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

Pedestrian in Tempe Struck by Fleeing SUV

Everyone is a pedestrian at one point or another. Even if you follow every possible rule, cross only at marked crosswalks, double check for traffic in both directions, and wear reflective clothing at night, you may not be safe from becoming the victim of a pedestrian accident in Phoenix if motorists in the area act in a negligent manner. Every year, thousands of collisions occur and leave pedestrians hurt because one or more individuals involved made a mistake, failed to pay attention, or otherwise acted recklessly, leaving victims to deal with the fallout of these accidents.

The victims of pedestrian collisions in the Valley may need medical help and may incur associated expenses for treatment. Other victims may be forced to miss time from work as they recover from their damages and return to their pre-injury states. Most accident victims must deal with pain and suffering caused by their accidents. Though these issues cannot be erased, the victims of these crashes may be entitled to financial compensation to cover their losses even if an at-fault driver does not receive a ticket in a crash. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who practices in Phoenix may help you understand your legal options if you have been hurt in a collision while a pedestrian.

Police in Tempe were alerted to a pedestrian accident yesterday near Scottsdale Road and McKellips. When they responded, the pedestrian involved was present but the vehicle, believed to be a red SUV, allegedly fled the scene without checking on the pedestrian or providing information to police. Witnesses reported that the driver slowed down initially after the impact but then left the scene, traveling at a speed that may have been above the speed limit.

The current condition of the pedestrian remains unknown at this time and it is not clear whether the driver of the SUV, who has yet to be identified, was injured in the accident. Tempe police are looking for a red SUV with front end damage, possibly a Dodge Durango, and are asking anyone with information on this incident to report it.
Continue reading “Pedestrian in Tempe Struck by Fleeing SUV”

Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyers Settle Claim on behalf of Client for $112,000

by Dave Abels

Residents of Phoenix and the rest of the Valley are known for loving pets, including dogs, leading to a large number of canines in the area. Most of these dogs are contained and properly cared for by their owners, leading to a positive relationship and causing no harm to others.

Unfortunately, though, some owners fail to maintain control of their dogs, leading to a potentially dangerous situation where a dog bite or dog attack can occur. Often, these incidents result in injuries to human victims involved, requiring medical care and treatment that may still lead to permanent damage.

The dog bite lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. recently settled a claim on behalf of one of their clients, a victim who was bitten by a dog that was running loose. Our client was in a backyard of a friend when a neighbor’s dog entered the area and attacked, leaving our client with a broken wrist and an infection from the bite. Eventually, our client required surgery to drain the infection that occurred in her wrist, requiring additional medical treatment and incurring additional expenses. Though her broken bone healed, our client was left with a permanent scar from the attack by the dog that will likely remain for the rest of her life.

The injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. brought a claim on behalf of our client and against the owner of the attacking dog to provide our client with the financial compensation she deserved. Our legal team engaged in an investigation to determine the legally relevant facts in this case before moving forward to obtain the relief our client deserved. Through their efforts, our attorneys were able to recover a settlement of $112,000 on behalf of the client to enable her to move forward with her life.

The laws in Arizona are clear when it comes to a dog bite or dog attack case: an owner is responsible for his or her dog and the damages caused by that dog and may be held financially liable in addition to any ordinance violations the owner may commit.
Continue reading “Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyers Settle Claim on behalf of Client for $112,000”

Phoenix Driver Collides with Neighbor’s House

by Dave Abels

In 2011 alone, there were more than 100,000 traffic-related accidents across Arizona. More than 33,000 of those resulted in injuries to one or more individuals involved and 754 people lost their lives in collisions. When it comes to car accidents in Phoenix, though, not all collisions are the same. Rear-end accidents are more likely to occur than almost any other type of collision but they are less likely to produce injuries than a head-on crash or a rollover accident.

Recently, there have been numerous incidents of vehicles striking and colliding into buildings, whether they are commercial establishments or residences. Fortunately, though these incidents have been happening with some regularity, many of them have not caused injuries to this point. Unfortunately, some have left victims hurt after a crash, and some have even proved fatal.

When a car accident with a building or other stationary object causes injuries, the victims of those crashes may be entitled to legal relief. A civil claim for damages may be available to these victims and may enable them to make a financial recovery to provide compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation needs, lost wages, and even pain and suffering that a victim endures. In the tragic case that a victim loses his or her life, that victim’s surviving family members may have a claim to recover for their loses, though no amount of compensation will ever be adequate in these cases.

Another incident in Phoenix between a car and a home occurred Tuesday morning near San Miguel and 25th Avenue. According to witnesses, a woman reportedly entered her car and placed the vehicle in reverse, then hit the accelerator and backed into her neighbor’s home across the street. The car broke through the exterior of the home and entered a bedroom but fortunately no one was in the path of the vehicle at the time of the accident. Witnesses claimed that the driver stated she was trying to move her car forward but accidentally put the vehicle in reverse instead, leading to the crash. It did not appear that the driver was hurt in the collision.

Police are still investigating the incident and at this time, it is not clear whether any tickets will be issued or whether any charges will be brought.
Continue reading “Phoenix Driver Collides with Neighbor’s House”

3 Killed in Scottsdale Rollover Crash

by Dave Abels

Rollover accidents are less common than rear-end collisions but they are much more likely to result in serious injuries or even death. Many factors contribute to why rollover crashes cause so much devastation but to those involved, all that matters is that they are left with the damage of a collision, trying to recover and return to their pre-accident states.

While the automobile industry has made drastic advancements in safety and design of vehicles, most of these changes have not been made with rollover collisions in mind. Most are directed at more common forms of crashes like head-on collisions or side-impact accidents. Some safety designs, though, have provided benefits to the victims of rollover crashes, including the introduction of side curtain airbags and rollover bars in vehicles likely to tip.

Even if safety advances limit an injury, an injury is likely to occur in a rollover crash. The victims of these accidents may be entitled to seek and obtain financial relief to adequately compensate them for the injuries they sustained and the suffering they must endure. The facts surrounding an accident are always unique so if you have been involved in a Phoenix area accident, you may want to speak with a personal injury lawyer to learn about the legal implications of your crash, including whether you may be entitled to relief.

A Saturday afternoon rollover accident turned tragic as three people, including two children, lost their lives. Police responded to the scene of the accident which occurred near 141st Street and Rio Verde around 4:00 p.m. One vehicle was involved in the incident and rolled over, according to police, and the driver of the vehicle was ejected in the collision. He was transported to an area hospital for emergency medical treatment but the man’s injuries were too severe and he died a short time later.

In addition to the driver, an 11-year-old girl, a 12-year-old girl, and their father were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Both children were reportedly in the back seat and one was ejected in the crash. The girls both lost their lives in the accident but their father survived and is expected to make it after receiving medical help.
Continue reading “3 Killed in Scottsdale Rollover Crash”

Phoenix Accident Near Sky Harbor Airport Leaves Pedestrian Dead

by Dave Abels

The victims of pedestrian accidents in Phoenix are often forced to suffer from the injuries they sustain for years after the collision takes place, incurring medical expenses and living a live limited by their abilities from the crash. Many of these accidents occur with cars, trucks, vans and buses that fail to see pedestrians or that fail to respect the rights of pedestrians in the area.

Often, pedestrian accidents are caused by vehicles that fail to yield the right-of-way, a violation of traffic laws in Phoenix and across the rest of Arizona. Other collisions with walkers are caused by vehicles driving too fast for conditions, especially in areas of high pedestrian traffic, like school zones, parking lots, and major crosswalks. Regardless of the facts leading to a collision, the victims of pedestrian crashes in Arizona may be entitled to relief. A personal injury lawyer with experience representing pedestrian accident victims may be able to help you understand your legal rights if you have been hurt in an accident, including whether you have the right to bring a claim for your damages.

A Saturday night collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle turned fatal, according to local police. Authorities were alerted to a collision on I-10 near 40th Street, in the vicinity of Sky Harbor Airport. Emergency medical crews responded to the scene and evaluated the pedestrian who sustained serious injuries. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital for emergency treatment but unfortunately, the victim was too severely injured and the pedestrian died shortly thereafter.

Officials in the area shut down westbound traffic as police investigated at the scene. At this time, it is not clear what caused the collision to occur or whether the driver was injured in the accident. It is also not known whether any tickets will be issued as a result of this crash though officials note that the investigation is still ongoing at this time.
Continue reading “Phoenix Accident Near Sky Harbor Airport Leaves Pedestrian Dead”

I-17 Temporarily Closed after Fatal Tanker Truck Accident

by Dave Abels

Many different types of trucks drive on Arizona’s freeways, expressways, and local roads every day, serving vital functions and enabling society to function as normal. Most of these trucks make it through a daily route without incident and without an accident; unfortunately, though, that is not always the case as Arizona experiences thousands of truck accidents every year.

Some of these accidents involve only one or more trucks. Many involve a truck and another type of vehicle, whether it is a car, van, or even a bus. Regardless of the vehicles involved, truck accidents are likely to result in injuries or even death to those either inside the truck or in another vehicle involved in a collision. The victims of these accidents may be forced to endure a long road toward recovery but they are not without legal options to seek relief for their damages. In fact, in Phoenix and the surrounding towns of the Valley, truck accident victims are often entitled to bring a civil claim for damages to recover financial compensation against those who caused a collision. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix may help you understand your legal options if you have been involved in a crash, including whether you are entitled to relief.

A crash on I-17 around 5:00 this morning proved fatal and led to massive closures along I-17 for morning rush hour. Police arrived at the scene and determined that a tanker truck collided with a center concrete median for reasons that are not yet clear. The incident occurred near the Loop 303 and resulted in the closure of northbound traffic at Jomax Road and southbound traffic at the Loop 303.

Debris from the collision was obstructing traffic in both northbound and southbound lanes but the biggest threat to other motorists appeared to be spillage from the tanker truck. The contents of the truck have not yet been confirmed but authorities believe it may have been fuel, and that the collision caused a spill and led to the fuel or other substance covering portions of I-17. Emergency crews were called to investigate the fluid and to clean it up before the highway would be reopened.

Police have confirmed that the tanker accident was fatal and that one person lost his or her life. At this time, though, it is not clear whether it was the driver of the tanker or another individual in the area.
Continue reading “I-17 Temporarily Closed after Fatal Tanker Truck Accident”

Another Wrong Way Crash Leaves 4 Hurt in Phoenix

by Dave Abels

The last few months have shown an outbreak of wrong-way driving on the expressways and interstates in Phoenix and the surrounding Valley cities. Some of these instances have been stopped by local police before a collision occurred, limiting the effects by these wrong-way drivers. Unfortunately, though, several of these incidents have ended only when a car accident occurred, leaving those involved injured, and in some cases, dead.

Officials in Phoenix have discussed these incidents and are trying to determine why so many have occurred and what can be done to prevent wrong-way driving in the future. Some have suggested new methods of painting the roads’ surfaces to alert drivers of the intended direction of traffic. Others have blamed the on- and off-ramps from the expressways as being poorly designed and leading to driver confusion. And in many cases, impairment due to alcohol and/or drugs seems to play a factor.

Many motorists are becoming the victim of wrong-way accidents in Phoenix every year. These people may be left with the financial burden of medical expenses and lost wages to handle in addition to the pain and suffering they must endure while on a path towards recovery. These victims are not without relief, though, as the laws in Arizona grant the right to victims to bring a claim for their damages against those who caused a car accident. Through a civil claim, a victim can obtain a financial award to properly and adequately compensate the victims for all damages done. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options if you have been involved in a collision.

According to Phoenix police, a driver entered southbound I-17 while driving north, against the flow of traffic. Approximately 20 different phone calls reported the wrong-way driver to 911 and authorities raced to the area to attempt to bring the driver to a stop. The wrong-way driver reportedly evaded police and side-swiped a southbound vehicle, leaving two inside that vehicle in serious condition. The wrong-way car then allegedly continued northbound and collided head-on with a third vehicle, incapacitating both the wrong-way driver and the driver of the third car. At the time of the last update, both of those drivers were in critical condition.
Continue reading “Another Wrong Way Crash Leaves 4 Hurt in Phoenix”

Driver Allegedly Fled Scene on Foot After Phoenix Expressway Crash

by Dave Abels

Car accidents in Arizona are responsible for thousands of injuries every year. Many of those who are harmed are injured due in no part to their own actions but rather to the negligent or reckless conduct of other drivers. These victims may be left with mounting medical bills and with no means to pay the expenses they incur due to a crash.

But the laws of Arizona aim to hold responsible driver liable for their actions, including the injuries they cause. To make this possible, the victims of a car crash are often entitled to seek a financial recovery for their losses through the use of a civil claim. These claims are available to victims regardless of whether an at-fault driver receives a traffic ticket in the accident and they are also may be available even if an at-fault driver cannot be identified or did not have insurance. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand the legal implications of a crash, including your rights to seek relief, if you have been injured.

Early this morning, a two vehicle collision occurred on northbound I-17 in Phoenix near 7th Street. Early reports indicate that a Toyota pulled over to the side of the expressway and that a man in his 30’s exited the car to examine something under the hood. The man reportedly returned to his vehicle before a truck approached and struck the rear of the Toyota.

Officials say the truck was driven by a 25-year-old man who stopped his vehicle and initially approached the two occupants of the Toyota, the man and a woman in her 30’s. The second driver spoke to the occupants of the Toyota for a moment and then allegedly ran away from the scene on foot, leaving the truck behind at the site of the crash. Police responded to the scene to evaluate the accident and emergency medical personnel tended to the two Toyota occupants. The man sustained injuries described as minor but the woman was seriously injured and was taken by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment. Her current status is unknown.

According to officials, the 25-year-old driver of the truck was apprehended shortly after the collision when police noticed him standing near an intersection by the scene of the crash. It is not clear whether the man has been charged in connection with the collision but officials are looking into whether impairment played a role in the crash. Traffic in the area was diverted for some time as authorities investigated and cleared debris.
Continue reading “Driver Allegedly Fled Scene on Foot After Phoenix Expressway Crash”

PJ Tucker of Phoenix Suns Arrested, Charged with DUI

by Dave Abels

PJ Tucker, small forward for the NBA Phoenix Suns, was arrested in May on suspicion of driving under the influence. Though the arrest was made some time ago, the incident has just become public knowledge.

Tucker was drafted in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. He played for the Raptors before being sent to the NBA Developmental League and then moving to play in Europe and the Middle East. Since 2012, Tucker has been with the Suns and just last week, he signed a three year contract extension reportedly worth $16.5 million.

But Tucker’s on-the-court play is not the breaking news today. According to Scottsdale police, Tucker was operating a motor vehicle in May when he was pulled over on suspicion of DUI. Blood tests reportedly confirmed that Tucker had a blood alcohol content of 0.222, nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08 in Arizona. Under the state’s laws, a BAC of .222 is considered super extreme driving under the influence and can mean incarceration if a driver is convicted.

The incident reportedly occurred on May 10, shortly after midnight, when an officer noticed Tucker’s vehicle allegedly run a stop sign. When Tucker was pulled over, officers reportedly noted that Tucker had glassy eyes and slurred speech, and, when questioned, he reportedly admitted that he had one beer at a local bar in the Valley.

It is not clear when Tucker is due in court or whether he has had any major appearances up to this point. At this time, the Phoenix Suns have not commented publicly on the arrest. Though no specifics have been made available, Tucker may face fines, fees, loss of a license, or even jail time if he is convicted in this incident.
Continue reading “PJ Tucker of Phoenix Suns Arrested, Charged with DUI”

Police Searching for Hit-And-Run Driver that Injured Child in Phoenix

by Dave Abels

Children should not have to suffer from the negligence or mistakes of adults, but when it comes to car accidents in Phoenix, that is often exactly what happens, Children who are passengers in a vehicle, riding their bicycles, or even walking as pedestrians are injured every year in traffic accidents and some even lose their lives.

These children unwittingly become victims when adults err or otherwise act egregiously while driving. Injuries to children and minors can lead to medical bills incurred and potentially no means for parents to pay for them. Fortunately, the laws in Arizona enable these families to seek relief against those who have caused the harm, including a responsible driver or the owner of an at-fault vehicle. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix or across the rest of the Valley may help you understand the legal implications if your child has been injured in an accident, including whether you and your child have valid claims for relief.

A tragic incident in Phoenix last week that left a four-year-old child seriously injured. The four-year-old boy was holding his stepfather’s hand as the pair crossed the street near Broadway and 48th Street. A car in the area approached the two and the stepfather had just cleared the area when the car reportedly accelerated and struck the child, running over him and dragging the boy for a few feet before the child broke free. The driver involved in the incident allegedly did not stop at the scene to see if the child was hurt and instead fled the scene before police had an opportunity to arrive.

A witness drove the child and his stepfather to an area hospital where the child was in critical condition. He spent a week in the hospital recovering from his injuries which include a broken pelvis, broken legs, multiple lacerations, broken teeth, and an open head injury. Though he is at home with his family, the victim is in a wheelchair with casts on both legs and still is experiencing a lot of pain.

Police have not yet identified the driver involved in the crash and they are asking anyone with information to step forward and provide any relevant knowledge.
Continue reading “Police Searching for Hit-And-Run Driver that Injured Child in Phoenix”