Dave Abels, Author at Abels & Annes, P.C.

Inclement Weather Anticipated for New Year’s Eve in Phoenix

New Year’s Eve is a busy holiday for many in the greater Phoenix area who choose to celebrate the end of one year and the start of another. Today, many across the Valley of the Sun are preparing to spend time with family and friends tonight and will be taking to the roads later today. Though school is not in session for many kids and though many people may have the day off work, the roads in Phoenix are likely to see a heavy traffic load through the morning hours of New Year’s Day.

With increased traffic comes an increased chance of a car accident, and on New Year’s Eve, odds are that some of those drivers will be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. During a normal year, this combination of increased traffic and impaired operators can turn fatal in the blink of an eye. This year, the conditions are worse as the Valley is preparing for rain throughout the night and as northern areas prepare for snow.

Inclement weather is a contributing factor in millions of car accidents across the country ever year. The normally dry and consistent weather in Phoenix means that, outside of monsoon season, Phoenix does not have as many weather-related accidents as some other large cities. Yet weather still strikes in the Valley and can contribute to collisions that result in injuries, damages, or even death. Contrary to popular belief, weather is rarely the sole cause of a crash, though, and in most cases, weather combines with some form of driver conduct to cause an accident. Whether it is speeding, aggressive driving, or failing to stop at a stop sign or red light, the actions of a motorist generally play a role in a traffic incident.

The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. wish you a safe and happy New Year. To increase safety, we recommend the following actions be on your mind before you take to the roads tonight:

– Never drink and drive: Drunk driving accidents happen every New Year’s Eve and often, they involve innocent victims who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you will be celebrating tonight and your celebration involves alcohol, do not drive. It is not only a violation of Arizona law to drive while drunk but it is a threat to the safety of all those on the road. Instead, use a designated driver, take a taxi cab, or consider staying in one place so you do not need to get behind the wheel.

– Slow down: Nearly half of all accidents in the country involve speeding, according to several national studies. Speeding is a common activity among a large number of drivers but that does not make it acceptable. Slow down, pay attention to traffic conditions, and watch for others who are traveling too fast for conditions.

– Increase following distance: With rain anticipated tonight, the roads may be slippery and it may take additional time to slow or stop your car. Be prepared for this and respond appropriately by increasing the distance between your vehicle and those in front of you to insure you have adequate time to stop if needed.

– Drive defensively: No one wants to believe they will be the victims of an accident but even the safest driver can be hurt by the conduct of another. Tonight, look for aggressive drivers or motorists who do not stay in their own lanes. Be prepared for drivers who may fail to yield the right-of-way. It is always best to prevent an accident from occurring so be careful if you are driving tonight.
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Fatal Crash Caused by Suspect Running Stop Sign

by Dave Abels

When you drive, do you obey all posted signs and follow all driving-related laws? If every motorist did in the state of Arizona, the roads would be much safer than they are and fewer car accidents would result. But today, that is not the case as thousands of drivers act negligently every year with many of those located in the greater Phoenix area. it only takes one driver making a mistake to threaten the safety of dozens on the road or even to lead to a multi-vehicle crash.

But what are victims supposed to do? You may not know it, but the rights of accident victims are protected in Phoenix and elsewhere in Arizona by laws that are designed to hold at-fault drivers liable for the consequences of their actions. This goes beyond any possible traffic citations or criminal charges brought against these drivers and encompasses civil claims for injuries – a type of action that belongs to a victim and cannot be prevented by those who caused the crash. The ability to seek financial compensation exists but victims must take affirmative steps to get the relief they deserve, and speaking with a personal injury lawyer is a good place to start that process if you have questions or if you are looking for assistance.

Early this morning, a collision occurred near Scottsdale that claimed the life of one person involved. Local officials responded to the scene near Longmore Road and McKellips Road shortly after midnight on the Native American reservation in the area. At this time, police believe that a southbound vehicle in the area ran a stop sign and collided with a second car nearby, causing a serious accident that left one person dead and two others injured. Emergency crews responded to the scene and evaluated the victims, transporting the two survivors to area hospitals for greater assistance. The conditions of those victims is not clear at this time.

Police have not yet confirmed the identities of those involved in the crash nor have they confirmed from which vehicle the victim who was killed was in prior to the impact. The official investigation began on the scene, which was opened by approximately 8:00 a.m., but continues off-scene at this time. The results of that investigation may determine whether any charges will be issued or any additional legal action taken.
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Rollover Accident Kills 2 Teenagers

by Dave Abels

Any type of car accident in Phoenix or in the Valley can have tragic results, whether it is a rear-end collision, a T-bone crash, or a head-on impact. One of the most deadly types of car accidents occurs when one or more vehicles involved roll over one or more times. While advances in the designs of passenger cars have focused on safety in recent decades, little innovation has been directed at the roof of a car and its involvement in a rollover, meaning that common safety features may not prevent injuries in these cases. Rollover accidents are also more likely to lead to the ejection of drivers and passengers involved, an instance that almost always causes injuries.

Victims of car accidents may not know where to turn. What options for relief are available to them, and can they make a financial recovery to cover their losses? These are some common questions asked of personal injury lawyers by those who have been hurt in a collision and, perhaps surprisingly, can vary depend on the specific facts involved in any instance. Many victims have valid civil claims and can pursue relief regardless of whether they were a driver or a passenger or even if they were injured in a hit-and-run accident so consulting with a lawyer may be beneficial if a collision has affected your life.

On Thursday evening, a single vehicle collision occurred outside Maricopa and claimed the lives of two young teens. Officials in Pinal County have reported that a 23-year-old male was driving a pickup truck on a dirt road when the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to a rollover collision. Two young teens, ages 15 and 14, were inside the truck at the time of the crash and both were ejected when the vehicle began to roll. Unfortunately, both of the teens were killed in the accident and were pronounced dead while still at the scene.

The driver reportedly was on farm land at the time of the crash and authorities suspect that excessive speed may have been a factor. They are still investigating at this time and it is not clear what charges the driver will face, though officials have confirmed that charges are pending at this time.

The driver survived the collision but was left injured and in serious condition. Emergency crews at the scene transported the man to an area hospital for treatment where his current condition is not known.
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Car Crash in Phoenix Injures 3

by Dave Abels

As the year winds down, many people in Phoenix and the rest of the Valley may reflect on 2014 and be grateful for the good that happened in their lives. For some unlucky residents, a year end reflection may focus on negatives instead of positives. For the victims of car accidents Phoenix, this is often true as collisions leave behind mental and physical injuries. From needed medical treatment to missed wages while they are unable to work, the suffering endured by these victims can be extensive.

Suffering and damages incur the moment a crash takes place and can last for a long duration. While no action can magically erase these losses, victims can seek relief to help them recover financially. A settlement may enable you to provide for your family, obtain the medical help you need, and let you move beyond the crash if an accident has affected your life. Speaking with an injury lawyer who handles car accident cases may enable you to assess your options for help and may let you move forward with your claim.

Late last night, three vehicles collided in a violent impact near the intersection of 35th Avenue and Northern Avenue in Phoenix. Police and other emergency crews responded to the scene and assessed the victims of the crash. In the end, three people needed to be taken to area hospitals for treatment on their injuries which were not disclosed. The victims included two teenagers and a 4-year-old child.

The crash happened at approximately 10:30 p.m. and police have not yet revealed a suspected cause but they have launched an investigation where all potential issues will be analyzed, according to reports. The results of the investigation may determine whether any driver involved in the accident will receive a traffic citation or whether any criminal charges will be issued.
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Multiple Vehicles Collide in Phoenix

by Dave Abels

The more vehicles involved in any car accident, the greater number of potential victims that result. In addition to the drivers of these cars, passengers may sustain injuries and may need help. Further, when the vehicles involved are large or have a passenger capacity greater than a typical car, like a bus for example, the number of potential victims can increase exponentially.

Multiple vehicle car accidents also make it difficult to determine who caused the crash or whether the actions of multiple drivers contributed to the collision. While one driver may witness a certain version of events, the position and placement of a second driver may reveal other complexities that led to the collision. It can take police officers weeks or even months to fully investigate a crash that results in serious injuries and many victims need help long before that time. Fortunately, Arizona recognizes this and allows accident victims the right to retain an attorney of the victim’s choosing to help them seek compensation they deserve. Speaking to a lawyer who handles injury cases may help you understand your options whether you were a driver, a passenger, a pedestrian or another victim of a car accident in Phoenix or the surrounding Valley cities.

Early this morning, police in Phoenix were alerted to a multi-vehicle crash near the Loop 101 and McDowell just before 5:00 am. At least three vehicles were involved in total and authorities have confirmed that a pickup truck was one of them. At this time, there has been no definitive word as to the cause of the crash and police are still in the midst of their investigation.

At least one of the vehicles involved rolled over and came to rest on its roof. While it is unclear how many people were inside the cars, authorities have stated that two men were left in critical condition and were transported by ambulance to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
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Pedestrian Killed in Phoenix Car Accident

by Dave Abels

Whenever a collision occurs, it can have devastating consequences. One or more people involved may be seriously injured or may even lose their lives due to the crash, leaving loved ones to suffer as well as the victims themselves. Often, it does not seem fair when a driver or a motorist acts in a reckless manner and causes a collision that leaves others hurt. The charges brought by local police may seem minor and may seem unfair. But what many victims do not realize is that the charges, if any, issued by officers and prosecuting attorneys are designed to benefit the State of Arizona and not the victims themselves.

Instead, victims are entitled to seek relief but they must do so affirmatively by taking certain steps within the time limit allowed under the law. Working with a personal injury attorney in Phoenix may help you realize what options are available to you and whether you have a valid claim for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages, among other damages. In some cases, relief can be possible in multiple forms through multiple claims including against an at-fault driver, responsible motorists, or even your own insurance company.

Of all the various types of traffic accidents, those involving pedestrians have some of the direst results. That unfortunately held true on Sunday morning in Phoenix when a crash claimed the life of a woman walking near 12th Street and Northern Avenue. Few facts have been revealed about the crash at this time but officials confirm that a car in the area collided with woman, leaving her critically injured. An ambulance responded to the scene and took the woman to an area hospital but her injuries were too extreme and she died a short time later.
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Arrest Made in Fatal Wrong Way Gilbert Car Accident

by Dave Abels

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.
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Reminders for Safe Travel this Holiday Season

by Dave Abels

With the holiday season in full swing in Arizona, many residents are starting to think about their travel plans, whether they will take place inside or outside of the state. Many school districts in Phoenix and across the Valley are on winter break and many others will be in the coming days so some residents are already on the move. Most of these people will travel on some of the busiest expressways in the area, including the Loop 101, Loop 202, 10, 60, and 17.

More Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home this year than in any year since 2009. With nearly 100 million travelers anticipated, roads will be busy and will be congested. Arizona will not escape this influx of vehicular traffic and therefore those in Phoenix are wise to consider this possibility before they leave home.

At Abels & Annes, P.C., our personal injury lawyers have experience in holiday car accidents and their devastation. With all we know, we want to pass on the following tips to make your trip as safe and uneventful as possible if you are traveling this year:

– If traffic is heavy, keep to your lane: Drivers can be frustrated when traffic backs up, leading them to seek any opening or any opportunity to get ahead of the congestion. But needlessly switching between lanes rarely improves a motorist’s situation and often leads to increased risk. Changing lanes during times of heavy traffic is a common cause of side impact collisions and other accidents which will not only ruin your day but will also cause that traffic to worsen. Instead, stick to one lane when possible and when you have no need to move and try to be patient until traffic lessens.

– Keep your focus on the road: If you are traveling this season, it is easy to focus on the events ahead with your family and friends. But while you are in your vehicle, keep your attention on the road and on traffic surrounding you. Try to ignore outside distractions like billboards and scenic views and do not let inside distractions take you away from your task. If your passengers are arguing or children as misbehaving, do not endanger your entire car by losing focus. If you need to, pull over to the side of the road and address any distractions while your vehicle is parked safely.

– Remain calm: Losing your cool will not improve your drive or will not ease traffic but it will increase your risk for an accident. Instead, try to remember that you are not capable of controlling the actions of other drivers and do your best to stay level headed if you find yourself in a frustrating situation.

– Never drink and drive: Many will celebrate the holiday season with alcohol but the holidays do not change the fact that it is illegal to drink and drive in the State of Arizona. In addition to being a crime, drinking and driving is a threat to public safety as motorists who are inebriated are more likely to cause a collision. If you choose to drink this year, abstain from driving and instead use a designated driver, public transportation, or a taxi cab is possible. If not, wait until it is safe for you to drive before leaving your location.
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Driver Reportedly High in Fatal Tempe Car Accident

by Dave Abels

When it comes to driving a vehicle in Phoenix, each motorist’s individual actions directly leads to that driver’s safety and the safety of his or her passengers. But it also leads to the safety of others on the road as car accidents routinely involve multiple vehicles, including those that have made no mistakes or wrong turns. Similarly, the actions of other drivers threaten your safety whenever you are behind the wheel. But what can you do to protect yourself from this constant threat of drivers on the roads? Unfortunately, in Phoenix, there is little you can do to ensure proper conduct by other drivers other than to watch out and take evasive action when needed. This means that any driver can become the victim of a crash with little or no warning and without disobeying any traffic rules.

One of the greatest threats on the interstates of Arizona and in the Valley of the Sun is that posed by drunk drivers or drivers under the influence of drugs. Drunk driving accidents claim the lives of more than 250 victims across the state every year. In addition to those victims, thousands suffer due to these losses as nothing can bring back a life that has been cut short too soon. While these collision can happen at any point in the day, they are most likely to occur on weekends and in the overnight hours as that is the time that many people choose to drink or do drugs. Often, in the aftermath of a crash, there is no one to speak for a victim and make sure that victim’s rights are protected. If a collision has affected your life and you were hurt, speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix may enable you to seek the relief you deserve.

New reports have surfaced regarding a fatal car accident that occurred on Friday in Tempe and they could lead to additional criminal charges. According to police, the driver involved, a 19-year-old man, allegedly admitted to smoking marijuana just hours before getting behind the wheel. The teen also drove without a valid license in the area of I-10 near U.S. 60 just before 5:00 a.m. when he reportedly lost control of his vehicle.

At least one witness estimates that the driver was traveling 105 miles per hour at the time of the crash which sent the vehicle into a concrete median. The car also struck a light pole as it spun before coming to a rest.

A 16-year-old female in the vehicle was killed in the crash and other passengers sustained serious injuries, including fractured bones. The driver has been arrested and is facing charges including suspicion of second degree murder and aggravated assault and endangerment. Blood tests are pending and could lead to additional charges against the driver, depending on the outcome.
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Phoenix Car Crash Leaves 1 Dead

by Dave Abels

Did you drive a car in Phoenix in 2013? Or were you a passenger in a vehicle? If you did not travel in Phoenix, did you drive in Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, or Tempe? What about the rest of the state? If you are like most who call the Valley home, odds are that you were in a vehicle at some point last year. If so, the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. hope you made it to your destination safely and without incident and that your family remained unaffected by a car crash. Unfortunately, the Arizona Department of Transportation reports that 107,348 traffic accidents happened in 2013 alone and that 34,047 of those caused injuries to the people involved.

Victims of car accidents can range from the very young to the very old and across all types of social indicators. It does not matter whether you drive an older car that has seen better days or a brand new, top-of-the-line vehicle with fully loaded features. The truth is that anyone can become the victim of a car crash at any time in Phoenix. When these accidents leave victims injured, those who have been hurt may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses through the use of a civil claim, a court action that has been authorized by Arizona law. But victims do not have to try and sort through their options by themselves as they are entitled to hire a lawyer of their choice to enforce their rights and pursue relief that these victims deserve. If you have been injured or if your loved one has been hurt, you may understand your options better after consulting with an injury lawyer in Arizona.

A collision on Sunday afternoon left one woman dead and another person injured, according to local police who responded to the scene. The incident took place near Chandler Boulevard and Desert Foothills Parkway around 12:30 p.m. in Phoenix. While it is early in their investigation, police suspect that one driver may have lost control over her vehicle, leading her to hit a median and then cross into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision with a second car. Both vehicles reportedly were driven by women and one was killed due to the accident; the other sustained serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital where she is expected to survive, but the extent of her damages is not clear.
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