Category: Car Accidents

Thinking about your day-to-day activities, do you encounter traffic in the greater Phoenix area? Do you drive on the Loop 101, 202, or 303? Do you drive on I-10 or I-17? Or do you stick to city roads and surface streets as you get around town? Even if you do not own your own car or drive, chances are that the traffic conditions in Phoenix affect you all the same. Those who travel by foot or by bus know that traffic and collisions have a direct effect on their commute. In fact, more than 100,000 car accidents happen in Arizona every year, according to the Secretary of State, and many of those incidents involve multiple victims. When large vehicles like buses or trucks are involved, the potential number of victims may increase substantially.

If a crash takes place in Phoenix and causes you injuries, the state laws may provide you with certain protections and certain rights, including the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer may be able to help you understand your options if a collision has affected you or or has injured your loved one. Claims may be possible against an at-fault driver or that driver’s insurance company but can also be available against your own insurance. Many crashes spawn the potential for multiple claims so that a victim can obtain fair and adequate compensation for the damages done, so it is important to lean about all options before you decide the path to recovery to pursue.

Authorities in Chandler were alerted to a car accident near the intersection of Alma School and Chandler Boulevard on Saturday night. The facts of the incident are not clear yet but it has been confirmed that four people, all adults, were injured and in need of medical help. One victim sustained serious injuries and had to be transported by air ambulance to an area hospital.

There has not been a definitive cause of the accident released by the police at this time but the factual review is ongoing. Police plan to speak with the victims to learn about the conditions prior to the impact and to try to sort through all relevant information.
Continue reading “Chandler Car Accident Leaves 4 Hurt”

When you travel around Phoenix, what is your preferred method of transit? If you are like many, driving or riding in a car is the easiest and most convenient means of transit. You may choose to ride with little thought behind it or little concern about driving. In fact, many motorists feel that driving lets them control their own safety and their own destiny while other transit requires them to give up control. Contrary to popular belief, though, driving a car is not the safest means to get around the Valley as more than 100,000 car accidents happen annually in Arizona.

While you may be able to control your own driving habits and actions, you cannot control the conduct of other motorists who share the roads. This means that anyone inside a car, whether a driver or a passenger, is at risk to be involved in a collision. While some crashes are minor and only leave vehicles damaged, thousands occur in Phoenix and the rest of Arizona every year that leave one or more people hurt and in need of medical help. While these collisions cannot always be avoided, prevented, or eliminated, the victims of the crashes may be entitled to seek legal relief if the crash was due to a mistake. Consulting with a lawyer who represents personal injury victims may help you realize your options if a crash has affected your life or has left your loved one hurt.

On Tuesday afternoon, local police in Phoenix were alerted to a collision near the intersection of Pinnacle Peak and Scottsdale Road, close to the border between Phoenix and Scottsdale. When they arrived, officials noticed the collision left four men injured and in serious condition. Three of the victims were males in their 20s while the fourth man was in his 30s. Ambulances and emergency crews were on scene and evaluated all the victims before taking them to a nearby trauma center for treatment. The injuries sustained by the men have not been disclosed but at least one person sustained a neck injury, according to officials.

Early reports have not clarified the facts surrounding the crash and few details are known at this time. It is also unclear whether all the victims were in one vehicle or multiple vehicles prior to the incident or whether anyone involved will receive a citation as a result of the crash.
Continue reading “4 People Hurt after Phoenix Car Accident”

When a driver gets into his or her car and begins to travel on the streets of Phoenix, that driver is not only responsible for his or her personal safety but also for the safety of the passengers inside the vehicle, other motorists on the road, and even pedestrians in the area. The facts are clear that the actions of one driver can threaten the safety of dozens if a driver fails to act in a reasonable manner.

The laws across Arizona are designed to encourage safety and to prevent collisions, but unfortunately, more than 100,000 car accidents happen in the state every year, all the same. Many of these crashes are not necessary and stem from a mistake, a negligent action, or another type of error by a driver involved. In other cases, a mechanical failure or a poor design in a road or a highway may be a factor in a collision. Regardless of the underlying cause, a victim of a car accident who is injured in the greater Phoenix area may be entitled to financial compensation for the damages incurred, including medical expenses that may be needed for treatment of injuries. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in the Phoenix area who has experience helping car accident victims may help you understand your legal options if you have been hurt or if your loved one has been injured or killed.

Just after 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, witnesses reported a single car collision to area authorities in Tucson, prompting a response to the scene. When they arrived, police confirmed that one vehicle in the area of South Country Club Road and East Missouri Street lost control and left the road’s surface, colliding with a pillar in the area near I-10.

Medical crews assessed two people inside the vehicle and determined that the 39-year-old female driver died in the collision. A 51-year-old male passenger was alive but was in critical condition, prompting officials to transport him to an area hospital. Unfortunately his injuries were too severe and the man died a short time later.

Police are still investigating the crash and at this time, speed is considered to be a factor, though no final determinations have been made.
Continue reading “2 Dead after Car Hits Pillar”

Many of the people who call Phoenix home did not start out here but rather chose this part of the Valley to live. Regardless if you were born here or whether you moved here later in life, though, chances are good that you must commute on a regular basis to get to work, to school, or to other places you frequent, leading to a larger amount of driving. Holiday weekends make the hours we drive all the more apparent as nearly 50 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving this year – you and your family might be among them.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and be grateful for the year and for all you have in your life, but few things can take away your joy quite like being involved in a car accident while on your way to or from a celebration. The word “accident” often hides the truth that the majority of the collisions that occur are due to an error or a mistake on the part of one or more drivers involved and often constitute negligent conduct. When a crash happens, victims who are injured may be entitled to seek financial compensation for their losses, but the best option is always to prevent a collision whenever possible.

To increase your odds of a safe Thanksgiving, consider the following tips if you will be driving:

– Avoid traffic congestion: If you have lived in Phoenix for any length of time, this may seem like an obvious tip. Traffic can back up in many parts of the Valley at several different times every day. But Thanksgiving weekend is primed to see even more vehicles on the road as the AAA anticipates an increase of more than four percent from last year’s traffic. Greater traffic means greater congestion and an increased possibility of a collision taking place. While you may not be able to drive as the only car on a highway, planning your trip ahead of time can help you avoid many of the backups that will likely result in crashes this weekend.

– Travel during daylight hours if possible: Your plans may require you to drive at night, but if your schedule is flexible, consider taking to the roads during the daylight hours. Visibility is increased when the sun is up and many motorists have better vision during the daytime than they do at night. Scheduling your drive to coincide with daytime may help you reduce the risk of an accident and also may make the drive a little more enjoyable.

– Never drink and drive: If you plan to drink this Thanksgiving, do not drive. Use a designated driver or make plans to stay with family or friends. It is a crime in Arizona to drive under the influence of alcohol and doing so can lead to criminal charges, traffic citations, and even civil liability for any damages you cause if a collision takes place. Remember, there is never a good reason to drink and drive, so make sure it is not part of your holiday plans.

– Obey all local traffic laws: It may sound simple but traffic rules and regulations exist for a reason. The safest conditions result when every driver obeys traffic laws, including following the speed limit, and you can do your part this weekend. Do not follow too closely to a vehicle in front of you, stop for red lights and stop signs, and make sure you yield the right-of-way. These simply actions can prevent thousands of Arizona car accidents every year, some of which will occur over Thanksgiving.
Continue reading “How to Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving this Year”

If you are looking to buy a new car, you might consider the availability of its safety features before you make a decision. The presence or absence of air bags, antilock brakes, and crumple zones and becoming persuasive in the minds of most automobile shoppers who desire to keep themselves and their families safe. Of course, regardless of the safety features in your car, the best way to stay safe is to avoid a car accident all together. Unfortunately, Arizona experiences more than 100,000 car crashes every year and many of those take place in Phoenix and the rest of the Valley of the Sun.

While you may think about your own actions and their role in causing or preventing a crash, you may fail to consider the actions of other drives on the road. Yet the part played by other motorists cannot be overstated as many of the Phoenix-area crashes that occur involved more than one vehicle, and often, one vehicle is full of innocent victims. When a driver makes a mistake or acts in a negligent manner, that driver not only threatens his own safety but the safety of all others in the area. These collisions may cause victims to become injured and in need of medical attention in addition to causing other financial damages ranging from lost wages to pain and suffering. While these crashes cannot be undone, Arizona law entitles injury victims to seek relief for their losses and for their damages through the use of a civil claim. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in the Phoenix area may help you understand your legal rights and options if a crash has caused you to suffer.

Shortly after 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, a collision in Chandler occurred involving two vehicles near Ray Road and Hartford Street. While the investigation into this incident is ongoing, police believe that a passenger vehicle attempted a left hand turn in the area in front of a second oncoming car, causing a t-bone crash that seriously injured three people. At least some involved in the crash may have been ejected upon impact but the nature and extent of the injuries sustained has not been disclosed. It is also not clear whether victims were from both vehicles or simply the vehicle that was traveling straight.

Authorities responded on the scene and evaluated all the injured with medical crews taking the hurt to area hospitals. There is no word yet on whether any driver involved will be cited in this incident but a decision is anticipated soon.
Continue reading “Weekend Car Accident in Chandler Leaves 3 Injured”

One of the most dangerous aspects of driving occurs when motorists merge from one lane into another, either voluntarily to change lanes for the driver’s preference or due to necessity because a lane is ending. Often, other traffic may be difficult to see due to a car’s blind spots on the rear sides of most vehicles, meaning that if a motorist is not extremely careful, it is possible to believe a merge is safe when it fact another car is present in the intended lane.

These instances often result in side-swipe car accidents and can cause serious damage to vehicles, both of a potential at-fault driver and of any other motorist involved. But in addition to the physical damage done, injuries may result and may require medical assistance by the victims of a crash. If you have ever been involved in an accident, you may be aware that crash-related medical treatment can be very expensive and can financially harm a driver or a passenger who did nothing wrong before the crash occurred. Fortunately, the laws in Phoenix and in Arizona recognize that it is unfair to ask victims to bear these costs and instead allow victims the right to seek financial relief for their damages against an at-fault driver, an owner, a municipality, or an insurance company, among others. The facts surrounding a crash determine the availability of these claims so victims should consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer to learn about their options and to make sure their rights are protected.

Police in Phoenix have confirmed that a driver involved in a Wednesday morning accident lost his life due to injuries. At this time, they are still investigating and reviewing all relevant information.

The crash occurred near the Loop 101 and the exit ramp to 19th Avenue and involved two separate vehicles. Officials believe that a driver exiting the Loop 101 at 19th Avenue collided with a vehicle that was traveling on 19th but they are not sure what caused the two drivers to crash, including whether either driver acted negligently before the impact. The driver of the exiting vehicle was transported to an area hospital in critical condition but his injuries were too severe and he died a short time thereafter. The driver of the second vehicle also sustained injuries but was believed to be in better condition than the first. That second driver also was taken to a hospital where the driver is expected to recover, though the nature and extent of any injuries have not been disclosed.
Continue reading “Car Accident in Phoenix Leaves 1 Dead, 1 Injured”

Street traffic in Phoenix can be frustrating and slow, even to those residents who are wise to rush hour patterns and may know which roads to take to avoid some of the heaviest traffic conditions. But there is no way to completely keep yourself safe from the threat posed by automobiles in the Phoenix area, as the more than 100,000 annual car accidents in the state will attest.

Some people, including many who are visiting the Valley, choose to trust those more familiar with the area by taking a taxi cab around town. Many passengers feel that they are making the wise choice and that by utilizing a taxi, they can focus on areas other than traffic, like talking to a friend, using a cell phone, or reading. But unfortunately, not all of these passengers will make it to their intended destinations without issue as multiple Phoenix-area taxi cab accidents happen every year, some of which leave the passengers involved with injuries.

Fortunately, Arizona laws recognize that a taxi passenger is not at-fault for an accident and therefore should not be forced to bear the financial burden caused by those collisions. Rather, the law places the onus on an at-fault driver, whether that is the driver of a cab or another driver of a car, truck, or bus, to bear the damages caused by a crash. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand whether you have a valid claim for your losses, including your medical expenses, if an accident has affected your life or injured your loved one.

Around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, a taxi cab with two passengers on board was involved in a serious accident when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle and then struck a utility pole. Reports indicate that the crash took place as the taxi exited I-10 near 40th Street in Phoenix and that no other vehicles were involved.

Police have confirmed that two passengers, a 70-year-old woman and a man in his 70s, were in the cab at the time of the crash. The woman lost her life due to her injuries and the man was left in critical condition following the accident, leading authorities to transport him to an area hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. The driver of the cab, a female in her 30s, was also critically injured and in need of medical assistance.

Police are still investigating what led to this Phoenix car accident and are trying to determine why the driver lost control. Based upon their investigation, charges may or may not be issued in this case.
Continue reading “Taxi Cab Accident in Phoenix Leaves Passenger Dead, Another Critically Injured”

If you drive in the Phoenix area on occasion, you probably are used to rush hour traffic, congestion, and traffic flow issues. As the population in Arizona continues to increase and the number of licensed drivers continue to grow, traffic problems become more apparent and place a strain on many drivers.

Most of these issues are worst during morning and evening commutes but can vary depending on where you are in the Valley and which roads or highways you will take. The Loop 101 and 202 are notorious for back-up related issues and for stop and go traffic but many local roads face the same problems. While traffic simply is an annoyance to most commuters, it can cause more than headaches when a car accident occurs. Heavy traffic means that rear-end crashes are very likely and so are collisions that occur due to vehicles merging into and out of various lanes.

When a car accident occurs due to traffic, it is usually caused in fact by an error or a mistake on the part of one or more drivers involved. Regardless of how congested a road may be, motorists should be able to traverse it safely without incident if all drivers act responsibly. Failing to drive in a safe and reasonable manner may have significant consequences ranging from a possible traffic ticket to a criminal charge. Additionally, the victims of Phoenix-area car accident may be able to make a financial recovery for their damages if a collision has left them hurt, and that can extent liability on the part of an at-fault driver. If you have been involved in a crash or if your loved one was injured or killed, you might get the answers you need about your legal options by speaking with a personal injury lawyer in the Valley.

Much is happening in the Phoenix area this weekend so officials are warning drivers now that streets may become congested, leading to an increased risk of a collision. The Arizona Department of Transportation believes that the West Valley may be most at risk for increased traffic but it will not be the only place. If you are attending the Arizona Cardinals game on Sunday or the Nascar event, be warned that both are expected to end at approximately the same time with those motorists using many of the same roads to exit the area. In addition to patrons of special events, those in the Valley for other purposes, like shopping, likely will experience some slowdowns due to the anticipated traffic.

While traffic is expected to be heavy on both Saturday and Sunday, it appears that Sunday will be the worst of the two at this point in time. Officials encourage motorists to plan ahead and leave extra time to get to where they are going, monitor traffic reports for current conditions, and consider alternative routes that may be less crowded. Additional information can be found on ADOT’s Twitter account.
Continue reading “Heavy Traffic, Congestion Expected in Phoenix this Weekend”

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.
Continue reading “Phoenix Car Accident Sends Victim to Hospital”

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.
Continue reading “Chandler Police Officer Killed by Suspected Impaired Driver”