Arizona Accident Lawyer Blog

Pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents are a serious problem in the United States. Pedestrian deaths and injuries in the country reach up to approximately 5,000 pedestrian fatalities and 64,000 injuries in motor vehicle accidents every year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a total 4,092 pedestrian fatalities in 2009, a decline of about 300 from 2008. These recent pedestrian death statistics account for 12 percent of the total traffic fatalities of 2009. Pedestrian accidents usually occur in urban areas due to higher pedestrian activities and greater volumes of traffic as compared to rural areas.

On Saturday (6/25/11), a 4-year-old girl was flown to Phoenix Children Hospital after she was struck by a car. Initially, she was said to have life-threatening injuries but improved to stable and good condition.

According to police officials, the girl was crossing the street near 89th Avenue and Deer Valley Road when an 18-year-old driver struck her. The driver was on her way to pick up a friend when she hit the victim. Police officers revealed that charges appear unlikely for the driver.

Despite the decline of traffic accidents involving pedestrians, the risk of becoming a victim of such unfortunate accident is still high. In order for us to prevent injuries and fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes, here are some tips from NHTSA:

• Pedestrians should be especially careful at intersections, where drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians while turning onto another street.
• Pedestrians should increase their visibility at night by carrying a flashlight when walking and by wearing retro-reflective clothing.
• Whenever possible, pedestrians should cross the street at a designated crosswalk. It is much safer to walk on a sidewalk, but if pedestrians must walk in the street, they should walk facing traffic.

For victims of pedestrian accidents in Phoenix, don’t hesitate to call our free consultation hotline at (480) 389-2463. As Arizona pedestrian accident attorneys, we are ready to assist you in getting what you deserve.

Pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents are a serious problem in the United States. Pedestrian deaths and injuries in the country reach up to approximately 5,000 pedestrian fatalities and 64,000 injuries in motor vehicle accidents every year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a total 4,092 pedestrian fatalities in 2009, a decline of about 300 from 2008. These recent pedestrian death statistics account for 12 percent of the total traffic fatalities of 2009. Pedestrian accidents usually occur in urban areas due to higher pedestrian activities and greater volumes of traffic as compared to rural areas.

On Saturday (6/25/11), a 4-year-old girl was flown to Phoenix Children Hospital after she was struck by a car. Initially, she was said to have life-threatening injuries but improved to stable and good condition.

According to police officials, the girl was crossing the street near 89th Avenue and Deer Valley Road when an 18-year-old driver struck her. The driver was on her way to pick up a friend when she hit the victim. Police officers revealed that charges appear unlikely for the driver.

Despite the decline of traffic accidents involving pedestrians, the risk of becoming a victim of such unfortunate accident is still high. In order for us to prevent injuries and fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes, here are some tips from NHTSA:

• Pedestrians should be especially careful at intersections, where drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians while turning onto another street.
• Pedestrians should increase their visibility at night by carrying a flashlight when walking and by wearing retro-reflective clothing.
• Whenever possible, pedestrians should cross the street at a designated crosswalk. It is much safer to walk on a sidewalk, but if pedestrians must walk in the street, they should walk facing traffic.

For victims of pedestrian accidents in Phoenix, don’t hesitate to call our free consultation hotline at (480) 389-2463. As Arizona pedestrian accident attorneys, we are ready to assist you in getting what you deserve.

Bicycling is an excellent way to spend one's leisure time and be healthy at the same time. Most of us acknowledge the health benefits of bicycling. In fact, more and more people use bicycles to improve health conditions. However, one major disadvantage of bicycling is the risks of bicyclists being involved in an accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Traffic Safety Facts of 2009, 630 cyclists died and 51,000 more were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Cyclists’ deaths accounted for 2 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities, and made up 2 percent of all the people injured in traffic crashes during the year. It also revealed that 70 percent of cyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas and most of these happened at non-intersections.

On Thursday evening, about 9:25 pm (1/7/11), a 69-year-old woman from Gilbert was taken to the hospital in a critical condition after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the intersection.

According to the reports, the victim was pedalling eastbound on Ray Road when she tried crossing the intersection with Recker Road against a red light. No alcohol or drugs were involved in the accident. This is the second incident of bicycling accident in 2 weeks. The roads are for everyone. Drivers of motor vehicles need to share the road with bicyclists. Meanwhile, bicyclists should also be responsible of their own safety. One way is to increase their visibility by using brightly colored clothing, red reflector or flashing rear light, and retro-reflective tape or markings. A well-fitted helmet is still the best way to protect oneself from head injuries during a crash.

If you have been a victim of a bicycle accident and would like to seek compensation, we are available at (602) 267-1280 for a free consultation. Call now and an Arizona bike accident lawyer will be with you shortly.

Bicycles have been recognized as one of the most eco-friendly ways of transportation. Nowadays, a lot of drivers use bikes as an alternative vehicle to go to short destinations and also for leisure. Although it is fun to ride a bike, biking technically offers minimal protection against road accidents. According to a report by the Traffic Safety Facts, about 630 bicyclists died on US roads in 2009. Bikers have a higher death and fatal injury rate per million vehicles, and this is about half the rate for motorcyclists and 8 times the usual rate for motorists.

In the recent report from AZCentral, Coconino County officers are investing the death of a Flagstaff man while on a bicycle excursion. On Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff’s deputies received a distress call from the injured man’s cell phone reporting the incident. He rode his bike up to Shultz Creek Trail head and got injured. Medical personnel arrived at the scene and conducted first aid and life saving measures to save the victim and then transported him to the Flagstaff Medical Center. However, according to the authorities, the biker was pronounced dead.

Upon investigating the incident, police found out that the biker had been dropped off by a family member on top of Mount Elden. The man then rode his bike down the mountain. In any bicycle accident in Arizona, it is important to immediately seek medical attention or call for help for any injuries. In this situation, time is of the essence. It is also important that if you are unsure about your health, you must have someone with you in case something bad happens to you.

If you or your loved one has been injured from a bicycle accident, call us at (480) 753-4534 today. Alexis and Mark Breyer have represented bicycle accident victims for more than 15 years, and they are on hand if you want a free consultation.

Vehicles should be taken care of by the owners whose responsibility is to make sure that their cars are always properly maintained and owners need to have and follow an auto safety checklist. Cars require frequent tune-ups and check-ups too. One of the problems that arise in vehicles is their radiators, which may leak. Leaking radiators can cause a vehicle to overheat and may cause a fire in the car. If the leaking radiator gets onto the skin, it could cause burns. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on non-crash injuries lists Radiator/Antifreeze burns as one of the top causes of injury.

In Phoenix, a child was injured due to a radiator leak from a school bus (ABC15 08/07/2011). Two buses were on a field trip when the radiator in one of the buses leaked. Police say that the radiator fluid came in contact with the ankle of one child. The child was then taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The second bus continued with the field trip.

One of the effects of coolants being in contact with the skin is that it may cause irritation. Because machine coolants dissolve metal, and these dissolved metal causes the allergic reactions in the skin that it comes in contact with. When this happens, make sure to wash the skin immediately with soap and water, and if irritation persists, please consult a doctor.

If your child has been injured by a radiator leak in their school bus, you may call us for a free consultation at (602) 267-1280. We are Arizona child injury lawyers and we may be able to help.

Drunk driving and speeding is a dangerous combination that is the cause of a majority of automobile accidents. In most instances, these two are the main cause of fatal crashes in the United States. Alcohol-impaired driving crashes kills almost 30 people in the United States. In 2009, fatalities involving alcohol-impaired drivers reached to almost 11,000 or nearly 32 percent of all motor vehicle accident fatalities nationwide.

Meanwhile, speeding, according to studies can increase the likelihood of an accident. This is because travelling at a high speed can reduce the possibility to respond in time when needed. Speeding consists of exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for the road conditions or any speed-related violation charged (racing, driving above speed limit, speed greater than reasonable, exceeding special speed limit). In 2008, 11,674 speeding-related fatalities were recorded nationwide in 2008. In Arizona alone, 373 from 937 fatalities were reported.

On Monday night (6-28-11), another car wreck occurred at Dunlap and 29th avenues. Police say that alcohol and street racing are the cause of the wreck. The two cars were racing when they crashed into a turning car in Dunlap Avenue.

Three passengers of the turning car were injured and were taken to a local hospital. Meanwhile the driver of one of the cars fled while the other, who was suspected to be impaired stayed in the scene.

Despite the continuous decline of traffic accidents involving impaired drivers, it is still important for us to continue to be aware of some safety steps especially when we cannot avoid social plans involving alcohol.

Prior to any drinking, designate a non-drinking driver when with a group.

• Don’t let your friends drive impaired. Take their keys away.
• If you have been drinking, get a ride home or call a taxi.
• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver; offer alcohol-free beverages; and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.

For victims of fatal car accidents due to impaired or speeding drivers in Arizona, call our free consultation hotline at (480) 389-2463. As Phoenix speeding accident attorneys, we are ready to assist you in getting what you deserve.

Car accidents leave millions of people injured each year. In the U.S. alone, 2,217,000 were hurt in motor vehicle crashes in 2009 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). With this, car accidents continue to be a main concern in many parts of the world.

In recent news, two people were hurt in a Mesa car accident when a vehicle crashed through a smoke shop’s front window ending up in the middle (AZ Central 07/01/2011). The store manager and another person were hit and the former was taken to the hospital after acquiring a non-life threatening leg injury.

The driver was also sent to the hospital as a precaution and treated for minor injuries.

Police say the incident occurred 11 p.m. Wednesday near Main Street and Sosaman Road in Mesa. The crash which destroyed several display cases, and damaged lounge furniture did not result in structural damage to the shop.

Alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the accident.

Injuries from car accidents can cause disabilities and even death. NHTSA’s data show that in 2009, 33,808 people died in motor vehicle crashes on U.S. roadways. Fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for the year was 1.13 which was actually an all-time low. Injury rate was at 74 per 100 million VMT.

Though fatality rate reached a historic low, authorities and safety advocates believe that numbers can be pushed further low. You can help by following all traffic rules and avoiding alcohol which a major factor in fatal vehicle crashes around the world.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Arizona as the result of someone else’s negligence please call our Mesa auto accident attorneys for your free consultation at (480) 389-2463.

Did you know that 630 bicyclists were killed and 51,000 more were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes on US roads in 2009? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these bicycle fatalities represent 2 percent of the total traffic fatalities in 2009. Statistics also revealed that 70 percent of these crashes happen in urban areas and at non-intersections. In most cases, bicycle injury statistics are under-reported. This is because police do not report the accident especially when the victim is not seriously injured.

On Thursday afternoon (7/7/11), another bicyclist was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries after he was hit by a car in Glendale. According to Glendale police, the collision happened near 51st and Northern avenues.

The car was describe as a gray car and was driven by a man. The driver did not stop after the collision and was last seen travelling northbound on 51st avenue.

Although hit and run laws in US differ from one state to another, in most instances, it is considered to be a serious crime. It is often defined as the failure to stop after an accident. Hit and run law statistics show that approximately eleven percent of all vehicle accidents are hit and run car accidents.

The punishment for hit and run can also differ such as a hit and run law violator will be required to compensate the victim for his/her losses, may have their license suspended or revoked, and may also face criminal/punitive fines. In more serious cases an offender may also be required to serve jail time, and may face points on his/her insurance or DVM records. Hit and run law violators may also lose their license or insurance coverage completely as a result of their crime.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of hit and run accident in Arizona and would like to seek compensation, call one of our Glendale hit and run accident lawyers at (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation.

Rollover accidents are one of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. There are several reasons that can cause a vehicle to roll over such as collision of two vehicles, speeding, and distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the country witness more than 280,000 rollover accidents which kill more than 10,000 people every year.

Rollover accidents are often caused by the vehicle's high center of gravity. SUVs, minivans, and trucks are prone to rollovers because of their higher center of gravity. In 2009, rollover occurrence totalled to 8,732 vehicles 5,043 of which were light trucks while 422 were large trucks.

Victims of rollover accidents may suffer from severe head injuries including scalp lacerations, skull fractures and brain injury, bone fractures or even death.

Last Friday morning (7/15/11), a vehicle with two adults, two children, and an infant rolled over on the westbound Interstate 10 near milepost 92 in Tonopah. The rollover killed a 66-year-old man and injured four other occupants which included the infant.

The cause of the rollover was not mentioned.

Did you know that seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about 50%? All though some of us have already been aware of the importance of seat belt use, there are still some who fail to do so. To further avoid rollover accidents, it is important to always maintain your car's tires, avoid speeding, and impaired driving. Do not brake suddenly but reduce it gradually to avoid rollover.

For victims of rollover accidents in Arizona, don’t hesitate to call our free consultation hotline at (480) 389-2463. As Arizona rollover car accident attorneys, we are ready to assist you in getting what you deserve.

Pedestrians are often seen walking on sidewalks where they are safe. However, in 2009, 4,092 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 59,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States. On average, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every nine minutes in traffic crashes.

In Mesa, a 28-year-old man has been arrested after he was accused of knocking a 15-year-old skateboarder to the ground (AZCentral 07/13/2011). The incident happened in a neighborhood near Guadalupe and Sossaman roads in Mesa. Police say that the 28-year-old suspect was driving down the street when he saw a group of skateboarders and told them to get out of the street. The 15-year-old teen responded to the man that they were on the bike lane and not on the street, before riding away. The man responded by jumping out of his car and chasing down the teen, saying that he would kill him, while knocking him down on the ground. An adult overheard this and rushed to help the victim, but the man ran away and drove off. Later, police were able to locate the man and arrest him. The teen sustained minor injuries.

Streets in Arizona are usually equipped with a bike lane for skateboarders and bicycle riders. It was good that the teens were using a safe lane. Even though they are in the bike lane, it is still unsafe, and they should still be cautious.

If you or a loved one has been harassed or assaulted by an unknown person for using the bicycle lane, you may call us for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222. We are personal injury lawyers in Mesa and we may be able to help.

A hit and run is actually a serious crime in most jurisdictions. It is not only unsafe, it is also unfair for those who have been hit and have been injured in the process. In the United States, about 10% out of all traffic collisions are caused by a hit and run situation. It is called hit and run because after hitting a vehicle or a pedestrian, the vehicle who caused the hit, immediately drives away without leaving any identification..

In Phoenix, a Department of Public Safety officer was taken to the hospital after his vehicle was struck (ABC15 07/12/2011). Police say that the DPS officer’s unmarked car was turning into a convenience store when another vehicle struck him in a merging lane. Reportedly, the other vehicle did not stop driving for half a mile before the DPS officer who was struck was able to stop the vehicle. The driver of the second car was then arrested but released at the scene. The DPS officer was then taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

In motor vehicle crashes in Arizona, it is expected that any driver who has been involved in an accident should stop his or her vehicle when it is safe to do so. Identification should be exchanged as well as contact information with any other driver who has been involved in the accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run accident in Arizona, you may call us for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222. We are Arizona hit and run crash lawyers and we may be able to help.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 4,092 pedestrian fatalities in 2009. This is equivalent to 12 percent of the total traffic accident fatalities in the United States on the same year. Although these numbers can still be considered as alarming, it can also be seen as an achievement since for the past few years, pedestrian fatalities and traffic accident fatalities in general have been declining. In 2008, pedestrian fatalities reached to 4,378 while about 69,000 were injured.

Did you know that pedestrians are 1.5 percent more likely to get killed in a car crash than other vehicle occupants? Many cases of motor vehicle/pedestrian fatalities are due to alcohol-impairment on the part of either the driver or the pedestrian. Speeding also increases the likelihood of pedestrians to be hit by a car.

In Phoenix, a car struck a 27-year-old woman and 2-year-old boy while crossing the street around 9:45 pm (6/26/11). The accident happened near Indian School Road and Interstate 17. There were many speculations from witnesses according to the Phoenix Fire Department. One of the witnesses said that he saw “the female fly through the air”. No confirmation has been made yet but. Both victims sustained serious injuries and were taken to the hospital. Meanwhile, the third victim sustained minor injuries and was treated on the scene.

There are many ways to stay safe while on the road. But, the most important thing for pedestrians is to stay attentive all the time. They should be extra careful especially at intersections. At night, wearing retro-reflective clothing will help increase visibility. Lastly, cross the street at a designated crosswalk.

If you have been a victim of a pedestrian accident and would like to seek compensation, we are available at (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation. Call now and an Arizona pedestrian injury accident lawyer will be with you shortly.

Did you know that vehicle fires or car fires are one of the most common factors of fire-related property damage? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that out of 45,435 vehicles involved in fatal crashes in 2009, 2.9 percent or 1,321 were due to fire occurrence.

Although fires in vehicles are not that common according to the statistics, we still cannot deny the fact that it poses a certain degree of threat to all motor vehicle drivers.

On Wednesday morning (6/29/11), a victim of a crash was pronounced dead at Maricopa Medical Center. The 54-year-old man crashed his vehicle earlier this week in a drainage ditch near milepost 54 in Cochise County. The car later caught fire and, despite managing to climbed out of the car, the fire burnt 80 percent of the victim's body.

The risk of explosion and inhalation of toxic fumes from vehicle fires are two of the most common cause of fire-related deaths. If you happened to be in a car fire, remember these simple things:

• If you are in a moving car, signal and move to side of the road
• Shut off the engine
• Get yourself and other occupants out of the vehicle
• Notify the fire department and avoid putting out the fire on your own.

Did you know that up to this day, car crashes are still one of the leading causes of death in America—next to health reasons? In the Arizona State alone, about 2.21 people die every day on a car crash and this means that one person is killed every 11-12 hours. There were also 138.56 injured daily, which means that one in every 11 minutes was injured.

In Tucson, just north of Davis Monthan Air Force Base, a 45-year old resident named died when his pickup truck flipped over in a devastating crash. Police said it happened while the driver was apparently heading west on Golf Links Road, when he suddenly lost control of his truck.

He was immediately brought to the University Medical Center 30 minutes after the crash, but was unfortunately pronounced dead on arrival. Police are now looking at the possibility of alcohol or speeding as the cause of the Tuscon car accident.

Indeed single-vehicle crashes are pretty common in America. In Arizona in 2009, they accounted for about 17.9% of all 45.13% of fatal crashes. About 73.2% occur between daylight hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Alcohol related crashes were responsible for about 5.48% of all crashes while a whopping 34.41% of all fatal ones, such as the incident above. All in all, these crashes cause the loss of so many lives. Car accidents also hurt the Arizona economy. In 2009, Arizona lost about $2.8 billion worth because of these crashes.

For more information or inquiry about the legalities in Arizona car accident claims, simply call us on these numbers: (602) 457-6222, or (480) 389-2463.

Every day, emergency departments treat a lot of people who have been injured in motor vehicle crashes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2009, there were about 2.3 million adult drivers and passengers who were treated in emergency rooms across the United States. The economic impact of such an accident is also notable.

The California Court of Appeals has just recently handed down a very important decision regarding insurance companies. In 2005, an accident occurred when the driver of a truck from Hamilton Meats and Provisions made an illegal U-turn on a coastal highway, which caused him to hit a car. The driver of the car suffered serious injuries and subsequent hospitalization.

The ruling was such that the collateral source rule would still apply, and that the negligent people who caused the injury cannot receive the benefits given by the victim’s insurance. As in the case of Howell v. Hamilton Meats and Provisions, Inc.; when the judge first ruled in favour of the plaintiff, the defendant was asked to pay a large amount to compensate for the medical bills. However, when the defendant’s side later found out that the insurance company of Howell was able to reduce the amount of hospitalization from $189,000 to $59,000, they also appealed to the judge that the amount they would pay to the plaintiff would be reduced as well. However, the judge ruled against this, because it would be unfair to Ms. Howell for having the foresight to get insurance.

If you or a loved one has been injured and need representation, you may call our experienced Arizona personal injury attorneys at Breyer Law Offices P.C. for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222. We may be able to help.

Law enforcement officers are trained in the proper use of force and when it is necessary. In dangerous or unpredictable situations officers have little time to assess and determine the proper response. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has stated "…in diffusing situations, apprehending alleged criminals, and protecting themselves and others, officers are legally entitled to use appropriate means, including force." However, there are times when officers abuse this right and use force in some situations and cause some unwarranted injury.

In Phoenix, a police officer was caught on tape slamming a female teenager against the wall (KPHO 5/4/2011). An Officer is seen running up behind a girl who was walking away, and then suddenly throwing her into the wall. The girl was then handcuffed and then taken to a police cruiser. Prior to that scene, before the officers arrived, the girl was seen with her mother in the parking lot of the Ombudsman Charter School near 40th Street and Thomas Road.

This could be a case of personal injury and child injury in Arizona. Personal injury is when a person’s injury is the result of an incident which is directly caused by the negligence of another person or indirectly by their property.

If you or a loved one has been injured and you are not sure about whether or not a claim should be filed, you may call our personal injury attorneys in Phoenix for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222. We are proud to represent personal or child injury victims throughout the state of Arizona.

Did you know that from 1999-2007, motorcyclists injured in motorcycle accidents have increased by 110 percent? This is despite the fact that the number of people injured in motor vehicle crashes has been steadily declining since 1998 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

In recent news, a motorcycle crash was reported Monday morning last week when an officer from the Arizona Department of Public Safety was struck by a vehicle while riding his motorcycle (AZ Central 04/18/2011).

According to report, the motorcycle accident in Phoenix happened around 9:45 in the morning on Interstate 10 near 67th Avenue. The officer suffered a broken wrist and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The crash caused the westbound lanes to be closed as the road was being cleared of damaged vehicles. It was shortly reopened but had caused a backup early on.

No other people were reportedly hurt in the incident.

Because of being more exposed to the road as opposed to car drivers, motorcyclists are encouraged to wear appropriate safety gear when riding, the most essential of which is the helmet. But more important than the safety gear, motorcyclists are strongly advised to get proper training and to avoid the most common causes of motorcycle accidents such as alcohol and speeding.

Victims of motorcycle accidents who wish to receive compensation related to a personal injury can reach us at (480) 389-2463 for free consultation. As motorcycle crash lawyers in Phoenix, we understand how important it is for accident victims to get the compensation they deserve.

In the United States, injury and violence are considered to be serious threats to our children's health and well-being. Children and adolescents are at high risk for many injuries that can lead to death or disability.

According to the research from1987 to 2004 (safekids.org), child injuries acquired from motor vehicle crashes lead the list of unintentional injury and deaths among children ages 14 and below – second is drowning. Meanwhile, deaths from fires and burns are the third leading cause of fatal home injury (Runyan 2004). In fact, costs of this type of accident were: $3 billion fatal fire and burn injuries, $1 billion for hospitalized fire and burn injuries, and $3 billion non-hospitalized fire and burn injuries.

Although school fires do not often happen, it is still a threat to students especially those who do not have enough knowledge on how to deal with these types of incidents. In Ontario, a high school is currently under investigation due to the blast that occurred in a shop class killing a student and fatally injuring others.
This explosion has made parents doubt how safe their children really are while in school.

Being a victim of this type of serious fatal accident, one must know that, just like drivers or auto owners, schools can be sued for negligence. School boards have insurance that will take care of the claims.

If you child has been involved in a school accident, and you believe that the accident occurred because of negligence, contact us at (480) 389-2463 for a free consultation with one of the best child injury attorneys in Arizona.

Weather conditions can be a probable factor in contributing to car accidents. These are fortuitous events that not everyone can avoid, but must be prepared for. According to the 2009 Arizona Crash Facts Summary, there were 106,767 crashes due to weather conditions: 709 were of fatal crashes and 33,380 were injury related. Weather conditions should not be taken lightly when out of the house.

In recent news, high wind gusts in North Phoenix may have been responsible for uprooting a huge tree causing it to fall on a passing car on the street. It happened Saturday evening on Paradise Village Parkway South, near Tatum Boulevard and Cactus Road. The driver saw a tree coming down, and barely had enough time to slam on the brakes. The roots of the fallen tree were completely exposed and its branches and leaves were scattered all over the street. He came out of the scene uninjured. Wind gusts were estimated to be at 50 mph and took down several power poles between Germany and Thunderbird roads.

Drivers should also be careful if these kinds of natural events happen in Arizona. These types of weather conditions are unavoidable if one is at the wrong place and at the wrong time. Mother Nature is definitely one strong opponent to face.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an injury accident in Arizona area, you may call our Arizona personal injury attorneys for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222.

Laws have been swirling around the topic of distracted driving recently. It has alarmingly become one of the top causes of motor vehicle accidents because of cell phones and the like. According to 2009 statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of motor vehicle crashes involving driver distraction amounted 448,000 who were injured or 20%. For overall crashes involving distractions, 959,000 out of 5,505,000 occurred or 17%. It is surprisingly much lower than that recorded in the years 2005–2008, which ranged from an amount of 960,000 – 1,300,000 crashes.

This has recently taken center stage in the state of Arizona. There are bills currently sponsored by Steve Farley, Tucson Democrat, banning driving and texting or any cell phone use by drivers under the age of 18. Farley has been wanting to raise awareness through a doctor from California, who also lost a son as a result of texting.

It should be highly noted that statistics show drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. More to that, texting while driving has shown to have caused to more motor vehicle accidents than drunk driving has. The Phoenix texting while driving ban was initiated in 2007. There have been many concerns coming before the Arizona State Legislature although nothing has actually been passed. A survey by the Behavior Research Center shows that 9 out of 10 Arizona residents actually support a texting while driving ban.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a distracted driver, there is free consultation. Just call these numbers (602) 267-1280, or (480) 753-4534.

Did you know that according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safey Commission (CPSC), fireworks were involved in an estimated 8,600 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2010? This is 200 fireworks-related injury cases lower as compared to 2009. Based on the statistics, CPSC mentioned that there is no significant trend in department-treated injuries from year 1996 until 2010.

Children under the age of 15-years-old accounted to about 40 percent of estimated injuries while fifty-three percent of the estimated emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries were 20 year-old and younger. Moreover, CPSC also revealed that over the past 10 years, illegal explosives or homemade fireworks have typically caused 33% of the injuries associated with fireworks.

Fourth of July is one of the most important days in U.S. It is the commemoration of the Declaration of Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain on July 4, 1776. On this day, fireworks displays are held in many states. Fireworks are also sold for personal use. On this day, fireworks-related injuries are high.

Due to the danger of fireworks, causing serious burns and eye injuries, many states raise their concerns for the safety of everyone. Some states have banned fireworks and limit the allowed sizes and types.

This Monday, let us all celebrate Fourth of July with some helpful safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

• Use fireworks outdoors only.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
• Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
• Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
• Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you!
Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.

For victims of fireworks-related accidents, call our free consultation hotline at (602)-978-6400. As personal injury lawyers in Phoenix, we are ready to assist you in getting what you deserve.

Even though statistics say that the number of pedestrian deaths has decreased since 1975, the fact still remains that pedestrian deaths and injuries continue today. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), pedestrian deaths in 2009 went down 46% from 1975.

ABC15 reports that a man has died in Glendale when a car struck him while he was walking on a sidewalk. A passenger car with two adults travelling north on 59th avenue suddenly veered into the southbound lane and onto the sidewalk, hitting the pedestrian. All three people were taken to the hospital in serious condition. However, the pedestrian later died. Authorities still have no word on what caused the accident.

The IIHS has stated that pedestrians are often killed on crosswalks, sidewalks, median strips and traffic islands. When walking on the streets in Arizona, you may want to keep the following tips in mind:

• Always cross the street on designated crosswalks.
• When out for a walk at night time, increase your visibility by carrying a flashlight and if possible, do wear retro-reflective clothing.
• Be careful in intersections, since there may be drivers who may fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians while they turn the street.
• Always walk at the sidewalk since it is much safer there, but if you must walk on the street, walk while facing the traffic.

For the motor vehicle operator, be attentive to driving and avoid distractions such as texting and calling while driving.

If you or a loved one has been struck by a car while walking on the sidewalk, you may call us for a free consultation at (480) 389-2463. We are Arizona pedestrian injury lawyers and we may be able to help.