Phoenix Car Accident Attorney Blog

Did you know that one of the leading causes of death for children, teens, and young adults from ages 5 to 34 years old is motor vehicle crashes? In fact, more than 30,000 people in the United States are killed and millions are treated in emergency rooms because of injuries caused by car crashes each year. Fatal car crashes accounted for one-third of the deaths among U.S. teens. In 2009, eight teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash. There are a number of factors why teens a more prone to being involved in car crashes as compared to adults. In most cases, teen drivers cannot fully estimate dangerous and hazardous situations. In the 2006 research from NHTSA, it revealed that among the total number of teens involved in fatal accidents, 37% were speeding at the time of the crash and 26% had been drinking.

Last Monday afternoon (05/23/11), two crashes occurred near the 7500 block of West Maryland Avenue in Glendale resulting to injuries of more than four people. The first was an Arizona taxi collision was between a Discount Cab taxi and an SUV carrying four high school students. According to investigations, the SUV was exiting the driveway of Independence High School when it was hit by the taxi cab.

Meanwhile, the collision of the two other vehicles was due to avoiding the crash. All four occupants of the SUV were taken to the hospital due to their non-life threatening injuries while those injured from the second crash were treated on the scene.

For victims of car accidents in Arizona, call our free consultation hotline at (480)753-4534. As Arizona car accident attorneys, we are ready to assist you in getting what you deserve.

Each year, there are about 2.5 million rear end collisions in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in its study that it is the most frequently occurring type of collision, which accounts for approximately 29% of all crashes. This figure results in a substantial number of injuries and fatalities each year.

In Phoenix, three firefighters were injured when a vehicle crashed into their ambulance (AZCentral 05/14/2011). Earlier that day, these firefighters retrieved a man who had been electrocuted while working on a roof air-conditioning unit. The firemen provided first aid and CPR to the man while he was being transported to the hospital. As the ambulance was pulling into the driveway of the emergency room at Phoenix Baptist Hospital, a car suddenly struck the rear right of the ambulance which jostled and threw everyone around inside. The patient was pronounced dead, but due to the electrocution, not the crash. The three firefighters sustained minor injuries and the driver of the vehicle that struck the ambulance was not injured.

Rear end collisions in Arizona are usually caused by an inattentive driver. It is a combination of the sudden deceleration of the lead car and the lack of time that the trailing car has to stop before running into its back bumper. Occupants of the lead car will most likely suffer the injuries as opposed to the trailing car since the first car is struck from behind unexpectedly, while the passengers in the second car have time to brace themselves before the crash.

If you or a loved one has been rear ended by another, call our Phoenix car crash lawyers for a free consultation at (480) 753-4534. You should know your legal rights and options in these kinds of accidents.

When a bicyclist is hit by a motor vehicles fatal injuries can be easily acquired. Bicyclists only rely on gear such as a helmet and pads to protective them during a bike accident in Arizona. But unfortunately, these safety precautions are not always enough to save a bicyclist’s life.

In recent news, a fatal accident happened Wednesday night involving a bicyclist and a car driven by a Mesa city councilman (AZ Family 05/19/2011).

According to Mesa police, the 24-year-old public official was heading west on McKellips Road between Mesa Drive and Horne at around 7 p.m. when he hit the bicyclist who reportedly crossed the street mid-block and rode in front of his vehicle.

The bicyclist was pronounced dead on the scene while the driver was unhurt.

Neither impairment nor speeding was a factor in the Mesa bicycle accident.
In a public statement, the councilman has expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the victims and has stated his full cooperation with Mesa police in the ongoing investigation.

Bicyclists composed about 2 percent of the country’s 2009 road fatalities (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). A total of 630 bicyclists were killed in crashes that year while approximately 59,000 were injured. Figures for 2009 depict improvements in bicycle safety as bicyclist deaths decreased by 12 percent while injury cases were down by 14 percent compared to 2008.

If you have been a victim of a bicycle accident and are seeking compensation related to a personal injury, we can be reached at (480) 753-4534 for a free consultation.

In United States, school buses provide almost nine million trips every year. These numbers show that most parents prefer school buses more than any other means of transportation for their children. According to the research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), students are eight times less likely to be involved in fatal road accidents when riding on school buses.

However, despite this impressive reputation, NHTSA released data from 2008 revealing that there are 1,409 fatal accidents involving school buses, taking away the lives of 1,564 people.

According to AZCentral.com, last Wednesday morning, a school bus was involved in a crash in Prescott. Three people were injured after an SUV crossed over the center lane and collided head-on into a school bus. The School was carrying three students when the Arizona school bus collision happened just north of Navajo Drive.

An 18-year-old student suffered minor cuts to the chin and was taken to the hospital while the other two were unharmed. The school bus driver sustained possible neck injury while the driver of the SUV was unconscious and suffered a broken leg. Both were taken to different hospitals.

Several states such as New York, New Jersey, and Florida have specific laws requiring the use of lap belts for children while riding in a school bus.

Meanwhile, children should learn these basic safety rules:

• Stay at least 10 feet away from a bus until it's time to get on. Then wait your turn and get on one at a time.
• Before stepping off the bus, look to be sure a car isn't coming.
• Don't linger or play near the bus after you leave it.
• Take 5 giant steps out in front of the bus before you cross the street. Be sure the driver sees you and signals that it's OK to cross in front of the bus.
• Before crossing the street, make sure all cars on the road are stopped.

If your child or someone you know has been victim in a school bus accident in Arizona, call our Phoenix school bus accident lawyers at (602) 267-1280 for your free consultation. We understand how important it is for victims to receive rightful compensation in such an unfortunate event.

Pedestrian fatalities accounted for a significant percentage of deaths involving motor vehicle collisions throughout United States and all over the world. For instance, there were a total of 4,092 pedestrian deaths out of more that 33,000 fatalities involving motor vehicles crashes in 2009. This is equivalent to 12 percent of the number of deaths on that year (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

Did you know that pedestrians have higher chances of getting killed in an Arizona car accident as compared to vehicle occupants on each trip? In most cases, alcohol impairment on the part of either the driver or the pedestrian is the primary cause of accidents resulting to pedestrian deaths. Meanwhile, speeding also offer great risks to pedestrians who might injured or die after being hit by a car.

In Arizona, each concerned government sectors has been trying to establish a pedestrian-friendly environment. For instance, a pedestrian bridge was built in the dam at Tempe connecting the northern and southern shores of the lake. According to information gathered, the bridge is 912 feet long, 34 feet high, weighs more than 660,000 pounds and will be completed in August.

The bridge primary aim is to build a way for bicyclists, runners, and walkers where they are safe from motor vehicle accidents. In this case, they do not have to compete with speeding cars on the road.

To avoid you and your loved ones become victims of pedestrian accidents, here are few simple tips to stay safe on the road:

• Always use crosswalks and follow traffic signals when crossing the streets.
• Look both ways before crossing even if it is a one way street.
• Use sidewalks or paths, and walk against the flow of traffic to see incoming vehicles.
• Lastly, always be alert when walking on sidewalks or crossing the street.

For victims of pedestrian accidents, dial (602) 267-1280 for a free consultation with one of our top Arizona pedestrian accident lawyers.

Every day, 30 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This amounts to one death every 48 minutes. In 2009, 10,839 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (32%) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The above statistics tells us about the shattering effects of impaired drinking, an act which currently plagues societies all over the world.

On an early Monday morning, a fatal Phoenix vehicle crash occurred at the southbound lane of SR 51 (KPHO 05/16/2011). An unidentified driver reportedly drove the wrong way, travelling northbound at the SR 51 southbound lane. When the driver entered the on-ramp, his vehicle crashed into a wall, and he was pronounced dead on the scene. An officer from the Department of Public Safety said that alcohol could be a factor in the crash.

It has been repeatedly reiterated by the authorities that drinking and driving in Arizona are not supposed to go together. So if there are plans to drink, then it is recommended to assign or designate a non-drinking driver in the group. Better yet, if drinking, avoid driving and instead, take a taxi or a get a ride home with somebody who is sober. Also, remember that friends don’t let friends drive drunk. If a friend is drunk, intervene and take away their keys for their own safety. When hosting a party, keep the above reminders, or try to serve non-alcoholic drinks instead.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of an alcohol-related crash, you should know your legal rights and options. Call us at (480) 753-4534 for a free consultation.

Police received a call earlier this week about a Peoria accident involving a truck which crashed through a fence and ended on the backyard Patio of a home Wednesday morning (AZ Central 05/11/2011).

According to report, a 40-year-old woman lost control of her truck and crashed into a patio of a home located on the 6900 block of West Shaw Butte Drive in Peoria. The owner was at home together with his 4-year-old daughter but neither was injured.

Peoria police say the woman was travelling at high speed and hit the rear of another vehicle causing her truck to veer off the road and crash into the fence.

She suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Two people were on board the other vehicle, an 83-year old woman and 88-year-old man. The latter was taken to the hospital for breathing difficulty but did not suffer any serious injuries from the truck accident.

Police cannot determine yet whether alcohol was a factor in the crash. The driver has not been cited as authorities continue the investigation.

Speeding has been a factor in thousands of fatal crashes each year. A 2004 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that 30 percent of fatal crashes involved speeding, killing 13,192 people.

Victims of Arizona car accidents may contact us for a free consultation at (602) 267-1280.

The warm weather as well as the affordability of motorcycles has been steadily increasing the number of Arizona motorcycle riders on the streets. May is Motorcycle Safety Month, and so practicing safe riding is especially important. According to a motorcycle safety campaign it was estimated that in 2009, 4,462 motorcyclists were killed and an additional 90,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents across the nation

In recent news, an ex-detention officer was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for hitting a motorcycle and killing the driver in Goodyear. It was in October of 2010 when 27-year-old Adrian Salazar Guzman rear-ended a motorcycle while at a stop sign. The driver of the motorcycle, Alisha Marie Trejo, 27, was killed from the injuries she sustained. Guzman was reportedly drunk when the fatal Arizona motorcycle accident occurred. He pleaded guilty and received 10.5 years in prison.

Since summer is approaching, authorities are expecting more motorcyclists out on the roads. Authorities remind road users that motorcycles have the same rights and privileges as any other vehicle on the road. Motor vehicle drivers are also reminded to never drive, bike or walk while distracted or impaired. Also, because motorcycles are small, Arizona motorists should be aware of approaching motorcycles who suddenly increase or slow their speed. It is therefore advised that motor vehicle users allow 3 or 4 seconds following distance when following a motorcycle.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of an Arizona motorcycle accident injury, be aware of your options and legal rights. Call us for a free consultation at (602) 267-1280. We may be able to help.

Impaired drivers kill almost 30 people in the United States every day, which would make an estimated one death every 48 minutes. In 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The government has measures in place to guard against these drivers, and yet, accidents still happen all the time.

A teenage girl from Phoenix sustained life-threatening injuries when a vehicle struck her (ABC15 05/06/2011). The 17-year-old girl was waiting at a bus stop when a female driver drove her vehicle up on the sidewalk, hitting the girl. Witnesses say that the vehicle continued to run for a short distance before it stopped. The female driver was then held down by bystanders until the police arrived, to keep her from leaving the scene. Police say that the woman, 54, may have been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The 17-year-old victim was taken to a hospital for Arizona life-threatening injuries.

The life of that teenager will forever be changed and impaired driving caused her misfortune. Drinking and using drugs cannot be combined when driving. When drinking, let a sober person drive the car instead. If no sober person can be found, it would be better to ride the bus or a taxi home. When hosting a party where alcohol will be served, be responsible by reminding guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver, or better yet, offer alcohol-free beverages.

If you are injured in a drunk driving accident, you should be aware of your legal rights and options. Call our Phoenix DUI accident attorneys at (602) 267-1280 for a free consultation. We may be able to help.

Festivals are a great way to spend time with family and friends and have a great time. One of those festivals recently celebrated was Cinco de Mayo. Of course, with festivals come food, parties, and alcohol. Various governments across the U.S. are aware of this threat and are always taking steps to prevent danger from occurring.

In the state of Arizona, a task force was formed to target drunk drivers during the Cinco de Mayo festivities (ABC15 05/08/2011). On Sunday, the task force had reportedly arrested 511 people suspected as drunk drivers across the state. 167 of those were considered extreme DUIs whose blood alcohol levels were .15 or higher. A .08 blood alcohol level is considered a legal level. 50 of those who were arrested already had prior DUI arrests, while 52 were still underage. Removing these people from the road helped prevent Arizona drunk driving accidents.

Drunk driving is a chronic problem in any society worldwide. In the U.S., it is slated that about 30 million people die in motor-vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. The CDC has also recorded a whopping $51 billion as the annual cost of alcohol-related crashes. In 2009, it was recorded that there were 10,839 people who were killed in alcohol-related driving crashes. Among those who are mostly at risk are the young people, motorcyclists, and drivers with prior driving while impaired convictions. Most of the recorded fatal crashes occur at .08 or higher blood alcohol level.

If you a have been injured by an Arizona drunk driving accident, make sure that you know your legal rights and options. You may call our experienced Phoenix intoxicated driving accident lawyers for a FREE consultation at (602) 267-1280. We may be able to help.

Arizona vehicle accidents happen everyday. In fact, vehicle accidents can range from harmless fender bender’s to tragic highway collisions. Fatal car crashes are caused by various factors such as alcohol-impaired driving or drunk driving, distracted driving, poor driving skills, bad road and weather conditions, or poor vehicle maintenance.

Car crashes often result in injuries or in some extreme cases, immediate death of the victim. According to the latest statistics, over 30,000 crashes and nearly 34,000 fatalities resulted from fatal car collisions were recorded in 2009 nationwide. Car drivers rank first among those who die in car crashes. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

In Scottsdale, a driver was taken to the nearest hospital in critical condition on Thursday (05/06/11) due to a two-car accident which occurred at Scottsdale Road and Carefree Highway. Based on the partial investigations, a silver Pontiac sedan was driving westbound on Carefree Highway when it collided with a black Ford SUV going northbound on Scottsdale Road. The Arizona SUV accident accident occurred around 5:30 pm in a rush hour.

The driver of the sedan, a woman sustained life-threatening injuries and was flown to the nearest hospital. Meanwhile, the occupants of the SUV were not injured and refused to get treated.

The busy roads of Arizona are well known when it comes to car accidents. That is why travelling on these busy roads brings a lot of danger on the lives of the drivers and their passengers. Drivers should remain cautious and alert while driving, always looking out for negligent drivers.

If you have been a victim of an Arizona car accident, you can contact us at (602) 267-1280, an experienced Scottsdale auto accident attorney will be ready for your free consultation.

Did you know that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than thirty-three thousand fatalities in the United States due motor vehicle crashes in 2009?

Arizona had 710 fatal crashes in 2009. This is a hundred less than 2008 which totalled 834 crashes. NHTSA has also revealed that fatal crashes in the United States have declined from 34,172 to 30, 797 crashes from 2008 to 2009 according to the Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) – Federal Highway Administration.

On Monday morning, a car crashed into the Grand Canyon. According to a news article from KPHO.com, a visitor saw an injured man near Twin Overlooks and the injured man said that he accidentally driven his vehicle over the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The motorist, a 21-year-old man was then taken to a hospital due to his non-life threatening injuries.

There are a number of reasons why Arizona car crashes occur. Impaired or drunk driving is one of the most common causes of such incidents. Speeding in Arizona and distracted driving are also responsible for many auto accidents. Timely and regular engine maintenance is good way to prevent accidents. Responsible driving does not only commence while one is already on the road but before it.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a car wreck, as Arizona vehicle accident lawyers, we are always ready to assist you. Dial (480) 753-4534 for a free consultation.

Did you know that more than six million car accidents occur each year in the country? According to statistics, one person is injured every 14 seconds and about 40,000 people die each year as results of car crashes in the United States. This means that a person gets killed in a car accident every 12 minutes.

Fatal car accidents are the leading cause of death for people ages to 2 to 34 years-old. Moreover, car crashes are also listed as the leading cause of physical impairment and disability in the country.

Motor vehicle accidents occur due to variety of reasons such as impairment, distracted driving, and speeding. Of these causes, speeding accounted for about 30 percent of the total number of fatal car crashes that occur each year. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2008 11,674 lives were claimed due to speeding-related accidents. It has also contributed to 31 percent of fatal crashes in the same year and an estimated $40.4 billion in economic costs accounted for speeding.

On Thursday night, one person died in a car crash in Phoenix after a car failed to yield in an intersection (04/21/11). According to authorities, a Kia sedan was heading south on Seventh Street when it failed to stop while making a left turn at Indian School Road. Meanwhile, a Cadillac sedan was heading north on the same street when it struck the Kia resulting in the death of the person inside the Kia.

There are a number of factors which can cause fatalities in motor vehicle accidents. Oftentimes, negligence on the part of the driver and occupant and ranks first. Due to this, we must consider being more cautious while on the road. Responsible driving does not only commence while one is already on the road but before it. Timely checking and maintenance of your car's engine is also one way to avoid accidents.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a car accident in Arizona, call now for your free consultation at (480) 753-4534. Achieving rightful compensation starts with getting the right Arizona traffic accident lawyer.

The proper way to cross the street is generally instilled in children at a young age. However, it is still a common cause of death for many people, be it young or old. There were 120 pedestrians that died in the year of 2009 due to Arizona pedestrian traffic accidents.

In Peoria Arizona, around 5:30 in the morning a woman was killed while walking from her nearby apartment. She was instantly killed after being hit by a truck, despite the 39-year old truck driver’s attempts to swerve out of the way after seeing her from a distance.

Coming from a Luke Air Force Base in the neighborhood, a passenger stopped and performed CPR on Garcia. However, she unfortunately could not be revived. The victim was 35 years old. The police do not believe alcohol or any other impairment was involved and they do not plan to file charges at the moment.

Collisions in Arizona with non-motorists make up 20.1% of the total fatal crashes; that is 143 people that lost their lives while crossing the street in 2009 (NHSTA). Fatalities like these cannot be ignored, and victims can suffer for prolonged periods of time or perhaps their entire lives.

If you are a victim or a survivor of a pedestrian accident in Arizona, our knowledgeable Peoria pedestrian accident lawyers may be able to help you. We must hold these drivers accountable for their negligence. Please call us for your free consultation at (602) 267-1280.

In 2009, the United States suffered more than 33,000 fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Each year, millions are injured and tens of thousands end up getting killed from vehicle crashes in the country. Presently, fatal car crashes rank first when it comes to the leading cause of death for people from 1-34 years old. Based on this data, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that if the rate of fatal accidents continues to increase, it will be the third most serious threat to human health by 2020.

The latest data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that in 2009, a majority of fatal crashes occurred in non-intersections, while only six percent occurred in intersections.

Recently, a fatal Arizona hit and run accident occurred when a Toyota Corolla collided with a BMW sedan, leaving one dead (KPHO 04/10/11). Investigators revealed that the black BMW was travelling westbound while the Toyota Corolla was headed northbound when the crash occurred. Witnesses also reported that the collision was probably due to the driver of the Toyota speeding and running the light at the intersection.

The driver of the BMW was promptly sent to the nearest hospital in serious condition. She later died during the surgery. Meanwhile, the driver of the Toyota got out of his car and fled the scene on foot. Luckily, he was later caught and taken to police custody by the Phoenix Police Department.

Not all hit and run accident victims are as lucky to have the drivers caught; that’s why we participate in the hit and run reward program, giving anonymous informers rewards if their tips lead to the successful felony conviction of a hit and run driver. If you ever witness a hit and run accident, call: 1-800-6-HIT-N-RUN.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of an Arizona car wreck, call us at (480) 753-4534 for a free consultation. Achieving rightful compensation starts with getting the right Arizona traffic accident lawyer.

BlackBerry recently removed an application created by Research in Motion an Ontario, Canada based company that created a program for BlackBerry users to pinpoint DUI checkpoints and subsequently avoid them (AZ Central 3/24/11).

Senators in Nevada, New York, New Jersey, and New Mexico requested that the application be shut down. The Senators said "Drunk drivers will soon have one less tool to evade law enforcement and endanger our friends and families." Law makers hope that the maker of applications for the Iphone and Driod will follow the same suit.

In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that there were 1,036 fatalities caused by drunk driving. The NHTSA also reported that of those 1,036 people killed, 39 percent of drivers had a blood alcohol concentration of .01 or higher. The legal blood alcohol limit in Arizona is .08.

The upsetting fact is that people that drink and drive have mechanisms to avoid law enforcement. Many organizations have worked with law makers to change this including

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). They have worked diligently since they began in 1980 to rid the road of drunk drivers. Their campaign to eliminate drunk driving includes in-car breathalyzers, stronger police force on holidays, and working with the government and car makers to install an alcohol detection system in all newly manufactured vehicles.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a drunk driving accident please call us at (480) 753- 4534 for a free consultation. As Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyers we may be able to help you get rightful compensation.

A couple of car accidents were reported earlier this week which slowed down northbound traffic on Loop 101 in Peoria (AZ Central 03/30/2011).

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the initial crash happened around 9 a.m. Wednesday morning when a vehicle rolled over after colliding with a barricade near the Grand Avenue exit. This caused the left two lanes to be blocked.

A second crash happened 30 minutes later involving two vehicles in the same area. Both Peoria accidents lead to minor injuries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes kill around 1.3 million people each year and 20 to 50 million more get seriously hurt. Additionally, fatal car crashes have become the leading global cause of death for people ages 15 to 29, with numbers higher than cancer and heart diseases.

A major cause of accidents is distracted driving. Distractions can range from loud music, to conversations with passengers, cell phone use, and rubber-necking. Drivers who take their eyes off the road in front and around them as they travel are at risk of possible serious accidents. Common accidents caused by distracted driving are rear-end accidents, as drivers take their foot off the brake without looking in front of them. Luckily, many of these accidents are minor, but still unnecessary.

For victims of car and other related accidents in Peoria who wish to seek for compensation relating to personal injuries, we are available at (602) 267-1280. Call now for a free consultation with one of our Peoria accident lawyers regarding your case.