law in Arizona. There are only about 2% of Arizona injury and wrongful death lawyers who have been declared experts in this area of law by the State Bar of Arizona.

If you need help following the loss of a loved one due to the negligence of another individual, call us now and you will be able to talk directly to our office.

As Mesa personal injury lawyers, we see all the time that people are taking cell phone for granted when talking on the phone and driving. People believe that they can use cell phones anywhere while doing anything thing. Drivers do not realize how much attention is taken away from the road when they are on the cell phone and speaking to someone. Texting and driving is even more dangerous.

In seven states now, drivers are not allowed to drive while talking on their cell phones. In six of these seven states, if the driver is caught on the cell phone, they only get basically a warning or a ticket but only for driving while talking on the phone. They do not get any other tickets for other traffic offenses.

Over the last three years, text messaging while driving was made illegal in 28 states. In Arizona, texting while driving is legal. In fact, in Arizona people can still drive and talk on the cell phne as well and that is not illegal yet either. The Arizona Senate banned texting in March 2010 through the bill SB 1334 however the bill did not make it out of the House of Representatives and never became a law.

If you or a loved one was in a Mesa car accident involving the use of a cell phone, contact our law team. We have an office conveniently located in Mesa and as Mesa car accident lawyers we understand what is necessary to achieve the best settlement possible. Mark Breyer is a certified specialist in injury and wrongful death law – certified by the State Bar of Arizona. Here at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., we are experienced attorneys who can provide you with the information you need to make a good decision on what to do next in your case. There are very important deadlines and statute of limitations that many people do not know about. If you need the help of a lawyer or just want a free consultation call us right away. We will give you honest answers and let you know what should be done on your case to get the best results, which is what you deserve.

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.

As motorcycle accident lawyers in Arizona, we know that far too many people, especially those on motorcycles, are hurt when another driver who is turning left does not notice the vehicle coming through the intersection and hits them. Often times, there is nothing even the most experienced motorcyclist rider can do to avoid such an accident with another vehicle. Many riders will try to brake or steer away to avoid a crash with their motorcycle but often times there is nothing that can be done that will avoid this type of collision. Another way to avoid a motorcycle crash with a vehicle that is coming straight through the intersection is to lay down your bikes before hitting the car. But regardless of the actions, it is usually going to be too late to avoid a car that has turned left directly in front of a motorcycle.

Unfortunately, riders face many dangers on the road way. More often than not, accidents involving motorcyclists are not the fault of the rider but of the person driving the motor vehicle. Yet many people in our society have a bias against motorcyclists. Motorcyclists are often blamed for an accident with another vehicle even when the rider was riding his motorcycle as safe as possible. It is just that there is a common bias instinctively from many in society against motorcyclists.

After these kinds of motorcycle accidents, victims struggle with whether or not to hire an Arizona motorcycle lawyer. They are not sure as to whether it is worth it to them to hire an attorney. Some people think it will take more energy to hire a lawyer than to handle the claim on their own. This may be true if the motorcycle rider sustained very minor injuries but if the motorcycle rider sustianed very serious injuries or was fatally injured, it is very important to at least consult with an experienced motorcycle lawyer. If this sounds like you, then the attorneys at Breyer Law Offices can help. We can provide you with a free consultation, during which we will review your case and answer any questions you may have. This is not a sales pitch; it’s simply an opportunity to provide you with the information you need to make the best possible decision.

Mark Breyer is an experienced injury lawyer. He is rated top ethics and top legal ability by Martindale-Hubbell. Mark is a certified specialist in injury and wrongful death law and has handled many cases involving motorcycle claims. If you have a loved one who has been fatally injured or have sustained a serious injury due to a motorcycle accident claim, call our office and we will give you honest answers. We only handle a samll amount of claims but even if we are unable to help you we will point you in the right direction. It is important that all motorcycle riders and families know thier legal rights and deadlines for pursuing their injury or wrongful death claim.

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.