Arizona Accident Lawyer Blog

The use of cell phones has been rapidly increasing over the years, but unfortunately so are the mobile phone related and distracted driving car accidents. Did you know that cell phone usage is the second major reason for car accidents all over the U.S.? In 2009 alone, there are about 5,474 people who were killed and another 448,000 were injured in the U.S. because of road accidents involving distracted driving.

Just last Monday in San Tan Valley, a 39-year old woman was heavily injured in a rollover car accident. Investigators are now looking into a possibility of cell phone use as the cause of the accident. Evidence suggests that the woman, unidentified until now, was apparently on her phone while on her way east to Hunt Highway when her car drifted to the right of the roadway and rolled. Immediately after, she was flown to Scottsdale Osborne Hospital where her condition has not yet been verified.

Studies have shown that more than about 200 million people in America are cell phone subscribers. Of them, about 85% report using their cell phones while driving their cars. This is quite an alarming statistic as it continually increases every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Institute, about 448,000 were injured in 2009 in vehicular accidents that involved mobile phone use.

In an effort to help curb distracted driving among the worst demographic, teens and new drivers, we have become the Southwest Regional sponsors for the American Lawyer Academy’s 2010 Viral Video Scholarship Contest. Entrants created viral videos encouraging safe driving habits—we received so many wonderful entries from students all over the region! Public voting has begun, so be sure to cast your vote today to pick our top 3 finalists, whose videos will then be up for voting again in the regional finals starting on april 22nd. Winners will be announced on May 15, 2011.

Continue reading "Cell Phone Usage Suspected for San Tan Car Accident" »

Statistics show that vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among American teens. Most of these fatalities were caused by reckless driving, drunk driving or distracted driving. Teens are unfortunately at a higher risk of being involved in a car accident. The National Young Driver Survey found that 20 percent of 11th graders have had at least one crash for the past year and 3 percent have had about 2. The fatality rate of drivers age 16 to 19 is four times higher than that of drivers age 25 to 69.

Because of this, the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) in collaboration with Impact Teen Drivers, arranged a public awareness program that aims to educate teens on the dangers of drunk, reckless, or distracted driving. These sponsors are in charge of giving educational materials not only to teens, but to parents, teachers and members of the community as well. The program also let teens experience real-time driving scenarios. The experience is kept in a controlled, safe environment at a track at Avondale Toyota/Scion.

Indeed this event is helpful in educating teens about the dangers of distracted driving to help reduce these incidents in Arizona. Another effort to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving is the American Lawyer Academy’s Viral Video Scholarship contest, for which the Husband and Wife Law Team is the Southwest regional sponsor. Students were instructed to create a video enforcing safe driving habits to enter for a chance to win up to a $10,000 scholarship. Videos are open to public voting today! Cast your vote every day to help your favorite video!

Continue reading "Preventing Teens from Distracted Driving" »

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" »

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" »

Over the years, pedestrian fatalities have accounted for a large portion of total traffic-related fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found nearly 175,000 pedestrians were killed in all motor vehicle crashes. Studies also revealed that 90 percent of all pedestrian fatalities were the result of single vehicle crashes.

There were 69,000 pedestrians who suffered injuries in traffic crashes in 2008 and nearly 5,000 were killed. In 2009, the NHTSA reported that 4,092 pedestrians were killed nationwide, 120 of these were from Arizona. In fact, Arizona was ranked 8th highest in terms of Pedestrian Fatality Rate per 100,000 Population among all other states at 1.82.

In Phoenix, a woman was confirmed to be in extreme critical condition after being hit by a car around 6:50 a.m. on Friday (AZ Central 3/11/11). The accident happened at 32nd Street near Indian School Road when the victim ran across the street and a mid-1990’s Nissan struck her. Police believe that the victim crossed the street when the traffic light was red. Further investigation has shown that the driver of the car was not impaired when the accident occurred.

While on the road, we not only have the responsibility for our own safety but also for others. Pedestrians as well as drivers must follow the laws on the road to avoid fatal accidents. One important safety tip for pedestrians is to stay on sidewalks and use crosswalks instead of walking in the road. It is also important to take action by reporting suspected impaired drivers and speeding cars to avoid fatal accidents.

Continue reading "Female Pedestrian Critically Injured in Phoenix Accident" »

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" »

Late last week, a Mesa car accident occurred involving a driver whom onlookers say may have suffered from a medical condition causing him to lose control over his vehicle.

The driver, who was in his fifties, crashed his SUV into two cars on one side of the road, before crashing it again into a home on the other side of the street while going reverse. The car crash happened in the Guadalupe and Loop 101 area causing major damage.

Witnesses say that the driver seemed dazed and confused and is suspected to have suffered from a heart attack or a seizure at the time of the accident.

No one was reportedly hurt except for the driver who was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment.

While heart disease continues to be the top cause of death in Americans, it is quite rare to hear reports of people having a heart attack while driving and resulting in a car crash.
Though, driver error and other factors remain to be major causes of car crashes all over the world.

Distracted driving (cell phone use, rubbernecking, listening to music, talking to someone) and impaired driving (alcohol and drug use) are two of the most common causes of car accidents in general.

Continue reading "Mesa Multi-Car Accident Leaves One Car in a Home" »

Days ago, a heartbreaking story of a 2-year-old that was seriously injured in a Phoenix car accident was reported (ABC 15 12/14/2010). The boy suffered from brain damage and internal decapitation and was in a coma after a near-fatal car crash four months ago.

The toddler and his family were involved in a car accident near 67th Avenue and Broadway Road on August 4. His 4-year-old sister and mom were okay but the 2-year old suffered a very serious injury – the ligaments that connect his skull to his spine were completely torn as a result of the impact.

The child underwent emergency surgery and miraculously survived. And just four days after, the 2-year-old opened his eyes and came out of the coma. Today, he has learned how to walk and talk again.

The boy’s survival was a very rare miracle since internal decapitation is usually a fatal injury. But he and his family were very lucky. Everyday, lives are at stake because of negligent, impaired, and distracted drivers. In fact, motor vehicle–related injuries are the leading causes of death for people his age in the United States (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). This has urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to give emphasis on child passenger safety by disseminating information on correct child safety seat installations.

Continue reading "2-year-old Phoenix Car Accident Victim Survives Internal Decapitation" »

As parents of seven children with our 8th to be arriving in January, as well as Phoenix product liability attorneys, we are always trying to stay on top of the latest safety findings for kids. This latest product ban comes, we fear, too late for many families.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has outlawed the manufacture, sale, and re-sale of drop-side cribs. The products, designed with one side rail that moves up and down to make it easier for parents to remove the child, have been made by many different manufacturers over the past 10 years.

Over 30 infant and toddler deaths have been caused by this terrible design.

Recently these cribs have been examined more closely for their cheaper designs and manufacture, resulting in faulty parts, unsafe materials, and defective assembly. These problems or the combination of which has lead in many cases to the rail becoming detached partially or completely from the crib. The resulting “V”-like gap between the mattress and side rail provided opportunity for children to become trapped and suffocate or become strangled.

If you or someone you know has one of these cribs in their home, please share this information with them and ask them to remove it. We don’t want to see any more injuries or deaths; there have been too many already. If your child has been seriously injured by a faulty crib or other product, please don’t hesitate to give us a call today at (602) 267-1280 to get your questions answered.

As parents such as ourselves hit the toy stores this holiday season, it is important for all to be aware of the potential risk of serious injury that exists in many popular toys for our children. Last year, over 250,000 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries caused by toys (Consumer Produce Safety Commission 2009). Twelve children suffered a wrongful death after their injuries (CPSC 2009).

Safe Kids USA has compiled a few safety tips for parents to remember about purchasing safe toys and how to use them safely (2010).

• When purchasing toys, keep in mind the age-appropriateness of the items as well as your child’s development age. Some children may have reached the numerical age on a warning label but developmentally may be behind, and there is nothing wrong with that, but you need to keep this in mind to avoid purchasing a toy that could cause harm.
• Pick up toys and try them before buying them. Are there any loose parts or parts that could come off and pose a choking hazard? Any strings or cords that could cause a suffocation injury? Are there any exposed battery or wires that may cause electrocution? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, do not purchase that item.
• If you have both older and younger children in the house, teach them to keep the older children’s toys away from the little ones and to clean up completely after playing to prevent age-inappropriate toys from getting into the wrong hands (or mouths).
• Check all toy recalls often and follow through with the recall instructions as quickly as possible to get unsafe toys out of the toy chest.

Continue reading "Risk of Serious Injury in Holiday Toys" »

The prosperous village of Ahwatukee is the southernmost of Phoenix’s 15 urban communities with an estimated population of 85,000. Ahwatukee measures 35.8 square miles and its distinct L-shape has earned it the nickname, “The World’s Largest Cul-de-Sac.” South Mountain and the world’s largest city park, South Mountain Park, act as regional borders, isolating Ahwatukee from the other Phoenix villages. The Ahwatukee Foothills News covers local stories in the village and keeps residents informed regarding community interest areas and events. The unfortunate reality that comes along with being such a busy and highly populated area, is that from time to time, a personal injury incident in Ahwatukee will occur such as a motorcycle accident or brain injury.

Although motorcyclists follow the same speed limit as their fellow travelers, often, motorcycle crashes in Ahwatukee are caused by a distracted driver or another person’s negligence. When a biker suffers an injury at no fault of their own, he or she may be able to seek compensation from negligent parties for physical suffering, grief, medical fees, loss of earnings, and much more. Annually, motorcycle accidents account for 85% of all traffic fatalities in the United States, and even if a helmet is worn, a motorcycle accident can result in severe injuries.

A serious motorcycle accident can significantly increase the possibility of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is caused by a blow, bump, or hit to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not every head collision will result in a TBI, but an estimated 1.4 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury each year. If your brain injury was caused by another person’s negligence, a skilled Ahwatukee brain injury attorney may be able to help you receive compensation for expenses associated with your injury.

If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence, call husband and wife law team Mark and Alexis Breyer at Breyer Law Offices to receive help with your case. They have the skills and experience to guide injury victims and their families through the often complex legal matters surrounding their accident or incident of injury. With their experience and knowledge of local courts and judges throughout Arizona, Breyer Law works meticulously to obtain a positive outcome for their clients’ motorcycle accident or brain injury cases. Call Breyer Law today at 623-930-8064 for a free, no-obligation consultation of your Ahwatukee motorcycle accident or brain injury case.

As a lively city in Arizona, Glendale has approximately 251,522 inhabitants. Situated in Maricopa County, Glendale is merely nine miles from the busy area of downtown Phoenix. Several visitors and residents find Glendale entertaining with the city being the home to the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, and the NLL’s Arizona Sting. As a consequence of being such a popular tourist destination and a diverse city to live in, motorcycle accidents in Glendale have been known to take place in which brain injury may be a serious and unfortunate result.

There is no doubt that being injured in a Glendale motorcycle collision is a frightening experience that may compromise a person’s health and well-being. However, those who have been injured in such accidents due to another driver’s negligence may find it beneficial to have a skilled Glendale motorcycle accident attorney on their side. Whether or not a motorcycle crash is caused by a distracted driver, dangerous road condition, or defective motorcycle or auto part, a motorcyclist may endure minor to severe injuries capable of bringing about tremendous physical, mental, and financial struggles. An experienced personal injury lawyer will work to help a motorcycle accident victim hold negligent parties responsible and obtain the compensation that they deserve.

As one of the most frequently seen motorcycle accident injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI) has the power to change a person’s life forever. Due to being more exposed to the impact of the highway and surrounding objects than those occupying a car or truck, motorcyclists are at risk of enduring catastrophic injuries such as TBI even when a quality helmet is worn properly. If a brain injury is caused by another person’s negligence, the injured individual may seek compensation to assist with financial expenses associated with medical care and long-term treatment for brain injuries.

The Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. have dedicated many years to helping their clients with obtaining the best possible restitution for their motorcycle accident or brain injury. Mark and Alexis Breyer have a strong familiarity with local courts and judges in the East Valley area and throughout the State of Arizona. Contact Breyer Law Offices, P.C. today for a free, no-obligation consultation of your Glendale motorcycle accident or brain injury case today by calling 623-930-8064.

The city of Tempe is situated in the East Valley of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area within Maricopa County. Bordered by Phoenix and Guadalupe on the west, Mesa on the east, Scottsdale on the north, and Chandler on the South, Tempe has an approximate population of 174,091. As the most densely populated city in Arizona, one can only imagine just how many individuals pass through Tempe in addition to its many residents. Similar to other busy cities, motorcyclists who take to Tempe’s roads are unfortunately not immune to being involved in collisions.

Motorcycle accidents in Tempe can be caused by negligent or distracted motorists, dangerous road conditions, or even defective motorcycle or auto parts. Whatever the cause, motorcycle accident injuries can range from minor to severe, thus inflicting tremendous emotional, physical, and financial hardship upon an injury victim. An experienced Tempe motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help an individual injured in a motorcycle accident receive compensation from negligent parties to help cover pain and suffering, medical bills, past and future lost wages, and property damage.

One of the most serious injures a rider can suffer from a motorcycle accident is a brain injury. Due to being more exposed to the elements and impacts of the road than those inside a passenger vehicle or truck, motorcyclists may endure traumatic brain injury (TBI) even when a helmet is worn. When a brain injury is caused by another person’s negligence or reckless driving, an injured individual may seek compensation to help pay for expenses associated with the often long-term treatment of brain injuries.

Since 1996, Mark and Alexis Breyer’s husband and wife law team have worked diligently to assist their clients with getting the best possible compensation for their motorcycle accident or brain injury case. Considering our history of operating in the East Valley area and throughout the State of Arizona, we have a firm acquaintance with local courts and judges and can provide our clients the representation and counsel they need to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome in their case. At Breyer Law, we will exhaust every resource to protect the rights of you and your family so that compensation is justly accounted for by negligent parties. For a free, no-cost consultation of your Tempe motorcycle accident or brain injury case, call Breyer Law Offices, P.C. at 480-753-4534 today.

After suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI), victims face serious barriers. Few people truly understand the ramifications of head trauma. In the media, those who suffer brain injuries either die or become disabled and no longer speak or live like they did before the injury.

In reality, those who suffer traumatic brain injuries, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website, often regain some semblance of a regular life. Victims of head injuries often need surgeries for hematomas (ruptured blood vessels) or brain contusions (bruised brain tissue). The disabilities that result from TBI depend on the location in the brain of the injury, age of the victim, and other factors.

After suffering a severe traumatic brain injury, most do not call a personal injury lawyer. But like any other accidental injury, a determination must be made. Particularly when a person gets back to a degree of normalcy but cannot work, it’s necessary to establish cause. But victims may not be equipped to decide whether or not a skilled Phoenix accident lawyer can win damages or provide better care than is possible otherwise.

This is why we feel strongly about contacting experienced Arizona personal injury lawyers. Unless the family of the injured person is there to help, or a medical provider, neighbor, or friend recommends a lawyer, the chance to receive better care and live a better life after the traumatic brain injury is lost.

Phoenix Lawyer Addresses Advancement in Treatment of Medical Care in Arizona for Childhood Brain Injuries

As Arizona child injury lawyers and personal injury attorneys, it is far too common for us to see that the medical care provided to people of all ages in the Phoenix metropolitan area, good as it can be, lags behind some of the best medical care that there is. That is why we are so pleased to have read a report which indicates that Phoenix Children's Hospital has created a new division known as Children's Neuroscience Institute.

Nothing is more devastating for a family than seeing a traumatic brain injury to a child. We hope they never happen. However, when they do happen, we hope for the best possible medical care for these kids to give them a chance to overcome the injuries they have suffered.

We are certain that we speak for all personal injury lawyers in Arizona when we say that we are thrilled to see an advancement of this sort come to the State of Arizona. We are optimistic that fewer kids will have to live through long-term or permanent effects from closed head injuries as a result of this new opening.

As has been reported and discussed at length, the Tony Award-winning actress, Natasha Richardson, 45, died recently from head injuries in what originally seemed like just a small fall during a skiing lesson on Monday in the Laurentian hills. According to one account, after complaining of a headache once she returned to her hotel, Ms. Richardson was flown from Montreal Tuesday night to an Upper East Side hospital.

A spokeswoman for the Mont Tremblant ski resort, Lyne Lortie, said that Ms. Richardson was not wearing a helmet during her beginner skiing lesson.

“It was a normal fall; she didn’t hit anyone or anything,” Lortie said. “She didn’t show any signs of injury; she was talking and she seemed all right.”

Ms. Richardson’s death was announced Wednesday night by Alan Nierob, a spokesman for the actress’s husband, Liam Neeson.

“Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha,” a statement said. “They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”

The statement did not disclose the definite cause of death or mention Ms. Richardson’s specific medical condition.

However, there is a lesson contained in this tragic loss that can be learned by everyone. Never take for granted the potential risk from seemingly minor head trauma. Wrongful death accident lawyers in Arizona and throughout the nation help those that have suffered serious brain injury fight this misconception every day.

A traumatic brain injury is a serious condition that posses life-altering changes and in the most extreme cases, claims the life of someone well before his or her time. As in the case of Ms. Richardson, unfortunately trauma from a head injury does not need to be seen immediately after an accident for there to be damage done to the brain. Many Arizona personal injury jury trials revolve around questions of head injury when there was only a slight initial trauma. The best neurologists are often needed to prove that serious and even fatal head injuries can occur without what appears to be a major accident at the outset.

A head injury can result from the negligence of someone other than the injured victim, and in those cases, the negligent party can be liable for physical damages suffered and financial strains due to medical expenses. In some cases, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the family of the decedent whose cause of death involved a traumatic brain injury due to negligence.

Continue reading "Actress Natasha Richardson Dies from Head Injury" »