Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), bicycle and pedestrian safety in school zones should be a top priority of all travelers. Local, state and federal officials oftentimes encourage biking and walking to school for a healthy lifestyle, but the safety of these young ones is oftentimes overlooked. Our state has continuously been a leader in providing safe school areas for our young students to help reduce the risks of bicycle and pedestrian accidents in Arizona. Now we're turning the attention towards motorists because without cooperation from these individuals, the safety net that school zones are supposed to provide means nothing.

Arizona established low speeds in school zones different than any other state in the country. The system that we use was established back in 1950. Our state pushes a uniform application of a 15 miles per hour speed limit in all school zones from kindergarten through eighth grade. There's a problem though! These speed limits can't just be used at crosswalks that are policed by either stop signs or traffic signals. Under the current law, only portable signs and crosswalk markings can be used to enact a 15 mph speed limit. So to get this speed limit, employees set up and remove these devices to get passing traffic to slow down. Normal traffic flow is resumed during non-school hours and when signs are removed.

Our Phoenix bicycle accident lawyers understand that each school zone with a 15 mph speed limit is marked with a fluorescent yellow-green pentagon-shaped warning sign. After this permanent sign is where the portable signs are placed that read, "“NO PASSING, 15 MPH, FINES DOUBLED, SCHOOL IN SESSION.” These portable signs are located from 75 to about 300 feet before the fluorescent sign. The portable signs are posted where the reduced speed limit begins. Drivers are asked to be extremely cautious in these areas. The portable signs are brought out when children are expected to be around school and crossing the street, whether it be on foot or on a bicycle. Reduced speeds are enacted to help to protect our school-aged children. All motorists are asked to be extremely cautious when traveling near schools, whether there are warning signs or not.

In these reduced-speed areas, it's important that drivers don't pass other vehicles. Signs in these areas will also alert drivers to stop when children are in the crosswalk. In school areas, drivers are required by law to stop for anyone and everyone using the crosswalk.

Arizona doesn't use "School Zone Ends" signs either.

Motorists are asked to be extremely cautious when traveling through these areas. Remember that while our students are at increased risks for pedestrian accidents during this time, the crossing guard is the most vulnerable.

Remember that your safe driving habits shouldn't end in school zones either. When it's that time of the year and students are back in school, drivers should exercise extreme caution when driving through residential neighborhoods and round school buses as well.

Drivers should be cautious when traveling near big-yellow school buses. Always stop when a bus is stopped. Officers are out in full force making sure that travel is safe for our young students.

To help you to drive safely in these areas, please curb all the distractions. Hang up the cell phone, text message later and groom yourself before you leave the house. By working together, we can all make a difference in the safety of our school children.

Continue reading "ADOT Reviews School Zone Safety to Help Reduce Risks of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents in Arizona" »

It's a new year and it's time for some new resolutions. Our Phoenix pedestrian accident attorneys asked all residents to make their New Year's resolutions to be safer travelers on our roadways. We would like to remind you that being a good driver, pedestrian and bicyclist involves keeping a close eye out for others traveling on the same roadway. Compassion and caution can help to make our roadways safer for everyone.

Bicycle and pedestrian accidents in Phoenix happen all too often because of driver inattention. It's very important for drivers to share the road safely with pedestrians and bicyclists as they're extremely vulnerable travelers. There are a few simple safety tips that can help travelers to more safely navigate our Phoenix roadways and to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

Safety Tips for Bicyclers, from the City of Phoenix:

-Bicyclists who are under the age of 8 should never be allowed to ride alone. These young riders should always ride on a sidewalk, too.

-Make sure that both of your feet can touch the ground (flat) when sitting on the bicycle's seat.

-Use a crosswalk when crossing a street.

-Look left, right and left again before crossing the street.

-Always ride your bike with the flow of traffic.

-Be sure to obey all traffic signals and signs.

-Never ride with more than one person to a bike. Bicycles that have one seat and one handlebar were meant for one person.

-Be on the lookout for broken glass, sticks, rocks and other dangerous debris in the roadway while biking.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were approximately 120 pedestrians who died in the state of Arizona in 2009. With efforts from both motorists and from pedestrians, we can all do our part to keep the roadways safe for everyone. Drivers need to be cautious of our on-foot travelers while pedestrians need to be cautious of where and when they walk while navigating the city.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that in the next 24 hours, nearly 325 people across the country will be sent to an emergency room because of pedestrian-related injuries. In the next 2 hours, the CDC predicts that at least one person will die from a traffic-related pedestrian accident.

According to recent statistics, male pedestrians are more likely to be injured or to be killed in a traffic-related pedestrian accident.

Safety Tips to Help Pedestrians Avoid an Accident:

-Always cross the street at a designated crosswalk.

-Even when using a crosswalk, pedestrians need to be careful of nearby cars as they may not always yield to the right-of-way to a pedestrian.

-When walking at night, be sure to wear reflective tape on your clothing or to carry a flashlight with you so that you can be easily seen by passing motorists.

-Your best bet is so walk on a sidewalk. If there's no sidewalk available and you need to walk in the street, do so facing oncoming traffic.

We all need to make the effort to make 2012 the safest year yet on our roadways. These safe roadways start with you and your commitment to be a better and safer traveler. Happy 2012 and we hope you make one of your New Year's resolutions to be more aware of travelers on our Phoenix roadways.

Continue reading "Make Your New Year's Resolution to Reduce Risks of Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents in Phoenix" »

Arizona car crashes were significantly down in 2010, according to the Arizona Department of Transporation. Fatalities dropped by around 5.5% from the year before. There were a total of 106,177 accidents, down nearly 1% from 107,094 in 2009, and down from 143,503 in 2006. The amount of accidents in Arizona has dropped every year since 2006.

People say there are several possible reasons to the reductions, such as red light cameras or better vehicle safety devices, but this is really just speculation.

Here are some other 2010 highlights: Of the 106,000 plus accidents in the state, 698 crashes were fatal, or 0.66%, with a total of 762 people killed. Nearly one third, or 33,195 of the accidents resulted in injuries, with a total of 50,110 people injured. Of the 762 people who lost their lives, 406 were drivers, 182 were passengers, 155 were pedestrians and 19 were bicyclists.

The total number of bike riders injured was down by almost 4 percent, and bicycle fatalities were way down by 24 percent. Pedestrian injuries were down by over 5 percent, however pedestrian fatalities increased by a whopping 27.05%. This was the only significant increase reported.

ADOT also reported the following:

Just over 2 people were killed per day;

137.19 persons were hurt every day;

Crashes where alcohol played a role represented just over 5 percent of all crashes and just over 30 percent of all fatal crashes;

Single car accidents represented 17.42 percent of all crashes and 41.12 percent of accidents involving fatalities;

10.77% of pedestrian accidents were fatal, while only .99% of bike accidents were fatal;

73.6% of accidents took place during daylight hours;

Minors ages 14 and under sustained 31 fatalities and 3,881 injuries;

Auto accidents caused $2.668 billion in economic losses to the State of Arizona; and

Just under 80 percent of accidents occurred in urban areas.

A KTAR.com story interviewed someone from an auto body shop who stated that the decline in accidents is a possible reason as to why the collision repair industry as a whole has seen a drop in business. This has occurred even though there has been a gradual increase in miles traveled across the country.

Whatever the reason for the steady decline in Phoenix area injury accidents, I would think we would all agree that it's a good thing. That being said, there will obviously continue to be collisions where Arizona residents get hurt.

Continue reading "ADOT reports significant reduction in Arizona auto accidents in 2010" »

A deadly Arizona bike accident has resulted in the death of a Colorado resident, according to KJ CT8.com. The bike rider was fatally struck in a hit-and-run crash in Avondale, AZ on May 16.

The exact facts as to how the accident occurred were not reported.

After the collision, an accident witness followed the motorist and notified police of their location. Avondale police tried to pull the driver over a short time later, but he then crossed over the center line and drove up onto a sidewalk.

Officers finally stopped the 37-year-old driver by blocking him in with their squad cars. He still refused to cooperate until police released a K-9 on him, and only then did he cooperate.

The defendant was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident and aggravated assault of a police officer. It was not reported if the motorist was impaired.

The article did not state whether a civil lawsuit has been filed or if a Phoenix bicycle accident attorney is involved in the case.

An Arizona bike accident has resulted in the death of a 58-year-old man whose name has not been released, according to AZCentral.com. The bicyclist was struck by one car and then dragged under a second car in the area of 7th Street and Purdue Avenue last Saturday.

The victim was riding a mountain bike headed northeast when he was hit by a 46-year-old motorist who was driving a 1991 Nissan Pathfinder moving northbound.

The bicyclist landed in the path of a 2005 Ford escape being driven by a 33-year-old man that was also moving northbound. The bike rider was dragged by the Ford until the vehicle stopped.

Neither driver was impaired and no traffic tickets have yet been issued.

It is not been reported if an Arizona injury lawyer is involved in the case.

Read the story as reported by AZFamily.com and ABC news here.

As our Phoenix bicycle accident lawyers previously reported, a hit-and-run accident in Tempe, Arizona last July resulted in the death of a 32-year-old man from Mesa. A 22-year-old driver convicted for hitting the bicyclist and then fleeing the scene has been sentenced to one year in jail and three years probation, according to ABC news.

Police alleged that the bike rider was legally traveling with the flow of traffic near Southern Avenue and Rural Road when he was hit by the defendant around 12 AM on July 10, 2010. After the collision, the motorist did not stop fled the scene.

Several people in vehicles nearby called 911 and went to the bicyclist's aid as he was lying in the street. The victim was taken by ambulance to an area hospital where he later passed away.

The defendant had been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He pled guilty last Wednesday.

Initially after the accident occurred, police released video of the accident in an attempt to locate the driver. Click here to watch the video on Phoenix New Times Blogs.

It has not been reported if a civil lawsuit has been filed or if an Arizona bike crash lawyer is involved in the case.

Arizona injury lawyers are taking note that the City of Phoenix recently released 2009 car crash statistics which showed a 13% drop from 2008, AZCentral is reporting. Further, the total number of accidents were 22,713, the lowest in 20 years. The rate of accidents per every 1000 people went from 17 down to 14.

Injuries from auto accidents: The statistics state that there was an 8.9% drop for the number of people injured in accidents, and 136 deaths, which is down from 143 in the year 2008.

Pedestrian accidents: Phoenix pedestrian accidents went from 589 in 2008 down to 525 in 2009. 36 pedestrians were hit and killed by vehicles in 2009, down from 41 2008. In 2009 pedestrian deaths accounted for 26.3% of all traffic fatalities.

Bicycle collisions: Phoenix bicycle accidents also saw a reduction 2009. There were 467 collisions, down from 478 and 2008. 423 bicycle riders were injured and nine were killed.

Statistics showed April had the greatest amount of accidents, while September was the most deadly. Friday was the worst day for accidents, and 12 PM to 3 PM was the worst time.

Alcohol only played a role in 6% of accidents, but was involved in 44% of crash related deaths, showing again how dangerous drinking and driving can be.

If you've been involved in an Arizona car crash , Phoenix bike accident or Mesa pedestrian collision, call the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for free consultation. Call 866-99-ABELS to speak directly to an attorney now.

An Arizona bike accident that occurred on Sunday, November 14th around 4:30 AM has resulted in the death of the 53-year-old man, according to Fox news. A 54-year-old female motorist who hit the bicycle rider and then fled the scene has been arrested by the Phoenix Police Department.

The accident occurred in the area of 48th St. and Van Buren when the driver hit a bicyclist moving westbound. The driver was traveling in a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier and she attempted to flee the scene after the accident. Police officers were able to apprehend her within blocks of the accident scene and they now believe she was driving while impaired.

The bicyclist died at the scene.

The driver was arrested and charged with manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident causing death. Additional charges reportedly could be made after toxicology reports are reviewed.

Read the story as reported by CBS news and ABC news here.

There is no word as to whether a Phoenix bike accident lawyer is involved in the case yet. Click here to read more about Arizona hit-and-run claims.

On Tuesday night a deadly Mesa bike accident claimed the life of 11-year-old girl, according to azfamily.com. The accident took place around 6 PM at the intersection of Brown Road and Lindsay Road.

A 16-year-old driver of the pickup truck was reportedly passing a vehicle in front of him, and he failed to observe the bicyclist and struck her. The 11-year-old victim was out for bicycle ride with her family at the time of the accident. The name of the girl has not been released.

The Mesa Police Department is handling the accident investigation. No charges have yet been filed, and it appears that drugs or alcohol did not play a role in the accident.

As the weather cools off in the Phoenix area, more and more bicyclists will be on the streets. Arizona drivers have to diligently lookout for bikes on the roadway, especially children.

ADOT reports that in the year 2008 there were nearly 2000 bicycle accidents in our state. In those accidents,113 children between the ages of 10 – 14 were injured, and two were killed. Statistics for 2009 have not yet been released.

An 11-year-old child is been seriously injured after being involved in an Arizona SUV vs. bicycle accident, according to azfamily.com. The collision took place in Maricopa just after 1 PM on Wednesday in the Rancho El Dorado subdivision.

When Maricopa police officers responded to the accident, they located the boy sitting on the side of the road with his bicycle. A witness at the scene saw the child get hit by the SUV as he was crossing the street.

Around 10 minutes after police arrived the child started showing signs of trauma and head injuries. He was taken by ambulance to Maricopa Medical Center. Upon arrival at the hospital treating physicians discovered internal bleeding in his head and emergency surgery was performed. The child reportedly is still in critical condition.

It was not reported if the bicyclist crossed in the middle of a block or at an intersection.

It has also not been reported if a Phoenix bicycle accident attorney is involved in the case yet. With injuries this serious, it is likely that the boy's family will have an Arizona injury lawyer investigate a possible civil claim.

The Arizona Republic is reporting that a driver that was involved in a deadly bicycle accident in Tempe Arizona has pleaded guilty in court to failing to drive at a speed to exercise reasonable care for others.

The accident happened back on May 17, 2010 when a 36-year-old Tempe bicycle rider was headed home from work when he was hit by a car at the intersection of Alameda Drive and McClintock Drive. The Arizona bicycle rider died later the same evening.

The driver claimed in the police report that as he went through the intersection he had a green light, however a witness at the scene (who was also riding a bicycle) stated that the bike rider had the green light.

The victim's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the at fault driver. The newspaper report did not name the Phoenix bicycle accident attorney that is working on the case.

Nearly 300 Arizona traffic accidents a day injured more than 50,000 motorists and claimed 806 lives in 2009, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Our Phoenix car accident attorneys reported earlier this month on our Injury Lawyer Blog, that fatal traffic accidents hit a 16-year low last year, in part because of the struggling economy.

But all totaled, the state reported more than 100,000 car accidents. Among the highlights of Arizona's 2009 traffic report:

Number of crashes
Drunk Driving Accidents: 5,854
Pedestrian Accidents; 1,523
Bicycle Accidents: 1,995
Motorcycle Accidents: 2,958

Serious an fatal injuries

Total: 806 fatalities/50,610 injuries
Drunk Driving accidents: 261 fatalities/4,142 injuries
Pedestrian accidents: 122 fatalities/1,304 injuries
Bicycle accidents: 25 fatalities/1,643 injuries

Months and Days
December: Most crashes
February: Most fatal crashes
Friday: Most crashes
Saturday: Most fatal crashes

At a glance

-More than two motorists a day died in Arizona traffic accidents.
-One person was killed every 10.88 hours.
-138.56 injuries were reported per day.
-Drunk driving was involved in more than 5 percent of all crashes and more than one-third of all traffic fatalities.
-Single-vehicle accidents accounted for less than 20 percent of all accidents but almost half of all fatalities.
-Three-quarters of all accidents occurred during daylight hours.

The most common type of collision was rear-end accidents while driving too fast for conditions was the most common driving violation. The total cost of the state's traffic fatalities was estimated at more than $1 billion, while overall cost of traffic accidents in Arizona in 2009 was $2.7 billion.

Continue reading "More than 300 Arizona car accidents a day cost the state $2.7 billion in 2009" »

An Arizona bicycle accident that occurred on Saturday in North Phoenix has resulted in four people being injured, according to ABC news. The injuries to the Phoenix bicyclist are reportedly critical.

A representative the Phoenix Fire Department is stating that the accident occurred when a vehicle was traveling in an easterly direction on Bell Road around 8 PM. At that time a 49-year-old man on a motorized bicycle crossed in front of the vehicle at 21st St. and the car hit the bike. The bicycle rider ended up on the car's windshield. The car carried the bike rider around hundred yards until the vehicle hit a short brick wall and the bicyclist was thrown off.

The injured Phoenix bike rider was rushed by ambulance to Valley Hospital in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Three occupants of the car, a 26-year-old woman and children ages 8 and 5, were also seriously injured and taken to John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center.

The Phoenix Police Department is still investigating who was at fault, according to Fox news. However, as a Phoenix bike accident lawyer, I can tell you at first glance that the police will most likely put the bicyclist at fault. At the accident location, E. Bell Rd. has two eastbound and two westbound lanes, plus left turn lanes in each direction and no traffic signal. 21st Street is more of a side street that has a stop sign at E. Bell Rd. The bicyclist likely had a duty to yield to oncoming traffic when crossing Bell Road.

That being said, until the final police report is in, you never know what it is going to say. For example, there could have been independent witnesses at the scene who tell a different story.

Click here to read the accident story as reported by CBS news.

A bike accident in Phoenix has left the 33-year-old woman in critical condition, the Arizona Republic is reporting. The Arizona bike vs. SUV accident took place on September 19, 2010 near the intersection of N. Desert Willow Pkwy. and East Rancho Tierra Drive on the far North Side of Phoenix. The victim of the Phoenix bicycle accident reportedly has sustained "life-threatening brain bleeding".

The 44-year-old SUV driver the is believed to have been driving while intoxicated at the time of the crash. The Phoenix Police Department is handling the crash investigation. After the accident police arrested the driver and charged him with aggravated assault. They allege that the defendant appeared to be impaired and he further admitted to drinking 1 to 2 beers.

Police state he hit the bicyclist with his Chevy SUV after failing to yield a stop sign. Police further say that the woman was within a marked bicycle lane at the time of the accident, and she also had functioning lights on the bike. The Arizona Republic states that information above is according to documents filed in Maricopa County Superior Court.

It is not been reported if a Phoenix bike accident lawyer is involved in the case yet. At this point, there appears to be a very solid negligence case against the at fault SUV driver.

In the year 2008 there were just under 2000 bicycle accidents in the State of Arizona. In those accidents, 19 bicyclists were killed and 1674 were injured, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Bicycle accident numbers for the year 2009 have not yet been released.

Arizona bicycle accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have entered into an agreement to represent a nine-year-old bicycle rider who was injured in a parking lot when he was struck by a car. The accident happened back on July 19, 2010 Chicago, Illinois in the parking lot small food store at the intersection of Austin and Division.

The child was traveling eastbound when the at fault driver swiftly pulled into the parking lot from the street and did not see the bicyclist. The vehicle struck the bike, knocking the boy to the ground.

The nine-year-old had bilateral leg pain and back pain right after the accident. He was taken by ambulance to an area hospital. At the ER, x-rays did not show any broken bones and he was examined by physicians.

The bicycle rider's pain did not go away over the next few days. The child's mother took him for follow-up treatment with a medical doctor. He has had ongoing medical treatment since July.

As the weather starts to slowly cool off in the Phoenix area, there will be more and more bicycle riders on the road. Earlier this year Tucson, Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix Arizona were all listed in the 20 most bicycle friendly cities in the United States.

Motorists have to keep a proper lookout for, and be careful around Arizona bicycle riders. Sometimes even low impact bicycle vs. car accidents can cause serious injuries.

If you have been hurt in a Phoenix bike accident, contact the Arizona injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for free consultation. Call (866) 99-ABELS to speak directly to a lawyer now.

Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys Abels & Annes have reached a settlement in an incident that occurred in Chicago, Illinois in February of 2010. Our client was riding his bicycle southbound on Clark Street when the defendant, who was driving a 2005 Ford going northbound, turned left and struck the bike rider. The at fault driver was trying to turn left/westbound on Cornelia Street and failed to yield to oncoming traffic.

The Chicago Police responded to the crash. After their investigation they issued a citation to the defendant for failing to yield on a left turn.

The bicyclist injured his right knee and left shoulder in the crash. After the accident he was seen in the ER at Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Diagnostic testing was negative for fractures.

Days after the accident our client's pain remained. He sought follow-up treatment with a medical doctor. The physician then referred him to physical therapy.

Weeks later the bicycle rider's shoulder pain remained so an MRI was ordered. The test showed he had sustained a mild AC joint separation in the accident. He continued with physical therapy and his condition eventually improved.

The claim resolved for a little over $31,000 and we did not need to file a lawsuit to settle the case. Nationwide insured the at fault driver.

Continue reading "Arizona bike accident lawyer settles case" »

Two victims of bicycle accidents earlier this month have turned to Phoenix bicycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes for representation.

Both accidents occurred in Chicago, Illinois. On August 6 at about 7 p.m., an 11-year-old boy was struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bike on the sidewalk along 98th Street in Chicago. The Oldsmobile left the roadway, struck the child, and fled the scene. An alert witness was able to provide a license plate number to police. The boy was taken to the hospital with multiple injuries.

In the second incident, a woman was riding her bike on the bike path near Solider Field at about 7 p.m. August 14. Police report she was struck by a taxi cab that did not stop at a bike crossing. Instead, the 2008 Crown Victoria taxi cab accelerated through the crossing, striking the cyclist with the car's left front fender.

The accident occurred on the Lake Shore bike path near Burnham Harbor in Chicago. The 24-year-old cyclist was transported to the hospital with back pain as well as multiple cuts and abrasions. She is seeking follow up treatment with an orthopedic doctor.

As the weather cools in Phoenix and the surrounding areas, tourists, winter residents and cyclists will share the roads in larger numbers. Avoiding a Phoenix bicycle accident requires motorists to share the road and yield the right of way. Attempting to crowd a bike rider, or ignoring his or her rights to the road, is a recipe for disaster.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports a total of 1,989 bicycle accidents in 2008. Fourteen riders were killed and 1,565 were injured.

Continue reading "Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys agree to represent pair of bike crash victims" »

A recent Arizona bike accident has police looking for clues, according to AZCentra.com. The Mesa bicycle accident happened two weeks ago Sunday and has left a 29-year-old bicyclist in critical condition. Police are looking for information, as the cause of the accident is unknown.

The accident occurred near 1100 South Country Club Drive by a Wendy's restaurant. Mesa police officers found him lying in a curb on the southbound side of the street around 8:00 p.m. They identified him from a driver's license on his person.

The bicycle rider was taken to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical by ambulance. He sustained serious injuries, including a spinal fracture, a head laceration and internal bleeding in his head.

The Mesa Police Department is still investigating the accident and they are trying to figure out if he was hit by a car.

If you have any information about the accident, please immediately contact the police department at 480-644-2211.

A Phoenix, Arizona bicycle accident is making news as far away as the United Kingdom, after an Olympic gold medalist was injured after being rear-ended on his bicycle, the London Daily Mirror reported.

James Cracknell, 38, was thrown from his bike after being hit from behind by a truck at about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Mirror reported that he was wearing a helmet and was making good progress, despite a gash to the back of his head and bruising on the brain.

Cracknell won a gold metal for Britain in 2000 and 2004 and was filming a TV serious called Cracknell's Race Across America for the Discovery Channel. He was trying to break an endurance record by traveling from New York to Los Angeles by running, cycling, rowing in swimming, in just 16 days.

The Sun, (also a U.K. newspaper) said the accident occurred on a quiet road in Winslow, Arizona.

"James was taken to hospital where is being treated for a head injury." the Discovery Channel said in a statement. "He is conscious and his condition is stable; doctors have said he is making good progress. His wife and family are at his side as he continues to recover."

A man has been arrested in connection with an Arizona hit and run accident that killed a bike rider in Tempe last week, according to azfamily.com. A 22 year old man from Mesa was arrested on Saturday and charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, which is a felony charge. Police are also saying he has admitted being involved.

The arrest stems from a bicycle accident that occurred last Saturday night at Southern Ave. and Rural Road. The 32 year old victim was driving a motorized bike eastbound when the defendant turned his car left into the victim, causing a T-bone accident. The defendant then fled the scene of the accident. Video shows the bicycle rider was legally riding in traffic at the time of the crash.

Several people in other vehicles called police and stayed at the scene to try to help the bike rider. The victim was rushed to an area hospital where he later died.

Click here to read the entire story as reported by azcentral.com.

A man who tried to trade his vehicle in during the government's "Cash for Clunkers" program to hide evidence of its involvement in a fatal Phoenix bicycle accident has pleaded guilty to multiple charges.

The Associated Press reports the defendant pleaded guilty to manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident and tampering with evidence. The charges stem from an Aug. 8 crash, which claimed the life of a 52-year-old cyclist who was riding with lights and reflectors.

The Phoenix New Times reported the 23-year-old defendant was driving a 1992 BMW when he struck the cyclist shortly after midnight on a Saturday night. The accident happened at the corner of Cave Creek Road and Mountain Gage Pass Road. The cyclist was killed and the defendant left the scene of the accident.

Police said a fog light from a silver 1992 BMW was found at the scene and investigators determined the car must have sustained significant damage to the passenger side. The defendant attempted to trade the car in the next morning to take advantage of the government's Cash for Clunkers program; he told personnel at the dealership he had struck a javelina.

The dealership contacted police and the defendant was booked into the Maricopa County Jail and charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident and tampering with evidence.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports nearly 2,000 Arizona bicycle accidents occurred in 2008, injuring 1,682 riders and claiming 19 lives.

A 12-year-old girl was seriously injured in an Avondale, Arizona bicycle accident a week ago Wednesday afternoon after she was struck by a car while crossing the street, AZ Family reported.

Police are asking the driver of a delivery van to contact them to be interviewed about the accident. They believe the driver may have witnessed the crash. The Avondale Police Department reports that the girl was crossing Central Avenue eastbound at Madden Avenue while riding her bike. The vehicle in the curb lane stopped as she entered the roadway. But a Nissan Sentra struck the girl while heading southbound on Central in the inside lane.

The girl was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after suffering a head injury. Police report the girl was alert on Thursday and that her condition had been upgraded to stable. The driver of the Nissan remained on the scene. The investigation continues and there is no word yet on whether charges will be filed.

Police are asking the driver of a white box-type delivery van, similar to a FedEx delivery truck, to contact them at 623-333-7001 to be interviewed as a witness.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 716 people were killed and 52,000 were injured in bicycle accidents in 2008. Arizona bicycle accident killed 19 riders.

Bicycle safety tips for kids:

-Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.

-Adjust a child's bike for a proper fit.

-Check bike for maintenance issues, includes tires and brakes, before riding.

-See and Be Seen: Wear brightly colored clothing. Reflective tape or flashing lights are also a good idea. Make eye contact with a driver before proceeding.

-Control you bike and always ride with at least one hand on the handlebars.

-Watch for and avoid road hazards, including potholes, glass, gravel, puddles, leaves and dogs.

-Avoid night riding.

-Ride with traffic flow.

-Obey all traffic laws.

-Yield to traffic.

-Be predictable.

-Stay alert at all times.

-Look before turning.

Watch for parked cars.

Authorities are reviewing city procedures after a 10-year-old boy was injured in a San Luis, Arizona bicycle accident by an employee who was allegedly driving drunk in a city vehicle, the Yuma Sun reported.

The boy was riding his bike near a Walmart store on May 27 when he was struck by the city vehicle, according to the San Luis police chief. The defendant is charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident. He has since resigned from his job with the city. The victim, a student at Harvest Preparatory Academy, suffered a broken pelvis, femur and shoulder in the accident.

“The employee was on duty and broke the rule,” city spokeswoman Karin Meza said. “The idea is see what improvements can be made to the procedures to avoid risks” of similar incidents occurring in the future. “We don't know if supervision was lacking or if the rules need to be strengthened.”

Channel 13 reported that the accident happened shortly after 7 p.m. as the city worker was traveling west on Los Olivos Avenue. He struck the boy at the corner of Bernal Drive. Witnesses say he initially got out of his vehicle and attempted to help the boy. But, after seeing the witnesses, he climbed back in his city-issued Ford Ranger and left the area.

A police report indicated two beer containers were found in the city vehicle and a pair of breathalyzer tests showed the employee's blood-alcohol level was over the legal limit.

As we reported on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, safety advocates are pushing to reduce the number of serious and fatal Arizona bicycle accidents. Nineteen cyclists were killed in Arizona accidents in 2008 and 1,682 were injured according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Drunk driving accidents continue to be a leading cause of traffic fatalities nationwide, accounting for about one-third of all deadly crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nationwide, 11,773 people died in alcohol-related crashes in 2008 -- or one person every 45 minutes.

In Arizona, 343 of the state's 937 fatal crashes involved alcohol.

In a letter published Monday in the Arizona Republic, the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists encouraged riders to participate in safety classes in an effort to reduce the number of Phoenix bicycle accidents and bicycle crashes elsewhere in Arizona.

Vice President Gene Holmerud said riding against traffic continues to be a primary cause of bicycle v. car accidents in Arizona. Nationwide, 716 cyclists were killed in 2008 and more than 52,000 were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

While about 1 in 7 fatal bicycle accidents involves a child under the age of 15, the increasing popularity of cycling for recreation and fitness has steadily increased the average age of cyclists who are seriously injured or killed in bicycle accidents. Middle-aged men are now most at risk: The average age of fatal accident victims has increased from 32 to 41 in the last decade, while the average age of a cyclist seriously injured has climbed from 24 to 31.

Nineteen cyclists were fatally injured in Arizona bicycle accidents in 2008 and 1,682 were injured, the Arizona Department of Transportation reported.

The Phoenix Police Department provides the following safety tips:

-Always ride on the right side of the road.
-Ride in the same direction as traffic.
-Use a bike path whenever available.
-Ride single file.
-Obey all traffic signals.
-Stop at street corners.
-Look in every direction before crossing and make eye contact with motorists.
-Obey traffic lights.
-Wear light colored and reflective clothing.

Continue reading "Advocates push safety measures aimed at reducing the number of Phoenix bicycle accidents" »

A Tempe, Arizona motorcycle vs. car accident has resulted in severe injuries to a biker, according to AZ Central.com. The Motorcyclist lost his right let below his knee after he was hit by a driver on Saturday morning.

The Tempe accident occurred at University Drive and State Route 143 around 2:30 a.m. The Tempe Police Department is reporting that a driver from Phoenix was westbound in a Toyota when he hit the motorcycle that was stopped for a red light. The at fault driver was allegedly going more than 60 mph and witnesses told police he looked like he had been drinking alcohol.

The police are reporting that the defendant fled the scene on foot, without helping the injured biker. He was tracked down at his home the next morning, and he admitted his involvement in the crash and that he left the accident site with no intention of alerting police of the accident.

He also said he had no intention of alerting the police about the accident. He was charged with aggravated assault and leaving the scene of a serious injury accident. The Tempe Police are still investigating.

In this case, I can't help but wonder if the defendant left the accident because he was intoxicated, or uninsured, or both. Either way, the motorcycle rider should have a policy limits case, whether it is against the defendant's insurance carrier, or an uninsured / under-insured motorist claim against his own insurance policy.

As the State of Arizona prepares to issue a comprehensive report on traffic accidents for last year, a look at the 2008 traffic report provides an in-depth look at traffic safety in The Grand Canyon State.

A total of 937 people were killed in 842 fatal Arizona traffic accidents in 2008. In all, 119,588 Arizona traffic accidents were reported, injuring more than 56,000, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Crash statistics for last year will be released in the coming weeks. Nationwide, more than 6 million crashes killed 41,059 people, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported.

Urban accidents were responsible for the majority of the state's traffic crashes, with 81,566 accidents, compared to 23,113 in rural areas. However, more people were killed in rural accidents.

Of accident types:
-Arizona bicycle accidents accounted for 1,989 crashes.

-Pedestrian accidents in Arizona were responsible for 1,524 traffic crashes.

-Motorcycle accidents accounted for 3,531 traffic collisions in Arizona.

-24,161 single-vehicle crashes were reported.

-Multi-vehicle crashes were the primary type of traffic accidents, with 95,427 reported.

Drunk driving accidents accounted for about one-third of all fatal traffic accidents in 2008, with 294 of 842 deadly accidents blamed on impaired drivers.

Of fatal accidents:
-414 occurred in urban areas.

-523 occurred in rural areas.

-114 young drivers under the age of 24 were killed.

Other findings include:
-February was the peak month for crashes.

-More accidents occurred on Friday than any other day of the week.

-Early evening rush hour -- between 4 and 5 p.m.-- was the most dangerous time on the roads.

-Saturday was the deadliest day of the week.

-Rear-end collisions were the most common type of traffic accident in Arizona.

-The most common citation issued to drivers was "speed too fast for conditions."