Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Blog

As Tucson rollover crash attorneys, we were saddened to learn of the death of one 41-year-old woman on January 19, 2012, according to the Arizona Daily Star. She was driving an SUV that collided with two other vehicles on West Picture Rocks Road and North Wade Road. Our deepest thoughts and condolences are with the woman’s family, and we wish the injured victim a quick recovery.

Causes of This Tucson Rollover Crash

This Tucson rollover crash occurred when the woman driving the SUV drifted into oncoming traffic and collided with two other cars. Her SUV then rolled over. Police continue to investigate to determine what caused her to drift into the two other cars. In some cases, we know that drivers get cut off by other drivers, and many times when there is a rollover crash, it is because a driver tried to avoid another vehicle. These are things that an experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate by talking to witnesses and having discussions with an accident reconstructionist.

Tucson Rollover Crash Statistics

There were 9,720 accidents in the city in 2010, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), but it is unclear how many of those were Tucson rollover crashes. Inattention and distraction accounted for 12,026 crashes in the state in 2010, while failure to stay in the proper lane caused 3,067 crashes.

How a Tucson Rollover Crash Lawyer Can Help

As Tucson rollover crash lawyers, we know that rollover accidents can appear to be the fault of one driver when in fact the accident was the cause of another driver. The Husband and Wife Law Team works hard to gather all the evidence surrounding a collision in order to hold the at-fault driver responsible for the victims’ accident-related costs. The settlements we obtain for our clients can be used to pay hospital bills, lost wages, damages, and more. Many times when fatal injuries are involved, the settlement can be put aside for the children and spouse so that the family does not have to worry about the lost support of the fatally injured family member. Contact us today at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. for a free consultation.

The Scottsdale car accident lawyers at the Breyer Law Offices were glad to hear that alcohol-related crashes in Arizona have declined to 223 fatalities and 3,724 injuries in 2010 from 267 reported fatalities and 4,174 injuries in 2009, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).

On early Monday morning, November 28, 2011, a crash caused a 14-year old girl to fight for her life. According to reports by AZFamily, the crash happened at the intersection of 136th Street and Rio Verde Drive at around two o'clock in the morning. The car was driven by the girl's 20-year old brother. Police say that the man lost control of the Chevy, causing it to rollover. The girl suffered life-threatening injuries, while her brother sustained less serious injuries. Both were transported to different hospitals.

We pray that the girl and her brother will both reach a full recovery.

What Caused the Injury Crash?

Scottsdale police said that the Chevy driven by the 20-year old driver lost control and rolled over. Detectives are currently investigating the crash, but initial investigations revealed that impairment and speed may have been factors in the rollover crash. It may be, though, that there was a roadway design defect or possibly poor lighting conditions that were factors in the accident.

Scottsdale Car Crash Statistics

According to the data from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Scottsdale has 3,529 reported car crash incidents. Moreover, ADOT also revealed that alcohol-related crashes in Scottsdale accounted for 217 incidents with three fatalities and 114 reported injuries.

Contact an Experienced Scottsdale Car Accident Attorney

For Scottsdale car accident victims, it is important to focus on your medical care and find the best Scottsdale car accident attorney to handle your personal injury claim. Investigation into the poor roadway design or lighting would have to be acted on immediately given the minimum time constraints for pursuing an action against the city. Contact Alexis and Mark Breyer of the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. for a free consultation today at (480) 389-2463. Please also visit our Husband and Wife Law Team Facebook page for other topics of interest and firm news.

As experienced Phoenix car accident attorneys, we hear of many rollover car accidents. According to reports by ABC15, there was a roll over car accident that occurred on the Westbound Loop 202. The police stated that they received a call at around 6:30p.m. Upon investigation, no one was seriously injured. The police stated that there were two vehicles that were involved in the car accident. One of the vehicles rolled over and was blocking two lanes of traffic. The accident is still under investigation.

Arizona Car Accident Statistics

A study that was released by the Phoenix Street Transportation Department showed that the number of Arizona car accidents declined in 2009 by 8.9 percent.

Arizona Car Accident Law

In Arizona, every driver is required to have a valid driver’s license. The driver must also maintain at least $15,000 bodily injury insurance and $10,000 in property damage insurance. Failure to do so if ever involved in a car accident can result in steep penalties.

Contact a Skilled Phoenix Rollover Accident Lawyer

Our Phoenix rollover accident lawyers are happy no one was seriously injured in this accident; however, many times victims of roll over car accidents are very seriously injured. Being involved in a rollover car accident often brings physical injuries, as well as emotional ones. Many times, once you have been in a rollover car accident, it will be traumatic to get in a vehicle again. This is no surprise to the Breyer Law offices, P.C., who have been handling car accident rollover claims for years. For a free consultation, call (602) 457-6222. You may also follow us on our Arizona Personal Injury Lawyers Twitter account for additional information and news.

As Arizona rollover car accident lawyers, we see many car accidents that are fatal when a vehicle rolls over due to impact. Recently, it has been reported that a rollover car accident happened in Glendale in which a woman driving her vehicle lost control and hit the curb, causing her vehicle to rollover. The Glendale Police reported that the fatal car accident happened between 75th Avenue and Deer Valley Road. Based on witness accounts, the woman driving the car was said to be driving unsteadily before the crash. Due to the impact of the collision, the woman was thrown out of her car and sustained fatal injuries. The authorities closed the intersection to conduct further investigation.

Arizona Rollover Crash Statistics

According to National Highway Transportation Safety Commission, only two percent of car accidents involve a roll over crash. Despite the small percentage, 33 percent of these accidents are unfortunately fatal. In 2010, the statistics show that there were 2,763 incidents which resulted in 145 fatalities and 2,573 people being injured due to being involved in a rollover car accident in Arizona.

National Regulations to Prevent Fatal Rollover Accidents

Due to fatal crashes, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) decided to make a new regulation which requires car manufacturers to make a roof crush resistance car in order to withstand and protect car passengers from being fatally injured. Also, cars should be 10, 000 pounds to make them sturdy enough to withstand greater impacts from rollover car accidents.

Contact a Glendale Wrongful Death Attorney

In order to understand more of your legal rights, if you have been injured or a family member has lost their life due to a rollover car accident, it is important to contact a Glendale wrongful death lawyer. Even if the accident is a one car accident, if the vehicle rolls over killing the occupants, it may be that the driver was still not at fault for the fatal injuries. The driver may be responsible for the vehicle rolling over, but the vehicle may not meet the necessary safety requirements mandated by law to protect individuals from the roof crushing in toward the vehicle. Every rollover car accident is different and for this reason it is important to speak to an experienced Arizona fatal rollover accident lawyer. Contact Alexis and Mark Breyer of Breyer Law offices, P.C. for your free consultation at 623-455-6603.

Did you know that 8,732 out of 40,840 vehicles where involved in rollover crashes in 2009? More than half of these vehicles were light trucks. Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV), minivans, pickup trucks, canopy express, sedans, tow trucks are often categorized under light trucks.

According to research, rollover accidents are the deadliest risk that light trucks are face. In fact, each year more than 280,000 rollover crashes were recorded claiming the lives of more than 10,000 lives according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Rollover accidents are often caused by the vehicles instability especially while in turns. Light trucks have a high center of gravity which makes them unstable in fast turns.

In Mesa, a woman and two children 4 months and 22 months old were injured after a rollover near Lindsey Road and Southern Avenue. According to the Mesa Police the driver, a 32-year-old woman was driving a sedan when she veered around vehicles waiting at a red light and side-swept two cars after turning to Southern Avenue. She then drove the sedan off the road, hit a brick wall and rolled over.

The reason for the crash was still undetermined but initial reports said that the sedan was speeding. The driver was not wearing a seat belt thus sustaining severe lover body injuries. Meanwhile, the two children were properly restrained at the back of the car. The three were immediately taken to the nearest hospital.

The crash in Mesa is a proof how seat belt can help save lives especially those of children's. It also reduces serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about 50 percent.

For victims of speeding accidents in Arizona, you can call our free hotline at (480) 389-2463 for a free consultation. As Mesa speeding accident attorneys, we are ready to assist you in getting what you deserve.

A man and a woman had to be extricated from a vehicle after a Mesa rollover car accident earlier this week (AZ Family 08/03/2011). According to report, an SUV which carried three people including a 3-year-old girl rolled over on Country Club Drive north of Brown Road at approximately 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Responding fire fighters had to cut the roof off the vehicle to rescue the two adults who were trapped inside while the toddler was safely removed by bystanders before help arrived.

All of the victims did not seem to have acquired serious injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment and further evaluation. The couple had safety belts on and their granddaughter was in a car seat at the time of the crash.

Another vehicle was also involved in the crash. Police continue their investigations regarding the cause of the incident.

About 93 people die and more than 6 thousand get hurt each day in car accidents in the U.S. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). An essential way to help reduce deaths and injuries from motor vehicle crashes is the use of vehicle safety restraints such as seat belts and car seats for children.

Seat belts have been effective in mitigating serious and fatal injuries that every state has its own provisions regarding them. Arizona uses secondary enforcement which means an officer may only stop or cite a driver for a seatbelt violation if the driver committed another primary violation at the same time.

If you have been injured in an Arizona rollover accident, call our Mesa rollover accident lawyers at (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation.

Motor vehicle accidents can happen anytime and anywhere and most of the time they are often not preventable. Some car accidents leave multiple injuries to a number of people. SUV are three times most likely to rollover in accident compared to other vehicles and sometimes only stops when it has hit another object particularly if it is in high speed. Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, there are about 8,267 people killed in rollover accidents in the United States in 2009 alone.

Rollover accidents are very dangerous and can result in injuries not only to the driver but to anyone in its course, which is unfortunately what happened at 19th avenue and Southern avenue Saturday afternoon. An SUV rolled over multiple times before hitting a house where a woman and her female caregiver resided.

According to a Phoenix police spokesman, a student driver, a 20 year old male, was driving while being taught how to drive by his 19 year old girlfriend, heading north on 19th avenue. He was driving a Ford Expedition SUV when it glided diagonally the southbound lanes and beyond the frontage road where a long row of houses lined. It rolled over 4 times before hitting the woman’s front wall. The crash blew out the kitchen area where the 2 victims were located, throwing them back, where the woman was covered with rubble but the female caregiver’s condition was unknown. The student driver and the passenger did not suffer any injuries because of the accident. It is still unclear why the driver lost control of the car but alcohol and distracted driving are not a factor. Investigations are still going on.

However, speeding is a common factor in rollover accidents. Thus, it is important to drive responsibly and maintain your car at an allowable speed. With responsible driving, you might actually save a life.

If you know anyone who has suffered because of a rollover accident, please call our rollover accident lawyers in Phoenix today for free advice and a consultation regarding your case at (480) 389-2463.

A single-vehicle accident is wherein only one vehicle is involved while a rollover is an automobile accident involving the vehicle flipping over onto its side or roof. Put these two together, a single-vehicle rollover: it can lead to a life-threatening injury, property damage, vehicle damage, and even death given the circumstances. According to the FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System), a total of 8,296 or 35% of passenger vehicle occupants died in rollover crashes in 2009. However, there was a decrease in deaths in the same year. Single-vehicle occupant death crashes accounted for a total of 6,849 or 55% which was lower by 10% compared to year 2008 of 7,541.

In recent news, a woman in her 20s was killed after her vehicle hit a parked car and rolled over in Glendale on Saturday morning. The single vehicle Glendale car accident happened at 55th and Myrtle Avenues at around 10 p.m. Police are unsure as to whether alcohol was the factor of the accident. As investigations are ongoing, the intersection remained temporarily closed for several hours.

Although the cause is unknown, roadway factors could such as narrow lanes, insufficient curve banking, and sharp curves could have been involved. Either way, drive cautiously while on the road because rollovers can happen at any time and at any place.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a single-vehicle rollover accident, there is free consultation. Just call our Arizona rollover crash lawyers at either of these numbers: (602) 457-6222, or (480) 389-2463.

A car accident happened in Wilcox which resulted into the death of a 16-year-old girl and sent all three passengers to a local hospital (KPHO 05/31/2011).

According to the Cochise County Sheriff's Office, the 16-year-old girl was driving a four door 1997 Chevrolet when she lost control on a dirt road causing it to roll over.

The girl and one passenger, a 15-year-old boy, were ejected from the car while two other teens were trapped inside as the car rolled at least once.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene while the three others were transported to a hospital for treatment.

Teen drivers are at a high risk of ending up in a fatal crash. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes tops the causes of death in teens in the U.S. Moreover, 8 teens between the age of 16 and 19 died from car accidents each day in 2009. Per mile driven, drivers in the same age group are four times more likely to crash than older drivers.

CDC adds that in order to help prevent teen drivers from ending up in fatal crashes, many reports suggest that most comprehensive graduated drivers licensing (GDL) programs have been effective in reducing fatal and injury crash involvement of 16 year old drivers by 38 and 40 percent respectively.

If you or someone you know has been in a rollover accident in Arizona and are seeking compensation related to a personal injury, call us for a free consultation at (480) 389-2463.

A rollover crash in Arizona was reported along Interstate 10 at night leaving several people injured (AZ Central 06/26/2011). According to a spokesman for the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the car accident happened around 6:50 p.m. near 19th avenue.

Multiple people were hurt in the two-vehicle crash but no information yet regarding the exact number of victims and the degree of injuries caused by the rollover.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident.

With the high fatality rate of rollover crashes, it is still fortunate that no one died in the accident. While no factors were determined yet that caused the rollover, it is highly possible that speeding was involved. According to Safercar.gov, around 40 percent of fatal rollover crashes were associated with excessive speeding.

Furthermore, certain types such as taller and narrow vehicles are more susceptible to rollovers compared to others. These include light trucks such as SUVs, pickups, and vans.

To minimize the risk of rollover accidents, drivers are advised to follow proper speed limits. Also, it has been observed that using safety restraints decreases the chances of being killed in a rollover by 75 percent.

Another important thing to note is to avoid alcohol when driving. Alcohol and driving just don’t mix well and has been a large factor in fatal accidents all over the world.

If you have been a victim of an Arizona rollover accident and are seeking for compensation related to an injury, don’t hesitate to call us for a free consultation at (480) 389-2463. One of our rollover accident lawyers in Phoenix will be ready to take your call.

Motor vehicle crashes are a public health concern because each day people are injured or killed in crashes. One way to prevent serious injuries during a crash is to wear a seat belt. Use of the seat belt is the single most effective way to reduce serious injuries and save lives. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention has stated that wearing a seat belt reduces the chances of serious injuries in a crash by 50%. Even so, there is 1 in every 7 adults who do not wear a seat belt on every trip.

AZCentral reports that there were 2 men who were killed in a rollover accident in Tucson. At around 5:30 in the morning on northbound I-19, a pick-up truck rolled over when it failed to negotiate a turn on the northbound off ramp. It struck a guard rail and rolled over before resting on its side. The two men on board the truck were reported to not have been wearing their seat belts.

When driving in Arizona, remember to always wear a seat belt with every trip no matter how short it is. This will also set an example to children who may be riding in the vehicle as well. Do not depend entirely on the car’s airbag, since it is designed to work with the seat belt, and not without it. Encourage everyone in the vehicle to buckle up, even those who are seated at the back.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle crash in Arizona, you may call us for a free consultation at (480) 389-2463. We are Tuscon car accident lawyers and we may be able to help.

Wearing seat belts while inside a vehicle has numerous advantages, one of which is to save a person from being seriously injured in the case of a crash especially during rollover incidents. In 2009, more than 2.3 million people were treated in emergency rooms due to motor vehicle crashes (Centres of Disease Control and Prevention). It was determined that seat belts reduce serious injuries and deaths by 50%.

KPHO reports that 2 men were killed in a rollover accident in Tuscon early Monday. Police say that at about 5:30 in the morning, a pickup truck rolled over when it failed to negotiate the turn on the northbound off ramp, and then struck the guardrail. The two men inside were reportedly not wearing safety belts.

When driving in Arizona, remember to always buckle up. It is the single most effective act that one can do to protect the self in a crash. No matter how short the trip is, seatbelts should always be worn. Remember that airbags are designed to work with seat belts, not as a safety replacement for them. Airbags rapidly inflate during a crash, and if a person is not wearing the seatbelt, they could be thrown onto the air bag; the impact on a person not wearing a seatbelt could injure or even kil someone. Also, make sure that the seat belt fits securely. Of course, don’t forget to drive safely in Arizona roads all the time.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle crash in Arizona, you can call us for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222. We are experienced Tuscon auto accident lawyers and we may be able to help.

Rollover accidents are one of the scariest and most dangerous types of crashes. According to the NHTSA statistics back in 2009, a total of 23,382 deaths have occurred on that year in 8,267 rollover accidents. This means there is an average of 2.83 fatalities in every rollover incident. This is one of the deadliest accidents there is. The numbers of deaths from these accidents are far greater compared to other accidents. The death toll may not be as high as expected since this does not happen often enough.

An incident in Florence, Arizona shows how deadly rollover accidents in Arizona can be. Unfortunately, the person involved was a Pinal County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) explorer. This demonstrates that nobody is safe from accident.

The PCSO explorer is an 18-year-old male. He was leaving from the country thunder concert in Florence. At the point where he was nearing Coolidge, he suddenly lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in the rollover. As the vehicle rollover, he was ejected from the vehicle, which took his life.

The 18-year-old PCSO explorer was volunteering with the deputies of Country Thunder. According to his family, he loves working as a PCSO explorer and the time spent there was one of the best times that he had ever had.

Rollovers can leave you defenseless when they occur. Like most accidents, the best advice to avoid fatality and serious injuries from accidents is to restrain yourself with a seatbelt and inspect the condition of the vehicle before departing.

Accidents will happen, it is not something that we can plan for, but we can always prepare ourselves just in case. But if it does happen to you, give us a call at (602) 457-6222, or (480) 389-2463 so we can help you with your problem.

There are many reasons why car crashes are happening all over the world. Most problems stem from drivers who are not responsible enough to drive safely while on the road. Even though governments have already laid down plans on road safety, car accidents still occur. As in the case of the state of Arizona, there was a recorded 14% less traffic fatalities from the year 2008 and 2009 (FARS), yet we still see cases of crash fatalities in the news.

On Interstate 17, a man and a woman were injured in a rollover accident in Phoenix when the driver lost control of the car, hit a median and subsequently rolled over on the road (ABC 5/2/2011). The two occupants of the car were taken to a hospital with only minor injuries.

Aside from a faulty car, which could have caused the loss of control, there could also be ‘driver factors’ involved in a crash like this.

Irresponsible drivers are those who drive while intoxicated or those who drive distracted. It is a major safety rule of the road to never drive when drunk, as well as to avoid texting, or eating food while driving. This could lead to serious consequences which could cost a driver his or someone else’s life. The couple was wearing their seatbelts during the crash which prevented them for suffering from severe injuries.

If you or a loved one has been involved in car crashes such as these, you may call us at (480) 389-2463. Avail of this free consultation; we may be able to help you.

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" »

Did you know that in the United States, 3,215 large trucks and 17,902 light trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2009? Out of these total figures, 67 large trucks and 395 light trucks were involved in fatal crashes in Arizona. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (NHTSA-FARS) also reported an additional total of 422 large trucks in fatal rollover crashes.

Rollover accidents are unfortunately a common cause of accidents with many vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, minivans, and pick ups. In most cases, the abrupt turns of trucks and SUVs are the main cause of rollovers. This is due to the vehicles' high center of gravity.

It is suspected that a sharp turn caused one recent accident in Tempe last Thursday. A semi-tanker filled with 6,200 gallons of milk rolled over near Priest Drive and Baseline Road. Investigators said that the rollover happened when the driver was turning left from Baseline Road to Priest Drive, and since he was turning too fast, the milk shifted from the inside, which caused the rollover.

In order to release the driver from the tanker truck, fire-fighters had to pry its cab open. The driver sustained some minor injuries while half of the milk was wasted, spilled onto the roadway.

Unlike recent model SUVs, most large trucks do not have counter measures which will protect its drivers and passengers from rollovers. Thus, drivers of these kinds of vehicles are required to take extra courses and certification to become licensed to drive them. The additional weight load, wide turning radius, and blind spots are all obstacles that must be accounted for and overcome in order to be a safe truck driver.

Continue reading "Milk Truck Rollover Traps Driver Inside, Trashes Roadway in Tempe" »

As Arizona drunk driving victim attorneys, we help those injured and their survivors who have suffered at the hands of these irresponsible drivers, and our thoughts are with the families of these victims always.

Alcohol over-consumption is the leading risk factor for injury in the U.S., causing thousands of injuries and deaths every year (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 12/29/09). It is also the third leading cause of preventable death.

A fatal accident in Yuma left one man dead, and alcohol is suspected to be a factor (ABC 15 11/26/10). The man was speeding excessively early last Friday morning when he lost control of his vehicle, sending him into a cinder block fence and a violent roll, ending up in a storage yard. He was ejected from the car and died later at the hospital.

A recent report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 1 in 5 drivers killed in 2009 had drugs or alcohol in their system at the time of the fatal accident (ABC 15 11/30/10). The number could be even higher, say the researchers, as only 3 out of 5 drivers killed in accidents were tested for drugs after the wrecks.

Continue reading "Alcohol Believed to be Factor in Fatal 1-Car Accident in Yuma" »

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" »

Roll-over accidents leave some of the scariest looking scenes. Many times, the safety equipment in the car protects the driver and passengers, who are lucky enough to walk away. If safety equipment is not used or is used improperly, the results can be much different, they can be deadly.

On Wednesday in Casa Grande, Arizona, an attempted routine traffic stop ended with the death of three people and a fourth with critical injuries (KPHO 10/14/10). Casa Grande police had suspicions about an SUV and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver instead accelerated. Witnesses and police have different stories about the events that followed; the police say they did not initiate a chase, but witnesses say the police were following the SUV very closely, at high speeds. What caused the wreck is under investigation at this time, but somehow the SUV rolled over several times, ejecting all six occupants, and crashed through a cement wall, killing a woman on the other side.

The riders in this vehicle may have had a different fate had they been wearing their safety belts. Seat belts help keep occupants secure in their seats in case of an accident. Every year, seat belts save about 9,500 lives, yet only about 68% of vehicle occupants wear them (Arizona Department of Public Safety 2010). If that percentage were higher, imagine how many more lives would be saved!

Continue reading "Fatal Roll-Over Accident in Casa Grande, Arizona" »

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" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mesa auto accident attorneys deal with insurance claims on a very frequent basis. As attorneys in Mesa and throughout the Valley, we see Mesa car accident victims all of the time. When you are involved in a Mesa car accident, the first thing that you should do is file a claim with the adverse party as well as your own insurance company. Of course, when you are injured or the family member of someone who has been killed by the negligence of another individual this is not the first thing that is on your mind. As Mesa car accident lawyers, we handle filing the claim against the adverse party, the property damage (free of charge with handling the injury claim) and filing against your own insurance company as well.

The insurance companies are in business to make a profit. The adjuster is not your friend. The insurance companies want to deny as many claims as possible and this includes the adverse as well as your own insurance company. In order for insurance companies to make the most profit they need to minimize injury payments. Many victims think that they can negotiate with the adverse insurance company or their own and obtain a fair settlement, however, in keeping in mind the insurance company’s goal to make the most in profits, remember the adjuster is not going to have fairness in mind. Why would they?

Important to know as well is that filing a claim is not the same as filing a lawsuit. There are specific steps that must take place and the rules that apply for an injury claim are different than those rules that apply for filing a lawsuit. The deadlines for each are different. The rules of evidence in Court for example do not apply when dealing with an insurance company prior to litigation but they do apply after you file a lawsuit against a negligent party.

It is important to consult with a Mesa car accident lawyer before speaking to anyone who represents the insurance company. At Breyer Law Offices, as “The Husband And Wife Law Team” we welcome your calls and offer free consultations. We also offer a no fee guarantee which means if we can accept your case we will accept it on a contingent fee basis, which means we will not be paid until we obtain a settlement on your case. By calling our office, you will learn the deadlines on your case and get the advice that you need so you can make the best decisions that is necessary for your family, whether it be filing a lawsuit, filing a claim, or not pursuing the claim at all.