Arizona Accident Lawyer Blog

As Arizona bicycle accident attorneys, we were happy to hear that a trophy was named after Sally Meyerhoff, the first woman ever to win the Rock-N-Roll Marathon. She was killed two months after she won in 2011 while riding her bike. She was hit by a car. The next big run was Saturday, January 14, 2012, and a trophy was named in her honor. There were 270,000 runners taking part in the race, and this is the 9th year the marathon has been held.

Arizona Bicycle Accident Statistics

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported that there were 1,914 Arizona bicycle accidents in 2010, which left 19 bicyclists dead and 1,583 injured. Also as demonstrated by Arizona bike accident statistics, the 45-54 year age group saw the most fatal crashes, while male bicyclists also suffered more fatalities across all age groups. Most bicyclists are hit in broad daylight on clear days, according to the findings.

Arizona Bicycle Accident Safety

As bicycle accident lawyers in Arizona, we want to share some tips to keep all bicyclists safe. They include:

• Riding in the same direction as traffic
• Obeying the same traffic signals
• Using arm signals before a turn
• Wearing a helmet
• Being aware of your surroundings
• Wearing bright or reflective clothing
• Talking to kids about bicycle safety

Contact an Arizona Personal Injury Attorney

As Phoenix personal injury attorneys, one of our goals is to reduce the number of bicycle accidents Arizona sees every year. We know that even when bicyclists follow all traffic laws, they can still be hit by drivers who aren’t paying attention. One way we accomplish this is by holding the drivers who cause the accidents responsible for covering the costs that the injured victims and their families incur because of the collision. Injured bicyclists usually suffer serious injuries that come with high medical costs. Their rehabilitation costs are typically quite high as well. Many bike riders when hit by vehicles are not lucky enough to live through the accident. The Husband and Wife Law Team have been helping injured bicyclists and their families for years. Call us for your free consultation any time.

As Gilbert car accident injury attorneys, we were extremely saddened to hear about a 14-year-old boy who was seriously injured on January 2. He was riding his bike across a crosswalk when he was hit by a pickup truck around 12:30 p.m., according to Fox 10. The boy was flown to Maricopa Medical Center with critical injuries to his head. He was not wearing a helmet. Many people in Arizona think if you are injured while not wearing a helmet that you do not have a personal injury claim, but that is not the law in Arizona. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time, and we wish the boy a full recovery.

Arizona Bicycle Accident Statistics

There were 19 bicyclists killed in Arizona in 2010, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). There were two bicyclists killed aged 10-14 years in 2010 and 212 injured.

Gilbert Bicycle Accident Law

According to ARS 28-792, anyone using a designated crosswalk has the right of way; however, they should still obey traffic signals. If the boy was crossing without the proper signal, the pickup truck driver may not have had enough warning. However, police believe the truck involved in this Arizona child bicycle accident was traveling at speeds between 35 and 40, which indicate that the truck driver did not slow down very much at all. This could indicate the driver was distracted or impaired. According to ARS 28-794, drivers must exercise due care regardless of whether the person crossing the street has obeyed traffic signals or not.

Contact a Gilbert Personal Injury Attorney

A knowledgeable attorney will uncover all facts regarding this case to determine exactly what happened. The Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. review accident files, talk to police and witnesses and study the scene of the accident to determine who was at fault. It is our goal to achieve the best possible injury settlement to cover the cost of hospital stays and more. Contact us for a free consultation.

As Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys, we know how important it is to teach children how to ride safely, especially when around cars. We were also happy to hear that thousands of children were bused into Phoenix on December 18 to receive a free bicycle as a Christmas gift from a local church group, according to Fox 10. The group, part of the Phoenix First Assembly of God, put together more than 5,000 bikes for children who need them. An anonymous person donated the bikes. The bikes are given to children who are nominated by their teachers based on need. The program has been donating bikes for the past 15 years.

Phoenix Bicycle Accident Safety Tips

Parents should discuss important safety rules with children to help them avoid Phoenix bicycle accidents, including:

• Wear a well-fitting helmet at all times;
• Wear bright or reflective clothing;
• Wear elbow and knee pads for further protection;
• Use a light when it gets dark; and
• Ride with an adult whenever possible.

Parents can also help children plan a route to school or the store, showing them where it is safe to ride and how to cross streets by getting off and walking the bike across designated crosswalks. Children can learn to ride with traffic and obey traffic signals, but they should do so with an adult supervising them at all times.

Arizona Bicycle Accident Statistics

There are on average about 1,900 bicycle accidents in Arizona every year. In 2010, there were 1,914, resulting in 19 people killed and 1,583 injured, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Most bicycle accidents happened in broad daylight with clear conditions. There were two children age 10-14 years who were killed in 2010 bicycle accidents, and more than 250 Arizona child bicycle accident injury victims age 0-14.

Contact a Phoenix Personal Injury Attorney

If you or your child is injured in a Phoenix bicycle accident, contact the team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. We have more than a decade of experience representing victims of Phoenix bicycle accidents. The Husband and Wife Team works to obtain settlements from at-fault drivers that pay for the medical expenses and more. Contact us today for a free consultation.

As Scottsdale bicycle accident attorneys, we would like to let our readers know that bicyclists may lose access to the steep hills they train on in the Hidden Hills subdivision because of residents’ worry over possible bicycle accidents. According to a news report in AZ Central, bicyclists may lose access by the end of the year as the Scottsdale Transportation Commission recently voted 5 to 2 to temporarily suspend an easement that allows bikers to train on the 8-mile stretch of steep hills.

Residents have complained that cyclists speed through the area, and resident are worried they might hit them when backing out of their driveways. While we think it is unfortunate that cyclists might lose their training hills, we also believe it is important to prevent accidents.

Scottsdale Bicycle Accident Statistics

The city of Scottsdale is recognized as a “Bicycle Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists, according to their government website, ScottsdaleAZ.gov. The city has 63 bridges that are all open to cyclists, a bike parking ordinance, bike racks or storage units at most buildings throughout the city, and 95 miles of bike lanes.

Twenty-nine percent of the city has bike lanes or paved shoulders. Scottsdale also has 50 miles of designated bike routes. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were 1,914 Arizona bicycle accidents in 2010. In these bicycle accidents, 19 cyclists were killed and 1,583 were injured.

Contact a Scottsdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you are injured in a Scottsdale bicycle accident, contact the Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. so we can investigate your case. Often, bicyclists are injured or worse in collisions with cars, and it takes an experienced lawyer to handle the case properly. Contact us today for a free consultation at (480) 389-2463.

As lawyers who handle bike accident cases in Phoenix, we were very saddened to hear of a fatal Phoenix bicycle accident. According to ABC15, a 79-year-old man was killed on November 20, 2011 while riding his bicycle at mid-block across Seventh Street, south of Beardsley Road. The man was struck by a vehicle that was driving southbound. The bicyclist was taken to a local trauma hospital and died later from his injuries. As it was determined that the driver of the vehicle did not appear to be impaired, police are still investigating the accident.

Because of the nature of our work, unfortunately we often see situations like this. We sincerely offer our condolences to the family of the victim. Our prayers are sent out to the family.

Arizona Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to data on fatal crashes in Phoenix in 2009, the fatal accident count was 144. According to the Arizona Crash Facts, there were 19 bicyclists who were killed in 2010. There were 1,583 who were injured in the same year.

Arizona State Bike Law

If there is a bicycle lane provided on the road, then the bicyclist should use that lane when riding. When a bicyclist is riding on the roadway and a vehicle wants to overtake the bike, the larger vehicle should give a safe distance of not less than three feet from the bicycle while passing. This distance should be maintained until the vehicle has safely passed the bicycle.

Biker’s Right of Way

If a cyclist is using the bicycle lane, then the biker has the right of way on the road. However, because the bicycle is smaller and offers less protection than an enclosed car, it is only right that the larger vehicle give the right of way to the bicycle. This is also part of the responsibility of the vehicle driver to practice due care and avoid colliding with others on the road.

Contact an Expert Phoenix Bicycle Accident Attorney

An expert Phoenix bicycle accident attorney should be consulted in the case of a fatal bike accident. Attorney Mark Breyer is an expert in injury and wrongful death law, and he has handled many bicycle accident cases. The family of the victim more than likely has many questions. At the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. we are here to answer any questions. It may be that you do not need a lawyer at all. If we can help by just answering your legal questions, please give us a call. We offer free consultations just by calling (602) 457-6222. Please also visit our Husband and Wife Law Team Facebook page for firm news and other topics of interest.

Arizona bicycle accident lawyers at Breyer law Offices were surprised to learn that Arizona is considered to be a state that is unsafe to ride a bike. Based on reports by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were 1,914 bicycle accidents in 2010 with 19 reported fatalities.

On September 17, 2011, AZ Central reported on ADOT's bike-safety plan which aims to lessen pedacyclist fatalities. The report shows the details of the plan and how it will help in minimizing bicycle-related injuries and fatalities.

Arizona Bicycle Accident Statistics

Being considered as one of the deadliest state for bicyclists is not a good thing. However, bicycle accidents in Arizona havr shown improvement from 2009. Bicycle fatalities in 2009 accounted for 3.10% of the total crash fatalities while injuries reached 1,643. There was a slight decrease in 2010 with 19 fatalities and 1,583 injuries.

ADOT has enumerated the factors of Arizona bike accidents and found some interesting trends. The most common factors of bike accidents are failure to yield when vehicles are turning right and when cyclists are travelling while countering traffic.

Arizona Bike Law

The state of Arizona has bike laws that act as guidelines that need to be followed by cyclists. Bicyclists must adhere to such laws, including stopping for traffic lights and stop signs (ARS 28-644), the use of appropriate headlight and reflectors (ARS 28-817), yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks (ARS 28-792). Arizona bike accident lawyers at Breyer Law Offices can tell you more about Arizona's bike laws which can be used against those who have caused injuries to another.

Despite existing bike laws, Arizona lacks other safety laws that may be the reason why Arizona has a higher fatality and accident rate for bicyclists than other states.

Contact an Experienced Arizona Bike Accident Lawyer

Contact Alexis and Mark Breyer, Arizona bike accident lawyers, of Breyer Law Offices, P.C. for a free consultation on your bike accident case. The State Bar of Arizona has certified Mark Breyer as a specialist in injury and wrongful death law. We have had many clients call us after talking to other attorneys who have declined their claim because the attorneys do not have a solid grasp of the bike laws in Arizona. Bicycle laws in Arizona are complex. There are certain laws for bicyclists when crossing the walk way and riding with traffic. Even if some of these laws are not followed, there are other laws in Arizona that allow bicyclists to win their personal injury claim. Call today at 602-457-6222 for a straight forward and honest evaluation of your case.

The right cross is considered as one of the most frequent ways to get involved in a bike accident. There are 2 possible ways that the right cross can happen. The first is when the bike is in front of the car as it hits the bicycle and the second is where the car drives in front of the bike and the rider crashes into the car. Here are ways to avoid this type of bike accident in Arizona:

1. Use headlights when riding during nighttime. It is also recommended to do this even in daytime as the flashing mode can make the rider more visible.
2. Whenever there is a car approaching, it is recommended to signal them. In this way, they will know that you are there and decrease their speed.
3. Don’t speed up if you can’t make communication or contact the driver. This is particularly the case at night. When you cannot make eye contact with the driver of the automobile, you should slow down.
4. If the driver is not looking at the curb or at the bike lane, it is a must that your ride further left. In this way, when you begin pulling out, you can get out of the way and avoid a collision.

Contact a Skilled Arizona Bicycle Lawyer

If you are involved in an Arizona bicycle accident, it is important that you know your rights. Arizona is a comparative fault state, which means that the insurance company will try anything to make sure that the bicyclist is some percentage at fault. When you are hurt on a bike, you need someone in your corner to protect you to make sure you are offered a fair settlement. Call the Husband and Wife Team at Breyer Law Offices, Alexis and Mark Breyer, who are skilled Phoenix bike crash attorneys and who can explain to you all your legal rights. Call 602-457-6222.

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.

Bicycling is a sport that people enjoy. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has said that less than two percent of motor vehicle crash deaths involve bicyclists. In 2009, there were 630 bicycle related deaths while an additional 51,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

A bicyclist was seriously injured in a Glendale bicycle accident when he was struck just after midnight at 67th and Northern Avenues (AZCentral 06/09/2011). The man sustained serious injuries, but were not life-threatening. The driver of the vehicle did not receive any charges. Police also reported that the driver had a green light at the time of the accident.

Bicycles are fun to ride. But when riding one in Arizona, don’t forget to be cautious:

• Always wear a DOT approved bicycle helmet that fits well. It will help keep the bicyclist safe from serious head injuries.
• Wear protective clothing while riding a bicycle.
• Be visible to other drivers. Wear brightly-colored clothing and if possible, wear reflective gear when riding a bicycle.
• When riding on the street, follow the flow of traffic and ride in the correct lane.

Motor vehicle drivers should always remember that bicycles are small and often hard to see. So always watch out for them whenever driving on the streets, especially on intersections where accidents with bicycles are fairly common.

If you or a loved one was injured in an Arizona bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may call our bike crash lawyers in Glendale at (602) 457-6222. We may be able to help.

Did you know that distracted driving accounted for 20 percent of injury crashes in 2009? On U.S. roadways, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 5,474 fatalities and about 448,000 of motor vehicle crashes involved distracted driving. NHTSA also revealed that of the total fatalities, 995 or 18 percent reported to have cell phones as their distraction.

Distracted driving can offer a serious and potential deadly threat to everyone. As defined by Distraction.gov, “distracted driving is any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing.”

Distracted driving are categorized into three main types:

-Visual or taking your eyes off the road;
-Manual or taking your hands off the wheel;
-And cognitive, taking your mind off what you are doing.

Some common forms of distractions are the use of cell phones, texting while driving, talking with passengers, and in-vehicle technologies and portable electronic devices usage.

Ever notice why motor-vehicle crashes are still considered to be the number one killer of American teens despite the declining number of alcohol-related crashes? This is because distracted driving habits are growing among teens, and resulting accidents are still on the rise. Research shows that about 16 percent of fatal accidents involving distracted drivers are also drivers under-20 years old, according an NHTSA study.

Continue reading "Distracted Driving Threatens Youths" »

More than 1,300 people suffer serious injuries and 16 people are killed every day due to accidents caused by distracted drivers (CDC). Distracted driving is taking one’s attention away from driving due to preoccupation with something else, such as using a mobile phone. In 2009, about 5,500 people were killed due to distracted driving in the U.S. alone (AZfamily 3/7/2011).

In a recent poll conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Consumer Reports on distracted driving, it was found that 63% of those aged below 30 were guilty of distracted driving, being on their mobile phones or texting while driving. The rates were lower for those who were 30 and above. Only a small percentage of the younger population felt that driving while using a mobile phone was actually dangerous (AZfamily 3/7/2011).

Being distracted while driving increases the chance of crashing into another vehicle, resulting in injured people, or even death. Teens have the highest proportion of distracted driving (CDC). Researchers say the reasons are the teens’ lack of experience behind the wheel as well as peer pressure. Socialization plays a big role in distracted driving, as teens are becoming more conditioned into the habit of immediate responses to text messages and phone calls, even while driving.

The U.S. government is currently taking steps to halt this rampant problem by enacting laws, which are geared towards reducing this problem. Also, proper education through the family and school is being encouraged by the government.

Continue reading "Distracted Driving Accidents" »

Teenagers are three times more likely to be involved in fatal car crashes than any other age group. A recent poll about distracted driving from the U.S. Department of Transportation and Consumer Reports Magazine revealed that 9 percent of people over thirty years old have admitted to sending text messages on the road, while this number is 30 percent for people below the age of thirty.

More shockingly, the poll stated that 41 percent of people above thirty years old have made calls as they were driving, while for people below thirty, this number was a staggering 63 percent.

Within quite close time frames of each other, Mountain Pointe High School suffered a traumatic loss from the deaths of two of their most brilliant and remembered graduates. A wonderful student described as exemplary for both her academic achievements and her heart, was killed on February 18 shortly after moving to California. She was a Mountain Pointe High School graduate of 2007 and was killed in a car crash on the 405 freeway near LA.

Almost immediately following this young woman’s death, a second blow was dealt when another former female student, a track and field legend in both her school and the state, was killed in a Maricopa street intersection while riding her bike. She was hit by a pickup truck and died at the age of 27.

Today, teens are killed by car crashes more than any other cause of death. And according to the Department of Transportation in 2009, traffic accidents were responsible for the deaths of 5,500 people in the U.S.

Continue reading "2 Former Mountain Pointe High School Students Killed in Car Wrecks" »

As Arizona accident lawyers, we understand the hardships of losing a loved one in a traffic accident. In 2009, traffic fatalities in the U.S. reached 33,808; averaging out to over 90 people who die every day because of car crashes (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System).

In Maricopa, a life was lost in a tragic bicycle accident last week. The victim, a marathon champion and Olympic hopeful, died after crashing her bike into a pickup truck Tuesday around 1:20 in the afternoon (AZ Family 03/09/2011).

Police say the Maricopa woman was going south into the intersection of White and Parker Road and Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway when she failed to yield and collided with the eastbound vehicle resulting in her immediate death.

According to Maricopa Police Department’s spokesperson, the driver of the pickup truck did not appear to be impaired.

Investigations are still ongoing with regards to the accident.

The victim was well known in the local running scene and has in fact qualified for the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials after winning a recent marathon event.

Cyclists makes up about almost 2 percent of traffic fatalities in 2009 which was 12 percent less of what was reported in 2008.

For safety purposes, it is important for cyclists to stay focused while on the road and to wear proper gear which serves as cushion against fatal injuries. It is also advised to avoid using gadgets that can impair one of the senses while riding such as music players and cell phones.

Continue reading "Maricopa Bike Accident Kills Athlete" »

Every 50 minutes, a life is lost due to a drunk driving accident in the U.S. (NHTSA, 2009). In Arizona, the Department of Public Safety and police departments reported that 7,756 car crashes every year involve a pedestrian or a drunk driver with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .01 or more (AZfamily, 3/15/11).

While a BAC of .01 may seem insignificant, individuals can react at different levels to alcohol, so even at this low level, some users can actually become significantly impaired.

As the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day approaches tomorrow, the Scottsdale Police Department has placed safety as a top priority during the event. Police officers will be out on DUI inspections at a checkpoint at Palm Lane and Scottsdale Road, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. The police will be paying special attention to drivers going southbound on Scottsdale Road, heading from Old Town bars and nightlife.

For every impaired driving fatality, Arizonans pay approximately $3.3 million in monetary and quality of life losses. If alcohol-related crashes in Arizona were reduced by even 10%, it would save $50 million annually in insurance costs.

If only to spare the financial implications of a drunk driving accident, please drink responsibly during your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. AAA Arizona is again offering their free “Tipsy Tow” service starting at 6pm Thursday night through 6am on Friday. You don’t even have to be an AAA member—just call 1-800-AAA-HELP and say you need a “Tipsy Tow” and an AAA truck will provide a free one-way ride home within a 10 mile radius of the starting location.

Continue reading "Scottsdale Drunk Driver Checkpoint Planned for St. Patrick's Day" »

Did you know that distracted driving is one of the top factors in causing car accidents? In 2009 alone, fatalities in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted driving reached 5,474 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2009 Traffic Safety Facts). This makes up 16 percent of fatal crashes for that year. Distracted driving is one of the reasons why car accidents are the number one killer of people aged 1 to 34 in the US.

Simply put, distracted driving is engaging in any activity that could affect driving skills therefore increasing the risk of traffic accidents to happen. Among many distractions; sending text messages, calling, or using a cell phone while driving are unfortunately quite common. NHTSA reports that 18 percent of fatalities in distraction-related crashes involved cell phone use as a distraction.

In an effort to stop Arizona car collisions due to distracted driving, an insurance company held an event called "X the TXT: DSGN8 Before You Drive" featuring Arizona Native and 2007 American Idol winner Jordin Sparks earlier this week (via KPHO 01/03/2011).

Sparks led her fans to take the pledge against texting while driving by appearing at Tempe Marketplace last Tuesday afternoon and to help get the word out on driver safety. She is advocating for drivers to designate a texting passenger so drivers are not tempted to respond to text messages that arrive while they are driving.

Continue reading "American Idol Star Comes to Phoenix for Campaign to Reduce Distracted Driving Accidents" »

This past year has resulted in a startling number of bike accidents. As revealed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 51,000 cases of bicycling injuries from motor vehicle traffic accidents were reported all over the country. Bicyclist deaths involving motor vehicle crashes reached 630. Although lower than the 716 deaths recorded in the previous year, the numbers are still staggering, and raise safety concerns from the bicycling community.

Just last week, an east valley bike accident left a 20-year-old woman pinned under a car in Gilbert (AZ Family 12/09/2010). The woman was about to cross the street near Val Vista Drive and Baseline Road when she was hit by a car. Though hurt, she was talking at the scene according to the Gilbert Fire Department and was later airlifted to a local hospital.

Though the victim was lucky to have survived what could have been a fatal accident, she likely faces extensive treatment to help her recover from her serious injuries. The same is true with the thousands of people who have been involved in such accidents. Sometimes these effects are life changing.

Continue reading "Woman Struck by Car While Riding Bike in Gilbert" »

As parents and Mesa bike accident attorneys, we hate to hear of fatal accidents involving individuals of all ages, but it hits even closer to home if a child dies. No parent should have to deal with the loss of a child.

An innocent family bike ride Tuesday evening with a father and his daughters turned fatal when his 11 year old daughter fell behind the two and was hit by a car (AZ Family 10/27/10). The teen driver was passing the car in front of him, didn’t see the little girl, and fatally struck her.

We can’t even imagine how difficult it must be for the family involved in that situation. Our thoughts are with the parents, family, and friends of this little girl.

Dusk is one of the most dangerous times of day for bicyclists and pedestrians. 70% of fatal bike and car accidents happen between 2 and 8pm (Safe Kids USA 2009). In 2005, 14,000 child injuries were reported involving a bike and car accident. Many injuries and deaths could be prevented with an appropriate helmet. Safe Kids USA have found that helmet usage could reduce the risk of head injury by 85% and severe brain injury by 88% (2005). If all children between 4 and 15 wore a helmet while bicycling, 135-155 lives could be spared every year. Take a moment today to remind your children about bicycling safety—we know we will.

Continue reading "11 Year Old Girl Killed by Teen Driver While Riding Bike" »

Many dog owners find the habitual act of walking their family pet is relaxing and a great way to clear their mind. Rarely are there instances reported of road-raged pedestrians, but sometimes the stress of the day can push anyone to aggression. As Arizona car and pedestrian accident attorneys, we hope pedestrians and drivers alike keep their patience with each other to prevent putting anyone in danger.

On Tuesday, a Massachusetts woman was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, vandalism to property, and disorderly conduct after she threw a bag of dog feces at a passing driver (Associated Press via AZ Central 10/5/10). The situation seems bizarre, but the woman was walking her dog and reported seeing a near-miss accident with a car and a bike. The next day the driver contacted the police and informed them that she had thrown feces in his face. She later admitted to doing this because she thought he was speeding. It seems as though she may have had a case of pedestrian road rage!

Road rage can be dangerous in any capacity, whether in a pedestrian, bicyclist, or car driver. Some signs of an aggressive driver are someone who is weaving through traffic, tailgating, and honking their horn excessively. Aggressive driving accounts for nearly 1/3 of all accidents and a resulting 2/3 of total fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The dog feces may not seem like a dangerous weapon, but it could have obscured the driver’s view and caused a much worse situation.

To prevent or combat road rage in yourself while you’re on the road, here are a few tips that may help you regain your composure:
1. Avoid listening to loud or “aggressive” music, as this may increase your stress level. Jazz, easy listening, a comedy channel, or an audio book can help calm you.
2. Try faking a smile for 30 seconds. When your muscles communicate this action to your brain, it triggers a release of happy feelings, even though you’re faking it.
3. Be the “bigger person.” Aggressive drivers are not likely to target you personally, they probably have legitimate reasons in their mind for their actions. Allowing them space is good manners and will give you the feeling of being the “bigger person.”

Continue reading "Enraged Pedestrian Throws Dog Feces After Near-Miss Bicyclist Accident" »

Driving at a slower speed in school zones leads to quicker stopping times in case a child crosses a road unexpectedly. Most intersections house crossing guards during school hours to stop traffic for crossing students. As parents and car accident attorneys, we support the efforts of school crossing guards in helping to make school zones safer for children.

Unfortunately for a nine year old boy in Surprise, his ride home from school Thursday afternoon was a dangerous one. He was not wearing a helmet when he was hit by a car while riding his bike. He was flown to the hospital with head injuries and his status is not known at this time (AZ Central 9/9/10). The cause of the crash is not known yet, but speeding has been ruled out.

We sympathize with parents who find it difficult to convince their children of the importance of wearing a helmet. Some children find them cumbersome or “uncool,” but it is essential to their safety that, as parents, you are persistent in your message. Nothing works better to convince them than your own example. Also try pointing out to your child how common helmets are among professional athletes like hockey players, football players, and racecar drivers. A bike race is also a great place for children to see professional athletes sporting the latest safety gear. If children are taught from early on that wearing helmets are “cool” and safe, they will be more likely to wear them. Just because a child is not wearing a helmet though does not mean the bike accident was the child’s fault. There currently is a law in Arizona; however, that all parents should be aware of that states that all children must wear a bike helmet when riding their bike.

Continue reading "Surprise, Arizona Child Sustains Head Injuries, Hospitalized after Car Accident in School Zone" »