Arizona Accident Lawyer Blog

As parents ourselves, a recent story by AZ Central out of San Tan Valley deeply saddened us. A 3-yr old boy drowned in a backyard pool while his family swam and talked nearby. This is an all-too tragic reminder to parents that you can not take your eyes off your child for even a minute. Most tragedies with little children seem to happen with loving families and too often they are when festivities are occurring. Many people can be judgmental about parents in these situations and we urge everyone not to judge the actions of parents.

Most children love the water and may be overconfident in their swimming abilities. Parents must always be careful not to discourage the child but keep a quiet eye nearby should something happen.

To prevent a swimming accident, it is best to try to get your kids to swim at as young age as possible. We advise enrolling your children in basic swimming classes to teach survival skills in the water. Even if a child has completed one of these courses, it is important to still keep watch, as a child may fatigue quickly, creating a dangerous situation. Provide adequate safety floats and always check to make sure they are appropriately inflated to remain effective.

As this sad story has shown us, even though all precautions may be taken, accidents may still happen. Safety floats, pool alarms, and gates sometimes fail, sometimes leading to very unfortunate situations.

Continue reading "Swimming Safety Precautions - Children Must Be Watched At All Times Around Pools and Other Water Areas" »

Recently there have been a few stories in the news regarding accidents involving trucks. One fatal accident involved a victim who was pinched between two delivery trucks. Another involved a jackknifed tractor trailer that hit a car, but luckily there were no injuries to report, only traffic on the I-10 during rush hour.

Always be aware of your surroundings while you are driving. If you are approaching a truck on a highway or side street, be sure to stay out of the blind spots, which include the areas to the left and right of the cab, the right front, and directly behind the truck. Be sure to leave several car lengths between your own automobile and the truck.

Unfortunately accidents may still happen even if a driver follows these regulations consistently. Faulty equipment, low air pressure, road conditions, or impaired drivers may lead to a dangerous situation.

Continue reading "Be Cautious on the Highways, Especially Around Trucks" »

Not all bicycle accidents in Tucson involve a motor vehicle. Dangerous road conditions, potholes and broken drains located on city streets can cause injury to a cyclist. The Arizona Daily Star reported than an accident occurred when a man who was riding his bike at the intersection of Euclid Ave. and East Broadway in Tucson rode over a storm drain with a missing metal bar. His bike stopped completely, causing him to fall. Luckily, only minor injuries were sustained.

The city of Tucson has pledged to fix the problem so that other riders don’t experience this type of accident. The cyclist said that he was fortunate to have been slowing down for a red light, so his fall was not as bad as it could have been. However, for other cyclists who may be going at a higher speed on a green light, the outcome could be much worse.

It is the responsibility of all cyclists and motorists to share the road when commuting from place to place. However, it is the local and state government’s responsibility to ensure that city streets are safe and free of hazards that may cause harm to individuals out on the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Arizona bike accident resulting from a hazardous road condition or the negligence of a motorist or other party, you deserve to know your rights and seek compensation for your injuries. The dedicated Arizona bike accident injury attorneys at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. will explain all of your options to you and make sure that you understand your rights so that you can make the best decision for your situation. Call (602) 978-6400 today to speak with one of our skilled and knowledgeable Tucson personal injury attorneys.

Lake Havasu is a popular vacation spot during the summer months with many people coming out to spend time on their boats. But, according to an article in Today’s News-Herald, a day on the water can turn deadly if you’ve had too much to drink.

Lake Havasu and the Colorado River are ranked fourth in the top 10 deadliest waters in the United States with the use of alcohol being the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. According to the U.S. Coastguard’s Recreational Boating Statistics 2009 report, there were 12.7 million registered boats in the country. There were 4,730 reported boating accidents with 736 fatalities and 3,358 people injured nationwide. Other factors that contributed to boat-related crashes included improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed and operator inattention.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is working with local, state and federal government agencies to set up checkpoints on Lake Havasu to ensure that boaters are not operating under the influence (OUI) of alcohol or drugs. According to the article, an AZGFD official has said that since the checkpoints have been in place, he has seen more designated boat drivers, which leads him to believe that the checkpoints are working.

While boating is an enjoyable activity, far too many people are injured or killed each year on America’s lakes and rivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in Arizona, the experienced Phoenix boat accident injury attorneys at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. can help you. You should not have to face physical, emotional or financial challenges alone because of someone else’s negligence. Our dedicated Arizona personal injury lawyers understand the complex laws that surround Arizona boating accident injury and can inform you of your rights and help you make the best decision for you and your family. To learn more about Breyer Law Offices, P.C., call (602) 978-6400 to schedule a free consultation.

A strain of the Salmonella bacteria has been found in eggs originating from Wright County Egg in Galt, Iowa. According to an Associated Press article, at least 200 cases per week were reported in hospitals during the months of June and July with the contaminated eggs being distributed in Colorado, Minnesota and California. 380 million eggs have been recalled.

So far, the CDC has said at least 266 people have contracted the illness in California, with seven in Minnesota. The number of Colorado residents who have been sickened is not known at this time. Over 1,000 people have already become ill due to the contaminated eggs and the toll of illnesses is expected to rise. The FDA is investigating and a representative from the farm has said that their barns are being inspected. The recall was issued on August 13.

For a full list of eggs included in the recall, visit the Egg Safety Center website.

Anyone who consumed eggs from any of these brands should consult a doctor immediately if symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever occur between eight and 72 hours after consumption. Those with weakened immune systems must be especially cautious as salmonella poisoning can be life-threatening.

It is the responsibility of all food producers to ensure that their products are safe for consumption. When that responsibility is overlooked, innocent people may endure harm. If you or a loved one has been injured or contracted a serious illness after eating eggs or another contaminated food item, it would be highly beneficial to contact a Phoenix personal injury attorney like those at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. You deserve to understand your rights and seek compensation if you were injured or became sick due to someone else’s negligence. We’ll explain all of your options so that you can make the best decision for you and your family. Call Breyer Law Offices, P.C. today at (602) 978-6400.

A 24-year old mother and her 6-week old baby girl were injured when their 2004 Ford Explorer unexpectedly rolled over them while the mother was unloading groceries from the front passenger seat, according to the website, JustSayNews.com. The passenger door knocked the woman and her child down after the truck began to roll down the inclined drive way. The right front tire ran over the woman’s ankles and feet, but the infant sustained severe internal injuries and later died at a local hospital.

Defective vehicles pose many dangers even when off the road. Investigators aren’t sure why the vehicle rolled backwards and the truck will be examined fully by mechanics who specialize in Ford Explorers. It is possible that a defective part on the truck caused it to roll, in which case the victim may seek restitution for her losses. Sadly, no amount of monetary compensation will bring her baby girl back, but it may help with the financial burden of medical bills, funeral costs and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Lake Havasu City Drive Way Car Accident" »

Arizona is the number two state in the country with the highest rate of child drowning incidents, second only to Florida, according to an article on Explorer.com. A study conducted by Safe Kids USA found that drowning was the second leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1 to 4 and ten to fourteen years of age. Drowning was the third leading cause of death for children under a year old.

About half of all drowning incidents, both fatal and non-fatal, occur in a home pool. Other places include spas, rivers, buckets and canals. Statistics show that about 10% of the kids who survive this kind of incident will have permanent brain damage. The severity of the damage will depend on how long the child was submerged under water, but in many cases, the damage can be substantial and include loss of motor function.

Typically, June through August are Arizona’s problem months with more incidents occurring during the summertime. Parents are urged to take CPR classes in case a Phoenix pool-related accident occurs and to take refresher courses each year. Additionally, keeping a strong eye on children when they’re playing and blocking access to the water with fences and child-proof locks could prevent a fatal drowning accident in Arizona.

The Phoenix personal injury attorneys at the Breyer Law Offices understand how traumatic and overwhelming a drowning accident can be, especially if it results in permanent brain damage or death. As parents ourselves, we recognize the importance of protecting our kids. Drowning accidents are preventable and if your child suffered serious or fatal injuries due to someone else’s negligence, our attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and seek compensation. While no amount of money can take back what happened, compensation can help lighten the financial burden of medical bills, pain and suffering and funeral costs in the event of a death. To schedule a free consultation with a Breyer Law Offices attorney, call (602) 978-6400.

One person is dead after a small charter plane crashed into a building near Deer Valley Airport in north Phoenix on Wednesday, August 4, CNN reports. Eye witnesses in the area said they saw the plane take off, loop around and nose dive into a building that housed a pest control business. They also said that black smoke could be seen coming from the Cirrus SR22 single engine aircraft. Nobody on the ground was injured and other businesses in the area had begun evacuation procedures.

Ground crews believe that the pilot was the only fatality in this tragic crash. However, until the tail number of the plane is recovered, which will allow officials to determine the number of occupants on the plane, there is still speculation. The pilot’s identity was not been released. Firefighters were seen trying to put out the fire as the plane was immediately engulfed in flames upon coming into contact with the building. Officials are also saying that the clean-up will involve Hazmat as there are a number of fiberglass particles strewn about the crash site.

Plane crashes, no matter where they occur or how many people are on board, are tragic events that often result in serious injury or death. While flying is said to be one of the safest methods of travel, defective parts, pilot mistakes, air traffic control error and dangerous weather conditions can all play a crucial role in an airplane crash.

Continue reading "Small Plane Crash Near North Phoenix Airport Kills One" »

As Arizona car accident attorneys, we understand that anyone who has ever sped through an intersection only to receive a ticket in the mail a couple of weeks later probably has a dislike toward red-light radar cameras. According to a FoxNews.com article, the cameras, which were originally designed to deter hazardous driving and prevent accidents at particularly troublesome intersections across the country, may be headed south. The cameras snap a photograph of the vehicle and the license plate as it drives through a red light signal.

Due to the rough economy, the cameras, which are in place in 450 counties nationwide, may see a decline in use. Arizona was one of the biggest proponents of the system when it came out. But now, with increased pressure from activists and the state of the economy, Governor Jan Brewer allowed the two year contract that kept the cameras active to lapse, putting an end to the Arizona red-light radar camera program.

While the use of red-light radar cameras may be a financial thorn in the sides of many motorists, the original reason for the cameras was as a preventative measure. Drivers who speed up to make the yellow light or run red lights altogether increase the chances of an intersection accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 2.3 million intersection related accidents in 2008, which resulted in 7,770 fatalities and over 733,000 injuries. Approximately 165,000 people are injured annually due to drivers who run red lights.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an Arizona intersection auto accident, you’ll want to contact the experienced attorneys at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. You deserve to understand and protect your rights, especially if your accident and injuries were caused by another driver’s negligence. Our skilled and knowledgeable Phoenix personal injury lawyers will explain all of your options to you so that you can make an informed decision that is best for you and your family. Call Breyer Law Offices, P.C. today at (602) 978-6400.

Smith+Noble has recalled all of its Roman shades and roll-up blinds after receiving a report of a near strangulation accident involving a 5-year-old boy who became ensnared in an unsecured continuous loop bead cord on a roller shade in May 2009. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the voluntary recall on July 22, 2010, which includes products that will be added to the list of retailers involved in a December 2009 Roman shades and roll-up blinds recall.

Consumers are being advised to stop use of all Roman and roller shades included in the recent recall. Approximately 1.3 million – 1,160,000 Roman shades and 115,000 roller shades – products distributed by Corona, California based Smith+Noble are affected by the recall.

While one risk of asphyxiation from the Roman shades can occur if a child takes the cord and puts it around his or her neck, another hazard is created when a child puts his or her neck between the easily accessible inner cord and the back fabric of the blind. The risk of strangulation relating to the roller shades can take place in instances where the blind’s constant loop cord has not been mounted to the wall with the provided tension device and a child’s neck becomes entangled in the free-standing loop. The products included in the most recent recall were sold throughout the United States from 1998 through April 2010.

Continue reading "Roman and Roller Shades Recalled for Strangulation Hazard" »

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has partnered with Safe Kids USA and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance to create a program that will help educate children and parents on pool safety. More than 210 reports of child drownings and non-fatal submersions have been reported in pools and spas across the nation since Memorial Day of this year. “Just one incident [of drowning] is one too many,” said Inez M. Tenenbaum, Chairman of the CPSC.

The new Pool Safely education campaign is geared towards children seven years and under and utilizes videos and online tools such as games to teach safety while swimming. There are seven simple steps that parents can review with their child that could lessen the likelihood of a drowning or other pool related injury. These steps include swimming lessons, installing pool drain covers and proper fencing, as well as other preventative measures.

Phoenix child drowning accidents and pool related injuries are highly preventable. With the help of the Pool Safely program, the CSPC looks forward to educating parents and children on the importance of safety in the water so that more tragic child drowning accidents don’t occur.

The Phoenix child drowning accident attorneys at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. understand the importance of educating children on pool safety. If your child has been injured while swimming in a pool or spa, it’s critical that you consult with an experienced attorney to understand your rights and hold parties responsible should your child’s injuries be the result of negligence. Our Arizona swimming pool accident lawyers will give you honest answers to all your questions so that you can make the best possible decision for you and your child. Contact us today for a free consultation.

A new study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that fireworks-related incidents were responsible for two deaths in 2009 and about 9,000 emergency room visits for injuries. According to the CPSC, throughout the 30 days near last year’s holiday, about 6,000 injuries involving fireworks were reported in which half of the injuries related to firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers.

Consumers below the age of 20 are the most susceptible to fireworks injuries; however, the risk of serious injury or even death is still a reality for anyone within close range of fireworks or other pyrotechnics. Some frequently occurring fireworks injuries and hazards include:

• Burns of the face, head and hands


• Lacerations


• Loss of limbs


• Residential fires


• Wrongful death

Parental supervision is extremely important if and when legal fireworks are being used. Never allow young children to ignite or tamper with fireworks or other gadgets. It is also crucial to never throw or point fireworks at another individual. For more information on how you can help prevent serious injuries related to fireworks this Fourth of July holiday, please refer to the CPSC’s website for consumer fireworks safety tips.

The Arizona personal injury attorneys at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. cannot stress enough the importance of consumer safety during the Independence Day holiday. Take every necessary safety measure to keep your loved ones out of harm’s way.