Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog

Arizona auto accident attorneys at Abels & Annes recently resolved the case for a Peoria resident. Our office pursued both the negligence claim against the at fault driver and an Arizona underinsured motorist claim against the plaintiff's own auto insurance policy.

The collision took place on October 18, 2010, at approximately 7:17 p.m. The plaintiff was injured when the vehicle he was driving was rear-ended by another vehicle.

Our client was driving westbound on Peoria Avenue in Peoria, Arizona. The defendant was also driving her vehicle westbound on Peoria Avenue, directly behind the plaintiff. The client stopped for a red light at the intersection of Peoria Avenue and 91st Avenue in Peoria, Arizona. There were several vehicles stopped in front of him at the intersection. The defendant then failed to stop and/or reduce the speed of her vehicle she was driving, and struck the plaintiff's vehicle in the rear.

The Peoria Police Department responded to the accident scene. After speaking to both parties, the investigating officers placed the defendant at fault for the collision. In the police report, she admitted that she did not see the light was red until it was too late and that she tried to stop her vehicle but it was too late. Furthermore, the investigating officers noted in the police report that the defendant was driving too fast for conditions and was not paying attention.

We alleged the defendant's insurance carrier that she failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to yield for traffic, failed to stop and/or reduce her speed to avoid a collision, was driving at an excessive rate of speed, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area, including the plaintiff.

Following the collision, our client had an immediate onset of back pain, neck pain and headaches.

That same day, he was seen at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center’s Emergency Department. There, he complained of back pain, neck pain and headaches. A history was taken, he was examined and diagnostic tests were performed, including a cervical spine x-ray. A physical exam revealed tenderness of the lumbar spine and thoracic spine, as well as limited range of motion due to pain. An x-ray of his cervical spine found straightening of the cervical lordosis, intervertebral disc space narrowing at C5-6 and C6-7, cervical spondylosis, and unco-vertebral and facet joint hypertrophic changes in the mid cervical spine. He was initially diagnosed with a back sprain, neck pain, and headaches. He was instructed to follow up with his primary care physician and discharged.

Due to ongoing and increasing pain, The client sought follow up medical care at Phoenix Orthopaedic Consultants on October 26, 2010. He complained of mid back pain, lower back pain causing radiating pain down his right leg to his foot with associated tingling and numbness, neck pain, headaches with associated tingling on his face, and right upper extremity weakness. A history was taken and he was examined. A physical exam revealed tenderness of the mid-line and paravertebral thoracic spine with severe paraspinal muscle spasms, right lower lumbosacral junction tenderness with severe paraspinal muscle spasms, increased pain with flexion, hypoesthesia of the right lower extremities and right upper extremities, tenderness to the mid-line of the cervical spine with severe paraspinal muscle spasms, decreased range of motion, and positive Tinel’s sign at the right wrist. His physician diagnosed him with back pain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, neck pain, right upper extremity radiculopathy, thoracic pain, and headaches. He was instructed to go for MRIs of his lumbar spine, cervical spine, and thoracic spine.

Per is physician’s referral, on November 2, 2010, the plaintiff was seen at Valley Radiologists for diagnostic testing, including MRIs of his cervical spine, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine. The MRI of his cervical spine found small degenerative disc bulges in his spine.

Based on the MRI findings, our client sought follow up treatment with his doctor on November 12, 2010. At that time, he complained of neck pain, mid back pain, lower back pain, and headaches. The physician reviewed the MRIs of his lumbar spine, cervical spine, and thoracic spine. Based on the his review of the MRI results, he prescribed pain medication and instructed him to begin physical therapy.

On December 21, 2010, the client returned for follow up treatment. A physical exam was performed, which revealed paravertebral spasms throughout the cervical spine, thoracic spine and lumbar spine and decreased range of motion due to pain. The physician prescribed pain medication and instructed him to continue physical therapy.

On February 18, 2011, the plaintiff returned for follow up treatment. There, he complained of continued back pain. A physical exam was performed, which revealed paravertebral tenderness in the thoracolumbar spine with muscle spasms and decreased range of motion.

Our client started a course of physical therapy at Physiotherapy Associates on November 18, 2010. His treatment consisted of therapeutic exercises, therapeutic activities, neuromuscular rehabilitation, manual therapy, mobilization, and spinal mobilization. He attended twelve (12) sessions of physical therapy at Physiotherapy Associates, which ended on February 22, 2011.

The at fault driver in the accident only carried auto insurance in the amount of $15,000, the Arizona required minimum. After our office collected that amount, we pursuing an underinsured motorist claim against the plaintiff's own auto insurance policy and collected an additional $8,000, bringing the plaintiff's total up to $23,000.

Continue reading "Phoenix injury lawyer settles car accident claim for $23,000" »

The University of Colorado Denver recently released a study that concluded that most elderly residents agreed that the driving abilities of seniors should be retested periodically. These retests would be to help reduce the risks of car accidents in Phoenix and elsewhere. Most everyone who was surveyed said that they would willingly hand over their car keys if either a doctor or a loved one said that they were not longer to safely drive.

“This is where the advance driving directive could come in,” said Emmy Betz, of the University of Colorado. “We would have something in writing that says when the time comes who do you trust to make the decision that you can no longer safely drive?”

Our Phoenix car accident attorneys know the risks that seniors face behind the wheel. With age, unfortunately our senses and abilities deteriorate. It's important for friends and family members to keep an eye on the senses and abilities of our elderly ones to make sure they're not at any risks on our roadways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there nearly 6,000 older adults who were killed in traffic accidents in 2008. In addition, there were nearly 200,000 who were injured. With the proper interventions from friends and family members and potential license retesting, we can help to significantly reduce the risks of car accidents on roadways everywhere.

In the latest study released by the University, researchers surveyed more than 120 elderly individuals.

The results revealed:

-More than 70 percent of elderly drivers say they're in favor of mandatory driver's license retesting based on a driver's age.

-About 68 percent said they thought it was Ok for a member of their family to decide when their driver's license should be taken away.

-Roughly 53 percent said they thought it was Ok for a doctor to decide when their driver's license should be taken away.

-Nearly 30 percent said that they thought it was Ok for the DMV to determine when their driver's license should be taken away.

Many things can go wrong when you're an elderly driver. The senses fade with age. Sight, hearing, reactions, flexibility, etc. deteriorate as you grow older. It's nothing to be ashamed of. There are also varying outside factors that contribute to the dangers that elderly drivers face. Many elderly drivers are on medications that hinder their ability to operate a motor vehicle. As a matter of fact, the study concluded that the average number of medications taken by one elderly driver was seven.

All factors of aging are a part of life and are in fact unavoidable. But car accidents in Phoenix are avoidable. Families are urged to keep an eye on their elderly loved ones to help ensure they're not putting themselves and others at risks for a potentially fatal accident. Your care and concern could help to save lives on our roadways.

Continue reading "When Elderly Drivers Should Give Up Driving to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Phoenix" »

A new website, "Car Seat Safety for Kids," recently went live and replaced the "Keeping Kids Safe During Crashes" site. This website is hosted by the Kohl’s Injury Prevention Program and the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) and helps parents to reduce the risks of injury to children in Phoenix and elsewhere. This website serves as a one-stop shop for information regarding child passenger safety (CPS). Through this website, new videos are offered to help parents stay up-to-date with the latest child car seat recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

“This site brings together research expertise and practical experience,” says Suzanne Hill, director of Advocacy and Outreach at CIRP.

Our Phoenix car accident lawyers understand that this website is a beneficial tool in helping current parents and expectant parents prepare and better protect child passengers. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for children age 3- to 14-years-old. Statistics reveal that nearly 9,000 lives were saved because of child restraints from 1975 to 2008. As we stated before, there were nearly 37,500 people killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2008. Of these fatalities, children under the age of 14 accounted for nearly 5 percent. It's it our responsibility as safe drivers, parents and guardians to ensure that our young passengers are properly buckled up during every car ride.

In 2008 in Arizona, there were nearly 35 children under the age of 14 who were killed in car crashes.

For every child who dies in a motor-vehicle accident, another 400 children are treated for injuries. Using the proper safety seat can help to reduce these alarming risks.

Car Seat Recommendations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

-Children under the age of 1: These young passengers should always ride in a rear-facing car seat.

-Children ages 1- to 3-years-old: Children should remain in a rear-racing car seat for as long as possible. When they reach the rear-facing seat's height and weight requirement, it's time to graduate them to a front-facing car seat with a harness.

-Children ages 4- to 7- years-old: These children should ride in a forward-facing car seat for as long as they can (until they reach the seat's height and weight requirements). When they exceed the seat's requirements, it's time to put them in a booster seat.

-Children ages 8- to 12-years-old: These children should remain in a booster seat for as long as possible. When they outgrow their booster seat, it's time to let them ride like a grownup. When placing them in an adult seat with a seat belt, make sure that the seat belt lies snugly across their upper thighs and that the shoulder portion lies snug across the shoulder and chest area, not the neck.

It's important to keep children in the back seat for as long as possible. Children are safer in the back seat away from the air bag. Their little bodies can't sustain impact from the airbags like adult bodies can.

Parents are urged to visit the new "Car Seat Safety for Kids" website and to stay well-informed of the latest child seat safety news and technology. Education is the best way to help reduce the risks of injury in the event of an accident for your young riders.

Continue reading "New Website Helping Parents to Protect Children in Car Accidents in Phoenix, Nation" »

According to a recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Americans desire safer roadways and they support government actions to get it. Still, a majority of drivers continue to engage in dangerous driving behavior and increase risks for car accidents in Phoenix and elsewhere.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that there were nearly 32,900 people who were killed in car accidents nationwide in 2010. Although this is the lowest number of traffic fatalities recorded in the last 60 years, the number is still alarmingly high.

Our Phoenix car accident lawyers understand that car accidents are still the number one cause of death among residents 4- to 34-years-old. Although drivers recognize the need for safer driving habits, many of them are not willing to make the change themselves. That's why we're asking for everyone to join forces and to raise awareness about roadway safety. Safer roadways start with you and by exercising safe driving habits, we can all work together to make 2012 the safest year ever!

“Take the first step and make a personal goal to be a safe driver in 2012,” said AAA's Predicent a CEO, Peter Kissinger.

Someone dies in a car accident every 16 minutes in the U.S. Until this number reaches zero, we as Americans and as responsible drivers have much work to do.

According to the AAA Study:

-More than 85 percent of drivers said that it was completely irresponsible to drive without buckling up, but about a quarter of drivers said that they don't wear a seat belt while driving.

-A majority of drivers said that is was unacceptably dangerous to drive more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit in neighborhoods, yet plenty admitted doing it.

-Approximately 95 percent of drivers reported that they believe that drinking and driving endangers everyone on the roadways. Even with near unanimous opposition, about 15 percent admitted to doing it at least once in the last 30 days.

-Almost all of the surveyed drivers stated that they thought it was irresponsible, dangerous and unacceptable for a driver to run through a red light, but more than 35 percent said that they've done it at least once in the last month.

-A majority of drivers stated that talking on a cell phone behind the wheel is a dangerous habit, but about one in every three drivers said that they do it regularly.

-Nearly all surveyed drivers said that texting while driving is a big no-no, but a third said that they take part in the behavior often.

Researchers see this "do as I say, not as I do" attitude increases the risks-- drivers feel that everyone should do what is safe and what is right behind the wheel, but feel that they shouldn't be held to these same standards. Drivers throughout the state of Arizona and throughout the country are asked to put their best foot forward in making our roadways safer in 2012. Make safe driving habits a top priority this year and for years to come!

Continue reading "Drivers Ignoring Roadway Dangers, Increasing Risks of Car Accidents in Phoenix, Nation" »

It's been proven in a number of studies, engaging in distractions while driving, biking and walking increases the risks for an accident in Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Distractions can come in a number of forms, including talking on a cell phone, text messaging, catering to children, drinking, eating and applying makeup. The bottom line is that distractions are dangerous and drivers should be concentrating on the road while operating a motor vehicle.

Everyone also knows about the dangers of driving while intoxicated, but many underestimate the dangers of driving while drowsy. Some common prescription drugs and even over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness. Drivers that take these drugs are more likely to have slower reaction times behind the wheel.

Our Phoenix car accident lawyers understand that the distractions don't end there. Pets can also cause drivers to take their attention off of the roadway. Paper maps, GPS devices and hand-held electronic devices are dangerous to use while driving, too. We're not solely pointing the finger at drivers either. Pedestrians can also be distracted while walking along our roadways while listening to headphones, talking with other fellow pedestrians and playing with electronic devices. Engaging in any of these distractions can greatly increase someone's risk for a potentially fatal accident.

According to recent studies, a driver who is distracted by the use of a cell phone is nearly five times more likely to get into an accident. Some studies even conclude that distracted drivers have the same reaction time as drivers who are legally drunk.

Ordinances regarding these behaviors vary between the state's jurisdictions. Motorists need to be careful of what the rules are in different areas. More municipal agencies offer this type of information on their website. The penalties for being busted for engaging in prohibited distractions are relatively minor, but the risks and consequences for an accident resulting from this behavior are not.

In Arizona, only school bus drivers are prohibited from using a cell phone behind the wheel. All other drivers are free to talk on the phone and text message behind the wheel, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Distraction-Related Safety Tips from the U.S. Department of Transportation:

-Turn off the cell phone before getting into the vehicle.

-Talk with friends and family members about the importance of keeping your eyes on the road.

-Pull over into a safe area before making or answering a phone call.

-Ask passengers to make and answer phone calls for you if need be.

-Don't text and drive. It not only takes your mind away from driving, it also takes your eyes off the road and your hands from the wheel.

-Know the distraction-related laws in the areas you are driving in.

-Know where you're going before you venture out to reduce the need for road maps and GPS devices while driving.

-Make sure that all children and pets are properly restrained before starting the vehicle.

Continue reading "Drivers Distractions Increasing Risks of Car Accidents in Arizona" »

It's 2012 and it's time for a fresh start. Our Phoenix car accident attorneys and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) are asking motorists to make one of their New Year's resolutions to be a safer driver. Drivers are urged to be cautious when driving through the state's areas with the frigid winter weather. Ice and snow can greatly increase your chances for a serious accident if you're not careful!

Driving in snow and icy can be difficult even for the most seasoned of drivers. It's always a good idea to review safe driving tips before heading out on snowy and icy roadways. Drivers are urged to check the DOTs Interactive Road Map before venturing out.

This map illustrates road delays, traffic patterns, weather conditions and more. You can also get this information by calling 511 or 1–888–411–ROAD. The better prepared you are, the less likely you are to get into a serious car accident in Arizona.

Winter Driving Safety Tips:

-Always keep your vehicle's gas tank topped off. This means that you never want to let your fuel get too low. You want to be able to keep yourself warm for a substantial amount of time if you get stuck.

-Remember that 4-wheel drive doesn't mean that you can stop quicker. It only means that you can accelerate more quickly.

-Never drive too close to the vehicle in front of you when the roads are snowy or icy. These conditions make the road slick and more difficult for you to stop your vehicle.

-Abide by the speed limit. You always want to adjust your driving habits to the weather conditions, which could mean slowing down even more.

-Leave with plenty of time. Allow yourself extra time to get where you need to go to avoid rushing.

-Make sure to carry emergency items with you, including a first-aid kit, some nonperishable foods, some bottled water and some blankets.

-If you get stuck, stay inside your vehicle. It's safer inside the vehicle than on the side of the road. You can also shield yourself from the cold weather inside the vehicle, too.

-Stay away from snow plows. Allow these vehicles with plenty of room.

-Leave with a plan. Know where you're going and how to get there before leaving the house. This will help to eliminate distractions such as road maps and GPS devices. If you get lost, ask a passenger to help you.

-If you don't feel comfortable driving in the current weather conditions, pull over and wait for it to clear up.

-Never drink and drive.

-Always wear a seat belt.

We would also like to remind to you to perform a routine checkup on your vehicle before setting out in the winter weather. Make sure that your defroster and windshield wipers are working properly. Make sure that all fluids are fresh and full and that your car's battery is working properly. Venturing out with a plan can help you to stay safe on the snowy roads of Arizona.

Continue reading "ADOT Warns Motorists of Winter Weather and Risks for Car Accidents in Arizona" »

We've recently been talking about the dangers that drivers face on our roadways through the holiday travel season. We've even touched on the dangers of driving while distracted. But add these factors together and you've got a recipe for a serious car accident in Phoenix. According to Hands-Free Info, there was no statewide law enacted in Arizona until 2011. Laws for 2012 don't look promising either. The top leaders at the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety say they won't be backing text messaging bans for drivers because these types of laws will be difficult to enforce.

“How can you prove, from outside of a vehicle, if a person is text messaging or dialing a phone number?,” asks highway safety director Alberto Gutier.

Our Phoenix car accident attorneys understand that Gutier also recently dismissed a proposal for a hand-held cell phone law. Only school bus drivers are prohibited from talking on a cell phone behind the wheel in Arizona. Phoenix has a separate law stating that no drivers are allowed to text message at the wheel. Arizona is one of the few states left that has yet to enact a statewide ban on these dangerous driving behaviors.

With the road traffic increasing through the remainder of the year, drivers are asked to willingly give up the distractions at the wheel. Only safe and alert driving habits can help to keep our roads injury and fatality free during the holidays.

Tips to Help Curb Distractions at the Wheel, from the Governors Highway Safety Association:

-If you have to answer or make a call on your cell phone while you're driving, pull over and stop in a safe spot before doing so.

-If the phone call or text message can't wait, ask a passenger to help you out.

-Set up your voice mail to tell callers that you may not be answering because you're driving and that you'll call them back once you've stopped safely.

-Don't text, especially in Phoenix where it's illegal.

-Check our road maps and GPS devices before you start going. If you get lost along the way, ask a passenger to help you out with the directions.

-Make sure all children and pets are properly restrained in the vehicle.

-If you have to address a problem with your child or your pet, pull over safely and come to a complete stop before doing so.

-Your best bet is to turn off all of your electronic devices before starting your car.

Drivers need to keep their full and undivided attention on the task at hand, which is to safely navigate our roadways. By practicing responsible driving habits, we can all do our part to achieve safer roadways through the holiday season. Have a safe and happy holiday, and please drive safely.

Continue reading "Distractions: A Top Cause for Car Accidents in Phoenix through Holidays" »

Thousands of residents and visitors will be traveling through Phoenix for the Christmas and New Year holidays. With this significant increase in road traffic, motorists are faced with significant increases in their risks for a car accident in Phoenix and elsewhere. For this reason, the Arizona Highway Patrol Association offers drivers a few safe driving tips to help prevent a fatal car accident during the holidays. Every year, these holiday periods produce some of the highest fatality rates on roadways across the United States. With cautious and alert driving habits, we can help to reduce the risks altogether.

Before we discuss how to avoid an accident, our Phoenix car accident lawyers would like to discuss the risks we'll be faced with over the holiday travel season. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the Christmas and New Year's holidays are some of the most deadliest times on our roadways. According to a recent release, the NSC has concluded its predictions regarding the number of fatalities and injured that we'll see on our roadways during this holiday time.

Christmas Holiday Fatality Estimates:

-The Christmas holiday is considered the time from 6 p.m. on December 23rd through the late evening of Monday, December 26th.

-287 fatalities are predicted to occur during this time.

-Another 28,700 injuries in which professional medical assistance is required are predicted to occur.

-Seat belts may save approximately 102 people.

-If all motorists were to wear a seat belt during this holiday period, then another 73 people could be saved in car accidents.

New Year's Holiday Fatality Estimates:

-The New Year's holiday is considered the time from 6 p.m. on the evening of December 30th through the late evening of January 2nd.

-297 fatalities are predicted to occur during this time.

-Another 29,700 injuries in which professional medical assistance is required are predicted to occur.

-Seat belts may save approximately 106 people.

-If all motorists were to wear a seat belt during this holiday period, then another 76 people could be saved in car accidents.

Safe Driving Tips from the Arizona Highway Patrol Association:

-Never drive after drinking. Always have a designated driver. Don't let your friends drink and drive either. Intervene. Your consideration may help to save a life.

-Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt at all times. Seat belts have been proven effective in saving lives.

-Obey all road laws. They're there to keep you safe.

-Drive slower in bad weather. It's important to adjust your driving habits to accommodate weather conditions.

-Curb all distractions while driving.

-Go out with a plan. Be aware of road closures, etc., before heading out.

-Leave with plenty of time to avoid rushing and aggressive driving.

-Avoid traveling during rush hours to avoid congested and dangerous roadways.

Continue reading "Holiday Season Typically Brings Hundreds of Fatal Car Accidents in Phoenix and Elsewhere" »

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, only school bus drivers in the state are prohibited from using a hand-held cell phone while driving. All other drivers are allowed to make calls and send text messages while they drive. As we recently reported on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is recommending that a law be passed that bans the use of portable electronic devices by all drivers. Currently there are 35 states that have made text messaging at the wheel illegal and only nine that prohibit talking on hand-held cell phones.

Officials with the National Safety Council (NSC) point out that it's not just hand-held phones and text messaging that serves as a danger on our roadways. Hands-free devices may be just as dangerous. Still, no state has made it illegal for drivers to use a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle.

Our Phoenix car accident attorneys understand that legislatures have been enacting laws to curb driver distractions since 2000, but no state has yet to completely ban all devices. Officials believe that such a law wouldn't go over well with residents. Many have claimed that similar laws were in fact a violation of their personal freedoms, according to CNN.

"It's just one of those things that would be the equivalent of the 18th Amendment today. It's a Prohibition that would not work," said David Adkins, of the The Council of State Governments.

Prohibition laws take time to gain the participation of the country. Think of our seat belt laws. The first of these laws were passed back in the '80s. In recent years, a few remaining states enacted such laws to make it a nationwide law. Still, less than 85 percent of motorists wear a seat belt.

There have been a number of studies that have looked at driving quality when a hands-free cell phone us being used by a driver. The study concluded that driving skills are hindered just as much by hands-free use as by hand-held use.

Scenarios affected by hands-free cell phone use:

-Drivers who are using a hands-free device at the wheel have the same reaction time as a drunk driver.

-Drivers using hands-free devices in work zones take longer to slow their speed when following a vehicle. These drivers are more likely to brake hard than a driver who isn't using a cell phone.

-In vehicles that have a rear-end collision warning system, a driver who is using a hands-free cell phone reacts slower to the device than a driver who isn't using a cell phone.

Driver distractions have joined the list of top accident causes alongside speeding and alcohol. Every year, nearly one and a half million accidents occur because of accidents involving cell phone-using drivers. These accidents are completely preventable. While legislators argue the effects and regulation efforts of cell phone use by drivers, the bottom line is that talking on a phone, hands-free or otherwise, is dangerous.

Continue reading "Hands-Free Cell Phones Dangerous, Causing Car Accidents in Phoenix and Elsewhere, says NSC" »

As we recently reported on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, we witnessed nearly 800 fatalities resulting from car accidents in Arizona throughout 2010. Our state saw nearly 110,000 car accidents during the year. While car accidents are a huge threat to residents of all ages, they serve as the number one cause of death for individuals aged 3- to 34-years-old. We always hear about these incidents being the number one cause of death for teenage drivers. But the truth of the matter is your risk of being involved in a serious or fatal traffic accident is alarmingly high regardless of age group.

Our Phoenix car accidents attorneys understand that traffic crashes are the third highest ranked cause of loss of life in the country. This means that these accidents account for the third highest incident calculated by the number of years that a resident reasonably had expected left to live, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Top Causes for Deaths, Calculating by Years of Life Lost:

-Cancer

-Heart Disease

-Motor Vehicle Accidents

-Stroke

-Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease

-Suicide

-Perinatal Period

-Diabetes

-Accidental Poisoning

-Homicide

As we get closer to Christmas and New Year's, drivers are asked to be cautious on our roadways as the volume of traffic is expected to increase significantly with holiday travelers. An increase in traffic flow significantly increases your risks for a fatal accident.

Whether you're in the warm and sunny Arizona weather or in a cold-weather climate, drivers are urged to consider the following safety driving tips from Tiiu Napp, a Phoenix Travel Photographer for the Examiner, to enjoy a safe and injury-free holiday.

Holiday/Winter Safe Driving Tips:

-Reduce speed and drive cautiously, even if you have a 4WD vehicle. Four-wheel drive means you can accelerate quicker, but not that you're able to stop quicker.

-You should try to avoid stomping on the brake or making quick, sudden turns to help avoid losing traction with the road.

-Speed is the top cause for winter weather car accidents. Obey speed limits, or travel even slower, to get to your destination safely.

-Try not to tailgate. Vehicles have a tougher time stopping on ice and snow.

-Try not to use your cruise control. In inclement weather, it's difficult to regain control of your vehicle if it spins out, hydroplanes or loses traction.

-Keep in mind that bridge roads freeze quicker than ground roads.

-If you're uncomfortable driving in the current weather conditions, pull over and wait for the weather to improve. There's no need to rush and jeopardize your safety.

As we mentioned earlier, car accidents are the number one cause of death for a large portion of residents in the state. Please be super careful on our roadways to avoid a potentially fatal accident. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Continue reading "Car Accidents in Phoenix and Elsewhere Top Cause of Death Among 3- to 34-Year-Olds" »

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced this week that it will be pushing for a nationwide cell phone ban. The board would like for government officials to make it illegal for all drivers in the country to talk on a cell phone while driving, according to the Phoenix NewTimes.

The board is claiming that talking on a phone, texting, e-mailing or surfing the web is far too dangerous and contributes to too many car accidents in Phoenix and elsewhere. The recommendation comes with some exceptions though. Drivers would be allowed to use devices that help aid driver safety, including GPS devices, and to use devices in the event of an emergency.

Some states already ban texting at the wheel, while others have yet to enact a law to regulate this activity. Cell phone regulations for drivers vary throughout the country as well. The NTSB understands that a complete ban on cell phone usage for drivers isn't going to win any popularity contest, but it could be the key to making our roadways safer.

Our Phoenix car accident attorneys understand that only school bus drivers are prohibited from talking on cell phones behind the wheel in our state. But drivers who text message or are distracted by phones has increasingly become a serious safety issue.

The National Safety Council is backing the NTSB's proposal to ban cell phone usage for all drivers in the U.S. The recent proposal comes after a meeting that was used to discuss the 2010 distraction-related traffic accident that happened in Gray Summit, Missouri. In this accident, a trucker's vehicle killed two people and injured nearly 40 more. Cell phone records indicated that the driver blamed for causing the accident was using his cell phone behind the wheel just seconds before the accident happened.

The NTSB is also recommending that states figure out a way to increase the visibility of enforcement officers on their roadways to enforce such a ban. In addition to the increased patrolling efforts, government officials are urged to launch a campaign to communicate the rules of the new ban along with the dangers and risks of using a cell phone at the wheel.

"This (distracted driving) is becoming the new DUI. It's becoming epidemic," said NTSB's Robert Sumwalt.

In an even more extensive effort to halt this dangerous behavior, the NTSB is asking cell phone manufactures to create features that would disable the functionality of a driver’s cell phone as long as the vehicle is moving.

“This recommendation by NTSB is a national call to action to end distracted driving due to cell phone use. This is a growing public safety threat that needs to be addressed by legislators, employers and every person who operates a motor vehicle on our nation’s roadways,” said Janet Froetscher, of the NSC.

According to the NSC, there are nearly 1.5 million traffic accidents that happen every year because of distracted drivers. These accidents account for nearly a quarter of all traffic accidents. Drivers are asked to voluntarily commit to roadway safety and curb all distractions. With responsible driving habits, we can all do our part to contribute to a reduction in roadway fatalities. No phone call or text messaging is worth a life.

Continue reading "NTSB Proposes Full Cell Phone Ban to Help Curb Car Accidents in Phoenix and Elsewhere" »

According to the new statistics released from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of fatalities and injuries from car accidents in Phoenix and elsewhere in 2010 reached a low not seen since 1949. The number of fatalities didn't decline everywhere though. The number of fatalities among large truck occupants, motorcycle riders and pedestrians in fact increased significantly.

"While we have more work to do to continue to protect American motorists, these numbers show we're making historic progress when it comes to improving safety on our nation's roadways," said U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood.

Our Phoenix car accident attorneys understand that our state still experienced more than 760 traffic-related fatalities in 2010. While this is a decrease in the total number when compared to 2009, this number is expected to increase as the economy continues to recover. As Arizona pushes efforts to combat drunk driving, distracted driving and speed-related traffic accidents, motorists are asked to exercise safe driving habits to help to reduce these numbers.

As technology advances, distraction-related car accidents are becoming more and more common on our roadways. The NHTSA recognizes this increasing trend as well. The Administration is now using a new measure to count these accidents. It's called "distraction-affected crashes" and was first used in the 2010 statistics, released this week.

In 2010, there were more than 3,000 traffic fatalities resulting from car accident that involved a distracted driver. While we commonly hear about cell phones and texting being the cause for driver distractions, we still see an alarming high number of distractions caused by eating, drinking, smoking, applying makeup, messing with the radio and talking to other passengers.

Back in 2006, the FARS unveiled a new measure to keep track of alcohol-related accidents. In an attempt to focus on these types of accidents, the NHTSA recently introduced its measure called "alcohol-impaired driving crashes" to better define and keep track of these types of accidents.

Key Findings of the 2010 Motor Vehicle Accidents Overview:

-There were nearly 33,000 people in the U.S. who died because of traffic accidents.

-More than 2 million people were injured in 2010. This is approximately 100,000 more than in 2009.

-Alcohol-related accidents accounted for more than 30 percent of all fatal traffic accidents.

-Motorcycle fatalities increased and accounted for nearly 15 percent of all traffic fatalities.

-Fatalities among large truck occupants increased by nearly 10 percent from 2009.

-The number of rural accidents increased, while the number of urban-area accidents decreased slightly.

-The number of motorcycle fatalities decreased among riders under the age of 50, but increased significantly for riders over the age of 50.

-Twenty states experienced increases in the number of traffic-related fatalities.

As we recently reported, the state of Arizona witnessed more than 106,000 car accidents in 2010. Drivers are urged to be cautious and practice safe driving habits on our roadways to help to further reduce the number of accidents.

Continue reading "NHTSA Released New Reports Regarding 2010 Car Accidents in Arizona, Nation" »

Redflex Traffic Systems already has cameras at 12 intersections in Chandler. The company is introducing a new camera that could potentially prevent even more intersection car accidents in Phoenix and the surrounding area. This new technology supposedly knows when a car is going to run a red light and will stop other drivers from crossing the intersection, according to AZ Central. The camera would stop traffic until the red-light runner has passed through the intersection.

Our Phoenix car accident attorneys understand just how dangerous intersection collisions can be. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car accidents commonly occur at intersections because these are locations where two or more roads intersect and activities such as crossing over, turning left and turning right have the potential for conflicts resulting in crashes. Data from the National Automotive Sampling System-General Estimates System (NASS-GES) and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) conclude that approximately 40 percent of the nearly 6,000,000 traffic accidents in 2008 were intersection-related accidents.

A majority of fatal intersection accidents happen when a vehicle that is turning left collides with another vehicle traveling through an intersection, according to the Chandler Police. When cars run red lights, they're likely to run into a vehicle coming from another direction. But when they slam on the brakes to avoid a red-light ticket, their risk for a rear-end accident also spikes significantly.

This new technology claims that it can hold off other vehicles when a driver is running a light and therefor would reduce the risks of another car being struck in the intersection.

The new technology is serving as backup for the current red-light cameras, which initially claimed to be the solution to intersection accidents. Frank Milstead of the Mesa Police said that the red-light camera technology has improved and now they're able to see the whole intersection and make adjustments to avoid an accident.

Redflex and a number of other companies have installed the technology at intersections across the country in exchange for a portion of the ticket profits. But this move caused controversy for those who say drivers are slamming on their brakes at these intersections to avoid a ticket. Unfortunately, these brake-slammers are causing their fair share of intersection accidents by causing an increase in the number of rear-end collisions.

Sherry Kiyler of the Chandler Police says that she approves of the cameras and supports their purpose. She says that they've not only reduced the number of intersection accidents, but have reduced the severity of them.

While technology at intersections will continue to be a topic of debate among residents and city officials, drivers are reminded that there's nothing more beneficial in preventing an accident than awareness and attention.

Continue reading "Cameras Stopping Traffic to Avoid Intersection Car Accidents in Chandler, Arizona" »

Phoenix accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have signed on to represent a Scottsdale resident who was recently injured in a Scottsdale car crash. The collision occurred earlier this month at the intersection of 92nd and Thunderbird.

There is a four-way stop sign at the intersection. Our client stopped at the stop sign and proceeded through when it was her turn. At that moment, the defendant approached the intersection going approximately 40 to 50 mph and did not notice the stop sign. He failed to slow his vehicle and slammed into the plaintiff's car.

The Scottsdale Police Department responded to the scene of the accident. After investigating, police placed the defendant at fault and issued him a citation for failing to obey the stop sign.

Our client sustained neck and back injuries and a concussion in the crash, with symptoms of dizziness and nausea. Shortly after the accident she was seen at Scottsdale Healthcare on Shea.

At the ER she was examined by physicians and x-rays were taken. Doctors diagnosed her with a concussion and cervical strain (whiplash). She was prescribed several types of pain medication and instructed to follow-up with a physician.

Over the days following the accident, unfortunately her pain did not resolve. She is now treating with an orthopaedic group in Scottsdale.

The plaintiff has hired our office to pursue a negligence claim against the defendant auto insurance carrier, American Family.

According to the United States government, there are nearly 700,000 auto accidents reported to police annually that occur at stop signs. Around one third of these collisions cause injuries.

A study done in 2003 found stop sign violations caused about 70% of the above-mentioned accidents. This compared to about 12% caused by rear end collisions. The study also found that drivers 65 and older as well as drivers under the age of 18 were much more likely to be at fault in stop sign accidents.

The government study was performed by looking at police reports from accidents at stop sign intersections from 4 different cities in the United States during 1996-2000.

Continue reading "Arizona injury lawyer takes on new auto accident case" »

Drivers can take a few easy actions while driving to reduce the risk of injury or death in an Arizona car crash. Sometimes it's just as easy is remembering to wear your seat belt and making sure that your kids do the same.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently reported that some of the old and true methods of safety are still more significant than the advancements of technology in new cars. Our Phoenix personal injury lawyers agree that buckling up is one of the biggest safety factors in the event of a collision. In 2009, more than 12,700 lives were spared when people took the time to put on their seat belts. Tragically, research shows that around 3700 lives of children ages 4 and above could have been saved if seat belts were used. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in the year 2009 more than 32,000 people nationwide lost their lives in motor vehicle collisions.

On a positive note, the rate of people buckling up has increased significantly over the past 10 years. Safety advocates believe this improvement is due to law enforcement actions and a greater number of states passing seat belt laws. In 2010 it is estimated that approximately 85% of drivers are buckling up.

"Primary seat belt laws" that have been passed make it permissive for police to stop a motorist for not wearing his or her seatbelt. Over 30 states now have this type of law in place. Unfortunately, Arizona does not yet have a primary law in place for all motorists.

Arizona is currently still a "secondary enforcement" state. Police can issue a seat belt citation during a traffic stop for another violation, but they cannot pull a driver over solely for a seat belt violation.

Adults can help prevent child fatalities by properly seat belting them during all driving trips. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently changed some of its recommendations regarding child safety belt use. They recommend that children be placed in rear facing car seats until the age of two, or until they've reached the height and weight limitations of the car seat. Once the child has exceeded the limitations, they recommend to switch them to a front facing child seat.

Properly installing a car seat is unfortunately not easy. It is estimated that more than 70% of parents are misusing their child's safety seat. CarSafety.org is a good site to visit for reviews on car seats and they also provide instructions on how to properly install the seat in a vehicle. If unsure if the seat is properly installed, most local fire departments and/or police departments have officers available to take a look at your car seat and see if it was properly installed. After the child has outgrown a front facing safety seat, the next step to put them into a booster seat.

It should still be noted that some of the best safety measures for child passengers rests in the hands of their adult drivers. Motorists should operate their vehicles in a safe manner and concentrate while at the wheel with no distractions. Proper safety restraints and good driving habits can help keep child passengers safe in the event of a collision.

Continue reading "Basic suggestions to reduce the likelihood of injury in a Phoenix auto accident" »

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" »

In in an effort to reduce Arizona car crashes, Phoenix is contemplating installing more red-light cameras at intersections where car accidents have been a problem after a task force studying traffic in the city made the recommendation. According to the Arizona Republic, of the 12 intersections that have the cameras, only the one at 15th and Missouri avenues is ranked in the top five for car accidents.

The photo-enforcement manager for the Phoenix Police Department attributes this to the cameras, which he says saves lives by changing motorists’ driving behavior. Drivers are more hesitant to run red-lights, reducing the potential for accidents.

“In a perfect world, all the intersections would be monitored,” he said. “We’re currently evaluating more sites.”

He says the city looks at speed, the number and seriousness of accidents, and fatalities in determining where to place the cameras. The installations would come at no cost to the city as the company that provides the cameras is paid based on the citations issued.

A recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety claims that red-light cameras in 14 large cities reduced the rate of red-light running accidents resulting in death by 24%, saving 159 lives in 2004-2008. In 2009, red-light running killed approximately 676 people, the majority of whom were not the drivers of the vehicle running the red-light.

The study claims that the cameras deter would-be violators from running through the intersections, and the effect can spill over to intersections where there are no cameras. It also allows police officers to use their time more efficiently, as patrolling intersection for red-light runners can be difficult and even dangerous.

While the study states that there is there is widespread report for the cameras, there are a growing number of opponents to the scheme who claim that the cameras are an invasion of privacy, a threat to due process, and can actually increase accidents.

The ACLU have voiced their concern that the cameras run by private companies can be used to gather data unrelated to traffic violations and made available to non-law enforcement parties. The organization cited a situation where cameras installed on the Texas-Oklahoma border were used to capture the license plate numbers of law-abiding citizens crossing the border so officials could question them as to why they crossed.

The ACLU also contends that individuals’ due process rights are being diluted by the system. A person may not receive notice of their violation for weeks or months after the incident, making it difficult to defend against erroneous citations. Also, the fact that a citizen may be ticketed for someone else violating the law in their car is unfair, and the requirement that they prove they were not driving at the time goes against our country’s presumption of innocent until proven guilty.

A 2005 Washington Post study of red-light cameras in Washington D.C. revealed that accidents had actually gone up at those intersections. The analysis revealed that crashed more than doubled at the intersections and T-bone collisions, which are especially dangerous, increased by 30 percent. The study then cites numerous studies leading to conclusions on both sides of the argument.

Phoenix injury attorneys implore motorists to drive cautiously regardless of the presence of red-light cameras. Running a red-light can result in very serious injuries to yourself and others, as well as subject you to civil liability.

Continue reading "Phoenix looks to install additional red-light cameras to reduce accidents at problem intersections" »

Phoenix accident attorneys know how jarring a car collision can be and understand the confusion that arises in its aftermath as you decide what to do next. A new app for the iPad and iPhone released by AAA attempts to alleviate this confusion by guiding the user through a post-crash process that includes properly documenting the crash itself and requesting roadside assistance if necessary, ABC news is reporting.

According to the AAA press release, the app provides is one-touch calling to police and emergency services if they are needed. It then guides you through a step by step process of gathering the relevant crash information you need to submit an insurance claim and document the incident for any potential litigation that may arise. This process includes taking photos of the crash site and any damages, documenting the parties, vehicles, and witness involved in the crash, and storing the information in an easily accessible file on your phone.

The app can also hold all the details of your insurance policy and the contact information of your insurance provider. This allows you to collect all the crash data and send it to your insurance company directly from your phone.

Our experience as Arizona auto accident lawyers has taught us that while the moments after a car crash can be chaotic, it could be helpful to document the incident if at all possible. A well-documented car accident could make it easier for attorneys to later help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries and alleviate some of the stress of the post-crash process.

The new app is available to download for free on either your mobile phone or desktop through the iTunes store. For more information on the app you can visit www.aaa.com/mobile. This is the fourth free iPhone app offered by AAA, joining the AAA Discounts app, the AAA Roadside app, and the AAA TripTik mobile travel planner.

If you have been injured in an Arizona crash by a motorist who failed to follow rules of the road, contact Abels & Annes for a free consultation. Call 866-99-ABELS to speak to a lawyer now.

This blog was co-authored by Shane Nichols, a second-year law student at the John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

An Arizona car crash that occurred Tuesday in the northern part of Phoenix has caused injuries to seven people, ABC news is reporting. The collision involved three vehicles and occurred around 10 AM near Cave Creek Road and Sweetwater Avenue.

A representative of the Phoenix Fire Department stated it appeared that two vehicles collided, and then a third car struck the first two vehicles. Video taken from an ABC news helicopter showed a white vehicle on the roadway with heavy damage to its front and back end. Rescue personnel could be seen prying open a door on the vehicle.

There were five people in one of the cars, and one person in each of the two other vehicles. The injuries sustained were reportedly non-life-threatening.

AZCentral.com is reporting that five people had to be pulled from the car and taken by ambulance to an area hospital. They further state that the crash was caused when a car rear-ended an SUV, and then a pickup truck rear-ended the car, pinning the car between the two vehicles.

While it is not been reported if an Arizona injury lawyer is involved, typically in a case like this the injured parties in the rear-ended vehicle will have a good negligence claim against the driver of the car that hit them, and his or her insurance carrier. Further, passengers in any vehicle involved should have a good claim as well.

Click here to read the story at CBS news.

A person sustained significant injuries in an Arizona auto accident last Saturday night on Interstate 17, ABC news is reporting. The collision involved multiple vehicles and led to the interstate's southbound lanes being shut down for a period of time.

The incident occurred around 8 PM between Glendale Avenue and Bethany Home Road in Phoenix. All lanes off traffic except for the HOV lane were blocked and vehicles were re-routed off the interstate a short time later.

The person seriously hurt was ejected from one of the vehicles involved. The injured motorist was taken to an area hospital by ambulance for medical attention. It is not known if any others were injured in the crash.

DPS is handling the investigation, and the cause of the accident has not been reported.

A rollover SUV accident in Tucson has claimed the lives of two Phoenix residents, according to KVOA.com. The single car crash occurred on Sunday, May 15 on Interstate 19 around 10 miles south of the city. Arizona Department of Public Safety officials are stating that just after 1 PM the driver of a Ford Explorer lost control, drove onto a median and rolled over.

Two passengers, a 53-year-old man a 62-year-old woman died in the accident. The 25-year-old driver and a 51-year-old passenger were also injured, but it was not reported if they were hospitalized.

All of the occupants in the vehicle were from Phoenix. DPS officials also stated that everyone was wearing their seatbelts and that the investigation is ongoing.

It has not been reported if an Arizona personal injury 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.

Arizona injury lawyer Gary Annes recently received a $35,000 jury verdict in a case pending in Cook County, Illinois. The lawsuit involved a car versus motorscooter collision took place in June, 2008 in Chicago.

The accident occurred when our client was stopped in traffic on westbound Lawrence Avenue. The plaintiff was behind another car waiting to make a left turn.

At that time an automobile driver who was also westbound, traveling in a Buick Century, failed to observe our client in time and rear-ended him, knocking him to the ground. The plaintiff landed on his back, directly striking the pavement.

Immediately after the crash our client had neck, back, head and left foot pain. Over the next 24 hours his pain increased and he had difficulty sleeping.

The next day the plaintiff was seen at a local trauma center. X-rays were negative for fractures.

The client's pain remained constant over the next week and he soon sought treatment with a neurologist. The pain was most significant in his low back. The physician ordered a course of physical therapy and an MRI. The MRI was negative.

A lawsuit was filed by our firm due to the fact that defendants auto insurance company was only offering $5000 to settle. The choice to litigate the case paid off for the client, as the verdict was seven times greater than the insurance carrier's settlement offer.

If you have been injured in a Phoenix area auto accident, contact the Arizona personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free consultation. Call 866-99-ABELS to speak directly to an attorney now.

An Arizona car vs. pedestrian accident in July, 2010 has left one person dead and another facing a potential prison sentence, according to AZCentral.com.

The driver accused of causing the accident is a 29-year-old Phoenix man who allegedly lost control of a Cadillac last summer, crashing it into a crowd of pedestrians crossing the street. One of the five injured was killed in the accident that took place near Bell Road, west of Arizona 51. The at fault motorist reportedly left the scene of the Phoenix accident without checking on any of the accident victims, in violation of Arizona law.

Arizona law mandates that any driver of a vehicle involved in an accident that results in injury to or death of a person must stop the car at the scene of the crash and remain at the scene until cleared by officials to leave. A driver who fails to meet these requirements and also caused the crash is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

Witnesses reported seeing the Cadillac speeding down Bell Road around 36th Street where the driver appeared to lose control. After running down a group of pedestrians crossing the street, the car stopped and several occupants of the vehicle fled in different directions.

The Cadillac passengers later turned themselves in to the police, but the driver failed to do so and was later arrested at his girlfriend’s house. He faces several charges, including leaving the scene of the accident. He could face up to 10 years in prison when his case goes to trial in March.

Cases like this usually involve a civil claim in addition to the pending criminal charges. It has not been reported if the pedestrian victim's family has retained a Phoenix personal injury attorney or if a civil lawsuit has been filed.

A Maricopa County Sheriff's employee was taken into custody on Friday by the Goodyear Police Department for his involvement in a Phoenix area car vs. motorcycle crash that killed a woman, according to the Arizona Republic. We previously reported on our Phoenix injury lawyer blog that the collision occurred on October 16 at around 12:30 AM at Indian School and Citrus Roads in Goodyear. The 27-year-old detention officer was driving his Chevy Cobalt when he rear-ended a woman that was stopped at a stop sign on a 2009 Ducati motorcycle.

The motorcycle rider was thrown from her bike and reportedly died instantly. Her foot was also severed in the collision. The victim was riding with her husband next to her at the time of the accident. He was not injured.

The at fault driver reportedly admitted to police that he had been drinking throughout the day and that he felt "buzzed" when he left a tavern shortly before the accident. Goodyear police officers claim he had bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. A hospital blood test taken around 2 AM show the defendant had a BAC of 0.225%. A subsequent test taken around 4 AM by police showed a 0.14% blood-alcohol level. Both test results are well above the legal limit.

The defendant surrendered to police on Friday at his attorney's office in Phoenix. The defendant reportedly works at the 4th Avenue Jail as a corrections officer.

There is no word as to whether Arizona motorcycle accident attorneys are involved in the case yet. When injury lawyers do get involved, they will pursue a claim against the intoxicated driver, however they will also look into a possible claim against the tavern that may have served the defendant too much alcohol. Click here to read about Arizona dram shop claims.

A Sunrise, Arizona car accident injured two children over the weekend after police say a Camaro ran a red light and struck the Tahoe in which they were riding.

Our Phoenix injury attorneys frequently write about the dangers faced by teenagers on the road. But there is no less risk for younger children: The fact remains that car accidents are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14 nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as teenagers of driving age.

CBS5 reported that a woman driving the Camaro may have ran a red light at Cactus and Bullard on Saturday and hit the Chevy Tahoe in the intersection. The woman driving the Tahoe and her two children were injured. Both a 16-year-old girls and an infant boy were ejected from the vehicle.

They were flown to an area hospital with serious injuries. Their mother was transported by ground ambulance. The driver of the Camaro was not injured, according to police.

The federal government reports that 1,314 children under the age of 14 were killed in traffic accidents last year. More than 179,000 were injured. Those statistics mean an average of 4 children are killed and 490 are injured in traffic accidents each day.

Government figures show child safety seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers in passenger cars. Last year, Arizona car accidents killed 44 children under the age of 14. Seventeen of those victims were under the age of 3.

A recent government report also found that SUV's were more prone to rollover accidents in Arizona and elsewhere, which often leads to the ejection of passengers. Fifty-eight percent of those killed in SUV accidents were involved in rollover accidents, compared to 48 percent for pickups, 35 percent for vans and 25 percent for passenger cars.

Nationwide, about one-third of all traffic fatalities result from rollover accidents.

Dos niños han resultadó gravemente heridos en un choque de carro en el área de Phoenix que ocurrió el sábado por la mañana, según las noticias de Fox. Una camioneta se dio vuelta en el accidente y ninguno de los niños heridós llevaba un cinturón de seguridad.

El choque ocurrió en Cactus Road y Bullard Avenue, en Surprise, Arizona. La policía indica que un Chevrolet Camaro o el conductor de la camioneta se pasó una luz roja. El choque todavía esta bajo investigación.

Dos menores de edad, un niño de 18 meses de edad y una chica de16 años de edad, fueron expulsados de un Chevy Tahoe cuando se dio vuelta. Ambos sostuvieron heridas graves en la cabeza y fueron en helicóptero a un hospital del área en condición crítica.

El conductor del SUV, de 35 años, fue trasladado por ambulancia a un hospital con heridas no-amenazantes de vida. El conductor del Camaro, una mujer de 69 años de edad, no resultó gravemente herida y no fue hospitalizada.

Las drogas o el alcohol no tuvierón que ver con el choque.

Una vez que abogados de accidentes en Arizona se meten en el caso, es más probable que ellos traten el caso como una disputa de obligación. En mi experiencia, la mayoria de los casos de luz roja terminan con ambos conductores señalando con el dedo uno al otro. Ojala, haigá testigos independientes al accidente que observó quien corrio la luz roja. De todos modos, los menores fueron pasajeros que resultaron heridos, ellos no causaron el accidente, y ellos tendrán una demanda civil viable.

Two kids have been seriously injured in a Phoenix area car crash that occurred on Saturday morning, according to Fox news. An SUV rolled over in the accident and neither injured child was wearing a seatbelt.

The collision occurred in the area Cactus Road and Bullard Avenue in Surprise, Arizona. Police are stating that a Chevrolet Camaro or the driver of the SUV ran a red light. The crash is still under investigation.

Two minors, an 18-month-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, were ejected from a Chevy Tahoe when it rolled over. Both sustained serious head injuries and were helicoptered to an area hospital in critical condition.

The SUV driver, age 35, was taken by ambulance to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Camaro, a 69-year-old woman, was not seriously injured and not hospitalized.

Drugs or alcohol reportedly did not play a role in the crash.

Once Arizona personal injury lawyers get involved in the case, they will most likely be dealing with a disputed liability claim. In my experience, most red light cases end up with both drivers pointing the finger at each other. Hopefully, there will be independent witnesses to the accident that observed who ran a red light. Either way, the injured minors were passengers, they did not cause the accident, and they will have a viable civil claim.

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

The safety of small tour buses and 15-passenger vans is again being called into question in the wake of last week's fatal Arizona bus accident.

As we reported on our Phoenix Injury Lawyers Blog, 11 passengers were aboard the bus when it rolled over several times on Pierce Ferry Road. Two passengers were killed and several others were taken by helicopter and ambulance to area hospitals with serious injuries. The bus was taking Chinese tourists from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. It is the third high-profile fatal bus accident in Arizona in the past two years.

FOX News reports three Chinese tourists were killed while riding a small shuttle bus carrying 14 people. A personal injury lawsuit has been filed, claiming the driver had been smoking pot the night before and was sustaining himself with nicotine gum and energy drinks at the time of the crash. Investigators believe fatigue was a major factor and that the driver fell asleep, causing the bus to leave the road and flip over. He faces 10 felony counts, including negligent driving under the influence and logbook and lane-change violations.

Our Phoenix Injury Attorneys note that the government just issued a warning to organizations that rely on 15-passenger vans to transport guests after a pair of fatal crashes in New York and Georgia. As Arizona prepares for winter tourist season, more and more of these vans and shuttle buses will be in use by hotels, nursing homes, resorts, churches and other organizations. Such organizations have an obligation to provide for the safety of passengers and guests.

The government deems the 15-passenger vans so dangerous that it has forbidden schools from purchasing new vans for school transportation purposes. The two recent accidents in New York and Georgia claimed 10 lives.

Tire maintenance is vitally important for van safety -- tire blowouts frequently contribute to rollover accidents. And the Arizona Department of Transportation frequently cites tire safety as an issue of particular importance on Arizona's hot, desolate stretches of highway.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also warns that tires degrade over time -- and putting a van into service after a period of inactivity -- like many businesses and organizations do at the start of tourist season -- can be a particularly dangerous time. Spare tires should not be used to replace worn tires and no tires older than 10 years should be left in service at all.

Safety Tips for 15 passenger vans include:

-Owners need to make sure a transport vehicle is properly maintained.

-Drivers need to be properly trained and licensed.

-15-passenger vans are very sensitive to loading and should not be overloaded. Overloading increases rollover risks and reduces handling.

-Owners need to make sure properly sized tires are being used and are properly inflated and in good repair.

-Drivers should check tires for proper tire inflation before every trip. Tires should also be checked thoroughly for signs of wear.

-Passengers should wear their seat belts.

Continue reading "Season brings increase of Arizona bus accidents - Phoenix accidents involving vans, taxis and shuttle services" »

A woman has been killed in a Mesa car crash that was caused by a motorist going the wrong way on the Loop 202, according to azcentral.com. This is the second wrong way accident on a Phoenix area highway this past week.

A spokesman from the Mesa Police Department is stating that the crash involved a police chase. Two detectives observed a vehicle pass them going well over 100 mph on US 60 around 11 PM on Wednesday. Police were not initially following the suspect and they do not know why he was traveling at such an excessive rate of speed.

The speeding driver was in a Jeep Grand Cherokee headed eastbound. Police officers tried pursue the Jeep, but then slowed down and called in a police helicopter. Police vehicles reportedly stayed a half mile in back of the suspect to try to avoid unnecessary danger to the public.

The driver of the Jeep blew through traffic lights as it sped through parts of Mesa. Officers tried to stop the vehicle at the intersection of Power and Brown Roads by blocking the intersection with police cars, however the driver got around them by driving through landscaping.

The police also tried using stop sticks at Hermosa Vista Drive and Gilbert Road, but the speeder was able to avoid capture again and got onto the Loop 202 heading east in the westbound lanes.

The Jeep then struck a car head-on, killing its 36-year-old female driver. The driver of the Jeep is facing manslaughter charges, and additional charges are expected to be filed.

Phoenix auto accident lawyers at our office reported just a few days ago that a teenage driver on the Loop 101 caused an accident by driving the wrong way. Three people were injured and hospitalized in that accident.

Abogados de accidente de carro de Abels & Annes en Phoenix estan listos para representar a un residente local que resultó herido la semana pasada en un accidente de auto en Scottsdale. El choque ocurrió el 20 de octubre de 2010 en los carriles con rumbo al sur de Scottsdale justo al norte de Quinta Avenida. El demandante y su hija de 10 años de edad fueron detenidos en el tráfico cuando otro conductor en un coche de alquiler choco su vehículo en el trasero.

El Departamento de Policía de Scottsdale respondieron al accidente. Después de una investigación ellos le dieron una multa al demandante.

Después del choque nuestro cliente empezó a sufrir de dolores de cabeza, mareos, dolor de cuello superior y dolor de espalda superior, dolor lumbar y dolor en la cadera izquierda y rodilla izquierda. Debido a sus heridas, el demandante fue a ver su médico de familia poco después del accidente.

Sobre los próximos varios días su dolor llegó a ser más intenso. El ahora esta tratando con un médico ortopédico.

El niño en el carro ha sido visto por su pediatra.

Si usted ha sido herido en un accidente de tránsito en Arizona, contacte a los abogados de accidente en Phoenix de Abels & Annes para una consulta gratis. Llame al 602-819-5191.

An Arizona motorcyclist has died in an accident that occurred in the North Valley on Tuesday, according to ABC news. The Phoenix bike crash took place at Union Hills Drive and 28th St. in the late afternoon, which is a stop light intersection in a residential area.

It is being reported that the accident occurred when a female driver of a car made a left turn into the path of the motorcycle. The woman later told police she did not see the motorcyclist approaching.

When the vehicles collided the gas tank on the motorcycle punctured and burst into flames, burning both the bike and the car. The Arizona Republic is reporting that the motorcyclist was thrown around 30 feet and sustained severe chest injuries.

The motorcycle rider, age 26, was rushed by ambulance to John C. Lincoln Hospital in critical condition and died a short time later. The driver of the car only suffered minor injuries.

The Phoenix Police Department is handling the motorcycle crash investigation. They do not believe the left turning driver was impaired. The intersection had to be closed for several hours.

It has not been reported if a Phoenix personal injury lawyer is involved in the case yet. There will most likely be a civil claim pursued in this matter, as drivers in the state of Arizona have a duty to yield to oncoming traffic when making a left turn.

An Arizona car crash has resulted in three people sustaining serious injuries, according to azfamily.com. The accident involved three vehicles in the West Valley on Sunday night.

The collision occurred when the teenage driver of a Volkswagen headed eastbound on the Loop 101 in the area of 67th Avenue lost control of his vehicle, crossed the center median and drove into oncoming traffic. The Volkswagen collided with a black SUV being driven by a man in his 60s. The Volkswagen's spare tire then flew off and hit a silver Volvo that was moving eastbound.

DPS handled the traffic crash investigation.

The three people injured in the accident were all hospitalized. The exact nature of their injuries has not been reported.

The Phoenix accident shut down the expressway for several hours.

Phoenix car crash lawyers from Abels & Annes are set to represent a local resident that was injured last week in a Scottsdale auto accident. The collision occurred on October 20, 2010 in the southbound lanes of Scottsdale Road just North of Fifth Avenue. The plaintiff and his 10-year-old daughter were stopped in traffic when another driver in a rental car rear-ended their vehicle.

The Scottsdale Police Department responded to the accident. After an investigation they issued the defendant traffic ticket.

After the collision our client started suffering from headaches, dizziness, upper neck and upper back pain, low back pain and pain in his left hip and left knee. Due to his injuries, the plaintiff went to see his family physician shortly after the accident.

Over the next several days his pain became more intense. He is now seeking treatment with an orthopedic physician.

The child the car has been seen by her pediatrician.

If you've been injured in an Arizona traffic accident, contact the Phoenix injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for free consultation. Call 602-819-5191.

Phoenix car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes have signed on to represent a local resident that was injured in a Peoria, Arizona rear-end crash. The collision took place at 9100 W. Peoria Ave. on October 18, 2010 around 7:15 PM.

The plaintiff was stopped in traffic just east of the intersection of 91st Ave. and Peoria Avenue. At that time the driver of a 2004 Mitsubishi rear-ended our client's vehicle with great force.

Shortly after the accident the plaintiff developed severe back pain, headaches, shoulder pain, numbness, and a burning sensation on the back of his head. He was seen at the Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center emergency room. There he was examined by physicians and x-rays were taken of his neck and back.

Over the next couple days his pain only got worse. He is currently planning on following up with an orthopedic physician in the Phoenix area.

The crash investigation was handled by the Peoria Police Department.

If you've been injured in an Arizona auto accident, contact a Phoenix personal injury lawyer at Abels & Annes for a free case evaluation. Call 602-819-9151 speak directly to a lawyer.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is participating in Operation Safe Driver this week (Oct. 17 to 23) by focusing on aggressive driving by both commercial drivers and the drivers of passenger vehicles.

Many Phoenix car accidents and trucking accidents in Arizona are caused by some form of aggressive driving, including speeding.

As we reported recently on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, 806 motorists were killed and more than 50,000 injured in Arizona traffic accidents last year. Arizona trucking accidents killed 99 motorists in 2008.

Aggressive driving is a significant threat to motorists on the road. While many drivers associate aggressive driving with road rage, they are not the same thing. Road rage is a criminal offense, aggressive driving is a much broader category of driving behaviors that includes speeding, failure to pay attention while driving, tailgating, making frequent lane changes, running read lights, inappropriate passing, cutting drivers off in traffic and not using your turn signals.

Those who are prone to driving aggressively should slow down, plan ahead and allow extra time to reach their destination, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

When confronted by an aggressive driver, a motorist should move out of the way, avoid eye contact and should not respond to gestures. Dangerous drivers should also be reported to police.

Arizona safety officials hope to combat the dangers of aggressive driving and other poor driving decisions on a number of fronts. The Department of Public Safety's objectives this week include:

-Increased traffic and safety belt enforcement.

-More roadside inspections of commercial vehicles.

-Increase education among drivers, especially teen drivers, of the dangers of driving around large trucks and buses.

-Promote awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.

-Implement education and awareness programs for commercial drivers.

Continue reading "Safety authorities to combat aggressive driving in effort to reduce Phoenix car accidents, Arizona trucking accidents" »

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.

A total of 29,282 Phoenix car accidents claimed 142 lives and injured 9,714 in 2009, according to statistics being released by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Maricopa County car accidents accounted for $1.4 billion in losses, or more than half of the $2.7 billion traffic accidents cost Arizona statewide in 2009. More than half of all Arizona drunk driving accidents also occurred in Maricopa County, accounting for 3,601 of the state's 5,854 traffic crashes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently reported the fewest traffic accidents since 1950. A total of 33,808 motorists were killed on the nation's roads in 2009, compared to the 37,423 deaths reported in 2008.
Arizona car accidents by county:

Maricopa: 68,653 accidents/280 fatalities/21,410 injuries
Pima: 15,669 accidents/83 fatalities/5,292 injuries
Coconino: 3,768 accidents/39 fatalities/903 injuries
Pinal: 3,541 accidents/62 fatalities/1,079 injuries
Yavapai: 3,313 accidents/42 fatalities/1,003 injuries
Yuma: 2,825 accidents/24 fatalities/968 injuries
Mohave: 2,940 accidents/34 fatalities/974 injuries
Cochise: 1,876 accidents/30 fatalities/486 injuries
Navajo: 1,241 accidents/38 fatalities/360 injuries
Gila: 984 accidents/17fatalities/303 injuries
Apache: 591 accidents/29 fatalities/203 injuries
Santa Cruz: 591 accidents/6 fatalities/149 injuries
La Paz: 421 accidents/15 fatalities/131 injuries
Graham: 287 accidents/8 fatalities/ 94 injuries
Greenlee: 67 accidents/2 fatalities/25 injuries

Arizona pickup truck accidents accounted for nearly 20 percent of all Arizona accidents.

Crashes by vehicle type
Cars: 98,888
Pickup Trucks: 38,674
Station Wagons: 35,990
Tractor-Trailer Accidents: 2,457
Concrete Mixers: 31
Dump Truck Accidents: 164
Garbage Truck Accidents: 121
Tanker Truck Accidents: 42
Tow Truck Accidents: 143
School Bus Accidents: 238
Commercial Bus Accidents: 1,086
Motorcycle Accidents: 3,029
ATV Accidents: 169
Moped Accidents: 21
RV Accidents: 153

Top 5 Most Common Causes of Accidents (non-alcohol):
Speed too fast for conditions: 33,845
Failure to Yield Right of Way: 18,531
Inattention/Distraction: 11,117
Following too Closely: 5,502
Unsafe Lane Change: 5,557

Continue reading "More than half of all Arizona drunk driving accidents involve car accidents in Phoenix" »

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 auto accident occurred on Sunday in the area of 75th Ave. and Mountain View Rd. in Phoenix where a driver crashed into a garage at a home, according to azfamily.com. The incident occurred when a man who was backing out of this own driveway lost control of his vehicle, drove across the street and struck an attached garage where his neighbor was working.

No injuries have been reported.

Making the situation even more odd, it is being said that the driver of the truck works for a garage door company. Accident cleanup is supposed to be underway at the home.

While luckily it sounds like no one was injured in this accident, that is not always the case, and car crashes where motorists hit buildings is not all that uncommon. Phoenix personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes have handled a couple of these cases.

In one case, our law firm represented a woman who was at home when her elderly neighbor lost control of her vehicle, drove into her house and hit her while she was lying in bed in a first-floor bedroom. The injuries in the case were non-life-threatening and the claim settled without having to file a lawsuit.

In another injury case we worked on, accident lawyers from our office represented a man who was eating lunch at a busy hot dog stand in downtown Chicago when an elderly motorist lost control of his car and drove right into the restaurant, striking several patrons.

The plaintiff was taken by ambulance to an emergency room with complaints of neck and back pain, and headaches. He ended up having to go through medical treatment for several months with an osteopathic physician. A lawsuit was filed in the case which settled prior to going to trial.

And speaking of Chicago accidents, there is a popular restaurant downtown called Petterino's that is across from the Daley Center Courthouse. The restaurant has been on the wrong end of taxicab accidents on several occasions. Each time (and I can remember at least three events) a taxi is involved in some type of accident, or just loses control, and hits the eatery. Fortunately, there's been no fatalities or severe injuries in any of the crashes.

The number of traffic fatalities on Arizona roads reached a 16-year-low in 2009, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

As our Phoenix car accident attorneys recently reported on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, the federal government recently reported the fewest traffic fatalities in 60 years. Safety experts pin the decline on a number of factors, including the economic downturn.

Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that traffic deaths dropped to 33,808 in 2009, the lowest level since 1950.

Arizona recorded 807 fatal traffic accidents in 2009, the lowest number since 1993. By comparison, 938 people were killed in Arizona traffic accidents in 2008. The numbers represent a two-year decline of 14 percent in the number of fatal car accidents in Arizona.

ADOT gave some credit for the reduction to what it calls the "Four Es," engineering, enforcement, emergency response and education.

"There are a variety of modern improvements that we have already made to our state highway system and continue to implement," said ADOT Director John Halikowski. "This includes enhancements to the roadway and the addition of technology along our freeways. All of these innovations work together with law enforcement officers and others in the safety sector to create a safer driving experience."

The state program to cut rumble strips into the shoulders of the state's entire highway system was also cited for the reduction. The warning grooves at the edge of highways have been shown to reduce accidents by up to 33 percent as they warn drivers who are drifting onto the shoulder of the road.

Other improvements include:

-Reflective pavement markers

-Larger traffic signals

-Crash cushions on guardrail endcaps

-Wider highway stripes -- ADOT uses 6-inch stripes compared to the 4-inch stripes that are the national average

-Cable barriers on urban divided highways that keep cars from crossing over into oncoming traffic

-Brighter freeway signs

Continue reading "Arizona car accidents at lowest level in 16 years" »

CBS news in Phoenix is reporting that a multi-vehicle Arizona car accident at a red light intersection on Sunday morning has hurt five people involved. The collision occurred on Buckeye road near Interstate 17.

A man driving a white pickup truck in a northerly direction on a frontage road for I-17 reportedly disobeyed a red light at Buckeye road and struck a gold pickup truck in the intersection. The impact caused the gold pickup to flip over and then collide with a third pickup truck and a minivan.

After a police investigation, the driver that ran a red light was ticketed for disobeying the signal. Drugs or alcohol reportedly did not play a factor in the accident.

Due to the collision, a total of five people were taken by ambulance to local hospitals. One person injured was a young girl. The most seriously injured was an elderly woman that was a passenger in a white pickup truck, but none of the injuries are supposed to be life-threatening.

It was not reported if there is a Phoenix car accident lawyer involved in the case yet. Sometimes red light cases can be difficult for attorneys to prosecute, especially if there are only two vehicles involved and no independent witnesses. These types of accidents often turn into "he said she said" disputes as to who ran a red light. In this case, the Arizona injury attorney that gets involved shouldn't have that problem due to the fact that there were multiple parties involved.

Another issue that can arise when multiple parties are injured in accident is whether the at fault driver has enough insurance to cover the loss. Currently, the minimum requirements for Arizona auto insurance is only $15,000 per person/$30,000 per occurrence. If the defendant does not have enough insurance, the Phoenix accident lawyer involved will explore the possibility of setting up an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim.

CBS news in Phoenix is reporting that alcohol may have played a role in a Arizona car accident that occurred early Monday morning. A mother and three children were injured in the crash.

Police are stating that the woman was headed northbound on 19th Ave. somewhere between lower Buckeye and Broadway when her car crossed the median and hit a brick wall around 3 AM. All three kids were in the backseat of the car, according to azfamily.com.

The 28-year-old woman and her kids, ages 9,8 and 5 were taken by ambulance to area hospitals in serious to critical condition. A portion of 19th Ave. had to be closed for a period of time after the accident, according to the Arizona Republic.

The Phoenix Police Department is handling the crash investigation. It is not been reported what evidence the police have obtained to indicate alcohol was a factor.

A three vehicle Arizona auto accident seriously injured a 17-year-old teen on Thursday, according to ABC 15. The crash involved three vehicles and occurred in the area of Val Vista Drive and Germann Road in Gilbert, AZ.

The teenager, who is from Gilbert, was taken to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Trauma Center after sustaining a head injury and a loss of consciousness. He was transported to the hospital by helicopter in serious condition. Four other people involved were treated at the scene and not hospitalized.

The Arizona car crash reportedly occurred when a Ford F-150 that was southbound tried to make a left turn when act the same time a Nissan that was headed northbound ran a red light. The Ford was then knocked into a minivan that was stopped at the intersection for red light. The injured teen was riding as a passenger in the Nissan.

The Arizona Republic reported that a hazmat team had to respond to the scene of the accident because the pickup truck rolled over and spilled pool cleaning chemicals onto the road. The intersection had to be closed for a period of time for cleanup.

As far as a civil claim is concerned, the Gilbert teen definitely has a case, however there could be some difficulty in resolving the claim. This is a "he said she said" type of red light accident, and often both sides will end up pointing the finger at each other. The Phoenix area car accident attorney that gets involved in the case will most likely pursue claims against both the driver of the Nissan and the driver of the Ford, and attempt to reached settlements with both sides' insurance carriers.

Six people a minute are injured in car accidents on the nation's roads and a motorist dies every 8 minutes, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Our Phoenix Injury Lawyers agree with the report's findings that concentration in four main areas would help reduce the risk of serious and fatal Arizona car accidents and accidents throughout the nation: Improve child passenger safety, improve teen driving, reduce drunk driving and increase seat belt use.

Each year the nearly 40,000 motorists die and 270,000 are hospitalized at a cost of $99 billion.

Child Safety

More than 1,300 hundred children are killed in accidents each year, making motor vehicle crashes the leading cause of death. Lawmakers should strengthen child safety laws, increase educational programs and provide financial assistance to those in need.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Someone dies in a drunk driving accident every 45 minutes -- or about 12,000 times a year. The increased use of ignition interlock devices for convicted drunk drivers could substantially reduce repeat offenses. The minimum drinking age saves more than 700 lives per year and should be maintained. Sobriety checkpoints are another valuable tool to combat drunk driving and programs should be continued or expanded throughout the country.

Teen Driver Safety

Car accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers ages 15 to 20, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2008, more than 5,800 young people were killed in car accidents. States without strong graduated driver's license programs should make improvements; those with the strongest GDL programs have experienced a 40 percent average reduction in fatal and nonfatal accidents involving new drivers.

-Additionally, teens should be limited to one teen passenger unless an adult is along to supervise and should be restricted from driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Increase Seat Belt Use

Primary seat belt laws, which allow law enforcement to pull drivers over and ticket them for not wearing a safety belt, are more effective than secondary enforcement laws, which only permit ticketing if a driver has been pulled over for a separate offense. Seat belt use saves an average of 13,000 lives a year and increasing compliance to 90 percent nationwide would save more than $5 billion a year.

States that have upgraded to primary enforcement laws have seen a 14 percent increase in seat belt use and a 7 percent decrease in traffic deaths.

Continue reading "Targeted safety efforts could reduce serious and fatal Phoenix car accidents, traffic accidents nationwide" »

The Arizona Republic is reporting that a car crash in Phoenix has led to the death of the teenager who was riding as a front seat passenger. The accident happened when a teenager driving on a permit hit a tree at 4100 W. Bethany Home Rd. around 4 AM on Sunday. The driver's injuries were reportedly minor.

The vehicle was moving eastbound when it crossed the center line and then crashed. Police do not yet know what caused the vehicle to lose control, however there was no indication of alcohol impairment.

It is also being reported that the front seat passenger was not wearing a seatbelt, but the driver was belted. There was another passenger in the backseat of the car that was also not wearing a seatbelt. That passenger, age 17, sustained critical injuries, according to Fox news.

The passenger that died in the accident was 18 years old and was a student at Phoenix Union High School District.

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

According to ADOT, in the year 2008 alone a total of 258 passengers were killed, and 16,055 passengers were injured in Arizona motor vehicle accidents.

A new report by the Highway Loss Data Institute questions the effectiveness of banning motorists form text messaging while driving. In fact, the study found that the accident rate actually increased in three of four states examined where such bans exist.

As we previously reported on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, Arizona is under increasing pressure to enact a distracted driving law but remains one of 20 states where texting and driving is legal. Advocates of the ban contend it would reduce the number of car accidents in Phoenix and throughout Arizona that result each year form distracted driving.

The HLDI study looked at four states with the bans and four states without. It found three of the states that have bans in place actually witnessed an increased in the accident rate.

"Texting bans haven't reduced crashes at all ... texting bans might even increase the risk of texting for drivers who continue to do so despite the laws," says Adrian Lund, president of both HLDI and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

As the Washington Post reports, speeding laws have been in place for nearly 150 years, but speeders still speed.

This study suggests texters may still text.

"Clearly drivers did respond to the bans somehow, and what they might have been doing was moving their phones down and out of sight when they texted, in recognition that what they were doing was illegal," Lund said. "This could exacerbate the risk of texting by taking drivers' eyes further from the road and for a longer time."

Meanwhile, the popularity of texting continues to skyrocket, growing by 60 percent last year to 1.6 trillion text messages, compared to the 1 trillion messages sent in 2008.

In my opinion, the argument set forth by HLDI and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does not add up. The studies argue that accident rates went up in three states where a texting ban is in place. There could be 100 reasons for an increase in accidents in those states. For example there could be more drivers on the road or bad weather that year.

Sometimes accident rates go up and down, but that does not mean dangerous behavior should be made legal. Texting while driving is hazardous and can cause accidents, the same way speeding is dangerous.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to push texting bans as a primary tool in the fight against distracted driving. The federal government blames distracted driving for nearly 5,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries each year in the United States.

Continue reading "Argument made that texting ban might not reduce car accidents in Phoenix or traffic crashes elsewhere in Arizona - but a new law is still needed" »

A deadly Arizona auto accident has left two people dead and injured two others by a driver headed the wrong way on Interstate 10, according to the Arizona Republic. The accident happened early Saturday morning when the driver of a black Chevy Avalanche crashed head-on into a white Nissan Ultima around 4:45 AM. The collision occurred in an eastbound HOV lane between 24th and 32nd streets.

Azfamily.com is reporting that the department of public safety started receiving phone calls immediately prior to the accident regarding the wrong way driver. The callers stated the driver was traveling at a high rate of speed.

A DPS spokesman is stating they believe the driver of the Chevy was intoxicated at the time of the accident, but no specific facts as to evidence of impairment was disclosed. The at fault driver was seriously injured and taken to a local hospital.

The 22-year-old driver of the Nissan died at the scene of the accident. Her passenger, age 24, passed away while in an ambulance on the way to Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center.

The accident closed parts of Interstate 10 and Interstate 17 for period of time.

It has not been reported yet if there are Phoenix injury lawyers involved in the case. In an accident like this, the families of the victims will have insurance policy limits claims against the at fault driver. Further, if there is evidence of intoxication, I would expect that significant criminal charges will be filed against the wrong way driver.

In other accident news, ABC 15 is reporting that a Phoenix pedestrian accident has left a 17-year-old in critical condition. The accident happened on Monday night around 8 PM near Camelback Road and 28th St. The pedestrian, who is a Camelback high school student, was crossing a street to catch a bus when he was hit.

Police are saying that speed and impairment most likely did not play a role in the accident.

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.

El jefe del transporte de La nación abrió el segundo anual Manejar Distraído Cumbre tomando teléfono celular y a fabricantes de carro a la tarea para empujar tecnologías que distraern el público sin un énfasis adecuado en la seguridad, el Poste de Washington informó.

Nuestros abogados del accidente de Phoenix informan con frecuencia los peligros de manejar distraído y el papel que distracción de conductor juega en muchos accidentes de tráfico de Arizona.

El Secretario del transporte Ray LaHood dijo la cantidad creciente de la tecnología de carro, incluyiendo acceso al Internet, debe centrarse en la seguridad. "Juntos, pongamos la seguridad antes de entretenimiento," dijo el.

Y llamaún para la posibilidad de poner etiquetas de advertencia en teléfonos celulares, en la misma forma que el alcohol y el consume de tabaco usan etiquetas de advertencia para informar a consumidores de los peligros.

Los comentarios vienen como parte de un empujón mayor por el gobierno federal para combatir los peligros de manejar distraído, y especialmente el uso de teléfonos celulares y texto mientras atrás de la rueda. Los nuevos datos revelan que 5,500 automovilistas fueron matados y alrededor a de 500,000 resultaron heridos el año pasado en accidentes causados por manejar distraído. Sólo la conducción exceso de velocidad y manejar borracho son culpados para más muertes del tránsito cada año.

El número de accidentes causados por manejar distraído ha aumentado realmente del 10 por ciento al 16 por ciento desde que 2005 -- una subida que partidarios de seguridad culpan por lo menos en parte en la popularidad creciente de dispositivos de móvil y tecnologías de carro. Una inspección el año pasado por Seguro de State Farm encontró que el 62 por ciento de conductores confiesan hablar en su teléfono, 1 en 4 confiesan leer los mensajes de texto al manejar y acerca del 16 por ciento confiesa enviarlos. Mientras tanto, el 37 por ciento dijo que apoyarían una prohibición en el uso de teléfono celular al manejar y el 77 por ciento dijo que apoyarían una prohibición de mensajería de texto.

The nation's transportation chief opened up the second annual Distracted Driving Summit by taking cell phone and car makers to task for pushing distracting technologies off on the motoring public without an adequate emphasis on safety, the Washington Post reported.

Our Phoenix accident lawyers frequently report the dangers of distracted driving and the role that driver distraction plays in many Arizona car accidents.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the increasing amount of in-car technology, including access to the Internet, must include a focus on safety. "Together, let's put safety before entertainment," he said.

And he even called for the possibility of putting warning labels on cell phones, in much the same way as alcohol and tobacco use warning labels to inform consumers of the dangers.

The comments come as part of a major push by the federal government to combat the dangers of distracted driving, and particularly the use of cell phones and text messaging while behind the wheel. New data shows that 5,500 motorists were killed and about 500,000 were injured last year in accidents caused by distracted driving. Only speeding and drunk driving are blamed for more traffic deaths each year.

The number of accidents caused by distracted driving has actually increased from 10 percent to 16 percent since 2005 -- a rise that safety advocates blame at least in part on the increasing popularity of mobile devices and in-car technologies. A survey last year by State Farm Insurance found that 62 percent of drivers admit to talking on their phone, 1 in 4 admit to reading text messages while driving and about 16 percent admit to sending them. Meanwhile, 37 percent said they would support a ban on cell phone use while driving and 77 percent said they would support a text messaging ban.

Continue reading "Focus on distracting technologies could lead to fewer Phoenix, Arizona car accidents" »

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.

A golf cart accident in Prescott Arizona has seriously injured a two-year-old child, according to the Daily Courier. Two other relatives were hurt in the incident as well.

The Arizona golf cart crash occurred when the child's 62-year-old grandfather who was driving the cart loss control in the 1400 block of Lucky Draw Lane. His wife and three grandchildren were on board with them.

The Prescott Valley Police Department is reporting that after he lost control the golf car flipped over. The boy was airlifted to a Phoenix hospital after the accident. While the injuries are serious, they are not believed to be life-threatening.

The driver's wife, age 61, and the two other grandchildren, both age 4, were taken to Yavapai Regional Medical Center West Campus. Their injuries were also non-life-threatening.

There was reportedly some indication that the scene that there may have been a mechanical failure on the golf part.

The police department is continuing their investigation, and it is believed that drugs and/or alcohol did not play a role in the accident.

Click here to read about the accident at azcentral.com.

An Arizona car crash that occurred on Sunday afternoon has injured five people and has resulted in the death of one person. Azfamily.com is reporting it was a chain reaction accident that took place on Highland Avenue in the area of the exit ramp of route 51 around 1:30 PM. The cause of the accident is still being investigated, however speed is reportedly a factor in the collision.

The Phoenix car accident may have started when an SUV flipped onto its roof. The female driving the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. There was also a three-year-old boy that was riding as a passenger. He was found in the backseat in critical condition by rescue workers. Paramedics had to cut him out of his car seat, and he was then rushed to Phoenix Children's Hospital. The boy is believed to be the son of the SUV driver.

Another person involved in the accident had to be cut out of a gray Mercedes. Phoenix firefighters literally had to cut off the roof of the vehicle in the rescue. He was also in critical condition and was rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

Three others were injured in the collision. They were treated and released at the scene, and did not have to be hospitalized.

The intersection was close for a period of time after the accident. The Phoenix Police Department is handling the crash investigation.

Click here to read the story as reported by KTAR.com and ABC news.

A Mesa car accident on Saturday morning has hurt two children, according to the Arizona Republic. A total of 7 people and one police officer were involved.

The accident occurred when a truck hit an SUV that was occupied by two adults and two children at McKellips Road and Country Club Drive around 10 a.m. An 11 year old girl suffered a loss of consciousness and was taken by ambulance to Maricopa Medical Center. The exact cause of the crash was not reported. The truck driver and 2 adults in the SUV were reportedly not injured.

After the accident, Mesa police were called to the scene. An officer responding to the call was rear-ended by another vehicle. There were no injuries reported in that second collision.

Click here to read the story as reported by ABC News.

In my experience as a Phoenix car accident lawyer, sometimes people involved in motor vehicle collisions that are initially reported not injured end up in pain a short time later and seek medical treatment. I have found this most common with back and neck injuries. In an accident like this one, where the impact was significant enough for someone to get knocked out, there is a good possibility that the adults involved were feeling pain the next day.

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.

CBS 5 reports that Arizona is one of 21 states that do not meet federal guidelines for booster seat safety, which can increase the risk of serious or fatal injury as the result of a Phoenix car accident.

Some 15 years ago, the National Transportation Safety Board called for child restraint laws that protected all children up to eight years old. Current Arizona law only covers children up to the age of 4.

"While we heartily applaud the eight states that enacted or upgraded child restraint laws in the past year," said Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. "21 states and two territories still lack robust booster seat laws. This means that millions of children remain at risk of injury or fatality every day on our highways."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has declared Sept. 19 to Sept. 25 to be Child Passenger Safety Week, culminating in National Seat Check Saturday on Sept. 25. Our Phoenix injury lawyers encourage parents to make it a point to have their child safety seats inspected; even when you think you are in compliance, issues like the purchase of a new vehicle can change the effectiveness of a child safety seat.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently rated 72 car seats based on how well they fit 4- to 8-year-olds and how well they fit various automobiles. Twenty-one seats rated "Best Bets" while eight seats were not recommended.

"Unlike the top performers, consumers can't assume boosters in the in-between group will work in every family vehicle," said the Institute's Anne McCartt. "Some may be fine, but parents still need to try them out to see if the lap and shoulder belts fit their kids correctly."

Another danger in Arizona is leaving a child in a hot car. So far this year, 43 children have died as a result of being left inside a hot car, up sharply from the 33 deaths reported during all of 2009, according to San Francisco State University. Two of those deaths have been reported in Arizona, while Florida and Texas have led the nation.

Other dangers posed to children in an around vehicles include backover accidents, power window accidents, vehicle rollaways, seat belt entanglement and trunk entrapment.

Continue reading "Child safety seats one issue that can endanger children involved in Phoenix car accidents" »

A woman from Chandler has been found guilty in federal court of leaving the scene of an Arizona pedestrian accident that caused a death on an Indian reservation, according to the Arizona Republic. The 64-year-old woman now faces sentencing in November 2010.

The accident happened back on March 21, 2007 early in the morning on the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Reservation, which is located east of Phoenix, Arizona. Evidence showed the defendant hit and killed a 34-year-old Native American pedestrian as she attempted to cross the street. The at fault driver did not stop at the scene of the accident as required by law.

A conviction in federal court for leaving the scene of a fatal accident carries a possible sentence of up to nearly 9 years and a possible $250,000 fine.

It was not reported if a civil lawsuit was ever filed or if an Arizona pedestrian accident attorney is involved in the case.

Phoenix hit-and-run car accidents seem to be more and more common. Many speculate that this is due to the fact that, because of the poor economy, many drivers are on the road without auto insurance. This in turn can lead to drivers fleeing the scene of Arizona accidents. In my experience as a Phoenix car accident lawyer, I have found that most hit-and-run drivers are uninsured.

A Phoenix personal injury lawyer at Abels & Annes has settled an automobile vs. pedestrian accident lawsuit for $162,000. The accident took place in Chicago, Illinois back on January 24, 2008 on the North Side near Wrigley Field.

The plaintiff was crossing a street in a crosswalk with a green light when a driver ran a red light and struck him. After the accident, the at fault driver tried to claim that she had a green light. However, there was an independent witness at the scene of the accident that saw the collision and agreed with our client's version of events. The accident was investigated by the Chicago Police Department.

After the accident, our client was taken by ambulance to an emergency room. At the ER, he had multiple complaints which included right wrist pain, shoulder pain,and he had a large cut on his forehead. The laceration was close with nine stitches and x-rays showed he had a right fractured wrist. He was discharged from the emergency room with instructions to follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon.

Our client followed up with a surgeon a few days after the accident. Due to his complaints, the doctor ordered an MRI of his left shoulder. The scan revealed a rotator cuff tear.

The physician recommended surgery to repair the shoulder. Surgery was performed weeks later Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago.

The lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County alleged the driver failed to stop for red light, was driving too fast for conditions on the road, and failed to stop for pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. The defendant had auto insurance with State Farm and the case settled shortly before the scheduled trial date.

If you have been hurt in a Phoenix pedestrian accident, call the Arizona accident attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free, no obligation consultation. Call 602-819-5191 speak to an injury lawyer now.

More than one-fourth of all Arizona car accidents were caused by drunk drivers last year, according to new traffic statistics being released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Overall, nationwide traffic fatalities were at their lowest level in 60 years in 2009 -- a total of 33.808 people died in traffic accidents, down 9.7 percent from 2008 when 37,423 people died on the nation's roads. Our Phoenix car accident lawyers will be examining the data as the government releases it in the coming weeks.

Arizona drunk driving accidents claimed 219 lives last year, or 27 percent of the 807 traffic fatalities reported in 2009. That's down from the 262 fatal drunk driving accidents that were among the state's 938 traffic fatalities in 2008.

The 807 deaths ranks Arizona 15th deadliest behind Alabama (848), California (3,081), Florida (2,558), Georgia (1,284), Illinois (911), Louisiana (821), Michigan (871), Missouri (878), New York (1,156), North Carolina (1,314), Ohio (1,021), Pennsylvania (1,256), South Carolina (894) and Texas (3,071).

“Today’s numbers reflect the tangible benefits of record seat belt use and strong anti-drunk driving enforcement campaigns,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “But we are still losing more than 30,000 lives a year on our highways, and about a third of these involve drunk driving. We will continue to work with our state partners to strictly enforce both seat belt use and anti-drunk driving laws across this nation, every day and every night.”

The federal government reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for U.S. residents ages 3 to 34.

The number of people injured also declined for the 10th straight year. An estimated 2.217 million motorists were injured in accidents in 2008, compared to 2.346 million who were injured in 2008.

Large truck occupants and motorcyclists reported the greatest percentage decline in serious and fatal accidents.

Total Traffic Fatalities: 33,808 (down 9.7 percent)
Large Trucks: 503 (down 26 percent)
Motorcycles: 4,462 (down 16 percent)
Bicyclists: 150 (down 12 percent)
Passenger Vehicles: 23,382 (down 8.2 percent)
Pedestrians: 4,092 (down 7.3 percent)

Thirty-three states reported a decline in the overall number of fatal drunk driving accidents, while 41 states reported fewer traffic fatalities. Florida reported the largest decline in fatalities (422) followed by Texas (405).

Continue reading "Fewer Phoenix, Arizona car accidents follow largest nationwide decline in 60 years" »

A study by Allstate Insurance found less danger of a Phoenix car accident or a serious or fatal traffic accident elsewhere in Arizona last year.

Our Phoenix injury attorneys have reported the impact the economic downturn has had on the number of car accidents across the nation, but particularly in states where winter residents and tourism play an important role, including Florida and Arizona.

Washington, D.C. was the worst city in the nation -- the average motorist reported an accident every 5.1 years. The best city was Fort Collins, Colo. There, a driver went about 14.5 years between accidents. The wort large cities included Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Philadelphia.

Arizona Cities ranked from best to worst:

-Chandler ranked 16th, compared to 43rd last year. A driver goes an average of 11.4 years between accidents.

-Tucson ranked 20th. Last year it was 26th. A driver goes an average of 11.3 years between accidents.

-Mesa ranked 23rd, compared to 49th last year. An average of 11.2 years between crashes.

-Gilbert ranked 25th compared to 51st last year. 11.2 years between accidents.

-Scottsdale ranked 34th compared to last year's ranking of 56th. 10.9 years between accidents.

-Tempe was 47th compared to 86th last year. 10.4 years between accidents.

-Glendale was 50th compared to 71st last year. 10.3 years between accidents.

-Phoenix was 74th compared to 95th last year. 9.8 years between accidents.

-Peoria was 91st, down slightly from 88th last year. 9.6 years between crashes.

"For the sixth year, Allstate is releasing the Allstate America's Best Driver's Report to facilitate an ongoing dialogue on safe driving," said Mike Roche, senior vice president, Allstate's Claim Organization. "Human error is the biggest cause of accidents. It is vital for us to educate drivers across the country on the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel."

Continue reading "Economy could be partly responsible for fewer Arizona car accidents " »

Police are looking for help finding a driver involved in a Phoenix, Arizona pedestrian accident that took place back on June 29, 2010, Fox News reported. The Phoenix Police Department has released surveillance tape that shows the at fault driver entering a convenience store near the accident location.

The woman reportedly told workers in the store that she had been involved in an accident, but she then left and did not wait for police to arrive. She was reportedly driving a white Ford minivan, was around 35 to 40 years old, 5'3", 170 to 190 lbs., and is either native American or Hispanic.

The 30-year-old pedestrian accident victim is still hospitalized and recovering from injuries. The victim was struck by the hit-and-run driver while he was walking across 29th Ave. at Glendale. He was in intensive care at the hospital for weeks and it is being reported that rescue workers initially didn't think he would survive.

Phoenix police are releasing the surveillance tape with the hope that someone will recognize the hit-and-run driver and call police. If she is caught, police plan on charging her with felony offenses. If you have any information regarding this accident, please immediately contact the Phoenix Police Department at (602) 262-7626.

As far as a civil claim is concerned, it is not been reported if the victim has a Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer working on his behalf. In a case like this, an Arizona injury lawyer will look to file a hit-and-run, uninsured motorist claim against the pedestrian's own auto insurance policy. If the driver is eventually caught, the lawyer will investigate as to whether her vehicle was insured.

Click here to read more about Phoenix hit-and-run accidents and Arizona uninsured motorist claims.

Click here to read the story as reported by azfamily.com and the Arizona Republic.

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" »

A Grand Canyon car accident killed one man and seriously injured two others when their truck smashed into a tree on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, the Tucson Citizen reported.

The fatality victim was taken to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office. The two survivors were transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.

Responding officers arrived at the accident scene near the intersection of Shuttle and Center roads, to find the pickup truck had smashed into a tree. The road was closed for more than three hours while the accident was investigated and the scene was cleared. The investigation is being handled by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the National Park Service and the Coconino County Sheriff's Office.

Grand Canyon accidents occur under many different circumstances. White water rafting expeditions down the Colorado River have proven among the deadliest activities, according to a 2001 book "Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon." At least 79 people have drown in the river. Sightseeing crashes are also a danger. Whether by airplane or helicopter, more than 240 people have been killed. More than 50 have died from falls and 65 from environmental factors, including heat stroke and heart attack.

Tourist companies have an obligation to provide safe passage to customers. When they don't and someone is injured or killed through negligence, a Phoenix injury lawyer should be consulted to ensure the victim has the experienced legal representation necessary to protect his or her rights.

Of course not all victims die as the result of a company's negligence. Each year, hikers who overestimate their fitness level wander off and become disoriented and dehydrated. Sometimes they are rescued, and sometimes they are not. Signs featuring buff hikers have been installed that read "Each year we rescue hundreds of people from the Canyon. Most of them look like him."

Several dozen others have been killed in freak accidents, including lightning strikes and rock falls. At least 48 people have committed suicide in the canyon over the years and two dozen have been the victims of homicide.

There were several Phoenix area car crashes on Friday afternoon to start the busy holiday weekend, that according to a AZCentral.com. The car crashes occurred on the Loop 202 and Interstate 17. DPS officers responded to all three crashes.

On northbound Interstate 17, there was a three vehicle accident with injuries. The driver of a white Toyota struck a van from behind. The van was carrying 15 people. A third car sustained damage in the accident as well. This caused a traffic backup and tow truck had to remove one of the vehicles from the scene.

On the Loop 202 heading eastbound, the driver of a white vehicle rear-ended a maroon vehicle. The driver of the car that was rear-ended and a child passenger were injured. The auto accident blocked the right lane of traffic for a period of time.

Finally, a motorcycle rider struck the truck from behind on Interstate 17. The motorcyclist was injured, however the severity is unknown at this time.

DPS officers stated that slow traffic is common for this holiday weekend. It is a good idea for all drivers use extra caution when there are so many cars on the road. Also, avoid driving while distracted. That means no texting, and if you are going to use your cell phone, use a headset or Bluetooth.

If you are injured in a vehicle accident over this busy holiday weekend, it is a good idea to consult with a Phoenix injury lawyer to make sure your rights are fully protected.

Comedian Robert Schimmel has died from injuries sustained in a Phoenix car crash on Friday night, according to the New York Daily News. He was 60 years old. The comedian was best known for his hilarious appearances on the Howard Stern show.

At the time of the car accident, Schimmel was riding as a passenger with his 19-year-old daughter, who was driving. It is being reported that his daughter lost control after she tried to avoid a head-on collision and the car flipped over onto the side of the freeway. His daughter was injured, but she's expected to make a full recovery. His 11-year-old son was also in the car and he was miraculously not injured.

After the accident, Schimmel was rushed to an area hospital where he later died on Friday evening. Schimmel lived in Scottsdale Arizona.

In addition to appearing on Howard Stern, he was also named one of Comedy Central's 100 greatest comics, he had stand-up specials on Showtime and HBO, and he also published a memoir in 2008 called "Cancer on $5 a day" that told of his battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Click here to read the story as reported by E! Online and by the Associated Press.

Arizona authorities will join the U.S. Department of Transportation in the nationwide "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest" crackdown scheduled to last through the Labor Day weekend.

Drunk drivers are responsible for approximately one-third of Phoenix car accidents and serious and fatal car accidents elsewhere in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Transportation reports that 294 of the state's 842 fatal accidents involved a drunk driver in 2008.

Nationwide, nearly 12,000 people were killed by drunk drivers in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which reports that someone in the United States is killed by a drunk driver every 45 minutes.

“Drunk driving is deadly, it’s against the law, and unfortunately, it’s still a problem,” said Secretary LaHood. “With the help of law enforcement around the country, we are going to continue doing all that we can to stop drunk driving and the needless tragedies that result from this reckless behavior.”

The government reports that eight percent of all drivers -- some 17 million motorists -- have driven drunk at least once in the last year. About 1 in 5 have driven in the past year within two hours of consuming alcohol. Yet 80 percent of Americans identify drunk drivers as a major threat to the safety of their families.

“Our message is loud and clear. If you drive drunk you will be arrested and prosecuted. There will be no exceptions and no excuses," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "And if you’re below the age of 21, there is zero tolerance for any alcohol in your system whatsoever. That’s why we’re out there with law enforcement, tackling this major safety issue head on.”

The study found that young males ages 21 to 24 were at the highest risk -- a full one-fourth had either driven after having too much to drink or rode in a car with an intoxicated driver at some point during the last 12 months.

Continue reading "Drunk driving enforcement aims to reduce risk of Phoenix car accidents through Labor Day weekend" »

At least 69 cars were involved in three separate Phoenix auto accidents near downtown on Saturday night, the Associated Press reported.

Heavy rains are being cited as a possible reason for the collisions. Monsoons in the deserts around Phoenix can bring heavy downpours without warning; flooding commonly results. A Phoenix accident lawyer should always be consulted in the wake of a serious or fatal car accident. But particularly in cases where multiple vehicles and multiple victims are involved. Determining fault and filing a claim can both be complicated by the presence of multiple parties and multiple accident victims.

Media reports indicate that six people were taken to area hospital, two with serious injuries. Several others were treated at the scene. A five-mile stretch of I-10 was closed for several hours.

About 40 people involved in the crashes were still on the highway hours later. Authorities brought water, snacks and air conditioned city buses to the scene to keep people safe until they could make arrangements for a ride home.

The USA Today reported that one collision involved more than 35 vehicles and spanned more than two miles of roadway.

The speed on the road is 65 mph but fire officials believe many vehicles were traveling much slower because of the rain, which accounts for the lack of more serious injuries. The Phoenix fire department had about 100 firefighters on the scene.

FOX News reported it was the largest Phoenix car accident on record.

Authorities cited driving too fast for conditions and following too closely as contributing factors. At least half of the vehicles had to be towed from the crash scenes.

While Phoenix car accidents account for a large portion of the state's serious and fatal traffic crashes, rural motorists could be at greater risk than they realize, according to a report published by USA Today.

Nationwide, more than half of all fatal traffic accidents occur in rural areas, despite the fact that fewer than one-fourth of Americans live outside urban cities, according to a study by the Center for Excellence in Rural Safety at the University of Minnesota.

Part of the reason may be a false sense of security felt by rural drivers, which increases the chances of drinking and driving, distracted driving and other unsafe driving practices. Eighty-four percent of respondents reported feeling "safe" on rural interstates, compare to 79 percent on rural two-lane highways and 69 percent on urban freeways.

"People seem to feel more comfortable on those roads, even though the facts show that it's more dangerous," says Lee Munnich, director of the center. "They feel more relaxed and, as a result, they are engaging in behavior that is riskier."

The only exception was for speeders, who said they felt safer on large urban freeways than on rural highways.

Single-vehicle crashes are also more prevalent on rural roads, where drivers are more likely to crash into trees, utility polls or other stationary objects. Safety advocates think the study reveals over confidence and a fallacy in the way people perceive risk.

"The more people perceive they have control, the less they perceive a situation as being risky," said Peter Kissinger, CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "The transportation community has tended to underemphasize rural road safety -- there's a long history of underinvestment in rural road safety in this country."

Continue reading "Phoenix car accidents a common danger -- but motorists could be at increased risk in Arizona's rural areas" »

Police are blaming speed for a deadly Phoenix car accident that killed two motorists Friday night and left a 19-year-old man hospitalized in critical condition.

ABC15 reported that a 2002 Mercedes was traveling west on New River Road when it failed to make a curve west of I-17. Police say the speeding vehicle rolled over several times and burst into flames. All three occupants were ejected during the crash.

A 35-year-old woman and an adult male were killed.

Speeding is the leading causes of serious and fatal accidents in Arizona. About 1 in 5 Arizona car accidents are blamed on speeding drivers, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. In 2008, a total of 41,567 crashes blamed on speeding were responsible for the death of 304 motorists and the injury of 13,653.

No other driving behavior was responsible for more injury accidents or more deaths on Arizona highways.

Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that speeding is a factor in one-third of all fatal crashes, leading to 11,674 deaths in 2008.

The economic costs of speeding are estimated at $76,865 a minute, or nearly $1,300 a second.

The federal government reports that 373 motorists were killed in Arizona traffic accidents blamed on speeding in 2008. Only Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas reported more speed-related deaths.

A man has died in an Arizona pedestrian accident that occurred Tuesday night at the intersection of 7th Avenue and Camelback Road in Phoenix, azcentral.com has reported. The Phoenix Police Department has closed the intersection for an investigation.

Police are stating that the pedestrian had just gotten of the train at the intersection and was crossing the street. He was struck and killed by a southbound vehicle. It is being reported that the victim is not a local resident and may be from another country.

The police are still investigating the accident and do not yet know if drugs or alcohol played a role. It has not been reported if the pedestrian was in or near a crosswalk.

Both the accident intersection and the 7th Ave. rail station are still closed.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, in the year 2008 alone there were 1,524 pedestrian crashes in Arizona. That represents 1.27 percent of all accidents state wide. 124 pedestrians died in accidents that year (which is down from 157 deaths in 2007).

UPDATE: ABC News is now reporting that the vehicle involved in the accident was traveling at approximately 90 mph. The driver of the speeding car hit the pedestrian, then hit two other cars, and continued on to strike a building where the vehicle caught on fire.

The vehicle was traveling so fast that the pedestrian victim was severed in half. Drivers of the two other vehicles involved were injured and taken by ambulance to area hospitals.

The pedestrian has been identified as Ramzy Khalil.

Click here to view the story and accident photos posted by AZFamily.com.

An elderly Yuma man was reported at fault in an Arizona car accident that involved two separate accidents, including a collision with a tractor-trailer, the Yuma Sun reported.

Our Phoenix injury attorneys reported this week on the challenges faced by older motorists. But in this case the 79-year-old driver is blaming the accident on a stuck accelerator pedal.

Yuma police said the man was driving a 2002 four-door Dodge eastbound on 24th Street when he reported that the accelerator pedal stuck. He swerved to avoid traffic but struck a 2002 Volvo semi before continuing eastbound. He made it through the stop lights at 1st Avenue and continued on toward the intersection at Arizona Avenue before he was involved in a second collision.

He then rear-ended a 1993 Ford F-150 work truck. A passenger in the truck was taken to Yuma Regional Medical Center. The elderly driver of the Dodge was flown to a Phoenix hospital.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that 4,268 motorists over the age of 70 were killed in car accidents in 2008. Unlike most national statistics, which have been in steady decline over the past two decades, significantly more older adults were killed in traffic accidents than the 3,775 who died in 1975. The elderly population has also doubled during that time, from 14.5 million to 27.5 million.

Continue reading "79-year-old driver blamed for two separate Yuma, Arizona car accidents" »

As our Phoenix injury lawyers often report, teenagers are most at risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident. But the growing population of elderly drivers is among the largest challenges safety advocates face with the aging of the Baby Boomers in coming years.

The problem will be especially acute in retirement areas like Florida and Arizona. The percentage of seniors over the age of 75 who have retained their driver's licenses has increased in the last decade, from 73 percent to 78 percent. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports there are 30 million senior drivers on the road -- a number that could double in the coming two decades.

A report by the Government Accountability Office found that drivers over the age of 75 were more likely than any other age group to be involved in a fatal crash. And the Washington Post reports that drivers over the age of 75 were twice as likely to say they planned to drive into their 90s than those ages 65 to 74. The resulting conversations about safety are taking place in family rooms across the country.

The debate about how to intervene when a parent or elderly relative refuses to hand over the keys "is happening all across the United States in families up and down the streets every day," said Elinor Ginzler, a senior vice president of AARP. "It's a huge issue."

Compounding the issue of the country's aging population are the medical advances that are permitting people to live longer.

"In the old days, or even 20 years ago, people just did not live long enough for this to be a problem," said Elin Schold-Davis, head of the American Occupational Therapy Association's Older Driver Initiative, who notes that some older drivers are taking potent medications that fog concentration. "People are living with a level of impairment that is unprecedented."

The NHTSA reports that 183,000 drivers over the age of 65 were injured in traffic crashes in 2008. A total of 139 older drivers were killed in Arizona car accidents.

The federal government offers driving resources for older adults and families. Topics include:

-Adapting the vehicle for older adults
-Understanding and influencing older drivers
-Driving safely and aging gracefully
-Family and friends concerned about an older driver
-Safe driving for older adults
-Driver transition education
-Talking with older drivers
-Screening and evaluation
-Medication and older drivers

Continue reading "Senior motorists a growing safety issue - older drivers at increased risk of Phoenix car accidents " »

AZCentral.com is reporting that a Phoenix car vs. truck accident shut down Interstate 10 Westbound for around four hours on Thursday morning. The closure was from 75th from 83rd. The accident reportedly involved a Mercedes that crashed into a semi truck at a high rate of speed.

The Phoenix accident took place around 6:45 a.m. and witnesses have told DPS officers that the Mercedes was traveling around 100 mph. The car was carrying two passengers and a driver.

The driver of the Mercedes lost control at some point near 75th. The vehicle then ran off the road into a dirt median, then drove back on the interstate, striking a semi-truck. The semi then lost control and left the roadway, stopping in the median.

A female passenger and the driver of the Mercedes were injured in the accident and taken by ambulance to area hospitals. It has not yet been reported if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.

The interstate was shut down after the crash for westbound traffic, causing heavy traffic.

Click here to read the story as reported by AZFamily.com.

The vast majority of teens continue to engage in dangerous behavior while behind the wheel -- despite knowing better, the USA Today reported.

As our Phoenix accident attorneys reported recently on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, Arizona is one of the few states that have no laws banning teenagers or adults from using cell phones or text messaging while behind the wheel.

FOX 11 reported earlier this year that the Arizona Senate shot down a proposed ban for the second year in a row.

The USA Today reports Arizona joins just 11 other states with no laws aimed at combating distracted driving: Florida, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North and South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, and New Mexico and Hawaii.

The new survey by Seventeen Magazine found that nearly 90 percent of teen drivers engage in distracted driving behavior, including talking on a cell phone or text messaging, despite knowing that it puts them at increased risk for an accident.

"Teens do continue to drive distracted even when they recognize the dangers," says William Van Tassel, manager of AAA's driver training programs. "Driving is the first real adult responsibility, but let's face it, they're still teens whose brains aren't fully developed."

The survey of 1,999 teens ages 16 to 19 found that 84 percent were aware that distracted driving increased their risk of an accident. Yet 86 percent admitted to engaging in some form of distracted driving, including texting, using a cell phone, applying makeup, eating or traveling with four or more passengers in the car.

Other findings of the study include:

-Older teens are more likely to engage in distracted driving than newly licensed teens ages 16 or 17.

-Teens driving their own vehicle were more likely to engage in distracted driving than teens having to share a vehicle.

-Reasons teens cited for distracted driving included: Didn't think they would get hurt (35 percent); made driving less boring (22 percent); and the need to be constantly connected (21 percent).

Continue reading "Teens at high risk of Phoenix car accidents caused by distracted driving -- despite knowing better" »

Ten teenagers were injured in a Phoenix car accident when their SUV struck a brick wall and rolled over before colliding with another vehicle, AZ Family reported.

Serious injuries were reported among the teenagers, who range in age from 13 to 16. One of the teenagers was reported in extremely critical condition. The accident happened at 28th Street, just south of Thomas Road.

All of the teens were riding in a white SUV; an unknown number were ejected from the vehicle during the crash.

Channel 13 News has since reported that two of the teenage boys were killed and eight others remain hospitalized. The station also reported that the accident involved another vehicle.

The two adults in the second SUV were not hurt.

Rarely a week goes by when our Phoenix injury lawyers do not report on the dangers young drivers face on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that car accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers ages 15 to 20.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports that 62 passengers under the age of 20 were killed in traffic accidents in 2008. A total of 2,816 passengers ages 15 to 19 were injured. Twenty-eight young drivers were killed and 3,533 were injured.

Poor road design is being blamed for the high number of suburban Phoenix car accidents at an intersection in Florence, according to the Coolidge Examiner.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has secured federal funding to improve the intersection of Arizona highways 79 and 79B off East Sunset Road on the southern edge of town. While the improvements are not listed in the state's five-year construction plan, officials hope to move forward with upgrades once the evaluation is complete.

State crash data reveals that vehicles traveling northwest toward the stop signs and flashing lights sometimes fail to stop. Sixteen of 17 accidents at the intersection have been the result of a driver who either failed to yield or ran the stop sign. The state has enlarged the stop signs and added the flashing lights in an effort to improve safety. Officials are now considering either adding a roundabout or creating a T-intersection with a traffic signal. The cost is estimated to be about $2 million.

Phoenix injury lawyers note that according to AZDOT failure to yield was one of the leading causes of Arizona car accidents in 2008. One in 10 accidents were caused by drivers who failed to yield the rights of way -- leading to 21,370 accidents that caused 87 deaths and 8,097 injuries. Only speeding was cited as a primary cause of more car accidents.

A total of 4,130 accidents were blamed on disregard for a traffic signal, leading to 19 deaths and 1,985 injuries.

Continue reading "Suburban Phoenix car accidents blamed on poorly designed intersection" »

As the U.S. Department of Transportation announces its second annual National Distracted Driving Summit, set for Washington in September, it could be just a matter of time before the feds move to combat distracted driving accidents by withholding federal highway dollars from states that fail to enact text messaging bans.

As our Phoenix car accident lawyers reported recently on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, Arizona is one of just a handful of states that have done little to combat distracted driving accidents caused by drivers using cell phones and/or text messaging. Only school bus drivers are regulated in Arizona.

-Eight states ban the use of hand-held cell phones altogether.

-28 states forbid new drivers from using cell phones while behind the wheel.

-30 state prohibit drivers from text messaging -- 11 of those states have enacted laws this year.

Last year's distracted driving summit culminated with an announcement by President Obama that all 4 million government employees would be forbidden from text messaging while driving federal vehicles. Since then, the government has launched an all-out assault, debuting sample legislation it would like states to use when adopting laws, launching a distracted driving website, and making other efforts aimed at reducing the risk of distracted driving.

“Working together, we can put an end to the thousands of needless deaths and injuries caused by distracted driving each year,” said Secretary LaHood. “By getting the best minds together, I believe we can figure out how to get people to put down their phones and pay attention to the road.”

In dealing with past nationwide traffic safety issues -- including drunk driving, speeding and seat belt use -- the government has used the carrot-and-stick approach. First it asks nicely, then it threatens to keep a state's highway dollars.

True, Arizona had planned to spend $1.25 million to build bridges for endangered squirrels using federal highway dollars. The project was expected to save the lives of five squirrels a year, though the Arizona Department of Transportation ultimately canceled the project, according to the Eastern Arizona Courier.

But make no mistake: federal highway dollars are used on everything from potholes to sobriety checkpoints. Such a move would definitely grab the state's attention.

Continue reading "Feds to increase pressure on states, including Arizona, to reduce distracted driving car accidents" »

The authorities who confused the identities of two teens involved in a Phoenix car accident will never be able to right the injustice done to the families.

News 9 reports the girl and four of her friends had gone to Disneyland last weekend and were driving back to Phoenix when a tire blew and their vehicle rolled over. The family was told she was seriously injured but did survive the crash.

The Arizona Republic reported that the girl's family stayed by her bedside for six days, while the family of a close friend planned a funeral for their daughter who was killed in the accident. But authorities had mixed up the identities of the girls. Officials from the Arizona Department of Public Safety admitted they had made the most horrific mistake imaginable.

One family got word that the funeral was off -- their daughter was alive and recovering at the hospital. The family at that teen's bedside was given the news that their daughter had died a week ago.

Officials are passing the blame back and forth among themselves. DPS reports that its officials struggled to identify the woman who died and requested an additional examination of the body be conducted by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office. That did not occur for another five days. Officials at the hospital said they never checked fingerprints or dental records.

During the confusion, a 20-year-old passenger died as a result of his injuries and family and friends of the survivors have attended his funeral.

Not one of the officials responsible has been in touch with the grieving families, the Arizona Republic reported, even as the case has made news around the world.

"All I want is answers right now," the girl's father said. An aunt agreed.

"We would like someone to look into this situation and find out how it happened and make sure this never happens again to anyone," she said.

When it comes to distracted driving laws, Arizona remains part of the last frontier. But leave the state on a summer vacation and you may find yourself sitting on the side of the road awaiting a traffic citation for using a cell phone while behind the wheel.

Advocates contend the number of Phoenix car accidents, and the number of traffic accidents elsewhere in Arizona, would decline if text messaging and/or cell phone use were outlawed while driving. The state senate passed such a measure last month, though for now Arizona remains one of a declining number of states that do little to regulate cell phone use by drivers.

Our Phoenix injury lawyers continue to report on the high number of accidents caused by distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 6,000 people a year are killed and 500,000 injured in distracted driving accidents.

Only school bus drivers in Arizona are forbidden from using cell phones while driving. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports that Arizona joins Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina and South Dakota as states without laws aimed at preventing drivers from text messaging or using hand-held phones while behind the wheel.

MSNBC reports the patchwork of laws can create havoc for summer road trips. “Drivers are still responsible for knowing the cell phone laws that apply in each state," said AAA spokeswoman Nancy White.

Fines range from $20 to $150 for a first offense and could put a real ding in your summer travel budget.

Eight state ban all use of hand-held cell phones altogehter: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington.

-Twenty-eight states prohibit new drivers and teenagers from using cell phones.

-Thirty states now ban drivers from text messaging.

Some state permit cities to enact their own legislation, so the laws can vary even within a state. For example, Illinois forbids drivers from text messaging, which the City of Chicago has outlawed all hand-held cell phone use by drivers. Other states, like Florida, have prevented cities from enacting their own legislation.

Continue reading "Fewer Phoenix car accidents could result from proposed texting ban; traveling motorists face various restrictions" »

Arizona motorists no longer have to worry about getting a ticket via one of the state's radar cameras, after the program nabbed its last speeder on Thursday, the Yuma Sun reported. As we previously reported on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, the state has chosen to eliminate the cameras even as proponents warn of an increase in Phoenix car accidents and traffic accidents elsewhere in Arizona.

The company that operated the cameras contends that more speeders will lead to more accidents. A study of a photo-enforced stretch of Loop 101 in Scottsdale found that speeding dropped significantly after installation of the cameras. "We know from past experiences, and what we have learned, is when government agencies have opted to deactivate road safety camera systems, that speeds will spike to dangerous levels," said Shoba Vaitheeswaran, spokeswoman for Redflex Traffic Systems, which had operated the system.

Speeds fell by an average of 9 mph after the cameras were installed on Loop 101 in 2007, according to a report from the Arizona Department of Transportation. Total crashes declined by more than half, while injury crashes fell by 48 percent. When the cameras were shut down -- a move that was publicly announced -- ten times more motorists drove at least 11 mph over the limit.

Gov. Jan Brewer ordered the Department of Public Safety not to renew the two-year contract with the company, which expired at the end of last week. The program had 36 permanent monitoring locations and 40 mobile vans. While advocates for ending the program cited privacy concerns, the media has reported that many motorists simply ignored tickets that came in the mail, which drastically reduced the amount of revenue the state had anticipated collecting from the program.

Only about one-third (432,376) of the 1.2 million violations mailed to motorists were actually paid.

While the state has canceled its program, the move does not impact camera programs operated by cities or counties. An increasing number of municipalities are relying upon the cameras to generate revenue and reduce the number of traffic infractions, especially red-light runners at intersections.

Continue reading "State camera program ends as safety advocates warn of increase in Phoenix car accidents caused by speeding" »

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 Phoenix car accident that led to a police chase in which two news crews were killed has resulted in a 26-year-old man pleading guilty to 35 criminal charges, the Arizona Republic reported.

The news crews died after their helicopters collided in midair at Central Avenue and Indian School Road, killing all four men aboard both choppers. Following his arrest in 2007, the defendant told police he had no memory of stealing two trucks, causing an accident after ramming a police cruiser, or leading police on a high-speed chase through Central Phoenix.

He was not charged in the deaths of the television crews but faced decades behind bars on numerous charges, including aggravated assault, criminal damage and auto theft. The case had been scheduled to go to trial but his defense attorney said the defendant decided to plead out when it became apparent that the state was not going to offer any plea deals.

AZ Family reports other charges included unlawful flight, leaving the scene of an accident, endangerment, criminal trespass and criminal damage. He faces up to 467 years in prison. Sentencing has been scheduled for Sept. 10.

KTAR reported police were chasing the defendant, who was driving a work truck, through downtown Phoenix when the helicopters collided above Steele Indian School Park.

The defendant was arrested hours later after barricading himself inside his home in west Phoenix.

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 Phoenix car accident resulted in a woman being run over after climbing out of her vehicle to check for damage, ABC15 reported.

Accident victims who are injured while outside their vehicle is not uncommon. Circumstances of such accidents are motorists, pedestrians or bystanders who are injured while standing at the scene of an earlier accident and motorists who are injured while changing a flat tire or standing next to a disabled vehicle.

Police report the woman was struck on Wednesday while getting out of her vehicle to check for damage after an accident at 19th Avenue and Osborn Road. That accident occurred when one vehicle t-boned another and was struck by a third vehicle.

The woman was reportedly run down by a passing motorist. Several witnesses helped lift the vehicle off her and she was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports that nearly 120,000 traffic accidents occurred in 2008, killing 842 motorists and injuring more than 37,000. The vast majority of accidents occurred in urban areas like Phoenix.

Urban crashes leave motorists at risk of a secondary accident as traffic continues to pass the scene while emergency personnel respond. Frequently, impatient or irritated motorists can act recklessly, which increases the risk of a second traffic accident and can put accident victims at increased risk.

A Phoenix pedestrian accident claimed the life of a young teenager Friday night, ABC15 reported.

The teen was killed while crossing Phoenix Street near 72nd Avenue and Indian School Road about 10:45 p.m. An officer was driving by the scene just before the accident happened and made a U-turn in response to the crash.

A witness reported that the officer had shined a spotlight on two people jaywalking just before the accident, possibly blinding the driver who struck them. A police spokesperson said the officer did not shine a light on the two victims until after the crash occurred. Police say the driver did not claim to be blinded and statements by both the driver and the surviving victim confirm the police version of events.

Police say the driver of the vehicle stopped and was cooperative with officers. Neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected to be a factor in the crash. No information about the second victim's condition was made available.

Drivers in Arizona are required by law to use due care to not hit pedestrians in the roadway.

Click here to read the story as reported by AZ Family.

Drunk driving may have been responsible for a fatal Phoenix truck accident that killed a 28-year-old man over the Fourth of July weekend, the Arizona Republic reported.

The driver of the truck was killed when his Nissan Titan pickup slammed head-on into a tree, according to police. The man and a 14-year-old passenger were speeding westbound on Southern Avenue near 34th Place when the driver lost control shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday. The teenager was transported to the hospital, where he was listed in stable condition on Sunday.

Nine teenagers a day die in car accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We continue to report the high risk of serious and fatal Phoenix car accidents faced by teen drivers during the summer months. Our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog recently reported the death of three motorists in a car full of teenagers; authorities believe the accident may have been caused by street racing.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports a total of 119,588 crashes killed 842 motorists and injured more than 37,000 people in 2008. Drivers under the ages of 24 accounted for 114 fatalities and more than 9,000 injuries.

In all, motorists under the age of 20 accounted for 114 fatalities and more than 11,000 injuries. Those statistics mean that nearly one-third of all injury accidents in Arizona involved someone under the age of 20.

The USA Today recently reported that teenagers face the highest risk during the summer months. Not surprisingly, less parental supervision, more free time, more night driving, more driving with friends and fewer curfew restrictions were identified as leading causes.

"Driving with your buddies to find a party at 10 p.m. is very different from driving to school at 7 a.m. on a weekday," said Justin McNaull, state relations director for AAA. "There's a very different environment both outside and inside the vehicle."

Over the course of the year, 10 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays are the deadliest times for teens on the road. But that is a distinction that blurs during the summer, when every day is a weekend day.

The National Safety Council is offering a free download of its Family Guide to Teen Driving Safety.

AAA has issued its 10 Teen Driving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:

Risk Taking: Don't let risky behavior impact the rest of your life or the life of someone else on the road. Accidents don't just affect you, they affect passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, children and families.

Unbuckled Belts: Wear your seat belt and insist that all passengers wear their seat belts.

Speeding: Don't speed and don't drive faster than conditions permit. Speeding is a leading cause of teen car accidents -- one-third of teen fatalities involve speeding.

Rowdy Passengers: Young drivers riding with a passenger increase their risk of a car accident by 50 percent. Riding with two or more passengers, the risk of an accident increases fivefold.

Cellphones: Don't use a cell phone or text message while driving. Studies show that teens are at the highest risk of a distracted driving car accident.

CD Players: Adjusting the radio is the most common distraction for drivers ages 16 to 20.

Nighttime Driving: Crash rates for teen drivers from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. are twice as high as they are during the day.

Drinking and Driving: One-sixth of 16- and 17-year-olds killed in crashes were legally intoxicated.

Peer Pressure: Make good decisions about when and with whom you choose to ride. Don't ride with a driver you don't trust and never ride with an impaired driver or in an unsafe vehicle. Never ride in a vehicle with more passengers than it can safety accommodate.

Overconfidence: Inexperience and overconfidence frequently lead to crashes when new drivers encounter unexpected or unfamiliar situations.

Continue reading "Teen drivers at high risk for Phoenix car accidents during long summer break" »

The Phoenix injury lawyers at Abels & Annes wish you a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend and encourage you to celebrate responsibly, avoid drinking and driving, and leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Drink Responsibly and Don't Drink and Drive

Phoenix car accidents caused by drunk driving are also a concern over the Fourth of July holiday.

Nationwide, someone dies every 45 minutes in a car accident involving a drunk driver. In Arizona, alcohol was involved in 329 of the 937 traffic fatalities reported in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Safe Boating

Arizona boating accidents are a frequent cause of summer injuries. As we reported on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, Arizona ranks 7th in the nation for the number of serious and fatal boating accidents. Only Michigan, which is home to three of the Great Lakes, and the coastal states of Florida, California, Texas, New York and Maryland record more serious and fatal boating accidents. The Coast Guard reported 158 serious or fatal boating accidents in Arizona in 2008.

Firework Injuries

More than two-thirds of fireworks injuries occur around the Fourth of July holiday. Each year, approximately 10,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries caused by fireworks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Children are at high risk, with nearly half of all fireworks injuries involving victims under the age of 20 -- one-third involve children under the age of 15.The most common injuries reported involve the hands, eyes, and the head, face and ears. Burns, contusions, lacerations and foreign objects in the eyes are the most frequently reported reasons for emergency room visits.

Fireworks injuries can lead to blindness, third-degree burns and permanent scaring. Common causes of injuries are improper use of professional-grade fireworks, being too close to fireworks, operator error, child curiosity and the use of homemade devices.

Continue reading "Phoenix injury lawyers wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend" »

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.

El Departamento de Seguridad Pública en Arizona siguió un aplicación de velocidad en el aire tarde la semana pasada con un programa de fin de semana de aplicación de tráfico que concentró en Interstate 10 y Interstate 8. Los esfuerzos son el principio de un programa de aplicación de verano que propone reducir accidentes de carro graves y fatales en Arizona.

Nuestros abogados de herida en Phoenix le animan que tenga su vehículo atendido, practique hábitos de manejar seguro, obedecer la ley y disfrutar de la temporada de viaje de verano.

Durante la patrulla en el aire, un Cessna 182 voló al área de Parker, donde condujo aplicación de tráfico por State Route 95 y Interstate 10. Los carros de patrulla en la calle pararon a violadores.

La aplicación del fin de semana sucedió el domingo entre el mediodía y 8 de la tarde dirigidos a automovilistas en Interestatal 10 e Interestatal 8 entre fronteras de Nuevo México y California. Los esfuerzos de la aplicación están en respuesta al aumento de tráfico por la temporada de viaje de verano.

A principios de este mes, el Departamento de la Seguridad Pública en Arizona ofreció consejos de conducción seguro de verano para los automovilistas de Arizona.

-Las temperaturas extremas de verano hacen prevenir una llanta o fracaso mecánico una parte esencial de manejar seguro. Aségure que su vehículo ha sido atendido por un mecánico calificado.

-Mantenga mucha agua y un estuche de primeros auxilios dentro de su vehículo.

-Siga pautas de mantenimiento planificadas. Revise líquidos regularmente. Revise las correas y las mangas y cambie los que tienen una apariencia agrietado o seco. También revise regularmente por fugas o gotas en el suelo debajo de donde su carro está estacionado por la noche.

-Asegúrese que sus llantas esten infladas apropiadamente. Gire y equilibre sus llantas cada 6,000 a 8,000 millas.

Tratando con un reventón de llanta:

-Un reventón de llanta es señalado por un ruido fuerte o el sentimiento que su vehículo jala a un lado.

-No frene.

-No quite su pie del acelerador.

-Facilite su pie en el acelerador para mantener ímpetu.

- Compense la tracción por manejar en dirección contrario.

-Busque un lugar seguro, preferiblemente una salida de autopista, desacelere o frene levemente y pare lejos de tráfico. Levante su capucha para señalar que su vehículo está discapacitado y llame o haga arreglos para asistencia en la carretera.

Consejos de seguridad adicionales:

-Cuando su vehículo sufre un problema, mantenga el control antes de preocuparse de lo qué está causando el problema mecánico.

-Utilice buenos hábitos de manejo. No maneje distraído.

-No tome y maneje. No maneje cansado ni soñoliento – pare y descanse si es necesario.

-Obedezca las leyes de tráfico.

-Hagase a un lado para vehículos de emergencia que estan parados -- es la ley. Siempre que sea posible, muévase al carril más alejado de un vehículo de emergencia que esta parado, reduzca la velocidad y tenga cuidado.

Si usted ha sido herido en un accidente de tráfico contacte los abogados de herida de Phoenix en Abels & Annes por una consulta gratís y confidencial para hablar de sus derechos. Llame hoy al (602) 819-5191

A fatal Glendale, Arizona car accident claimed the life of a motorist in a two-vehicle wreck near 59th Avenue and Cactus Road, ABC15 reported.

The crash happened about 2 p.m. on Saturday when a Jeep t-boned a truck at the intersection, according to the Glendale Fire Department. Several occupants were transported to the hospital and information about which motorist was killed has not been released.

Police report that the accident happened when one vehicle apparently tried to turn into a private drive in front of the other vehicle.

Also on Saturday, two police officers were injured in a Phoenix car accident after a pair of police cruisers crashed downtown, ABC 15 reported.

The accident happened about 5 p.m. Saturday at 15th Avenue and Washington Street. One officer may have stepped on the gas instead of the brake while attempting to stop at a red light. Both were transported to area hospitals; one complained of chest pain, while the other complained of back pain. A 16-year-old riding in the patrol car with his father was also injured.

A Tucson trucking accident along 1-10 sent one person to the hospital on Saturday afternoon, News 13 reported.

The crash near Ruthrauff happened when the semi truck crashed into a passenger car, the Arizona Department of Public Safety reported. The passenger car hit a tree before coming to rest upside down. One person was transported to the hospital in unknown condition.

Five children and an adult suffered serious injuries in a Phoenix car accident on Wednesday when their car flew off the freeway, AZ Family reported.

The crash happened shortly before 3 p.m. southeast of 24th Street and McDowell Road. Firefighters report that the car went off Loop 202 and slammed into a concrete culvert along a canal bank. The children range in age from 10 to 16. The cause of the accident remains under investigation but firefighters believe one of the children was not buckled up.

Our Phoenix injury attorneys represent motorists who have been injured in accidents, whether or not they were wearing their seat belt. However, the law requires everyone to buckle up and wear a seat belt, which can often reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury.

We reported another case this week on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog that involved four people ejected from a Mustang in a crash that killed three passengers, including a 3-year-old boy. Authorities believe lack of seat-belt use may have been a factor in that crash as well.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a major summer offensive aimed at getting motorists to buckle up. The government agency charged with highway safety reports that 45 million Americans are still not using their seat belts on a regular basis. Overall, seat-belt use in this country is at a record high -- 84 percent of motorists buckle up.

The "Click It or Ticket" campaign will target violators through the summer months.

"We've made great strides to get Americans to buckle up, but we must not rest on our laurels," said Secretary Ray LaHood. "Not wearing your seat belt is a serious, life-threatening practice. If you are one of the 45 million Americans who won't buckle up, our Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization will be looking for you."

The government estimates about 38 people a day are killed in traffic crashes while not wearing their seat belt. In 2008, nearly 14,000 unbuckled occupants of passenger vehicles were killed in traffic accidents nationwide. Nearly half might have survived had they been wearing a seat belt.

Those most at risk include teens, young adults, men, pickup truck drivers and passengers, nighttime drivers and drivers in rural areas.

View a map of unbelted traffic fatalities.

View who is most at risk for not wearing a seat belt.

A 3-year-old boy has died after being ejected from a Mustang in a Sunday night Phoenix car accident, the Arizona Republic reported.

As we reported on our Phoenix Injury Lawyers Blog, authorities believe the car may have been racing a black Chevy pickup truck at the time of the accident, which occurred on Thomas Road. The Mustang was carrying six people when it lost control and veered into a palm tree near 75th Avenue.

Witnesses told police the two vehicles were weaving in and out of traffic. They met up at a traffic light and took off when the light turned green. Police are still investigating how fast the vehicles were traveling but witnesses reported they may have been going as fast as 90 mph. The Mustang's 18-year-old driver and her 14-year-old boyfriend were pronounced dead at the scene. Four others were ejected out the back window of the vehicle. Those passengers were ages 14, 14, 16 and the 3-year-old boy.

Media reports indicate that the 14-year-old passenger apparently took the Mustang without his parent's permission.

Police continue to search for the black Chevy pickup involved in the race and said that driver could face charges. The truck is described as a newer model, 2002-2008, two-door extended cab with tinted windows. The truck may have been slightly lifted. Witnesses say the Mustang may have hit the pickup and the truck may have some damage to the rear end. It was last seen westbound on Thomas Road at a high rate of speed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Phoenix Police Department.

Meanwhile on Monday, a 23-year-old woman was killed in a Tempe SUV accident. The woman was riding as a passenger when the driver lost control and over corrected near an intersection. He was released from the hospital after being treated for minor injuries, the Republic reported.

The accident happened at the intersection of Guadalupe Road and Maple Avenue. Police continue to investigate.

A Phoenix car accident killed two motorists and injured four others on Sunday night, Channel 13 News reported.

Police report the driver of a car carrying six people lost control and slammed into a tree on Thomas Avenue in west Phoenix. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene and four others were ejected from the vehicle and transported to area hospitals in serious or critical condition.

Authorities report they are also looking for a black pickup truck that may have played a role in the accident. The victims range in age from 3 to 18. The 3-year-old was in critical condition.

AZ Family reports the fatal accident may have started as a street race. According to that report, police content a Ford Mustang and the Chevy pickup were traveling westbound on Thomas Road at a high rate of speed. The accident happened just before 10 p.m. when the driver of the Mustang reportedly lost control and slammed into a tree in the median.

The road was closed until after 6 a.m. Monday. The truck fled the scene and is being sought by authorities. It is described as a newer-model, two-door Chevy pickup truck and may have rear-end damage. It was last seen driving at a high rate of speed westbound on Thomas.

As our Phoenix injury attorneys have been reporting, summer is a particularly dangerous time for young drivers and their passengers. Auto accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers ages 15 to 20, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The risk of young drivers being involved in a serious or fatal traffic accident increases as school lets out for summer.

Please visit out most recent teen safe driving post on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog and speak with your young drivers about safe driving habits.

Two other young motorists died in a Phoenix crash on Saturday, ABC 15 reported. That accident occurred shortly before 10 a.m. on I-17 northbound between Black Canyon City and Cordes Junction. Authorities report the driver of a pickup lost control after a tire blew out, causing the vehicle to roll several times.

Five passengers were riding in the cab of the truck and three were traveling in the bed. They were part of a youth group from My Friend's House Family Worship Center in Phoenix, according to the media report. The female driver, who was reportedly the mother of at least two of the passengers, was thrown from the truck and seriously injured.

Two young men in the bed of the truck were killed and a third was critically injured.

It is legal for passengers to ride in the bed of a truck as long as the cab is filled, according to Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety followed up an airborne speed enforcement effort late last week with a weekend traffic-enforcement program that targeted Interstate 10 and Interstate 8. The efforts are the beginning of a summer enforcement program aimed at reducing serious and fatal Arizona car accidents.

Our Phoenix injury attorneys encourage you to have your vehicle serviced, practice safe driving habits, obey the law and enjoy the summer travel season.

During the airborne patrol, a Cessna 182 flew to the Parker area, where it conducted traffic enforcement along State Route 95 and Interstate 10. Patrol cars on the ground stopped violators.

The weekend enforcement effort took place Sunday between noon and 8 p.m. and targeted motorists on Interstate 10 and Interstate 8 between the New Mexico and California borders. The enforcement efforts are in response to the increase in traffic through the summer travel season.

Earlier this month, the Arizona Department of Public Safety offered safe summer driving tips for Arizona motorists.

-The extreme summer temperatures make preventing a tire or mechanical failure an essential part of driving safety. Make sure your vehicle has been serviced by a qualified mechanic.

-Keep plenty of water and a first aid kit inside your vehicle.

-Follow scheduled maintenance guidelines. Check fluids regularly. Check belts and hoses and replace those with a cracked or dry appearance. Also check regularly for leaks or drips on the ground beneath where your car is parked overnight.

-Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Rotate and balance your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

Dealing with a tire blowout:

-A tire blowout is frequently signaled by a loud booming noise or the feeling that your vehicle is pulling to one side.

-Do not brake.

-Do not take your foot off the accelerator.

-Ease your foot into the accelerator to maintain momentum.

-Compensate for pulling by counter steering.

-Find a safe location, preferably a highway exit, decelerate or brake lightly and stop away from traffic. Put your hood up to signal your vehicle is disabled and call or make arrangements for roadside assistance.

Additional Safety Tips:

-When your vehicle experiences a problem, maintain control before worrying about what is causing the mechanical issue.

-Utilize good driving habits. Don't drive distracted.

-Don't drink and drive. Don't drive tired or drowsy -- stop and rest if necessary.

-Obey traffic laws

-Move over for stopped emergency vehicles -- it's the law. Whenever possible, move to the lane of travel furthest from a stopped emergency vehicle, reduce speed and use caution.

Continue reading "Heavy enforcement aims to reduce serious and fatal Arizona car accidents this summer" »

A three-vehicle Phoenix car accident killed a 32-year-old Glendale man last Friday and closed U.S. 93 for several hours, ABC15 reported.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety reported that the accident occurred at about noon Friday and closed U.S. 93 in both directions at milepost 193. A Toyota Camry driven by an 80-year-old Wickenburg resident, veered left of center and struck a Smart Car traveling northbound. A Ford F-150 traveling behind the Smart Car was also involved in the crash.

The driver of the Smart Car was pronounced dead at the scene. A 34-year-old passenger suffered serious injuries and was taken by medical helicopter to a Valley hospital. Two of the five passengers riding in the F-150 pickup truck were also injured.

The accident occurred just north of Wickenburg, according to the Arizona Republic. Northbound traffic on the road, which is popular with drivers traveling to and from Las Vegas, was routed to State Route 89; southbound traffic was routed to State Route 71.

Also on Friday, two motorists were injured and two dogs were killed in a Green Valley, Arizona car accident. A Ford Excursion blew a tire on I-19 and hit a car before leaving the road. The vehicle crashed through brush, over a fence and across the West Frontage Road before coming to a stop.

The driver, a 53-year-old Phoenix man, was flown to a Tucson hospital in serious condition. A woman in the vehicle was also transported to the hospital with injuries. Two other passengers in the vehicle were treated at the scene. Two of five chihuahuas died in the accident.

An elderly driver is facing charges in connection with four Tucson car accidents in three days, Channel 13 news reported. Police say the elderly man suffered from medical episodes that caused all four accidents.

The media report questioned why the man was allowed to continue driving. On Saturday a woman was injured on business property after the man reportedly struck her while pulling into an East Side car wash. After three crashes on Monday, police reported that the man was extremely disoriented. Police said they must work through channels to seek a medical suspension of the man's license through the department of motor vehicles.

However the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles said law enforcement has the authority to begin the process by immediately confiscating the driver's license of a motorist determined to be a danger to the public because of a medical condition.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 3,458 older motorists were killed in accidents in 2008, accounting for about 15 percent of all fatal accidents. More than 183,000 older individuals were seriously injured in traffic accidents.

In Arizona, 139 of the 1,236 traffic fatalities involved drivers over the age of 65. Seventeen fatalities involved motorists over the age of 85.

NHTSA provides tips for gauging an older driver's abilities, as well as discussing safe driving with aging parents or older adults:

Observing an older driver:

-Make sure they stop at all signs and traffic-control devices and look both ways before proceeding.

-Appropriately yield the right-of-way.

-Respond properly to hazards and other vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles.

-Merge and change lanes safely.

-Maintain their lane and drive straight.

Warning signs may include:

-Slowing or stopping inappropriately, such as at a green light.

-Driving too fast for conditions.

-Driving too slowly or impeding the normal flow of traffic.

-Driving aggressively.

-Getting lost.

Non-driving warning signs:

-Forgetfulness.

-Unusual or excessive agitation.

-Confusion or disorientation.

-Loss of coordination.

-Trouble walking, hearing or following instructions.

-Dizziness, tripping or falling.

-Shortness or breath or fatigue.

-Inappropriate responses to questions or directions.

Continue reading "Elderly driver involved in four Tucson car accidents" »

A 29-year-old mother is facing serious criminal charges in connection with an Arizona car crash that occurred between Phoenix and Flagstaff earlier this year. She remains in jail on a $15,000 bond after her arrest on Thursday.

ABC15 reported on Thursday that the woman is accused of driving under the influence of drugs and causing the Skull Valley car accident.

The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office said she was driving a 1997 Ford Mustang with two children in the car, ages 5 and 6, when she collided with a Chevy truck driven by a 71-year-old Yarnell man.

The woman was flown to a Phoenix hospital with injuries to her legs and upper body; the daughter was airlifted to a Phoenix hospital with head injuries. Her son was treated at Yavapai Regional Medical Center. The pickup truck's driver, who had recently undergone open heart surgery, was flown to a hospital with severe chest pains.

Authorities report a traffic investigation clearly determined the woman was at fault in the accident, having driven left of center before colliding with the truck; her blood tested positive for a substantial amount of methamphetamine/amphetamines through lab testing conducted by the Department of Public Safety.

She now faces charges of aggravated DUI, child abuse, aggravated assault and felony criminal damage. Her 5-year-old daughter, who was home at the time of her arrest, was taken into custody by Child Protective Services.

Nationwide, about one-third of all traffic fatalities result from a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs; 11,773 motorists were killed in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Arizona, 343 of 937 traffic fatalities were blamed on impaired drivers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently reported that the number of women arrested for driving while impaired has increased by 30 percent in the last decade, even as the number of men arrested has declined slightly.

You can learn more about the increase in DUI among women by reading the CNN report.

A woman from Peoria has been killed in an Arizona pedestrian accident, according to the Arizona Republic. The Phoenix area car accident happened when a car jumped a curb and struck the woman who was sitting on a bench outside a Walgreens on Tuesday.

The accident occurred around 9:00 a.m. The Peoria Police Department and Fire Department came to the scene of the accident at Lake Pleasant and Beardsley Road. The driver, an 87 year old woman, was parking her Honda Accord in the parking lot when she accidentally hit the gas instead of the brakes. The car then jumped a curb and hit the victim, who was a 65-year-old Walgreens employee.

The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics and then flown to an area emergency room by helicopter. She died a short time later.

The at fault elderly driver was not injured, nor was she impaired.

According to most recent ADOT reports, 124 pedestrians were killed in Arizona in the year 2008 alone. Over 1,400 pedestrians were injured that same year. Also, in 2008 just under 7,000 elderly drivers (ages 75 & up) were involved in auto accidents, and in those accidents 66 people were killed and over 2,300 were injured.

A woman was killed in a Phoenix car accident that occurred overnight Sunday, AZ Family reported.

The deadly car crash happened near Happy Valley Road and 21st Avenue and involved an SUV and a pickup truck. Happy Valley Road was closed overnight between 19th and 22nd avenues and re-opened about 7 a.m. Monday.

The woman who was killed was reportedly a passenger in the pickup truck. Both drivers were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Two children, ages 5 and 7, who were passengers in the SUV, were also transported to the hospital.

One vehicle was westbound on Happy Valley Road, while the other vehicle was traveling eastbound. Police believe the man driving the SUV may have suffered a medical problem that caused his vehicle to jump the curb and enter the other lane, where it collided head-on with the pickup truck at about 11 p.m. Sunday.

Also over the Memorial Day weekend, a driver lost control of his truck and slammed into a home near 13th Avenue and Bethany Home Road. The Phoenix car crash occurred about 4 a.m. Sunday. Four people were at home at the time of the crash. The driver fled the scene, FOX Phoenix reported.

As we reported on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, police are searching for a suspect who fatally shot a man during an apparent road rage incident following a Saturday car accident.

The accident occurred on Southern Avenue near 19th Avenue and involved a Nissan and a Suburban. A passenger in the Suburban was shot during the ensuing altercation. Police are looking for a white Nissan Sentra with a partial Arizona license plate number of "052." The car may have rear-end damage as a result of the accident.

Police are looking for a suspect who shot and killed a man during a dispute following a Phoenix car accident.

AZ Family reported that a 35-year-old man was killed Saturday afternoon after the Chevy Suburban he was riding in collided with a Nissan Sentra.

Both vehicles were westbound on Southern Avenue near 19th Avenue when the Nissan stopped, causing the Suburban to run into it. The Nissan drove away but was followed by the Suburban until both vehicles stopped and an argument ensued. The Suburban's passenger was apparently shot. His son was in the back seat but was not injured.

The Suburban driver was also uninjured.

The Chevy drove to the South Mountain Police Station, where the victim was transported to the hospital. He died as the result of a gunshot wound to the head.

Police are searching for a white Nissan Sentra, with a possible partial Arizona plate number of "052." The vehicle may also have rear-end damage as a result of the collision.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Phoenix Police Violent Crimes Bureau at 602-262-6141. For Spanish, the number is 480-TESTIGO.

The Arizona Republic report is available here.

The Channel 13 report is available here.

Arizona law enforcement will be out in force looking for speeders, drunk drivers and other traffic violations as they aim to reduce the number of serious and fatal Arizona car accidents this Memorial Day weekend, according to ABC15.

While New Year's is the holiday that frequently gets the attention when it comes to the dangers of traffic accidents, the summer holidays of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day are the deadliest in Arizona.

"We're going to have a lot of officers out here working the streets, the highways, the back ways, and the interstates,” said Department of Public Safety Officer George Gregor.

The Glendale Star reports police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints in an effort to reduce the danger of Arizona drunk driving accidents.

A total of 343 of the 937 fatal Arizona car accidents in 2008 involved a drunk driver; accounting for more than one-third of all traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

And the Arizona Republic reports that the West Valley DUI Task Force will be out in force in a effort to reduce Peoria car accidents.

Fatal Arizona car accidents during 2008 holidays

New Year's: 3

Memorial Day: 11

Fourth of July: 11

Labor Day: 11

Thanksgiving: 5

Christmas: 2

Nationwide fatal holiday traffic accidents

New Year's: 141

Memorial Day: 370

Fourth of July: 437

Labor Day: 423

Thanksgiving: 439

Christmas: 364

Continue reading "Memorial Day among the most dangerous for serious and fatal Arizona car accidents" »

With the goal of reducing injuries and fatalities in Arizona car crashes, Monday marked the start of a new campaign for vehicle safety in Mesa and Tempe, according to azcentral.com. Police in both cities received a $20,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to begin project “Click it or Ticket, Next Generation.”

The two week project will utilize seat belt enforcement zones to promote seat belt usage as well as the use of child safety seats. Drivers who choose not to wear seat belts or use child safety seats will be fined. Mesa has a $99.25 fine for failure to wear a seat belt and a $168.25 fine for failure to use a child safety seat. Neighboring Tempe fines drivers $75 for failure to wear a seat belt and $149 for failure to use a child safety seat.

Extra police officers will staff the seat belt enforcement zones where they will issue citations without warning. The grants from the Governor’s Office will pay for the extra staffing expenses as well as operational costs.

Mesa used a similar seat belt campaign last year and issued 356 fines for failure to wear a seat belt. Last year’s campaign was only one week long.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) states that seat belts save more than 13,000 lives each year. NHTSA also notes that seat belts are the most effective protection for automobile occupants in a crash.

An Arizona pedestrian accident sent a Peoria man to the hospital with life-threatening injuries on Monday afternoon, the Republic reported.

AZ Family reported that the 30-year-old man died overnight after being struck by a truck while stopping at the side of the road to help a friend load a disabled bicycle into his car.

The victim stopped on the outside eastbound lane of Cactus Road to pick up a friend whose bicycle had a flat tire. A pickup truck driving eastbound rear-ended the vehicle, striking the man at about 3 p.m. The accident pinned the victim beneath the truck.

The victim's friend and the truck's driver were not injured. Cactus Road was closed for about three hours between 67th and 71st avenues. An investigation into the accident is ongoing and charges are possible.

A total of 124 people were killed in Arizona pedestrian accidents in 2008, compared to 157 killed in 2007, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. More than 1,300 pedestrian accidents were reported in urban areas, while just 140 were reported in rural areas.

In Peoria, a total of 2,462 traffic accidents were reported in 2008, killing 18 people and injuring 1,003.

Arizona traffic statistics for last year are due out in the coming weeks.

A police cruiser collided with a Mercury sedan carrying 9 people on Sunday. The Phoenix car accident occurred about 7 p.m. at the intersection of Central Avenue and Alta Vista Road, the Arizona Republic reported.

The Mercury was driven by a 36-year-old woman; eight children, ages 4 to 17, were riding as passengers. All nine passengers were taken to the hospital for treatment; no life-threatening injuries were reported, according to police. Although no passenger vehicle contains nine seat belts, police report all nine passengers were properly restrained.

The officer was not injured and remained at the scene to assist with the investigation. The police department's vehicular crimes unit was charged with investigating the accident.

The officer was responding to a domestic violence call at a restaurant near Central and Southern avenues at the time of the accident. Police had received a report of a man assaulting a woman at that location, ABC15 reported.

Police report that the officer was proceeding through the intersection against a red light when the sedan failed to yield and collided with the cruiser.

Elsewhere in Phoenix on Sunday, one person was killed and three injured in a Phoenix car accident on Interstate 17, the Arizona Republic reported.

Police report that three northbound vehicles collided near Pinnacle Peak Road at about 10 a.m. A 24-year-old woman was taken to John C. Lincoln Hospital, where she died as a result of her injuries. A 36-year-old man in the same vehicle was also hospitalized.

A second vehicle, a Ford Explorer, carried five passengers, including three children. Two teenagers, ages 13 and 16, were also transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

A Phoenix area car crash has seriously injured a woman on Friday afternoon, according to AZCentral.com. The three vehicle accident occurred when a car rear-ended another vehicle, causing that vehicle to hit an SUV. The rear-ending car traveled around 100 yards after the collision and hit some trees off the road.

The car accident took place at Higley Road and Arrowhead Trail in Gilbert. The injured woman was transported by helicopter to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center. Others involved in the collision denied medical attention.

Traffic was limited to one lane after the crash. The accident investigation is being handled by the Gilbert Police Department.

Rear-end collisions are very common in our State. In 2005 there were over 112,000 multi-vehicle accidents in the State of Arizona and almost 50,000 of those accidents were rear-end collisions, according to ADOT.

A grandmother and six children were injured a week ago Thursday, along with several bus passengers, after a Phoenix car accident involving a Valley Metro bus, ABC15 reported.

The Phoenix fire department reported that the accident happened at the end of the off ramp from northbound Interstate 17 at Rose Garden Lane. A 54-year-old woman and her six grandchildren -- including two infants and children ages 2,3,6 and 9 -- were all injured after the van rolled onto its side.

Cause of the accident is under investigation. Several passengers on the bus were also injured and were treated at the scene. The Arizona Republic reported the woman and children were wearing their seat belts and are expected to recover from their injuries.

The accident closed southbound I-17 at the Rose Garden ramp and Eastbound Rose Garden at 27th Avenue.

A total of 1,020 Arizona bus accidents occurred in 2008, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Seven people were killed 207 were injured.

As we reported last month on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, six people were killed in an Arizona bus accident in March. An investigation by the Arizona Department of Public Safety found numerous safety and maintenance violations could have been partially to blame. The driver was also believed to have been speeding at the time of the accident and may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

A man and his 7-year-old son were found dead from injuries sustained in a Phoenix car accident, nearly three days after the victim called 911 to report the accident, CBS 5 reported.

The victim reportedly told a Yavapai County dispatcher at 12:30 p.m. Friday that he had run off I-17 and was severely injured. He said he was with his 7-year-old son and that they were five miles south of a rest area. The dispatcher contacted the Arizona Department of Public Safety, which reported that it sent officers to try and locate the crash.

"We sent five DPS officers to the area," said Sgt. Kevin Wood. "They were looking for evidence of anything that would be recent in the way of a collision. They just didn't find anything."

Wood said they also tried to return the 911 call to the caller's cell phone. He said they did not launch a helicopter to assist in the search. "We just cannot send the helicopter every time DPS gets a single call about a possible collision somewhere in Arizona," he said.

A Chandler police officer was investigating the disappearance of the father and son on Sunday when he heard about the 911 call. He alerted the DPS and asked that a helicopter be dispatched. The bodies of the man and his son were found in a 200-foot ravine near Black Canyon City. Both had been ejected from the vehicle.

Investigators now say they are looking at whether the call was made before the crash, as survival seemed unlikely. They have verified through phone records that he is the one who placed the 911 call.

The 911 tapes were released on Wednesday, which recorded the victim's pleas for help. The victim's wife reported he was struggling with tax issues, according to the Arizona Republic. The dispatcher is heard assuring him that help was on the way.

They were found dead more than two days later.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is warning drivers about the dangers of aggressive driving this summer in an effort to reduce the number of serious and fatal Arizona car accidents.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that at least 1,500 motorists, including children, are injured or killed each year in the United States by aggressive driving.

Aggressive driving includes speeding, improper lane changes, failure to use signals, tailgating, aggressive gestures and improper passing.

There is a difference between aggressive driving and road rage. Aggressive driving is a traffic offense while road rage is a criminal offense. Road rage is "an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon" involving the driver or passenger of a motor vehicle or regarding a dispute that occurred on the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the majority of drivers view aggressive driving as a serious safety threat and support the use of increased sanctions, photo enforcement and other means of combating aggressive driving and enhancing public safety.

Tips from the Arizona Department of Public Safety

-Avoid frustration while behind the wheel.

-Avoid distracted driving, including eating, drinking and talking on the phone.

-Don't tailgate.

-Avoid making frequent lane changes.

-Never run a red light.

-Maintain a proper speed for the posted speed limits and the weather and road conditions.

-Concentrate on the task of driving.

-Relax.

-Plan ahead and use alternative routes to avoid congestion.

-Consider using public transportation.

-When all else fails, just be late.

Advice when confronted with an aggressive driver

-Get out of the way.

-Don't let pride get in the way, avoid challenging a driver by maintaining your speed or lane or by speeding up or become confrontational.

-Avoid eye contact, which can provoke an aggressive driver.

-Ignore hand gestures.

-Report aggressive drivers to the police.

Continue reading "Aggressive driving can lead to Phoenix car accidents" »

An Arizona car crash has caused injuries to six teenagers in Avondale on Tuesday, according to the Arizona Republic. The accident involved 2 cars and occurred at Indian School Road and 99th Ave. The teens were reportedly in serious condition.

According to fire and rescue officials, a silver car t-boned a black car at around 12:15 p.m and there was heavy damage to the vehicles. The 6 teens were all taken to area hospitals. Four of the injured went to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix and the other two went to Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, also in Phoenix.

The Arizona car accident is being investigated by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. The cause of the collision, or whether any tickets were issued, has not yet been reported.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, in the year 2008 alone 28 teen drivers were killed in Arizona motor vehicle accidents and over 3,500 were injured. During that same year, 39 teen passengers were killed and over 2,800 were injured.

Click here to read the story as reported by Fox News.

The Arizona School Boards Association and Phoenix area principals are pushing teenagers and parents to talk about prom safety, ABC 15 reported.

The Arizona car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes urge parents to help make sure teens have a safe and memorable prom season by having an open discussion about the dangers of drinking and driving and unsafe driving habits.

In Parker, Arizona, a mock crash scene was set up to illustrate the dangers of drunk driving to high school students, according to the Parker Pioneer.

A total of 1,194 people were killed in Arizona car accidents involving teen drivers in the five-year period ending in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition to Arizona, states that reported more than 1,000 teen driving deaths were Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Texas.

MADD is also promoting "The Power of Parents: It's Your Influence" to promote safe teenage driving.

Parents can help teenagers make the right choices by:

- Establish clear rules, monitor your child's behavior, and talk to your child about the consequences of underage drinking.

- Understand that the choice to be drug and alcohol free takes courage, and is often not easy.

- If using a limo, instruct the driver to notify parents if alcohol is present.

- Permit only registered passengers to ride in a limo.

- Do not serve alcohol to an underage person.

Continue reading "Prom safety critical to avoiding Phoenix car accidents involving teenagers" »

Drunk driving, speeding, failure to yield and distracted driving are among the leading causes of Arizona car accidents, according to statistics from the Arizona Department of Transportation.

A motorist is injured every 10 minutes and someone dies every 9 hours in an Arizona traffic accident.

-One-third of Arizona car accidents are caused by drunk drivers.

-8 out of every 10 Arizona drunk driving accidents occur in an urban area.

-7 of 10 Arizona car accidents occurred during daylight hours, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

-33 children under the age of 14 were killed and 4,510 were seriously injured in Arizona car accidents.

Overall, the number of serious and fatal Arizona traffic accidents has declined in the past 5 years.

2004: 138,899 crashes, 1,159 fatalities, 73,693 injuries.
2008: 119,588 crashes, 937 fatalities, 56,009 injuries.

However, as we reported recently on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, authorities believe some of the decrease is the result of the downturn in the economy and record high gas prices in recent years. The state will release accident statistics for last year in the coming weeks.

Arizona Car Accidents

-Nearly half of all multiple-vehicle Arizona car accidents -- 43,738 of 95,427-- involved a rear-end collision. A T-bone collision was the next most likely cause, accounting for 17,848 accidents.

Leading causes of Arizona car accidents
Speeding: 41,567 crashes killed 304 motorists and injured 13,653.
Failure to Yield: 21,370 crashes, killed 87 motorists and injured 8,097.
Distracted Driving: 14,252 crashes killed 55 motorists and injured 3,724.
Unsafe Lane Changes: 6,601 accidents killed 7 motorists and injured 963.
Following too Closely: 4,568 accidents killed one motorist and injured 1,245.

Continue reading "Drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving among the leading causes of Arizona car accidents" »

Four people, including three teenagers, were seriously injured in an Arizona car accident early last Friday morning in front of Desert Ridge High School, the Republic reported.

Teenagers are at high risk for traffic accidents; almost 1,200 young people were killed in Arizona traffic accidents involving young people during the five-year period ending in 2008. And motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers ages 15 to 20, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In this case, the teens were not at fault; their vehicle was eastbound on Madero when it was struck by a car that ran a red light while traveling south on Crismon Road, according to the Mesa Police Department.

Two 17-year-old boys were transported to local hospitals with spinal and head injuries; one of the teens, seated in the back seat, was thrown into the front of the vehicle by the impact of the collision. A 17-year-old girl in the front passenger seat was airlifted to the county hospital with a lacerated forehead.

The adult male driver of the other vehicle was taken to Scottsdale Memorial Hospital.

In 2008, a total of 4,130 Arizona car accidents were caused by a driver who disregarded a traffic signal, including red-light runners. Another 977 were caused by stop sign violations. A total of 32 people were killed and 2,300 were injured, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Cuatro personas, tres de ellos adolescentes, fueron heridos gravemente en un accidente de carro en Arizona el viernes por la mañana adelante del Colegio secundario Desert Ridge High School, informa la República.

Los adolescentes están en riesgo alto para accidentes de tráfico; casi 1,200 jóvenes fueron matados en accidentes de tráfico en Arizona que implican a jóvenes durante el período de cinco años terminando en 2008. Accidentes automóvilisticos son la causa principal de muerte entre los adolescentes 15 a 20, según la Administración Nacional de la Seguridad del Tránsito de Carretera.

En este caso, los jóvenes no tuvieron la culpa; su vehículo estuvo hacia el este en Madero cuando fue atropellado por un carro que corrió una luz roja mientras viajaban hacia el sur por Crismon Road, según el Departamento de Policía en Mesa.

Dos muchachos de 17 años de edad fueron transportados a hospitales locales con heridas de espina y de cabeza; uno de los jóvenes, sentado en el asiento de atrás, fue tirado al frente del vehículo por el impacto del choque. Una chica de 17 años de edad en el asiento delantero de pasajero fue aerotransportada al hospital del condado con la frente lacerada.

El conductor adulto varón del otro vehículo fue trasladado a Scottsdale Memorial Hospital.

En 2008, un total de 4,130 accidentes de carro en Arizona furon causados por un conductor que desatendió un señal de tráfico, incluyendo corredores de luz roja. Otros 977 fueron causados por violaciónes de señal de pare. Un total de 32 personas murieron y 2,300 fueron heridos, según el Departamento de Transporte en Arizona.

A teen has past away from injuries received in a Arizona car crash, according to AZCentral.com. The driver of the other car involved in the accident was allegedly intoxicated, almost three times the legal limit of .08.

The collision took place last Thursday on Ray Road in Chandler, Arizona. The victim, a high school senior, was flown to an area hospital due to the severity of his injuries, AZFamily.com has reported. The teen was on life support until he passed away on Saturday evening.

At the time of the accident, the defendant was westbound on Ray Road in a Chevy pickup truck around 10:15 p.m. He was traveling around 80 mph in a 45 zone when he struck the victim's van on the passenger side as the van was turning left. Lab work taken later at the hospital showed the DUI driver had a blood alcohol level of .227.

The driver has reportedly been charged with manslaughter and his bond has been set at $250,000. He is scheduled to appear in court next on May 17.

In the year 2008 alone, there were 6,757 alcohol related auto accidents in the State Arizona. 324 people were killed and 4,733 were injured in those crashes, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Over 78 percent of the alcohol related accidents took place in urban areas.

Two teens are still in the hospital as of Tuesday after sustaining serious injuries in an Arizona motorcycle accident on Saturday, according to the Arizona Republic. The accident took place around 8:30 p.m. at 92nd and Cholla Street in Scottsdale.

Police are saying that they believe the accident was caused when a 19 year old motorcyclist ran a red light while heading southbound on 92nd. He hit a Honda minivan that was eastbound on Cholla turning left onto 92nd. He had a 17 year old female passenger riding with him at the time of the crash.

The motorcycle driver was taken to Scottsdale Healthcare-Osborn and the passenger was taken to John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital. The Honda driver was taken to Scottsdale Healthcare-Shea for an injured arm, and was treated and released.

It is being reported that the motorcyclist had alcohol in his system, but his exact BAC level has not been disclosed.

The Scottsdale Police Department is handling the accident investigation.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, in the year 2008 alone there were over 3,500 Arizona motorcycle crashes, and over 3,000 people were hurt in those accidents. Seventy percent of the crashes occurred in urban locations. 140 people were killed.

The Associated Press reports that Arizona will end its controversial traffic camera program, aimed at catching highway speeders and reducing Arizona car accidents.

As we reported last month on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, authorities in Mesa credit red-light cameras with a decline in Mesa car accidents. Such cameras in use by local governments will not be affected by the state's decision.

Gov. Jan Brewer announced her intentions to end the state program earlier this year. Last week, a non-renewal letter was sent to the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the private company that operates the state cameras. The state's 36 fixed cameras will be turned off and the 40 vans will be taken off the highways on June 16 when the state contract expires. The cameras were introduced in September 2008 and all 76 were running by January 2009.

The cameras captured images of speeders going 11 mph or more over the limit and sent tickets in the mail. The state had estimated $90 million in revenue during the first year, although that proved optimistic and revenue fell short as many motorists simply ignored the notices sent by mail.

The Arizona Republic slammed the decision as a mistake, citing reports of a nearly 20 percent drop in Arizona traffic fatalities, which equates to two dozen lives saved. The paper noted the cameras brought in $63.5 million and motorists had ample warning with signs warning of camera placement.

"When the cameras come down, the state might as well remove speed-limit signs, too," the Republic wrote. "They'll be roadside decoration, with no more effect on drivers than the designs on the sound walls."

Continue reading "State to eliminate speeding cameras; advocates warn of increase in Arizona car accidents" »

A Phoenix area car crash has lead the he death of an eighty-one year old woman, according to the Arizona Republic. The accident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday in the area of 1600 S. Crismon in Mesa, and involved a police cruiser.

The elderly victim was being driven by her 58 year old daughter who attempted to make a left turn from southbound Crismon onto the on ramp of U.S. 60. While making the turn she reportedly failed to yield to oncoming traffic and was hit by an unmarked police car that was headed northbound.

The police officer was not seriously hurt. He was taken to Desert Vista Hospital with neck injuries and bruising and was later released.

The 81 year old had to be cut from the car by the Mesa Fire Department and was then taken to Desert Vista Hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

Drugs and alcohol reportedly did not play a role in the accident.

This is the second fatal car accident involving a Mesa police officer over the last month. As we reported in April on the Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, a police officer hit and killed a pedestrian that was laying in the street.

An ASU student who sustained severe injuries in a Tempe, Arizona car crash last Saturday has died. Here 19 year old passenger is in critical but stable condition, according to ABC News 15.

The accident happened when the 20 year old student lost control of her vehicle and hit a construction barricade on McClintock Drive in the area of Loop 202 around 3 a.m. She was not using her seat belt and was thrown from the car in the accident. She was rushed to an area hospital, but later died on Monday.

Her passenger, also an Arizona State University student, was wearing a seat at the time of the Tempe auto accident. Tempe police say alcohol may have been a factor in the crash, according to AZCentral.com.

Un pedestre de Arizona vs. accidente de autobús escolar ha reclamado la vida de una mujer en Glendale el miércoles por la mañana, según el Arizona República. La víctima, una mujer de 39 años, estaba cruzando la calle en el área de la Avenida 47 y la Avenida Peoria.

La mujer iba caminando hacia el norte por una luz verde cuando el autobús escolar, que también iba hacia el norte, giró a la derecha y no se dio cuenta del pedestre en el cruce peatonal. Las Noticias de ABC informan que el pedestre estaba en un cruce peatonal cuando fue atropellada.

El Departamento de Policía en Glendale esta manejando la investigación del accidente. Ningunos niños fueron heridos. La víctima fue trasladada al Hospital Valley, donde murió poco tiempo después.

En el año 2008, 124 pedestres murieron 1,423 resultaron heridos en Arizona según el Departamento de Transporte de Arizona. Ochenta y nueve de los accidentes pedestres fatales ocurrieron en áreas urbanas.

Bajo la ley de Arizona, los conductores están obligados a ser cuidadosos para evitar chocar con un pedestre en la via. Aún más, los conductores tienen que ceder el paso a los pedestres en un cruce peatonal.

Abogados de accidente de carro en Arizona de Abels & Annes les recomienda a todos que disfruten el Cinco de Mayo en una manera responsable y hacer su parte para permanecer seguro y evitar accidentes de conductors borrachos.

Como informamos esta semana en nuestro blog de Abogado de Herida en Phoenix, 324 personas fueron matadas y más de 4,700 fueron heridos en accidents de conductors borrachos en Arizona en 2008.

Cinco de Mayo, Español para el "quinto de Mayo", ha crecido en popularidad en los Estados Unidos en los últimos años y ha llegado a ser una celebración de herencia mexicana en la misma manera que el día de San Patricio celebra la cultura Irlandesa. La fiesta del 5 de Mayo 1862,celebra la victoria del ejército Mexicano sobre soldados Franceses en la Batalla de Puebla.

Las autoridades a través de Arizona y a través de la nación han anunciado aumentos de patrullas, a partir del miércoles y durara hasta el fin de semana, en un esfuerzo por reducir el número de accidentes graves y fatales causados por conductores borrachos.

El NHTSA le ofrece a la comunidad hispana literatura de prevención en conducir borrachos.

Programación de la prevención borracha está disponible en ingles.

Si usted o un ser querido está en un accidente de carro en Arizona, los abogados de herida en Phoenix de Abels & Annes
ofrecen citas gratis y confidenciales para hablar de sus derechos. Llame a (602) 819-5191

The Arizona car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes urge everyone to enjoy Cinco de Mayo in a responsible manner and to do your part to stay safe and avoid drunk driving accidents.

As we reported this week on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer blog, 324 people were killed and more than 4,700 were injured in Arizona drunk driving accidents in 2008.

Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for the "fifth of May," has grown in popularity in the United States in recent years and has become a celebration of Mexican heritage in much the same way that St. Patrick's Day celebrates Irish culture. The holiday celebrates the May 5, 1862 victory of the Mexican army over French soldiers at the Battle of Puebla.

Authorities across Arizona and throughout the nation have announced increased patrols, beginning Wednesday and lasting through the weekend, in an effort to reduce the number of serious and fatal traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers.

The NHTSA provides the Hispanic Community with drunk driving prevention literature, available by clicking here.

English drunk-prevention programing is available by clicking here.

Continue reading "Celebrate Cinco de Mayo responsibly; help prevent Arizona car accidents caused by drunk driving" »

The West Valley DUI Task Force was out in force over the NASCAR weekend, making 39 arrests in the fight to reduce the number of serious and fatal Arizona drunk driving accidents.

Nationwide, someone dies in a drunk-driving accident every 45 minutes, according to government statistics.

"People that are impaired, it's imperative to get them off the roadway," Goodyear Police Officer Kory Miyazato told the Arizona Republic. "It's just like someone that commits murder. I see it the same way. It's someone behind the wheel, crashing into someone, killing someone."

About one-third of all fatal Arizona traffic accidents involve a drunk driver, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. In 2008, 294 alcohol-related crashes killed 324 and injured more than 4,700.

The West Valley DUI Task Force is comprised of most West Valley law enforcement agencies, which team up and descend on a chosen city with 40 to 60 officers for a night of saturation patrols hunting for impaired drivers. Participating police departments include Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Peoria, El Mirage, Glendale, Phoenix, Tolleson and Surprise, as well as the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Public Safety. The agency was formed in the 1990s and receives funding from the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety to pay for overtime, training and equipment.

Arizona law permits someone to be arrested for DUI even if their blood alcohol limit is below .08. In 2008, another 63 fatalities in Arizona were caused by drivers with a blood-alcohol level of .01 to .07, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DUI arrests by the task force increased to 4,827 in 2009 from 3,788 in 2008, according to the Office of Highway Safety. Nineteen similar task forces operate statewide, including in East Valley, northern Arizona and southern Arizona.

Nationwide, drunk drivers killed 11,773 people in 2008, or one-third of all traffic fatalities. In 1,347 cases, a child younger than 14 was killed while riding in a vehicle with a drunk driver. Another 34 kids were killed in bicycle or pedestrian accidents involving someone who was driving drunk.

Continue reading "DUI task force fights to reduce Arizona drunk driving accidents" »

In 2008, the statewide economic cost of car accidents was $2.85 billion. The Arizona Department of Transportation will release statistics for last year in the coming weeks. Statewide, a total of 119,588 Arizona traffic accidents, injured 37,180 motorists, including 842 fatal accidents that claimed 937 lives.

Economic Cost of Arizona Traffic Accidents
Fatal Accidents: $1.07 billion
Critical Injuries: $353 million
Other Injuries: $421 million
Possible Injuries: $376 million
Property Damage: $624 million

Average cost per Arizona Traffic Crash:

-Fatality: $1.1 million
-Serious Injury: $66,300
-Other Injury: $21,420
-Possible Injury: $12,138
-Property Damage: $7,650

Arizona counties with the highest cost for motor vehicle crashes
-Maricopa County: $1.5 billion
-Pima County: $444 million
-Pinal County: $149 million
-Mohave County: $121 million
-Coconino County: $118 million
-Yavapai County: $105 million
-Yuma County: $74 million
-Cochise County: $68 million
-Apache County: $66 million
-Navajo County: $63 million

Arizona Traffic Crashes by County:
-Maricopa: 78,034
-Pima: 18,218
-Coconino: 4,311
-Yavapai: 3,479
-Pinal: 3,249
-Mohave: 3,025
-Yuma: 2,879
-Cochise: 1,883
-Navajo: 1,286
-Gila: 1,063

Continue reading "Arizona traffic accidents cost counties with high numbers of serious and fatal crashes" »

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.

While the number of Glendale auto accidents has declined with the downturn in the economy, the number of fatal accidents has increased, the Arizona Republic reported.

Police department statistics show accidents have decreased by about 23 percent since 2005, from 6,403 to 4,910 reported last year. In 2008, Arizona traffic accidents totaled 119,588, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The number of fatal traffic accidents in Glendale increased from 4 in 2006 to 14 in 2009, according to the Glendale Police Department.

The number of accidents had been increasing each year until 2007, when traffic accidents began to decline. Authorities attribute some of the decline to targeted enforcement of problem areas, like red-light enforcement at intersections with high numbers of collisions, including 59th and Olive avenues, 83rd Avenue and Bell Road and 51st Avenue and Camelback Road.

But traffic experts also cite the economic downturn, high unemployment and low numbers of tourists as primary causes for the reduction in Arizona car accidents. AAA Arizona also cites high fuel prices as a reason for reduced travel.

"Across the nation, it has contributed to a drop in vehicle crashes," AAA spokeswoman Michelle Donati, said. "The people who are driving are driving fewer miles than they were. You also have people taking fewer leisure trips."

As we reported recently on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer blog, Glendale's numbers mirror statistics statewide. Arizona traffic accidents have declined during the downturn, while the number of fatal accidents has increased in many areas.

Continue reading "Glendale, Arizona car crashes decline, but fatal accidents on the rise" »

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."

A Phoenix traffic crash resulted in 3 people being seriously hurt Monday afternoon when two cars and a tour bus collided. The accident took place at 32nd Street and Greenway Road, according to AZCentral.com. A car moving southbound turned left and was hit by a northbound vehicle. One of the cars then struck the bus that was stopped at a red light.

The tour bus was carrying forty 5th graders and seven adults. They were driving back to Paradise Valley School after visiting Northern Arizona University. No one was seriously injured on the bus.

The 3 people riding in the cars were not as lucky, and all suffered serious injuries. They were all taken by ambulance to area hospitals.

Under Arizona law, the driver of a vehicle turning left at an intersection has to yield the right-of-way to a vehicle coming from the other direction that is close enough to be considered a hazard. Here, the injured parties will all have a civil claim against the left turning driver.

Click here to read the entire story.

Click here to read the Arizona left turn statute, ARS § 28-772.

In 2008, Arizona traffic accidents totaled 119,588, including 842 fatal accidents that claimed 937 lives, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Total accidents declined by more than 15 percent, compared to the 141,092 crashes reported in 2007. Authorities will be watching the numbers carefully when the state releases 2009 figures in the coming weeks to see if that trend continues.

While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a reduction in traffic accidents nationwide, from 37,261 in 2008 to 33,963 in 2009, some experts point to the weak economy and high unemployment as primary causes and believe serious and fatal accidents will rebound with an economic recovery.

The stats in Arizona give validity to that argument:
2004: 138,899 crashes claimed 1,159 lives
2005: 140,574 crashes claimed 1,193 lives
2006: 143,093 crashes claimed 1,300 lives
2007: 141,092 crashes claimed 1,071 lives
2008: 119,588 crashes claimed 937 lives

With the upcoming publication of last year's statistics, comparison to a number of 2008 metrics will be useful:

-Approximately 2.57 people a day were killed in Arizona traffic accidents; or one person every 9.36 hours.

-About 153 people a day were injured; or one person every 10 minutes.

-Alcohol was involved in about one-third of all fatal Arizona traffic accidents. Of those, 4 out of 5 occurred in urban areas.

-7 out of 10 crashes occurred during daylight hours.

-Arizona traffic crashes caused more than $2.8 billion in damages.

-33 children under the age of 14 were killed in motor vehicle accidents and 4,510 were injured.

Continue reading "Improving economy could impact recent reduction in Arizona car accidents" »

In a bizarre Phoenix area pedestrian vs. car accident, a police officer in Mesa fatally hit a woman who was lying in the road on Thursday night, according to azcentral.com. The officer was heading east on Apache Trail in the area of 96th Street when he suddenly saw a pair of feet in front of him. He tried to stop in time, but could not avoid hitting her.

The woman, who has not yet been identified, was trapped under the unmarked police car after the accident. She was rushed by helicopter to Maricopa County Medical Center, but did not survive and was pronounced dead on arrival.

The woman was approximately 50 years old. After the accident a man claiming to be her boyfriend arrived at the accident site and said she had been drinking.

The accident is still being investigated by the Mesa Police Department.

Believe it or not, this type of accident does occur once in a while in Arizona. According to ADOT, in 2008 alone, 5 people were killed and 3 others were injured while laying in the road.

Authorities credit red-light cameras for a 7 percent decline in Mesa car accidents last year, The Arizona Republic reported.

While the number of fatal crashes in 2009 remained flat at 29 compared to 2008, police contend photo enforcement at 36 intersections has reduced the overall number of serious Mesa traffic accidents. In addition to the intersection cams, the city has also deployed six stationary speed cameras and six photo-enforcement vans. Authorities review density maps and areas with a high number of collisions in determining where to place the cameras.

Roadways most targeted include the most-traveled and longest streets in Mesa, including Southern Avenue, which has 10 cameras, and Broadway Road, which has five. Power Road also has five intersection cameras, while Stapley, Mesa and University drives each have four cameras.

Through Dec. 15 of last year, police used the cameras to issue 23,533 citations to drivers traveling 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit. More than 18,000 citations were issued to red-light runners during the same period.

The speeding fines cost drivers $171.25, which red-light runners were fined $218.50.

Of the speeding violations, Mesa Municipal Court reports that 8,488 were either dismissed by the police department or dismissed by the court because the driver wasn't served the ticket. For red-light violations, 6,139 were dismissed.

Through the first four months of this year, about 27 percent fewer tickets have been issued; police hope part of the reason is because motorists are doing a better job of complying with the law, though they acknowledge some drivers are likely using extra caution because they are now aware of the cameras' presence.

Either way, the program is having the intended impact of reducing Mesa car accidents.

Continue reading "Mesa, Arizona car accidents reduced by traffic-enforcement camera program" »