In recent decades, drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs has been a significant problem in the greater Phoenix area with numerous drunk driving accidents taking place every year. Often, these collisions cause injuries to those involved, whether they are in the same vehicle as a drunk driver, another vehicle, or simply a pedestrian in the area. These collisions can enact a significant toll on victims, whether that toll is financial, physical, or emotional.
While nothing can erase the damage done by a drunk driver, victims may be entitled to seek financial relief to help them return to their pre-injury state. Compensation may be possible and may enable someone who is hurt to get the medical treatment they need as well as provide for their families financially if they are forced to miss work due to a crash. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in the Phoenix area may help you understand your rights if your life has been affected by a crash or if your loved one was injured or killed.
A traffic crash has claimed the life of a second Chandler police officer in under a week, according to local authorities. The second accident occurred on Friday morning near the intersection of Chandler Boulevard and Dobson Road at approximately 1:00 a.m.
Though early in their investigation, authorities believe that a 37-year-old male police officer was stopped at a red light at the intersection while riding a motorcycle. A vehicle driven by a 31-year-old man approached the officer and failed to stop, striking the rear of the officer’s bike and causing a serious crash. Initially, the 31-year-old left the scene but reportedly stopped a short distance later where officials apprehended the man. At this time, authorities believe that the at-fault driver may have been intoxicated and was driving on a license that was suspended due to a prior drunk driving conviction.
Emergency crews responded and transported the officer to an area hospital but his injuries were too severe and he died as a result of the crash. It is not clear whether the suspected at-fault driver was hurt but officials confirmed that the man had an 11-month-old child in his vehicle who was unharmed. Police have not revealed what charges are pending at this time.
Coworkers described the officer who lost his life as dedicated to the enforcement of drunk driving laws, a loyal officer, a husband and father, and a member of the National Guard.
Drunk driving accidents in the Phoenix area can affect anyone at any time, no matter how safe a driver is, because when on the road, one driver’s actions can harm many others in an area. When these accidents occur, they can leave an entire family devastated.
If you have been the victim of a drunk driving accident or if your loved one was injured or killed, the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. want to help you make sure your rights are protected. We offer a free case consultation to all accident victims who call us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and we provide it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If a drunk driving crash has affected your life, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Halloween Accident Injures 5 Pedestrians while Trick-or-Treating in Phoenix, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published November 2, 2014.
Resource:
PD: Chandler motorcycle officer killed, rear-ended at red light, ABC15.com, published Octobr 31, 2014.