Arizona Accident Lawyer Blog

Did you know that the risk of dying in a motorcycle accident is 21% higher than in car collisions? Statistics show that every year more than 50,000 are injured and about 2,000 die in motorcycle accidents in the United States. In 2001, speeding was said to be the primary reason of fatal motorcycle collisions, which accounted to 39%. On the other hand, comparing to the car and truck drivers, alcohol-related accidents in motorcycles were 37% higher.

Two additional motorcycle injuries were yet be included in the list after a two-vehicle collision was witnessed on Loop 101 in Scottsdale specifically at the southbound Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard exit ramp on November 20th around 1:30 p.m. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety the two victims of the collision acquired severe injuries and were in serious condition. They were immediately transported to a local hospital right after the crash. The ramp was temporarily closed because of the accident.

A key reason of the high fatality rate in motorcycle crashes is the failure of motorcyclists to wear helmets. Studies show that in states that the use of helmet is a prerequisite, 98% of motorcyclists wear them. However, states that don’t require their use is only less than half. Arizona does not require licensed motorcyclists over 18 years old to wear helmets, it is a choice left up to the riders. However, please consider that wearing helmets can decrease a motorcyclist’s risk of getting killed by 29%. It can also reduce the danger of obtaining brain injuries by 67%.

Continue reading " Two Injured in a 2-Vehicle Crash in Scottsdale " »

As Arizona motorcycle accident attorneys, we encourage all riders to make safe choices. Now it is their choice to wear a helmet or not, but did you know about the unwritten “helmet law?”

In Arizona, if a motorcyclist is injured in an accident and his or her injuries could have been prevented with a helmet, the at-fault driver could avoid paying out! Even though there is no law requiring helmet use, the courts have established this “case precedent” that punishes riders who make the choice not to wear one.

A man in Prescott Valley suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident last Saturday night (ABC 15 11/24/10). He was riding his motorcycle, hit the brakes and skid 45 feet until his bike fell on its side and slid an additional 100 feet into a drainage ditch and into a front yard. He was ejected from the bike in the crash and he was not wearing a helmet. Authorities say he was inexperienced with the bike, didn’t have his license, and it was his second time riding.

Just like learning how to drive a car, riding a bike requires practice and teaching. There are many courses out there that teach inexperienced and experienced riders alike how to stay safe and in one piece on the roads. Check out T.E.A.M. Arizona or RideSmart Motorcycle Training online for information about schedules and locations near you.

Continue reading " Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Prescott " »

As parents and Gilbert car accident attorneys, we hate to hear about children suffering injuries in accidents. We take extra precautions as parents to keep them safe and healthy, like securing them in car seats, inspecting all toys for choking hazards, and making them wear helmets or other safety equipment when playing outside. It is the things that are out of our control, however, that typically pose the most risk for injury.

On Sunday in Gilbert, a pick up truck collided with a family of four in a station wagon (Arizona Republic via AZ Central 11/22/10). The mother, 25 years old, and one child, 2 years old, were seriously injured, while the father, 30 years, and second child, 5 years old, had minor injuries.

The accident is still under investigation as to its causes. It is not known yet as to whether or not the children were in car or booster seats.

Did you know that children in a properly installed car or booster seat have an 80% lower risk of fatal injury than unrestrained children (Safe Kids USA 2009)? However, an improperly installed car seat may pose more harm than not having one at all. A study done observing 3,442 car and booster seats found 73% of them to have at least one critical misuse, rendering them useless (Safe Kids USA 2009). There are many free car seat inspection locations, such as fire departments, AAA, and police departments—try to bring yours to be checked if you haven’t already done so recently to ensure your children are as safe as possible.

Continue reading " Serious Accident in Gilbert Injures 4 " »

Impaired driving, with blood-alcohol concentration levels at or above the legal limit of .08, is the cause of 59% of fatal accidents in Arizona (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Fatality Analysis Reporting System 2009). Can you believe that? Over half of all fatal accidents are caused by impaired drivers. This is completely unacceptable. All these accidents and deaths could have been prevented had the impaired driver made the choice to stay home, have a designated driver, or use a taxi service instead of getting behind the wheel.

A suspected impaired driver is to blame for a three car accident in Chandler last Tuesday night (KPHO 11/17/10). The 30 year old female driver, currently being investigated for DUI, rear-ended a car, sending her car and the other into the middle of an intersection. A third vehicle became involved when it rear-ended the impaired driver’s vehicle. When the drunk driver got out of her car, she was hit by this third vehicle, requiring immediate surgery but she is expected to recover. The other two drivers were treated for minor injuries.

Luckily no lives were lost this time due to the negligence of this impaired driver. But with the holidays right around the corner, it is even more important to be aware and make safe choices. The roadways will be more crowded in the coming days as families travel to be with each other and to celebrate the festivities. This means there will be more impaired drivers on the roads. Please be careful out there and have a safe Thanksgiving this week.

Continue reading " Drunk Driver Causes 3-Car Accident in Chandler " »

What is going on in Phoenix? The pedestrian death toll seems to be on the rise. As Phoenix pedestrian accident attorneys, we are tired of seeing these innocent lives lost due to the negligence of these drivers. We plead with all the drivers out there to please devote all your attention to the road in front of you! Arizona needs to shed this 8th place ranking for the worst pedestrian fatality rate—it starts with one driver making a conscious change, will it be you?

A Phoenix man, 87 years old, died on Wednesday night after being hit by an SUV while crossing the street (AZ Family 11/17/10). He was not in a crosswalk at the time of the accident. The driver stayed at the scene, and for that we are thankful, but the police are suspecting impairment to have been a factor. The victim’s family said he had been suffering from dementia, and they do not know why he had left the house or why he was trying to cross the street.

Most at risk for pedestrian accidents are adults aged 65 years and older (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 6/17/10). They account for 18% of all pedestrian deaths and 10% of all injuries to pedestrians. Nearly once every two hours, someone dies in a pedestrian accident in the U.S. (CDC 6/17/10). Impairment greatly increases these chances, as does the speed of the driver. 48% of pedestrian deaths involved an alcohol-impaired driver. This is unacceptable. Please, drivers, drink responsibly and never drink and drive! You'll save your own life and the lives of many others with this simple choice.

Continue reading " Another Pedestrian Killed in Phoenix " »

As Cave Creek motorcycle accident attorneys, we hate to hear about tragedy striking innocent riders. In 2008, 5,290 motorcyclists were killed and 96,000 more suffered injuries in traffic accidents (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Arizona alone saw 133 riders lose their lives (NHTSA 2008).

On Tuesday in Cave Creek, one motorcyclist was killed and three others were critically injured (Arizona Republic via AZ Central 11/16/10). The exact details of the accident are still under investigation, but witnesses say there were two motorcycles involved, each with two riders, and a truck in a serious accident. The truck driver was not injured. None of the motorcycle riders were reported to be wearing helmets, and impairment is believed not to have been a factor.

Did you know that per mile traveled, motorcyclists have a 37% more likely chance of being killed in an accident than someone riding in a car (NHTSA 2007)? Riders can take precautionary actions to avoid becoming one of these devastating statistics. Safety equipment such as helmets, body protectors, gloves, and boots, are common ways to protect a rider in case of an accident. However, how does a rider avoid even needing this secondary protection? Defensive driving is key in being a safe motorcycle rider.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has created these videos to promote motorist awareness with some of the most common locations for motorcycle-car collisions. You can view these videos on their website at: http://online2.msf-usa.org/msf/videos4.aspx. We hope they will be helpful to both drivers and riders alike to be aware of each other while sharing the road.

Continue reading " Cave Creek Truck Accident Kills Motorcyclist " »

Phoenix is ranked 8th in the country for the worst pedestrian fatality rate by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For every 100,000 residents, 1.82 was killed in 2009. As Phoenix pedestrian accident attorneys, we know this statistic all-too well.

On Sunday morning in Phoenix, a female pedestrian was hit by a car and left in the road (KPHO 11/14/10). A passerby found the 49 year old woman lying in the road along 16th Street north of Broadway at 4am Sunday morning. Police have determined she was hit by a white Toyota that fled the scene, traveling north on 16th Street.

If you know anything about this accident, please don’t be afraid to come forward. The only way we can bring this driver to justice is with the help of the community. We’ve started a statewide tipline to help facilitate the successful arrest and conviction of hit and run drivers.

The tipline is completely anonymous, so your identity and safety will not be compromised. You could receive a reward up to $1,000 if your information leads to the felony arrest and conviction of a driver who flees the scene of an accident.

Continue reading " Hit and Run Accident Leaves Pedestrian Injured in Phoenix " »

As southern Arizona car accident attorneys, it is very upsetting to hear about a fatal accident killing an innocent man as a result of a police chase. It is hard to prevent accidents like these because they are unpredictable. Drivers can take precautions to be more prepared and on the lookout for possible threats such as these.

On Thursday morning, a man was killed in a car accident on the I-10 after another vehicle crashed into his pickup truck, causing both cars to flip (KPHO 11/11/10). The other vehicle was involved in a high speed police chase when he ran into the pick up truck. Both vehicles then rolled over and the driver of the pickup truck was killed at the scene. The driver who was pursued by the police then fled the scene on foot, but witnesses identified him and he was taken into custody.

Thankfully the driver that caused this fatal accident was caught immediately and brought to justice, but all-too-often, victims are left without anyone to blame in hit-and-run accidents. That’s why we’ve started to sponsor a hit and run tip line that offers up to $1,000 reward for information leading to the felony arrest and conviction of a hit and run driver. Check it out at:

Accidents like these cannot be predicted but there are precautions to take to better protect you on the road. If you hear any police sirens make sure to pull over as soon as possible so you do not find yourself in the middle of a high-speed police chase. Arizona has a “move over” law that requires drivers to change lanes away from a stopped or pursuing authority, and failing to do so could result not only in a serious injury but trouble with the law. Always be aware of your surroundings by limiting distractions.

Continue reading " Police Chase Ends in Fatal Roll-over Accident " »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found that Arizona’s pedestrian fatality rate was 1.82 for every 100,000 residents in 2009. This gives Arizona the 8th worst pedestrian fatality rate in the nation.

A Phoenix woman was crossing the street with a shopping cart on Friday when she was hit by a pick up truck (AZ Family 11/6/10). The truck driver fled the scene but later turned himself in. The woman died at the site, only 50 feet from her home. She was not crossing in a crosswalk at the time she was hit.

In 2009, 120 Arizona residents were killed in pedestrian accidents (NHTSA). Most at risk are older adults ages 65 and older, accounting for 18% of all pedestrian deaths, children ages 5 to 9, and impaired pedestrians (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 6/17/10). Fatal pedestrian accidents frequently occur in urban areas and non-intersection locations during the nighttime hours. The Phoenix woman who lost her life on Friday was not at an intersection when she was struck.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises pedestrians to be extra cautious at intersections because drivers may not yield the right of way when turning onto another street. They also recommend wearing light-colored or reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight if walking at dusk or nighttime.

Continue reading " Truck Kills Female Pedestrian in Phoenix " »

Sometimes the most dangerous place for a child is the home. Not only are there poorly manufactured toys posing choking hazards, numerous household chemicals that could pose permanent damage, but it is also where most back-over car accidents happen.

Safe Kids USA found that about 2,500 children every year are involved in non-fatal back-over accidents, 47% of which happen in their own driveway (2009). Nearly 50% of the children injured are boys aged 1 to 4 years old.

A Tucson family is mourning the loss of their 2 year old son, who was killed in a back-over accident at his grandparents’ house (ABC 15 11/8/10). The boy’s grandfather was backing a truck out of the driveway on Monday and was fatally injured, dying the same day.

Our thoughts are with the family of this small child at this unimaginably difficult time.

To prevent back-over accidents at your home, always be sure to:
1. Remove all items of interest to the child from around and under the car; such as toys, chalk, or pets.
2. Physically walk around the car before getting in and starting it to make sure there are no children near.
3. Designate a “Safe spot” in the yard, sidewalk, or driveway, that is clearly visible to drivers for children to wait in if cars are pulling in or out of the driveway.

Continue reading " Tucson Toddler in Fatal Car Accident " »

Pedestrian accidents usually leave pedestrians seriously injured, and not the driver. But in a strange turn of events, two pedestrians are unharmed after an encounter with a motorcycle rider, who lost his life on Friday morning.

In an effort to save the lives of two others, a motorcyclist died in Phoenix early Friday morning (AZ Family.com 11/5/10). A man in a motorized wheelchair was towing a man in a non-motorized chair down on the side of an unlit road, as there was no sidewalk, when the motorcyclist came up, tried to avoid the men, and lost control. There were no other injuries.

Specifics of the motorcyclist’s injuries have not been released, nor is it known if he was wearing a helmet. If it turns out that he was not wearing a helmet and his fatal injuries could have been prevented had he worn one, his family may face difficulties receiving compensation for his death.

Arizona does not require licensed riders over 18 years of age to wear a helmet, but there is an unwritten court precedent that results in denied compensation for injured riders who choose not to wear one. When a rider is injured in an accident while not wearing a helmet and his or her injuries could have been prevented with a helmet, negligent drivers may be able to avoid paying the full amount of medical bills or damages. The unwritten helmet law has left many riders and their families without their full compensation. The choice is up to you as the rider, but it is important to be aware of the actuality of this unwritten helmet law.

Continue reading " Pedestrian Wheelchair Accident Kills Motorcyclist in Phoenix " »

A 72-year-old man died from injuries sustained in an Arizona car accident. According to an ABC 15 news report, the fatal Kingman motor collision occurred at the intersection of Northern Avenue and North Benton Street in Kingman. Police are still investigating the severe car crash, but they believe the fatally injured man sideswiped a Dodge Neon with his Ford F150. The elderly driver died from his injuries at a nearby hospital and a young occupant of the Neon was hospitalized for whiplash.

In such cases, a skilled Arizona car crash attorney can stay abreast of an investigation to help assess fault and liability. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of someone killed in an Arizona car accident may be able to receive compensation for their losses by filing a wrongful death claim. Injured victims who have been hurt as a result of a negligent driver can also seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings and other related damages.

It is important for injured victims or their families to contact an experienced Arizona personal injury attorney as receiving fair and full compensation for your losses can be a complicated process. Injured victims would be well advised to never admit fault for the crash, to seek medical attention immediately following the accident and to contact a skilled Arizona car accident lawyer.

If you have lost a loved one in an Arizona car accident that you believe was caused by another motorist’s negligence, please contact the Phoenix car accident wrongful death lawyers at Breyer Law Offices P.C. to obtain more information about how to pursue your legal rights. Our office works on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don't pay us anything until we recover compensation for you. Please call us at (602)-978-6400 for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

As Peoria pedestrian accident attorneys, we hear too often about car accidents costing the lives of much-loved family members. Losing a child has to be the most difficult thing for a family to go through.

A Peoria family and high school has lost one of their own this past weekend. An 18 year old boy was walking home from work on Friday night when he was hit by an SUV (ABC 15 10/31/10). The driver took off, and the boy was taken to the hospital where he died on Sunday from his injuries. Police say the SUV jumped the sidewalk where he was walking, struck the boy, and fled the scene. The vehicle is now in custody and the police have identified the driver, thanks to tips from the community. They have not made arrests yet pending evidence collection and processing.

Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and peers of this Peoria teen during this difficult time.

Accidents such as this one make us wish we could do something more to help the families of these victims, so we are now sponsors of the Hit and Run Tip line and Reward program. With helpful tips from the community, the culprit for this teen’s death has been found, and others can too. We are offering a reward for any tips leading to the arrest of a hit and run driver. If you call to share information, you will be completely anonymous.

Check it out at

It is an easy to use, anonymous hit-and-run reporting system called Hit-and-Run Reward. Anonymously give your information to one of our facilitators and it will be passed on to the appropriate police agency. You could earn a reward and no one, not even us, will know who you are.

Continue reading " Hit and Run Accident Kills Peoria Teen " »

Every 45 minutes someone is killed by a drunk driver (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 7/30/10). Every time someone gets behind the wheel after even just one drink, they are endangering their own life and the lives of hundreds of others. This is an unacceptable habit, especially because there are so many safe ride programs out there.

A police chase ended in a head-on collision that claimed the life of a 36 year old woman on Wednesday night (KPHO 10/28/10). The authorities suspect that alcohol was a factor in the accident. The chase began when the driver of an SUV sped past the police at over 100 miles an hour. They pursued the driver with a helicopter for about a half an hour. They tried to stop him by throwing out spike strips but he dodged them and got on the Loop 202 in the wrong direction, where he finally stopped after he collided with the woman, who died at the scene. The driver of the SUV is in serious condition.

Drunk driving costs the U.S. more than $51 billion every year, and it is completely preventable (CDC 7/30/10). The scariest statistic is that fact that 159 million drivers report that they’ve driven drunk in the past but only 1.4 million are caught and arrested (CDC 7/30/10). With the Halloween holiday right around the corner, there will be an increased number of impaired drivers on the road, so please be careful and on the lookout for the signs of an impaired driver: drifting across lanes, speeding or excessively slow driving, tailgating, and misuse of turn signals.

Continue reading " Drunk Driver Kills Woman on Loop 202 " »