Arizona Accident Lawyer Blog

The Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyers at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. would like to extend their condolences to the family of the 65-year-old victim of a recent fatal crash which happened in Phoenix.

As reported by AZ Central, the collision occurred around 6 p.m. Tuesday night, near the intersection of Cave Creek and Cactus Roads in Phoenix, Arizona. The motorcyclist was moving out of a private driveway and onto Cactus Road when a vehicle headed east struck him.

The victim, who was believed to have not been wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, was rushed to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead.
The 72-year-old woman driving the 2003 Buick LeSabre was not hurt in the crash and police believe impairment was not a factor.

What Caused This Fatal Motorcycle Accident?

While authorities continue their investigation, there are a number of factors that may have led to the collision. The woman driving the car may have been speeding or was distracted just before the incident occurred, making her unaware of the victim’s location. If indeed there were safety lapses on the side of the driver, she will be faced with any corresponding charges related to the crash.

Arizona Fatal Motorcycle Accident Statistics

As of 2010, the Arizona Department of Transportation's (ADOT) motorcycle accident statistics shows that there are 158,411 registered motorcycles in the state. In the same year, 2,810 motorcycles were involved in fatal crashes, or approximately 1.8 percent of all registered motorcycles ended up in a fatal crash.

Call a Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys can help the victim’s family in many ways. The first way is that the insurance company may try to deny this claim because of the victim’s lack of helmet. Although the law in Arizona is that a rider does not have to wear a helmet, the law also says that the insurance company can put blame on the rider for his own injuries when a helmet is not worn. Experienced motorcycle lawyers can help this family by proving that a helmet would not have saved his life. Second, motorcycle lawyers who are experienced can also investigate the scene and prove that the motorcycle rider was not at fault for this accident. Motorcycle riders should consult an attorney when they are hurt, especially when no helmet is worn. For a free consultation with the authors of the Arizona Motorcycle Accident Book, call the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. at (602) 457-6222. We have been helping motorcycle riders in Arizona for years.

Arizona Motorcycle Riding Training

As Arizona motorcycle accident lawyers, we know that there are many accidents that take place that can injure motorcycle riders. While many survive unscathed or sustain only minor injuries, there are others who endure life-threatening injuries or who are killed because of a motorcycle accident. Many times accidents involving motorcycle riders are the fault of the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident. That being said, we highly recommend motorcycle riding training for all motorcycle riders.

Why Get Rider Training?

One reason why some motorcycle accidents happen is because motorcycle riders tend to overestimate their skills when it comes to riding a motorcycle. This in turn gives them a false sense of security when on the road. Though it is essential to be confident when riding a motorcycle, a rider should know his or her limitations.

Most motorcycle safety advocate groups realize the importance of motorcycle safety courses and encourage every rider to partake in a training class. Participating in a motorcycle safety course can allow you to put yourself in a situation where you can react faster to another person's negligent actions. This is not to say that if you do not take a safety course for riding a motorcycle that you will be at fault for the accident, but it is intended to give motorcycle riders a better idea of safety precautions when riding their motorcycle.

Arizona Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), in 2010 there were 2,735 motorcycle accidents, which comprised 2.5% of total crashes in Arizona.

Arizona Motorcycle Training

To become an Arizona licensed motorcycle rider, the state requires applicants to undergo training and a series of tests to determine whether the applicant is fit to ride a motorcycle on the road. Motorcycle licenses are composed of different classes depending on age and skills.

Contact an Experienced Arizona Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you have or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident and would like to know your legal options, it is imperative that you speak to the Arizona motorcycle crash attorneys at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C.. There are many lawyers that practice personal injury, but far few have an expertise in injury and wrongful death law. Attorneys Alexis and Mark Breyer, who is an expert in injury and wrongful death law, can help you understand your legal rights when you are involved in a motorcycle accident. Breyer Law Offices, P.C. has handled motorcycle accident injury claims for years, including a recent offer of settlement for over a million dollars for a motorcycle accident injury claimant. Every case is different and it is important to understand your legal options. To speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, call 602-457-6222 now for your free consultation.

Motocross is becoming a popular recreational activity especially for thrill riders. However, along with the fun and excitement, injuries and accidents come with it. These types of accidents are most commonly associated with extreme injuries and head trauma. According to NHTSA, in 2009, 4,462 people died in motocross motorcycle accidents compared to 2008, which dropped by 16% or a total of 5,312.

Motocross is a motorcycle sport that is held in either closed or open circuits. These vehicle activities were first introduced to the public in the 1970s. Moreover, almost instantly it created alarming injury rates for both adults and children. It is also reported the number of injured individuals also present a lower rate of using helmets for protection.

Studies have shown that a majority of males are injured in motocross accidents and several of these injuries could have been prevented by wearing a helmet. Always remember to wear protective gear even if it is only during practice.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an ATV or motocross accident in Arizona, you may call us for a free consultation at (480) 389-2463. We are motorcycle injury lawyers in Mesa and we may be able to help.

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.

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" »

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" »

A Phoenix motorcycle accident happened around 1am last Friday morning. Motorcycle accidents happen very frequently all around the world. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 51,000 bikers injured during 2009. Preventive measures have been implemented by the authorities to ensure safe travel among road users. Public warnings, public awareness, educational programs and police visibilities on the road are just a few of the preventive measures to try to prevent motorcycle accidents.

The motorcycle accident that happened last Friday involved a police chase. The chase began when the motorcyclist refused to stop when an officer in a patrol car was initiating a traffic stop. In an attempt to run over the driver, the officer drove around the corner of Greenway Road and 40th street. The motorcycle driver ran through the parking lot of a Quiktrip gas station. The motorcycle driver got in the path of an incoming cruiser and crashed into it.

Both ways from Greenway Road up to the next minor street to the south were temporarily closed due to the accident and for investigation purposes. The driver sustained broken bones and currently is recovering in the hospital according to Phoenix police. Fatal crashes and injuries can be prevented if only all road users follow traffic laws and rules of the road. Be considerate and show courtesy to other road users like the presence of police and pedestrians.

Continue reading "Phoenix Collision Leads to a Driver’s Escape" »

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" »

Did you know that everyday 32 people in the United States die because of alcohol impaired driving accidents according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)? An in depth look into the history of vehicle crashes involving alcohol impaired drivers reveals that although the numbers are steadily decreasing in the recent years, the families that lose their loved ones every year can tell you that they are never low enough. In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety administration recorded a total of 10,839 deaths involving drivers with blood alcohol concentration exceeding the legal limit of .08 – 32 percent of traffic accident fatalities in the US.

Despite being one of the most common causes of car accidents, many people seem to ignore the dangers that go with drunken driving. As reported by KPHO (01/03/2011), more than 3500 DUI arrests were made in Arizona in only a span of several weeks; a clear statement that alcohol involved traffic accidents are still a major problem.

This statewide effort to arrest drivers suspected of DUI began during the Thanksgiving holiday and ended New Year's Day. Exact numbers reached 3,534 DUI arrests, more than a thousand less compared to last year.

Continue reading "Over 3500 Arizona DUI Arrests Made Statewide" »

Another case of an alcohol-induced vehicle crash was reported last week when a Salt River Police Department motorcycle officer fell victim to a Scottsdale car accident. As reported by AZ Central (12/11/2010) the officer was making a traffic stop on the southbound part of Loop 101 near Thomas Road when he got ran over by an alcohol-impaired driver.

The spokesperson of the Arizona Department of Public Safety said that the officer was approaching a stopped car, when another one, driven by a 21-year-old Mesa woman failed to stop and crashed into them. Both the woman and the driver of the stopped car were unhurt while the officer was taken to a local hospital with serious but non-fatal injuries. The suspect was arrested and charged with aggravated assault in connection with a DUI.

Impaired driving accidents are a major source of traffic deaths all over the United States. In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) reported a total of 33,808 vehicle crash fatalities, 32 percent were caused by alcohol-impaired driving. Though total deaths decreased by more than 3,000 as compared to 2008 data, the percentage of deaths attributed to alcohol-impaired driving rose up by 1 percent.

On a local scale, both Arizona car accident deaths and percentage of which were caused by drunk driving decreased between the two years, from 938 and 28 percent to 807 and 27 percent respectively from 2008 to 2009.

Continue reading "Scottsdale Accident Injures Motorcycle Officer" »

One of the benefits that a motorcycle has is the freedom it gives to its riders while on the road. But motorcycle riders are also exposed to dangers not met by car drivers. Did you know motorcycles have a higher fatality rate per unit distance travelled as compared to automobiles? In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration- Fatality Analysis Reporting System (NHTSA-FARS) found there were 4,595 motorcycles involved in fatal crashes in the United States. Whereas, a total of 21,117 trucks were involved in accidents in the same year.

In 2008, out of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes, 47 percent collided with another type of vehicle, though studies also show that motorcycles involved in fatal crashes usually hit fixed objects rather than other vehicles. NHTSA considers speeding the main contributing factor of motorcycle crashes, causing 35 percent of all motorcycle crashes compared to 23 percent for passenger cars.

Death is often the unfortunate outcome of motorcycle accidents, though many lucky riders recover against all odds. In a recent motorcycle accident in Tonopah, Arizona on the night of November 25th, one motorcycle rider was killed when it collided with a commercial truck (ABC 15 11/25/10). According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the reason of the collision was unknown.

Protective gear can save lives. The lack of these while driving on the road can cause severe head injuries or worse, death. Helmets are effective in preventing 37 percent of fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41 percent for passengers. In 2008, NHTSA estimated that 1,829 motorcycle riders were saved because of helmets.

Continue reading "1 Killed in Motorcycle-Truck Wreck in Tonopah" »

Researchers from the National Highway Safety Administration reported that there are an increasing number of people driving with drugs in their systems. In fact, 18 percent or 4,000 out of almost 22,000 people killed in car accidents tested positive for drugs in the United States in 2009. The researchers, however, cannot directly link the presence of drugs to being the primary cause of fatal crashes. As Arizona wrongful death attorneys, we try to help the families of these drugged-driver victims by getting them the compensation they deserve. While it will never replace the lost loved one, it helps lessen the financial burden after a death.

The Department of Transportation, on the other hand, published a couple of studies regarding the impact of drugs such as marijuana and cocaine on the performance of drivers. Results showed that marijuana slows down a driver’s perception of time, space, and distance while cocaine causes drivers to speed, change lanes without signaling and puts other innocent people at risk of a deadly accident. (Parents. Anti-Drug, 2003).

One high-profile Phoenix truck accident involving drugs happened in March 2009 when a dump truck driver hit a group of motorcycle riders, killing four people and injuring five others. According to the initial tests conducted, the driver was positive with methamphetamine when the collision happened.

Unlike alcohol which has a legal limit of 0.08 for all 50 states, the authority is still in the process of determining the concentration level at which drugs can impair the judgment of drivers.

Continue reading "1 in 5 Drivers Guilty of Drugged-driving in 2009" »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA-FARS) reported that 5,290 motorcyclists suffered fatal accidents and 96,000 injured in the U.S. in 2008. In Arizona, 133 motorcycle riders lost their lives; 49 percent of which were helmeted and the remaining 51 percent were not. In 2009, 4,595 motorcycles in the United States or 10.1 percent of the total number of vehicles were involved in fatal crashes. This is a scary statistic, and as Mesa motorcycle accident attorneys, we hope Arizona drivers are always on the look out for bikers to help save more lives.

A pair in a motorcycle traveling northbound in Val Vista and McKellips was hit by a car in Mesa, Arizona around 3 p.m. of Friday (AZ Family 11/26/2010). The car, traveling southbound, was driven by an elderly driver. The male and female motorcyclists had to be taken to the hospital with serious injuries while the elderly driver was not seriously injured. There was no information whether the two victims riding the motorcycle were wearing helmets or if the car driver was distracted before he or she struck them.

Most elderly drivers are still fully competent drivers because of their longer driving experience. Older drivers typically do not engage in the same risky behaviors as younger drivers, such as texting, drinking and driving, or speeding, so they are very often some of the safest drivers on the roads. However, the effects of aging may be a hindrance in a person’s ability to drive. Changes in vision, physical fitness, and reflexes are just some factors to be taken into consideration by older drivers to stay safe on the road. For drivers who notice these changes, make sure to always wear currently prescribed eyeglasses, do not wear sunglasses at night, and keep your windshields and headlights clean.

Continue reading "Mesa Motorcycle Accident Leaves 3 Injured" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Prescott" »

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Cave Creek Truck Accident Kills Motorcyclist" »

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

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

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

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

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

It is impossible to imagine the difficult situation families must deal with when they lose a wife and mother. As Arizona wrongful death attorneys, we see these situations all too often. Our thoughts are with the family of this woman as they grieve their loss.

The accident occurred on Saturday in Goodyear where a mother and wife was sitting at a red light on her motorcycle when she was hit by a drunk driver (ABC 15 10/20/10). The driver was speeding, ran a stop sign, and killed her on impact. Authorities are still investigating the crash but have determined alcohol to be a factor.

We wish no family had to deal with such a tragedy. Drunk drivers cause nearly 12,000 deaths every year, costing the U.S. more than $51 billion dollars (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 7/30/10).

Continue reading "Mom on Motorcycle Killed by Drunk Driver" »

While car accidents may be on the rise due to increasingly distracting driving habits, we are happy to hear the news that fatalities in Arizona have decreased in 2009. As drivers on Arizona’s highways ourselves, we encourage all on the road to put down the cell phones and focus on the road ahead.

Arizona’s Department of Transportation did a study that found the number of car accident fatalities to have fallen in 2009 (Associated Press via ABC 15 9/28/10). In 2008, Arizona lost 938 lives to traffic accidents. Last year, there were only 807 deaths due to accidents, which equates to only 1.3 fatalities per million miles traveled, which has decreased from 1.5 in 2008. The study finds that the increasing presence of rumble strips on the sides of the highways to keep people on the roads have helped in this reduction. Traffic education, increased enforcement, and quicker emergency response times have also reduced in the number of fatalities.

Emergency response times are sometimes the difference between a saved life and a lost life. Most metro areas do not track average response times beyond travel time from the dispatch center to the patient’s location. When you are in or you witness an accident, it is important to place the emergency call as soon as possible to get emergency crews en route.

Other important things to do after an accident include:

• Exchanging information—not only insurance but contact information. If you can get a copy of the other driver’s license, that is even better.
• Take pictures—most cell phones, while at fault for causing many accidents themselves, are helpful after an accident because they typically have an embedded camera. Take photos of not only your car, but the other driver’s car, wreckage on the street, skid marks, and all surroundings to pinpoint the location.
• Never leave the scene before having a police officer fill out an accident report. Without a report, there is no record of it ever happening, and you may face difficulty receiving insurance coverage for necessary items such as a rental, repairs, or minor medical bills.

Continue reading "Good News Regarding Arizona Car Accident Fatalities" »

Multitasking may be one of the best advantages to having opposable thumbs. However, while driving, those thumbs should remain on the wheel and not on a Qwerty keyboard. In Arizona, there is no ban on texting while driving except in the city of Phoenix. As Arizona car accident attorneys, we hope all drivers keep 100% of their attention on the road in front of them and around them.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted a study on the effectiveness of texting bans (USA Today via AZ Central 9/28/10). Thirty states and the District of Columbia have a ban on texting while driving. The Insurance Institute found that the bans have not decreased the number of accidents at all; in fact, they found rates had risen in three states. Instead of refraining from texting, drivers now may be focusing more on hiding the fact to evade the police, which lowers their eyes from the road even more, and for longer periods of time.

There are many distractions drivers must juggle while on the road, many of which can not be avoided. One action that can be controlled is cell phone use. While texting bans may not be as effective as many originally thought, the practice is still very dangerous. The No Phone Zone project says 16 people every day are killed due to distracted drivers and encourages drivers to declare their cars “no phone zones” to prevent distracted driving. To take the pledge, visit www.nophonezone.com.

Continue reading "Laws Banning Texting While Driving May Increase Accident Rates" »