The greater Phoenix area experienced a number of wrong way accidents in 2014. Several of these occurred on some of the Valley’s busy highways and freeways and some proved to be fatal. In many others, victims were left with injuries and in need of medical help through no fault of their own. With such a rash outbreak of wrong way car accidents, many began to question the causes behind these collisions and whether some changes in road design or traffic enforcement would reduce them. Many theories have been proposed but it is clear that as long as these accidents continue to occur, victims will continue to pay the price.
Options vary following a car crash in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, and Scottsdale vary depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the crash but in many cases, those who are hurt are entitled to relief. Payment can be obtained to cover expenses including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering as well as any other losses you sustained. In the event that your loved one is killed, the right to obtain compensation may belong to you, even though no amount of money can be considered adequate in these cases. Speaking with an injury lawyer can help you understand your rights if a car accident has affected your life or taken your loved one from you.
In May, a wrong way crash took place on the Loop 202 in Gilbert and left two people dead. In response to a police investigation, the suspected at-fault driver surrendered this week and is now facing multiple charges. Authorities allege that the 68-year-old female driver was under the influence of alcohol and prescription drugs when she drove against traffic on the Loop 202 with a 9-year-old child in her vehicle. The suspect collided head-on with a vehicle carrying a 25-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman and claimed both of their lives. Additionally, the 9-year-old child was seriously hurt and the suspected impaired driver was also injured but both survived the crash.
Police have reported that the suspect had a blood alcohol of .180, more than twice the legal limit of .08 in Arizona, and that she had prescription pain killers in her system at the time of the collision. The woman’s family members claim she suffers from lupus and fibromyalgia and that the pain medication was hers lawfully. Current charges against the suspect include two counts of second degree murder, criminal damage, aggravated assault, endangerment, and child abuse.
The majority of car accidents in Phoenix are not accidents but rather stem from some negligent or reckless conduct of one or more drivers involved. When this happens, the law entitles victims to seek compensation to help them return to their pre-injury state; while the law cannot erase the damages once they happen, it can enable these victims to recover fully and to move forward with their lives.
The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have helped numerous victims seek the relief they deserve and the compensation they need to recover after a crash. If you have been injured, we want to help you as well. We will provide you with a no-cost, no-obligation case consultation toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and we are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If an accident has changed your life, do not keep suffering alone. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Reminders for Safe Travel this Holiday Season, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 18, 2014.
Resource:
Driver arrested in deadly wrong-way collision, azfamily.com, published December 19, 2104.