Category: Car Accidents

Numerous actions while behind the wheel of a car could be described as aggressive driving. In some cases, a speeding motorist might be aggressive as she operates around the Phoenix area. In others, a tailgating driver may be aggressive as that tailgater looks to hurry up and rush even though other cars are present on the roads. At times, a driver who attempts to pass another in an area with opposing traffic present may also be considered aggressive.

The term aggressive driving may be synonymous in the minds of many with road rage but in fact, the two are legally defined actions under the state laws of Arizona. There can be overlap in these categories and in some instances, a driver’s actions may be either aggressive driving or road rage in addition to being another violation of the traffic or criminal code, like running a red light or driving under the influence of alcohol. Police officers in Phoenix have been watching for and identifying these dangerous actions for some time in an effort to stop the offenders and to promote safety on the streets but not every driver is stopped before a collision occurs. When a crash happens and a victim is injured, that victim is guaranteed certain protections under the laws and may be able to obtain a financial settlement for his or her suffering. Speaking with a personal injury attorney in Phoenix is a good place to begin if you have been hurt and you have questions about your legal options and your legal rights.

A deadly car accident happened in Gilbert on Sunday and police suspect that street racing may have placed a role in the impact. Two cars collided after one side-swiped the other near the intersection of Higley Road and Ocotillo Road in the afternoon. The impact caused one driver to lose control of his vehicle which left the road’s surface and rolled over into a nearby wash, killing a 20-year-old male passenger inside that car. The 24-year-old male driver of that vehicle survived as did the 16-year-old male driver of the second vehicle.

Witness reports indicate that both vehicles were traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the collision and that it appeared that the people inside the cars knew one another as they talked at stop lights. At this time, police are trying to determine whether street racing played a role in this crash or whether anyone acted in a negligent manner before the collision happened, potentially leading to charges for that person.
Continue reading “Street Racing Possibly Behind Fatal Rollover Crash in Gilbert”

Driving in Phoenix is governed by local and state rules that regulate the conduct of each and every driver on the road. All drivers must abide by these laws to ensure that the roads are as safe as possible; failing to adhere to the set rules may put motorists at risk for a collision or for another type of incident that can cause damage to vehicles, injuries to those involved, or even death. Most drivers know and follow the basic rules – stopping at stop signs, yielding the right-of-way, and driving within the speed limit. But some drivers ignore even these most basic requirements when they drive, risking not only their safety but the safety of all others in the area.

Ignoring or failing to follow a traffic law can lead a motorist to be ticketed by a local police officer and may cause that driver to appear in court. If found guilty, punishments can vary but often include fines and fees, suspension or loss of a driver’s license, community service, and/or incarceration in jail or prison. But the consequences of violating traffic rules does not end here in many cases as at-fault drivers who cause collisions may also be held financially responsible for all the monetary damages that happen due to the crash. Common examples of these damages include medical expenses, damage to a vehicle, wages missed by victims whiles they recover, and non-tangible losses like pain and suffering. It is the right of these victims to seek the relief they deserve and they can have help doing so by working with a personal injury attorney in the Phoenix area.

Police in Surprise are still investigating after a Saturday car accident left at least one person injured. The incident happened in the afternoon hours near the intersection of Reems Road and Paradise Lane in Surprise and involved two vehicles, according to authorities. The facts suggest that one of the vehicles failed to stop at a red light at the intersection, causing that vehicle to enter the intersection at the same time as another car and leading to a collision between the two. In addition to the responding police officers, emergency personnel were on the scene and evaluated at least four potential victims for their injuries; one person was in need of greater help and was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with an unspecified condition.

It is not clear at this time whether any tickets or citations have been issued in this case.
Continue reading “Car Crash Allegedly Caused by Driver Running Red Light in Surprise”

As long as cell phones have been around, experts have cautioned that their use by motorists posed a threat to public safety on and around roadways. Eventually legislation was instituted in numerous states requiring drivers who use cell phones for telephone conversations to use them with a hands-free device; however, follow up studies revealed that hands-free devices do little to reduce the collision rate among cell phone users. Rather, the actual telephone conversation was believed to be the distracting aspect of cell phone use that led to collisions.

Later, the rise of text messaging meant that some drivers started taking their eyes off the road to send written messages to others. This proved to be even more dangerous and more deadly than talking while driving because it became impossible for a driver to keep his or her eyes on traffic conditions. With the arrival of smart phones, these issues only intensified as some began sending emails, surfing the internet, or even watching video while driving.

Any use of a cell phone by a driver is dangerous and can turn tragic if a crash results. However, as seen in the following video, the threat can be even greater if the driver of a high-occupancy vehicle, like a bus, chooses to look at a phone while behind the wheel.

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBzl9zmNSXM
 

This video shows a driver who looks at his cell phone for only a moment but is distracted long enough to get involved in a collision. The driver did not notice a stopped vehicle on the right side of the road, leading to a crash at what appears to be a high rate of speed. It is not clear whether anyone in either vehicle was injured in this accident but it is clear that the driver of the bus was not aware of the potential accident until after it occurred because his eyes were on his phone instead of watching the road.Incidents just like this one result in injuries to numerous people across the Valley of the Sun every year and many people in the Phoenix area are left to pick up the pieces following a crash. But without the proper knowledge, these victims may go uncompensated and may miss out on the relief that they deserve and that is protected by local and state laws.

Car accident victims in Phoenix may be able to bring a civil claim to recover for their losses including any physical injuries they sustained. These claims must be brought within a time period specified by the law, though, so victims may want to consult with an attorney to ensure that they will be able to seek the relief they deserve.
Continue reading “Video Highlights Dangers of Cell Phone Use while Driving”

Who is at the greatest risk for being involved in a car accident while in the Phoenix area? It is a question without a simple answer. Dozens of factors combine to cause accidents every day and many of them involve drivers who did nothing wrong. Nonetheless, some motorists are at a greater risk for being involved in a collision than others. Teenagers are considered a high-risk type of driver in part because they lack the skill set that older, more experienced motorists have while behind the wheel. At the other end of the spectrum, elderly drivers are also likely to be involved in accidents but unlike teens, these collisions may be the result of physical ailments like decreased vision or as complications of the aging process.

Other factors that lead to a large number of collisions include motorists who are distracted while driving, those who operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, those who drive too fast for conditions, and those who fail to put safety first. When these factors are combined, the risks for a collision increase exponentially and they threaten not only the offending driver but also anyone in that driver’s vehicle.

When a car accident happens in the Phoenix area, including Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Tempe, those victims who are hurt in the collision may be entitled to seek financial compensation for their losses. A typical claim can enable a victim to obtain payment for hospital and medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering but the actual relief available will vary depending on a specific collision. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix can help you realize whether you have a valid claim if you have been injured in a collision.

A car full of at least eight teenagers and people in their 20s was involved in a rollover accident on Monday night, and police in Phoenix say that all eight people were injured to some degree. The incident happened near 12th Street and Hearn Road and prompted a response by local emergency medical personnel. Four people involved were hurt but were able to leave the scene without additional emergency treatment. The other four all had to be taken to area hospitals and three of them were listed in critical condition due to the crash.

It is not clear at this time which victim was behind the wheel or why the crash happened but authorities have stated that more details will be revealed to the public when they are confirmed. It is possible that the vehicle was traveling in excess of the posted speed limit in the area and that the speed may have been one factor that led to this rollover collision.
Continue reading “Rollover Crash on Loop 202 Injures 7 near Tempe”

When you get into a car, you place your safety in the hands of the person who is driving that vehicle. If the driver speeds, follows too close for safety, fails to yield the right-of-way, or otherwise acts in a negligent manner, you may be at an increased risk for being involved in a car accident in the Phoenix area. Few people analyze the risks and potential consequences of their presence in a vehicle when they know the driver of the car, like when riding with a friend or family member, but for thousands of accident victims in Arizona every year, the driver of the car makes all the difference in the world.

In addition to a potential threat posed by a driver of the vehicle in which a passenger rides, passengers must also concern themselves with the driving habits of other motorists in their area. The sad truth of vehicular transit is that even if one driver is as safe as possible, that driver and those people inside his or her car may be involved in a crash if another person nearby drives in a reckless manner. Regardless of how a collision occurred or which driver or drivers are to blame, if a passenger is hurt in a car accident in the Phoenix area, that passenger may be entitled to seek financial compensation and may be able to recover for any and all losses incurred as a result of the crash. It can be complex to understand and apply the law in these scenarios but speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you sort through your options and understand your rights as they apply to your case.

Police in Phoenix have confirmed that two men were injured in a Phoenix car accident that happened in the early morning hours on Wednesday. At this time, it appears that the single-vehicle accident occurred near Deer Valley Road and I-17 and that as a result, two individuals, ages 21 and 23, were ejected from the car before it came to a rest. Both people were male and both sustained serious or critical injuries due to the accident, an incident that is still being reviewed by local police.

Police are unsure which man was driving the vehicle or why the car crashed at this time but they are reviewing all relevant facts to determine whether speed and/or impairment were factors. The outcome of their investigation may determine whether either victim will be cited or charged criminally as a result of this accident.
Continue reading “Car Accident in Phoenix Injures 2 Men”

Rollover car accidents are highly publicized in the Phoenix area and they often receive more attention in the media than other forms of collisions. The reasons for this vary but in general, the severity of a rollover crash is high and the risk for injuries significant, garnering the increased attention and highlighting the dangers posed by these accidents. Further, rollover crashes are less common than some other types of accidents like rear-end collisions and therefore their more unique position among vehicular crashes leads to their publicity.

The causes of rollover accidents can be complicated to discern as multiple factors may be involved. In many cases, an initial impact with another vehicle or a fixed object leads a car to roll over but in others, there is no initial contact and the rollover happens for other reasons, including speed, design of a road, or even a blown tire. The cause of the rollover may determine who is legally liable for the damages suffered by a victim but will not determine whether that victim is entitled to relief. The laws in Phoenix guarantee the right to seek a recovery by a victim when that victim is harmed by another’s actions, regardless of who that other person is. If you have questions or if you are looking for answers following a Phoenix rollover car accident, you may get the help you need by speaking with a personal injury attorney.

Early this morning, a one car rollover accident occurred on the southbound Loop 101 near Chaparrel Road in Scottsdale. Emergency crews responded to the scene and evaluated at least one person inside the car that was involved in the crash but unfortunately, that person’s injuries were too severe and that victim died as a result of the crash.

The collision forced authorities to close the southbound Loop 101 to Indian School Road as crews worked to clear the debris and return the highway to its normal condition. The incident happened in the early hours of the morning and all lanes were reopened prior to 5:00 a.m.

No conclusions about the cause of the accident have been released at this time nor has information regarding the victim who lost his or her life but police state that an investigation is ongoing into this matter.
Continue reading “Scottsdale Rollover Car Accident Kills 1”

National studies indicate that the typical American will be involved in 3-4 car accidents in his or her lifetime. Those numbers are generalizations but they highlight the threat faced on a daily basis when we choose to drive or ride as a passenger in a car. Of course, some people will be lucky and may experience fewer, if any, crashes while they live but for every one of those individuals, there is another person on the opposite end of the spectrum who may be victimized in far more than 3-4 crashes. The resulting impact of these accidents may be minor or they may be severe; in the most extreme cases, people will lose their lives in a car accident in Phoenix or may be left to suffer permanent, debilitating injuries. When that happens, victims may wonder where to turn for help.

The laws in Arizona and those that apply in the Valley of the Sun enable victims to seek relief through the use of a civil claim for damages. This type of case can help a victim and that victim’s family recover for losses including medical and surgical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. When in doubt, speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help illuminate your options and your possible routes for relief when a collision leaves you hurt.

The actions of a driver can lead to a car accident but those are far from the only factors that may contribute to a collision. Other issues like inclement weather, mechanical failures, and actions beyond the control of a driver can also cause a collision to occur. Today, police in Phoenix are attempting to review the factors that may have combined to cause a weekend crash that left a woman and her daughter injured.

Police were notified of the Phoenix-area crash this weekend and they responded to the scene along with paramedics. The paramedics evaluated the driver, a woman described as in her 20s, as well as her 4-year-old daughter who was in the vehicle. Both were injured and both were taken to area hospitals for additional treatment where the nature of their injuries and their current conditions are not clear.

It is not known why this collision happened or whether any other vehicles were involved but police have noted that their investigation remains open and ongoing at this point in time.
Continue reading “Phoenix Car Accident Injures Mother and Child”

The Phoenix area is known for its desert conditions and it barren landscape but that overgeneralization is not true in all spots. If you know the Valley, you know that there are areas with farming, lush green fields, and even spots of open water if you know where to look. With these alternative conditions may come some less-than-typical vehicles in the area and potentially on the roads.

The laws in Arizona govern which types of vehicles can travel on local roads and how these vehicles may use surface roads when they do drive. It is up to traditional drivers of cars and trucks to look out for these vehicles and to yield the right-of-way when required to do so; it is up to all drivers, regardless of the type of vehicle they operate, to avoid collisions whenever possible. Safety should always be the primary concern when it comes to driving in Phoenix.

On Thursday night, a collision happened between a farm tractor and a car in the area of 73rd Drive and Broadway Road. The crash, near Tolleson, happened for unknown reasons and officials are still investigating the facts surrounding the incident.

Local police and emergency crews were on the scene and they tended to three victims in critical condition. Reportedly, a man in his 30s was driving the tractor prior to the impact and was trapped underneath it following the collision. A 9-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy were also on the tractor and were harmed in the car accident; it is not clear whether anyone inside the car was hurt or sustained injuries.

All three people on the tractor were listed in critical condition and were transported to area hospitals for treatment of undisclosed injuries.
Continue reading “Phoenix Crash between Car and Tractor Leaves 3 Critically Injured”

There is no such thing as a typical car accident in Phoenix because the facts that lead to any crash vary from those that lead to another. Despite this, there are commonalities among the majority of accidents that can be seen and observed and that can enable victims to understand what caused their collision. In many cases, an error or a mistake on the part of one driver leads to a crash with another motorist who acts appropriately. This can be distressing for a rule-abiding driver who is left to suffer from the actions of an at-fault motorist and may be forced to deal with physical injuries that stem from the crash.

In the Phoenix area, car accidents involving elderly drivers are common especially in the winter months as snow birds descend on the Valley. Some of these drivers are safer than motorists decades younger than them but others may be suffering from the effects of aging which can negatively impact driving skills. Whether it is decreased eyesight, increased mental confusion, or even being unfamiliar with the local roads, elderly and aging drivers can pose a threat to public safety. When a collision occurs and an elderly driver is involved, victims first need to determine whether the elderly driver was at-fault or was a victim and, regardless, whether the laws in Phoenix enable those who are hurt to seek financial compensation for their losses. If you have questions about a collision that affected your life, speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Arizona may help you get the answers you need.

Police in Phoenix believe that a fatal car accident on Sunday began when a driver ran a red light near the intersection of 15th Avenue and Bethany Home Road. The incident happened shortly after 12:00 p.m. and allegedly involved a Toyota entering the intersection against a red light which led to a collision with a Chevrolet nearby. Emergency crews responded to the accident and assessed both driver upon arrival. Unfortunately, the driver of the Toyota, an 84-year-old female, was pronounced dead at the scene due to her injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet, a 36-year-old male, survived the accident but was injured and was transported to an area hospital for additional treatment. That man’s current condition is not known.

Police are still looking into this collision and trying to confirm what caused the collision and whether any outside factors played a role. One potential consideration in this matter is whether slow speed may have contributed to the crash, but at this time, there have been no conclusions released to the public.
Continue reading “Elderly Driver Killed in Red Light Car Accident”