Pedestrians and cars do not mix well in the Valley or elsewhere in Arizona. When a collision between these groups occurs, the pedestrian involved is almost always injured and far too often, the pedestrian loses his or her life due to the injuries that are sustained in the crash.
In most cases, the term “accident” is a misnomer because it implies that a collision happens by chance and not by fault. Rather, in the majority of car accidents in Phoenix, a crash can be blamed on the actions of one or more drivers involved and often is the result of negligent conduct behind the wheel. Common causes of collisions include speeding, driving while distracted, texting while driving, following too closely, and failing to yield the right-of-way. But perhaps the risky conduct that receives the most attention by the public is driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Driving under the influence is a crime in Arizona, a state known to have some of the strictest anti-drunk driving laws in the nation. But every day, many drivers choose to take matters into their own hands when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking or taking drugs, placing not only their own personal safety but the safety of their passengers and nearly everyone else on the road at risk. Drunk and drugged drivers are much more likely to be involved in a collision than those who drive sober and the results of these crashes can be devastating.
Now, police suspect that a pedestrian lost his life due to the actions of a driver who was reportedly high on marijuana when a crash occurred. The incident happened on State Route 87 near Shea Boulevard on Saturday and apparently went unnoticed initially. Police have reported that a traffic stop hours later involving a car with non-operational lights led to a passenger in the vehicle reporting the collision with a pedestrian on SR 87. A subsequent response by additional officers to the area of SR 87 and Shea Boulevard confirmed the incident when a pedestrian was found in the middle of the road. Tragically, the pedestrian was dead as a result of a collision with a vehicle.
Authorities additionally reported that the passenger of the vehicle admitted that he smoked marijuana with the driver on Saturday just prior to their trip and that the driver struck the pedestrian on SR 87 before leaving the scene. Neither the driver nor the passenger called for help for the victim nor did they report the incident to area police until the subsequent traffic stop hours later. By that time, it was too late to render aid to the victim.
The driver of the car was arrested and has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in a fatality and he may face additional charges, like driving under the influence, pending the outcome of a toxicology screening and a police investigation. It is unclear whether any charges will be brought against the passenger in the vehicle in this matter.
Pedestrian accident victims face an uphill battle in Phoenix when it comes to getting the financial compensation that they deserve. Valid claims are often denied by insurance companies or victims are offered only a fraction of the relief that they deserve as compensation for their injuries.
The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. believe that all victims deserve to have their rights protected and that they deserve appropriate representation in their cases. To help you realize your options, we keep a licensed lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191. We offer all victims a no-cost, no-obligation case consultation when they call us and if we represent you in your case, we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery for you.
Do not let a pedestrian crash continue to affect you for the remainder of your life. If you have been injured or if your loved one was killed due to the actions of another, call Abels & Annes, P.C. now and let us fight for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Ex-NFL Star Donovan McNabb Arrested for DUI in Gilbert, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published July 7, 2015.
Resource:
Phoenix man arrested in SR 87 fatal hit-and-run, by Phil Benson, CBS5AZ.com, published July 6, 2015.