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

Phoenix Car Accident Sends Victim to Hospital

If you are like most drivers in Phoenix, you get in your car, buckle your seat belt, and begin driving to your destination while following the laws of the road. You probably operate in a manner that is safe for those in your vehicle and for others in the area and you probably refrain from risking behaviors, like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When surveyed, more than 80 percent of all Americans consider themselves to be better than the average driver. Yet with so may people claiming that they are safe behind the wheel and that they are good drivers, it may be surprising to realize that more than 100,000 car accidents occur in Arizona every year with many of these collisions taking place in the greater Phoenix area.

It is true that most drivers know basic traffic rules and that these drivers follow most of these rules, most of the time. But even the safest driver may become momentarily distracted while behind the wheel and may lose focus, leading to a potentially dangerous situation that can include a car crash. Victims of these accidents often are left with injuries ranging from the minor to the severe and may need help in their recoveries. Under Arizona laws, those drivers who are responsible for causing an accident are also responsible for the damages that ensue, whether those damages take the form of medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix may help you understand your options for relief, including whether you are entitled to financial compensation for your damages, if you or your loved one has been involved in a collision.

Shortly before 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday night, two vehicles collided near the area of Thomas Road and 35th Avenue. It appears that one vehicle was entering Thomas Road when a second car, driving on Thomas, struck the first, causing a collision that left at least one person in need of medical help. While officials are still reviewing relevant facts, they believe that both speed and impairment may have played a role and the second driver was arrested at the scene as a result. Charges are believed to be pending though authorities have not disclosed the nature of those charges at this time.

Emergency crews responded to the scene of the accident and assessed the conditions of those involved. The driver in the first vehicle that was entering Thomas Road was injured and was taken to an area hospital for treatment of unknown injuries where his present condition is not clear.
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Chandler Police Officer Killed by Suspected Impaired Driver

by Dave Abels

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.
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Halloween Accident Injures 5 Pedestrians while Trick-or-Treating in Phoenix

by Dave Abels

One of the most dangerous nights of the year to be a pedestrian is on Halloween, especially once darkness falls. With a large number of children and adults walking in most neighborhoods as they trick-or-treat among houses, some people may believe that safety for these walkers is high due to an increased visibility of the pedestrians. Unfortunately, though, the presence of cars and other vehicles in the same area as these pedestrians means there is a high risk for a pedestrian accident to occur.

Pedestrians who are struck by vehicles are hurt in the majority of collisions because there is nothing to protect them from the metal of a car or the pavement if they strike the ground. In the worst cases, a walker may be killed in a crash even if that pedestrian did nothing wrong. When a collision occurs and someone is hurt in the Phoenix area, those victims may be forced to deal with the resulting injuries, but they do not have to do so without relief. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your options, including whether you have a valid claim for your losses, if a pedestrian accident has affected your life.

A tragic collision occurred on Friday evening when a 75-year-old man struck 5 pedestrians who were trick-or-treating in Phoenix. Officials responded to the scene and spoke to the driver who allegedly said he did not see the pedestrians crossing the street in the area of 41st Avenue and Bethany Home Road. The collision involved a 25-year-old man, a 23-year-old woman, a 10-year-old girl, a 2-year-old boy, and a fifth victim whose age has not been disclosed. The four victims with disclosed ages were all left in critical condition following the impact.

One witness described seeing two children laying in the middle of the road and referred to it as very upsetting. Another described a mangled wheelchair left in the middle of the road, reportedly used by the 23-year-old female victim prior to the impact. Local police have not confirmed whether any traffic tickets will be issued or criminal charges brought in this instance but they have confirmed that their investigation into the incident is still ongoing at this time.
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Driver Ran Red Light in Fatal Crash that Killed Chandler Police Officer

by Dave Abels

Every driver in the State of Arizona is legally required to follow all traffic laws at all times. Failing to do so may be negligent or reckless conduct and may lead to charges against those who are responsible. But liability does not end at the issuance of a citation or traffic ticket, as many drivers believe, but rather can extend to a civil claim for damages if anyone is hurt due to an at-fault driver’s actions.

In the worst accidents, a victim may lose his or her life due to the actions of another. The right to seek a recovery in these cases often belong to a victim’s surviving family members or loved ones who may be able to recover payment for their losses, though no amount of money can ever be considered adequate in these cases. Speaking to a personal injury lawyer may help you understand whether you have a valid claim for your injuries or a wrongful death action for the loss of a loved one if a Phoenix-area crash has affected your life.

A Tuesday afternoon collision between an SUV and a motorcycle turned fatal, and police have confirmed that an off-duty Chandler police officer was the victim of that crash. The impact occurred near the area of Recker Road and Baseline Road in Gilbert and launched an investigation into the incident. Officials have now reported that the driver of the SUV, a civilian, ran a red light and collided with a motorcycle driven by a 34-year-old male Chandler police officer on his way to work. The injuries sustained by the officer were too severe and he died as a result of the crash, leaving behind a wife and four children.

Though officials have reported that the other driver involved ran a red light, they have not stated whether that driver has been or will be ticketed for causing the crash. It is also unclear whether the SUV driver was hurt in the accident or whether anyone else was inside the SUV at the time of the impact.
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One Person Killed, Three Injured in Mesa Car Accident

by Dave Abels

Mesa is one of the largest cities in the Phoenix Valley and, according to the 2010 census, is home to nearly 440,000 people. Many of those people work outside of the home, run errands, shop, and take their children to and from school on a regular basis. Regardless of the specific day-to-day activities, something that the majority of these households have in common is that they travel by car. Most Mesa families drive to get to where they are going or they drive on at least an occasional basis. In addition to those that live in Mesa, people from other towns spend time in Mesa every day, whether they are working or engaging in leisurely activities. With all of the opportunities presented in Mesa, the city should not be ignored when it comes to driver safety.

But too often, motorists do not think about traffic safety when they leave the house in their cars. They may go about their business in a safe and efficient manner but even the safest driver can be the victim of a Mesa car accident if others on the road are driving dangerously or are not paying attention to traffic. These conditions can make anyone an accident victim and may leave these victims with serious or even fatal injuries.

The laws in Arizona are designed to hold negligent drivers liable for their actions while enabling victims to seek and obtain the compensation they deserve. This can be done through the use of a civil claim for damages but the law requires these claims to be brought in a specified amount of time following an accident or the right to seek relief will be lost. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who handles car accident claims in Mesa may help you understand your options, including whether you have a valid claim for relief.

An accident took place around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday in Mesa and left one person dead, according to local officials. While it is still early in their investigation, authorities have confirmed that an SUV and a car collided near the intersection of Baseline and 32nd Street, causing a serious accident. The driver of the SUV was killed in the accident and a passenger was left in critical condition while the driver and a passenger in the car were both injured less severely. All three surviving victims were transported to area hospitals with unspecified injuries.

Police began their investigation on the scene and are continuing it at this time but it is not clear what caused the collision or whether any traffic tickets will be issued as a result.
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Motorcyclist Killed in Arizona Crash with Pickup Truck

by Dave Abels

The number of motorcycle accidents across the country has been increasing over the last decade or so, with a greater number of people injured and killed in these collisions than were prior to the year 2000. Some of this increase can be attributed to the greater number of riders in the nation, of which Phoenix is no exception. With the population booming and increasing annually, a larger number of motorcycles take to the road every year, leading to greater bike traffic and the potential for a large number of bike accidents.

But an increase in motorcycle traffic does not explain away a crash when one occurs. Rather, it is the duty of every driver, whether that driver is in a car or on a motorcycle, to exercise due care and caution for others in the area and to avoid a collision whenever possible. Failure to do this may be negligence and may cause an accident to take place. In Arizona, most motorcycle incidents are due to negligence or recklessness on the part of one or more individuals involved, meaning that a mistake, failing to pay attention, or other lapse in judgment can be blamed when a crash occurs. Following these incidents, it is often possible for an injury victim to obtain financial compensation for his or her losses, including any medical expenses incurred. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your rights if you have been involved in a crash or if your loved one was hurt or killed.

Another Phoenix-area motorcycle accident occurred on Friday morning near the intersection of Black Canyon Highway just west of I-17. Two vehicles, one a pickup truck and the other a motorcycle, collided for reasons that have not been revealed at this time, leading to a significant impact that claimed the biker’s life. Reports indicate that the driver of the pickup truck was uninjured following the incident.

Local police officers responded to the scene shortly after 2:30 a.m. and closed the area to traffic as they began their investigation and report. Though their review is ongoing, officials were able to reopen the area to through traffic around 9:00 a.m. Friday; prior to that, all traffic was diverted onto alternate routes.

Police have not revealed a suspected cause in this crash nor have they confirmed whether or not traffic tickets will be issued but they have stated that they are reviewing all angles of this incident in an effort to uncover the factors that led to the collision.
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At Least 1 Dead in Arizona Semi-Truck Accident

by Dave Abels

Semi-truck accidents occur in every state in the nation, and Arizona is no exception. With numerous big rigs, tractor trailers, and other large trucks, residents may be used to the constant sight of large vehicles on local and state roads and interstates but they may think little of them. Trucks tend to travel slower than other forms of vehicles on a roadway, tend to slow before other traffic, and tend to take longer to get up to speed, leading many drivers to try to pass trucks and move on when they are seen.

While most drivers safely operate near trucks or while passing them, occasionally collisions occur in the Phoenix area. Unlike some other forms of car accidents, truck accidents tend to be severe and are likely to cause serious injuries or even death due to the large and heavy nature of the truck involved. While these accidents may be serious, the victims who are injured are not without help. The laws in Arizona provide these accident victims with the right to seek relief for any and all damages that occur, including medical expenses and lost wages, through the use of a civil claim. These claims are the right of the victim to bring and are available often even if an at-fault driver does not receive a traffic ticket or a criminal charge in response to an accident. A personal injury lawyer with experience representing truck accident victims may be able to explain your legal rights and options if you have been involved in a collision or if your loved one was injured.

Police responded to an accident west of Casa Grande Thursday morning that involved a tractor trailer and four other vehicles. Officials believe that the driver of the semi was traveling westbound on I-10 near Route 387 shortly after 5:00 a.m. when the truck driver lost control of the vehicle, left the westbound lanes and crossed the median into the eastbound lanes of traffic. The truck then caused a head-on collisions with an eastbound vehicle. The impact sent both vehicles out of control and eventually caused three other cars to be involved. Additionally, the truck reportedly turned over and came to rest on its side, blocking some of the lanes of eastbound traffic.

Police and emergency officials responded to the scene and evaluated all victims who were injured in the accident. At least one person was killed and it is unclear what other injuries were sustained at this time though officials have reported that the collisions caused substantial damage to several vehicles involved. It is not yet known what caused the truck driver to lose control or whether any citations will be issued in this instance though police have confirmed that they are still reviewing all relevant information.
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Halloween May Pose a Safety Threat to Children and Pedestrians

by Dave Abels

If you are a typical resident of the greater Phoenix area, odds are that either you have children living at home or that there are children living in your neighborhood. With a large number of kids in the Valley, it may seem like safety is a top concern among parents and residents. But as Halloween approaches, it is important to remember how a holiday can have a significant impact on the threats that face our most vulnerable citizens.

Soon, children will be taking to their neighborhoods to trick-or-treat, usually walking from home to home as they try to collect candy. This tradition is anticipated by kids and parents alike but the threats to safety that accompany Halloween should be considered. Pedestrian accidents are concerning because the large number of people walking means that drivers must be on alert at crosswalks, intersections, and even mid-block in the case that a child darts out into traffic.

If you are planning on taking your children trick-or-treating or if you will be participating in other Halloween activities, consider the following:

– Stay away from high traffic areas: If possible, keep children away from areas with high traffic and instead, opt for neighborhoods or other organized trick-or-treating activities. Traffic near areas with increased speed limits are less likely to anticipate the presence of pedestrians and therefore may be less likely to yield to a walker. As it is best to prevent a crash before one takes place, consider keeping your children in residential areas or in areas with restricted access to traffic.

– Use costumes with lights or reflective material: When a pedestrian accident takes place, drivers often claim they never saw a person walking until after the crash occurred. To eliminate this excuse and to make all drivers aware, consider using a costume with glow sticks, a flashlight, or reflective material so that your child can be seen by vehicles from a safe distance.

– Plan your route: If you are taking your child trick-or-treating, make sure you pick a route that will allow your child to cross at designated crosswalks and that reduces the interactions with automobile traffic as much as possible. If your child is old enough to trick-or-treat without adult supervision, make sure you discuss a safe route ahead of time so your child knows where to go, where to avoid, and what route will be safe to travel.

This year, Halloween falls on a Friday, a day commonly associated with adults consuming alcohol and a large number of drunk drivers on the road. While drinking and driving is a criminal act that can be blamed on the motorists behind the wheel, others can suffer if that driver causes a crash. Parents should be aware of this treat and make sure that their children are at home or otherwise safe prior to the late hours of Halloween night.
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Arizona DOC Van Hit By Truck, At Least 7 Injured

by Dave Abels

Numerous jobs and careers require employees to drive or ride in a vehicle while on the clock, and this can present certain issues. While most people are comfortable in a car, truck, or van, the laws that apply can vary when it is in a commercial or other employment situation. Depending on the type of vehicle, a driver may require a specialized license or an endorsement to operate behind the wheel. But drivers are not the only ones affected. Other workers who ride in a work vehicle place their safety in the hands of a driver, often who works for the same company, and can do nothing to ensure that they make it from one place to the next without incident. When it comes to work, it may be impossible to choose who drives you or in what manner you move about the greater Phoenix area.

The driving of other employees is not the only threat to workers, though, as the actions of other motorists in different cars present a constant threat of a car accident to all in the Valley. Thousands of car crashes occur in Arizona every year and many of them leave one or more victims injured. When an accident does take place, those who are hurt may be entitled to financial relief through the use of a civil claim for damages, a claim that is separate and distinct from any charges brought by local authorities or police officers. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand the implications of your crash, including your options to obtain payment, if a collision has affected your life.

Around 9:30 p.m. on Monday night, a van operated by the Department of Corrections was involved in a collision with a truck near State Route 85 and Hazen Road by Buckeye. Though the investigation continues at this time, officials believe that a pickup truck in the area ran a stop sign and collided with the van, leading both vehicles to sustain significant damage in a collision. Two people inside the van were ejected and the van rolled at least one time before coming to a rest. Emergency crews responded and determined that three people in the van were critically hurt and needed treatment at area hospitals. The driver of the truck was not injured injured, according to first responders at the scene.

The three confirmed seriously injured victims left all victims in critical condition after the crash, according to authorities, and it is not clear what the prognosis is for each victim at this time. At least four other people sustained injuries considered to be less severe in the accident and all seven victims are believed to be employees of the Arizona Department of Corrections.
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3 Car Crash in Arizona Kills 2, Injures 10

by Dave Abels

A car accident, whether it is minor or severe, can result in injuries to those involved. But when multiple people are inside all vehicles that collide, the potential for injuries increases for several reasons. The greater number of potential victims means that statistically, physical damages are more likely. Further, with a greater number of occupants comes the possibility that victims may be pushed or thrown into one another, especially if those victims are not restrained. Finally, not every part of a car is equally safe in the event of a crash, and the more people riding in a vehicle, the more likely that someone will be hurt. An example of this is when a serious rear-end collision occurs and the rear of one vehicle is significantly pushed forward, causing that part of the car to collapse into the passenger compartment. While the violent nature of the impact may lead to injuries among many, those in the back seat or near the rear of the vehicle may be more likely to sustain blunt force trauma and other damages due to their unfortunate location in the vehicle.

When a large number of victims are involved, it can be difficult for officials, including police officers, to sort out who was in what car prior to a crash. It can also take longer for each of these victims to obtain the medical help they need if too few ambulances and emergency medical technicians respond to the scene. A delay in medical treatment and transportation to an area hospital may increase the severity of injuries sustained or may even make it more likely that a victim will lose his or her life.

When a car accident takes place in the Phoenix area, the victims of that crash, regardless of what vehicle they may have been in, may be entitled to financial compensation for their damages, including any medical expenses incurred and any wages missed while taking time off work. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your options if a collision has affected your life and may help you realize what claims, if any, may be available to you.

In the early morning hours on Saturday, officials say three vehicles collided in a devastating crash on a highway near Lake Pleasant and the collision left two people dead. At this time, officials believe that one vehicle attempted to pass a second at a high rate of speed but that these vehicles collided for reasons that are not yet clear. A third vehicle was also involved in the crash that is considered severe.

Among the three vehicles, 10 people were injured with eight of them sustaining life-threatening injuries. Two people lost their lives and three were believed to be uninjured, meaning that 15 people were involved in the crash. It is not clear whether all injured victims will survive at this time but they are in area hospitals obtaining treatment. Authorities are considering the role of alcohol and/or drugs in this crash but they have not confirmed whether any intoxicating substance was involved, nor have they confirmed whether any traffic citations or criminal complaints will be issued.
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