Phoenix Car Accident Attorney Blog

With all the accidents on the news everyday, it is no wonder that drivers are feeling more uncomfortable while driving on Arizona’s roads. There are so many distractions and threats to face while driving that take drivers’ focus off the road. As Arizona car accident attorneys, we encourage drivers to remove as many distractions as possible from them while in the car to commit all their attention on the road.

A survey done by AAA Arizona found that 52% of drivers feel less safe on the roads than they did five years ago (ABC 15 9/27/10). Inspired by the seeming increase in distracted driving, the study moved to illustrate how prevalent the practice actually is.

92% of drivers surveys said texting while driving was unacceptable but 1 in 4 of those drivers still do it.

Why drivers text if they know the danger of it is a question that may never be answered, but the dangers can easily be avoided by waiting to read or answer a text until you are off the road. Phoenix is the only city in Arizona that has a ban on texting while driving, and AAA is calling for more cities to follow suit. However, another recent study found that texting bans may actually increase the number of accidents due to drivers trying to hide the texting from police.

Continue reading " 52% of Arizona Drivers Feel Less Safe on the Roads " »

As parents and car accident attorneys, we are always saddened when we hear about children being involved in accidents, especially when they are pedestrians. Injuries are typically amplified for pedestrians because there is no barrier to take the impact.

On Monday night, a 17 year old boy sustained a serious head injury after he was hit by a car while crossing the road (ABC15 9/28/10). He and a friend were trying to catch a bus when they ran in front of the vehicle. Police have determined that speed or impairment were not likely factors in the accident.

Traveling at night can be very dangerous for pedestrians, and running into the street without looking can lead to disastrous situations, as shown by Monday night’s accident. The first step to walking safety is to always use sidewalks and crosswalks. At night time, increase visibility by wearing light and/or reflective clothing. Carrying a flashlight also helps both the pedestrian see their path and drivers to see the pedestrian. Driveways or alleyways are typically where visibility is most difficult for drivers, so pedestrians should be extra cautious in those areas.

Continue reading " Car Accident Injures 17-year Old Boy " »

Trying to travel more “greenly” by walking or riding a bike saves gas and lessens the environmental impact we leave on the planet, but it also leaves us more vulnerable in the event of an accident. As Arizona accident attorneys, we have seen how devastating the results of a car-pedestrian or car-bicycle accident can be, and we encourage everyone, both drivers and walkers alike, to share the road safely with those using other modes of transportation.

A Phoenix car-bicycle accident sent five people to the hospital on Saturday night (KPHO 9/27/10). The cyclist was crossing the road at a red light when a car filled with two adults and two children, ages 5 and 8, hit him. He got stuck in the windshield while the car traveled another 100 feet into a light post, then he was ejected to the ground. This accident serves as a scary reminder of the dangers of traveling at night.

Walking or riding a bike at night can be very enjoyable due to the cooler air and lit-up storefronts. However, it is important to upgrade your safety equipment if you plan to ride your bike at night. The stock reflectors that come on most bikes are not sufficient to make you visible to drivers, as they only become visible at certain angles, at which point it may be too late. Even if you feel you can see adequately due to the ambient light in the area, you should get a helmet or handlebar lamp so others can see you. Wearing light and/or reflective clothing also helps you be more visible at night.

Continue reading " Five People Critically Injured in Car-Bicycle Accident " »

Speeding is an all-too common practice on the highways. Arizona’s famed straight-aways and scenic curves tempt some drivers to push their cars’ limits. However, the highways are only designed for cars to travel at the posted speed limit, so unfortunately these speeders meet a tragic end. As Arizona car accident attorneys, we hope every driver out there follows the posted road signs to keep us all safer.

Early this morning in Phoenix, a speeding driver was killed on the scene when his car hit a tree (KPHO 9/24/10). His passenger was also injured but luckily he will recover.

Drivers traveling over the speed limit are not only breaking the law, but putting themselves and all other drivers in danger. Owning a fast car may pose a temptation to speed on the roadways, but there are safer alternatives. Non-profit organization Keep it on the Track (KIOTT) is pushing to spread the message of keeping racing on the racetrack. Famed son of Hulk Hogan, Nick Hogan, was in a serious speeding car accident which permanently injured a friend in 2007 and since then has been the spokesperson for KIOTT. They sponsor controlled racing events across the country to support safer driving for car enthusiasts. These events provide safe outlets for drivers to experience racing and keeps them from speeding on the streets.

Continue reading " Speeding Causes Fatal Car Accident " »

As Arizona car accident attorneys, we see too often the effects of not having enough car insurance coverage. Without adequate coverage, bills might not get paid, and claims might not be awarded.

If the at-fault driver has no insurance, which unfortunately happens frequently, there may be no way to pursue compensation. It is important to be prepared in case this happens to you by purchasing underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage. By purchasing this extra coverage, you are protecting yourself in the event that you are hit by an uninsured motorist. Your insurance may be able to cover your needed compensation.

If you use your car for work purposes, such as for making deliveries, there are a few other things of which to be aware. After an accident that happened while you are on the clock, worker’s compensation will typically become involved if you are not at fault. Your personal car insurance will cover you in almost any case if you are at fault. If most of the driving you do in your car is for work purposes, it is a good idea to let the insurance company know how many miles a month are driven and to possibly have an umbrella policy.

Continue reading " A Few Things Everyone Should Know about Car Insurance " »

Motorcycle riders have found a near paradise in Arizona. With over 300 sunny days a year, combined with cool mornings and evenings, Arizona has great riding weather. Unfortunately the nice, clear weather does not mean fewer motorcycle accidents. As Arizona motorcycle accident attorneys, we hope all drivers are aware of their surroundings and share the road with bikes.

On Tuesday morning, a motorcycle rear-ended an SUV and was ejected from the bike (ABC 15 9/21/10). He was pronounced dead at the hospital. The rider had been wearing a helmet but authorities are investigating as to whether or not it was secured properly. The cause of the accident is not yet known at this time. Our thoughts go out to the rider’s family.

The dangers of motorcycle riding are well known. There are some safety precautions that some riders take before taking off for a ride. In Arizona, licensed motorcycle drivers over 18 are not required to wear a helmet. However, there is a hidden precedent/case law regarding helmet usage that frequently leads to denied compensation for riders injured in an accident. Negligent drivers can get out of paying for damages or medical bills if the motorcyclist’s injuries could have been prevented by wearing a helmet. Even though the law does not mandate helmets be worn, riders can get punished for their choice in the event of an accident.

Continue reading " Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Kills One " »

The Move-Over law in Arizona requires drivers to slow down and change lanes away from authorities assisting others on the side of the road. Driving past vehicles on the side of the road can be dangerous for the driver and those pulled over. As Arizona car accident attorneys, we advocate that drivers always move over for authorities for their own protection.

An early Saturday morning family drive ended in injury for two children (AZ Central 9/18/10). The cause of the accident is not yet known. Luckily the children will be okay. The family was driving in Mesa when they were hit by a truck. Then, the police officer on the scene was rear-ended by another car. None of the drivers or adult passengers were injured in any of the other cars.

Changing lanes to move away from authorities stopped on the road not only protects you but also those who are stopped. Frequently there are people opening the doors to go into and come out of the stopped cars, and walking around the scene. Moving over helps prevent pedestrian injuries. Also, if the cars passing by are at fast speeds, it only takes a small miscalculation, as shown in this recent accident, to hit a parked car.

Continue reading " Seven-person Truck Accident in Mesa Injures Two Children " »

One of a parent’s worst nightmares is to see their child be hit by a car. As Arizona car accident attorneys and parents ourselves, we hope all parents have the pleasure of watching their children live their lives to the fullest.

While crossing the road with his father, a 7-year old boy was hit by a car that then fled the scene (ABC 15 9/14/10). He was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries and is expected to go home soon. The police have still not found the suspect.

Any mode of transportation could pose danger for the participants, but it is usually thought that walking may be one of the safest ways to travel. Pedestrian fatalities only accounted for 12% of all traffic fatalities in Arizona in 2008 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Center for Statistics and Analysis 2008). However, injuries sustained were disproportionately those ages 65 and older or 16 and younger. Time of day also plays a factor in pedestrian accidents. Evening, night time, and weekends are the times during which most pedestrian accidents happen.

Pedestrian accidents are very dangerous because there is no protection to take any of the force from impact. A car or bike accident at least has the vehicle to take some of the hit but with pedestrians, there is no barrier.

Continue reading " Hit and Run Accident in Scottsdale Injures 7-Yr Old Boy " »

Arizona is one of the states that have a “Move Over” law. It is designed to protect police officers and emergency vehicles as well as other drivers on the highways. When an officer has pulled someone over on the road, you should move to another lane or at least slow down. At high speeds, it is easy to misjudge the distance between your traveling car and a stopped one, and it could lead to a deadly accident.

Last week, two Tuscon police officers narrowly missed being seriously injured in a 2-car and motorcycle accident (KOLD 9/10/10). One motorcycle officer had pulled a car over and another had stopped to assist. A truck came and hit the squad car, which hit the motorcycle, and the stopped car. Luckily no one was injured, but one of the officers had been standing close enough to be braised by the bumper of the car. The impact moved the cars nearly 45 feet from their original positions. If the officers had been standing in-between or in front of the cars, the results could have been deadly. Charges are pending against the truck driver.

Continue reading " Tucson, Arizona Police Officers Involved in Crash on I-10 " »

T-bone accidents are nearly always very serious, many times causing permanent injury or death. When a truck is involved, the severity escalates due to the additional weight of the vehicle. As truck accident attorneys in Arizona, we want to take a moment to remind everyone again to be aware of their surroundings while driving.

Unfortunately a Gilbert woman lost her life in a t-bone accident on Tuesday evening (AZ Central 9/14/10). A pick-up truck t-boned her car on Tuesday, and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband, who was driving, was sent to the hospital but is expected to be fine. The driver of the pick up truck and his son did not have any injuries. The cause is not yet known. Our thoughts go out to the family of this woman at this difficult time.

Many times, t-bone accidents are caused at intersections during light changes. Some people try to rush to make a yellow light before it turns red, but don’t always make it in time. Drivers from the opposite direction sometimes proceed at a green light without looking left or right because they have the right of way, but by not doing so, put themselves and their passengers in danger of other speeding drivers trying to beat the light.

Continue reading " Fatal Gilbert Truck Accident Kills One Woman " »

Hundreds of grapes were dumped in a ditch in California after an early morning truck accident (KION 9/13/10). The truck had too much speed entering a left hand turn and flipped. The driver was not injured but the truck’s cargo was ruined. As Arizona truck accident lawyers, we are relieved this accident brought no injuries, but are reminded again of the dangers on the highways.

Speeding was the cause of 283 fatalities in Arizona last year (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2009). When cars are speeding, they turn into thousand-pound weapons and can cause serious harm. If a tractor trailer truck is speeding, there are a few tons of pounds behind the wheel, making it an instrument even more deadly than the typical sedan. Trucks can easily tip due to their weight distribution and shape. As shown in the accident on Monday morning, taking a turn at too fast a speed, combined with the weight they are pulling behind them, can cause a rollover. Luckily no car was on the outside of the truck or it could have been crushed.

It is dangerous and illegal to speed under any circumstances. The speed limits are set based on the roads’ conditions and traffic patterns. A 25-mile an hour section of road usually is set that way due to the number of driveway entries to the street, and a highway speed limit is usually around 65 miles an hour because the road is designed with wide lanes and minimal turns. Speeding increases your chances of an accident due to the increase in reaction time. Things pass by so quickly while speeding that by the time something is spotted and must be avoided, it is already on your bumper, and then it’s too late.

Continue reading " Messy Truck Accident in California " »

Driving under the influence of any drug or illegal substance, including alcohol, prescription drugs, or marijuana, is not only dangerous for all drivers on the roadways, but for the actual driver and any passengers in the car as well. We are proponents of sober driving as parents, Arizona highway drivers, and car accident attorneys.

A Mesa father was pulled over last Thursday for speeding and driving erratically and it was found that not only was he driving while high on marijuana, but his 20-month old son was also in the car (AZ Central 9/10/10). Luckily the police officer stopped him before any accident occurred, but we can imagine how much worse the situation could have been.

Marijuana causes impairments similar to drinking alcohol. While the individual effects vary, general reactions consist of impaired coordination and perception, weakened problem solving and critical thinking skills, and marred memory (National Institute on Drug Abuse 2009). All these skills are indispensable while driving a car. Impaired critical thinking skills mean when quick thinking is needed to avoid an accident, it may take two minutes instead of two seconds to react, which is enough time to cause a serious wreck. Coupled with impaired coordination, the skills needed to turn the wheel quickly to get out of the way of oncoming traffic is not there under the influence of marijuana.

Continue reading " Mesa, Arizona Father Drives under the Influence of Marijuana with Infant in Car " »

We are so sorry for the loss of a great Arizona talent, comedian Robert Schimmel. He passed away September 3rd after a car accident on the 101 the week before (AZ Central 9/4/10). His car was run off the road by an out-of-control SUV, the driver of which fled the scene but was later arrested. His daughter, who was driving at the time, was seriously injured and remains in the hospital. The other passenger, his 11-yr old son, was not luckily not seriously injured. We hope Aliyah recovers quickly and our thoughts go out to the entire Schimmel family.

The full cause of the accident is not yet known but Arizona residents, including ourselves, know the dangerous speeds at which drivers travel on the 101 and the surrounding highways. There may have been a distraction in the car or maybe the driver swerved themselves to avoid an accident. In an SUV, high speeds combined with a quick jerk of the wheel can lead to disastrous situations. The driver was lucky the car didn’t roll over. The way SUVs are designed makes them very top-heavy. They fit a lot of people and things but the aerodynamics are not well-conducive to handling. A quick turn at a fast enough speed will cause the car to topple due to the weight distribution and momentum.

It just goes to show how important it is to be fully aware of your surroundings on the road at all times. If you drive an SUV, always take turns cautiously and try to avoid jerking the wheel to keep all four wheels on the ground.

Continue reading " Comedian Dies after Scottsdale Car Accident " »

As Arizona car accident attorneys, we are thrilled to hear this latest information from the U.S. Transportation Department via the Associated Press, who reported that the number of highway deaths has dropped to the “lowest level since 1950” (AP via AZ Central 9/8/10).

The decrease is amazing especially considering the increase in miles traveled in 2009. Numerous factors have contributed to this statistic, including more standardized safety features in cars, widespread and consistent use of seatbelts, and a stronger police presence to enforce impaired driving laws (AP via AZ Central 9/8/10).

The Associated Press says the new focus of the Transportation Department is to reduce the number of distractions while driving, such as prohibiting texting while driving or other habits that take a drivers’ attention from the road.

We are excited to hear that the roads are becoming safer, but realize there is a long road ahead of continued improvement. Distractions while driving can be even more dangerous than driving impaired.

A Car and Driver report was conducted on reaction times and distances using two test subjects, comparing their abilities while texting and while driving drunk. At 70 miles an hour, while driving drunk, it took an average of 4-11 feet more to start braking than they did with no impairment (LeBeau 2009). The same test subjects, while texting at 70 miles an hour, took 70 and 9 feet more to brake (LeBeau 2009). That’s enough time to cause a serious wreck. Bottom line is, if you must use your phone while driving, use a hands-free device or pull over to complete your task. It keeps us all safer.

Continue reading " Fatalities from Highway Car Accidents Fall Nationally in 2009 " »

As Arizona motorcycle accident attorneys and sports fanatics ourselves, we were relieved to hear that Iowa Hawkeyes football player, Josh Koeppel, was not seriously injured in a recent accident he had with a truck. The Associated Press reported that Koeppel with struck by a truck while riding his scooter on his way to class (Meredith 2010). A viral video of the accident has spread across the internet showing Koeppel unharmed after the sudden incident.

Koeppel was lucky, especially because he wasn’t wearing a helmet. Many motorcyclists do not face such a harmless outcome after an accident. Helmets prevent serious brain injuries in the event of an accident. Wearing body armor also lessens the extent of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, but many riders do not wear such protective devices.

Although helmets are not technically required in the state of Arizona, having one and choosing not to wear it may reduce the amount of compensation you would receive should you have an accident. If the injuries could have been prevented if the rider wore an available helmet, the other driver may have less responsibility to pay resulting medical bills. It is more beneficial to the rider to wear a helmet than to not.

Continue reading " Truck Accident Leaves Football Player Unharmed " »

As parents and Arizona personal injury attorneys, a recent story out of Phoenix deeply saddened us. A group of children of various ages jumped a fence into a pool, and out of the group, only one nine-year old knew how to swim (AZ Family.com 9/6/10). A fifteen year old girl from the group was spotted at the bottom of the pool and saved by the nine year old. She is now in critical condition. The pool fence was locked at the time but the threat of drowning is always present even during operating hours.

Drowning is a threat to adults and children of all ages. When swimming, know your limits, and be sure to keep your children informed on swimming safety. Stay in shallow, calm, water and provide adequate flotation devices.

It only takes a few seconds for a child to drown, but drowning accidents can be prevented. We strongly recommend enrolling your child in swimming lessons as early an age as possible. It could be the difference between life and death. Although the city of Phoenix pools are closed for the summer season, there are many other locations providing year-round swimming classes; check iSport Swimming.com to search for an instructor near you.

Continue reading " Drowning Threatens Children of all Ages " »

In Arizona over this past Labor Day weekend, an amplified effort by state officers arrested over 1,700 people for driving under the influence (Arizona Republic 9/6/10). As Arizona personal injury lawyers, we thank the officers for their hard work to make the roads safer for us all this past weekend and appreciate their continued efforts.

Driving under the influence is a very serious offense as it puts all others on the road in danger. It is important as a safe driver to always be aware of the signs of impaired driving, such as excessive speeding, impulsive braking, and exaggerated turns.

Drivers who are impaired are potentially subject to punitive damages as well. Punitive damages allow victims to collect damages against the negligent party above and beyond compensatory damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer. To collect for punitive damages there are certain elements that must be met in a court of law including showing that the wrongdoer acted with an "evil hand and evil mind."

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In Arizona, crosswalks give pedestrians the right-of-way, but oftentimes there will still be traffic turning right or left into the crosswalk space. It is important to cross as quickly as possible and always look both ways as you walk.

Recently in California, a mother was walking her two children in a stroller when she was hit in a crosswalk by a tow truck, and her children dragged under the truck for ¼ mile (Ventura County Star via KPHO 9/3/10). The children suffered critical injuries and the mother had moderate injuries.

As parents ourselves, this story is very scary to us. Especially with the Arizona weather cooling, it is more comfortable and enjoyable to take our children out for a walk.

Always stay on the sidewalk and keep children close when walking. If there is no sidewalk, stay to the right of the road at all times. When crossing the road with your children walking with you or in a stroller, it is even more important to be aware of your surroundings, not only immediately but also in the distance. Cars driving at excessive speeds will approach more quickly than you anticipate. While walking at dusk or in the evening, be sure to carry a flashlight and/or reflective clothing so you are visible to cars driving past. Visit SafeKids USA for more tips to share with your children on pedestrian safety.

Continue reading " Pedestrian Crosswalk Caution " »

The Arizona Republic reported on 8/30 that a suspect was arrested for his involvement in a fatal crash in Surprise. He was found with illegal narcotics on his person. Though it has not yet been proven that he was under the influence at the time of the crash, this kind of event only makes it more apparent that you must always be aware of your surroundings.

While driving, always watch your mirrors for erratic driving around or behind you. Changing lanes without signaling, speeding, and swerving are signs that a driver may be impaired by drugs, sleep depravation, or even by using a cell phone. Drivers who are not paying 100% attention to the road pose hazards to other drivers. Always maintain a distance from cars with drivers exhibiting this type of behavior to prevent any accidents.

Continue reading " Watch for Impaired Drivers " »