Car Accidents Archives

$162,000 settlement reached by Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney

A Phoenix personal injury lawyer at Abels & Annes has settled an automobile vs. pedestrian accident lawsuit for $162,000. The accident took place in Chicago, Illinois back on January 24, 2008 on the North Side near Wrigley Field.

The plaintiff was crossing a street in a crosswalk with a green light when a driver ran a red light and struck him. After the accident, the at fault driver tried to claim that she had a green light. However, there was an independent witness at the scene of the accident that saw the collision and agreed with our client’s version of events. The accident was investigated by the Chicago Police Department.

After the accident, our client was taken by ambulance to an emergency room. At the ER, he had multiple complaints which included right wrist pain, shoulder pain,and he had a large cut on his forehead. The laceration was close with nine stitches and x-rays showed he had a right fractured wrist. He was discharged from the emergency room with instructions to follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon.

Our client followed up with a surgeon a few days after the accident. Due to his complaints, the doctor ordered an MRI of his left shoulder. The scan revealed a rotator cuff tear.

The physician recommended surgery to repair the shoulder. Surgery was performed weeks later Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago.

The lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County alleged the driver failed to stop for red light, was driving too fast for conditions on the road, and failed to stop for pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. The defendant had auto insurance with State Farm and the case settled shortly before the scheduled trial date.

If you have been hurt in a Phoenix pedestrian accident, call the Arizona accident attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free, no obligation consultation. Call 602-819-5191 speak to an injury lawyer now.

Fewer Phoenix, Arizona car accidents follow largest nationwide decline in 60 years

by Dave Abels

More than one-fourth of all Arizona car accidents were caused by drunk drivers last year, according to new traffic statistics being released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Overall, nationwide traffic fatalities were at their lowest level in 60 years in 2009 — a total of 33.808 people died in traffic accidents, down 9.7 percent from 2008 when 37,423 people died on the nation’s roads. Our Phoenix car accident lawyers will be examining the data as the government releases it in the coming weeks.Arizona drunk driving accidents claimed 219 lives last year, or 27 percent of the 807 traffic fatalities reported in 2009. That’s down from the 262 fatal drunk driving accidents that were among the state’s 938 traffic fatalities in 2008.

The 807 deaths ranks Arizona 15th deadliest behind Alabama (848), California (3,081), Florida (2,558), Georgia (1,284), Illinois (911), Louisiana (821), Michigan (871), Missouri (878), New York (1,156), North Carolina (1,314), Ohio (1,021), Pennsylvania (1,256), South Carolina (894) and Texas (3,071).

“Today’s numbers reflect the tangible benefits of record seat belt use and strong anti-drunk driving enforcement campaigns,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “But we are still losing more than 30,000 lives a year on our highways, and about a third of these involve drunk driving. We will continue to work with our state partners to strictly enforce both seat belt use and anti-drunk driving laws across this nation, every day and every night.”

The federal government reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for U.S. residents ages 3 to 34.

The number of people injured also declined for the 10th straight year. An estimated 2.217 million motorists were injured in accidents in 2008, compared to 2.346 million who were injured in 2008.

Large truck occupants and motorcyclists reported the greatest percentage decline in serious and fatal accidents.

Total Traffic Fatalities: 33,808 (down 9.7 percent)
Large Trucks: 503 (down 26 percent)
Motorcycles: 4,462 (down 16 percent)
Bicyclists: 150 (down 12 percent)
Passenger Vehicles: 23,382 (down 8.2 percent)
Pedestrians: 4,092 (down 7.3 percent)

Thirty-three states reported a decline in the overall number of fatal drunk driving accidents, while 41 states reported fewer traffic fatalities. Florida reported the largest decline in fatalities (422) followed by Texas (405).
Continue reading “Fewer Phoenix, Arizona car accidents follow largest nationwide decline in 60 years”

Economy could be partly responsible for fewer Arizona car accidents

by Dave Abels

A study by Allstate Insurance found less danger of a Phoenix car accident or a serious or fatal traffic accident elsewhere in Arizona last year.

Our Phoenix injury attorneys have reported the impact the economic downturn has had on the number of car accidents across the nation, but particularly in states where winter residents and tourism play an important role, including Florida and Arizona.

Washington, D.C. was the worst city in the nation — the average motorist reported an accident every 5.1 years. The best city was Fort Collins, Colo. There, a driver went about 14.5 years between accidents. The wort large cities included Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Philadelphia.

Arizona Cities ranked from best to worst:

-Chandler ranked 16th, compared to 43rd last year. A driver goes an average of 11.4 years between accidents.

-Tucson ranked 20th. Last year it was 26th. A driver goes an average of 11.3 years between accidents.

-Mesa ranked 23rd, compared to 49th last year. An average of 11.2 years between crashes.

-Gilbert ranked 25th compared to 51st last year. 11.2 years between accidents.

-Scottsdale ranked 34th compared to last year’s ranking of 56th. 10.9 years between accidents.

-Tempe was 47th compared to 86th last year. 10.4 years between accidents.

-Glendale was 50th compared to 71st last year. 10.3 years between accidents.

-Phoenix was 74th compared to 95th last year. 9.8 years between accidents.

-Peoria was 91st, down slightly from 88th last year. 9.6 years between crashes.

“For the sixth year, Allstate is releasing the Allstate America’s Best Driver’s Report to facilitate an ongoing dialogue on safe driving,” said Mike Roche, senior vice president, Allstate’s Claim Organization. “Human error is the biggest cause of accidents. It is vital for us to educate drivers across the country on the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel.”
Continue reading “Economy could be partly responsible for fewer Arizona car accidents”

Phoenix hit-and-run pedestrian accident – police search for driver

by Dave Abels

Police are looking for help finding a driver involved in a Phoenix, Arizona pedestrian accident that took place back on June 29, 2010, Fox News reported. The Phoenix Police Department has released surveillance tape that shows the at fault driver entering a convenience store near the accident location.

The woman reportedly told workers in the store that she had been involved in an accident, but she then left and did not wait for police to arrive. She was reportedly driving a white Ford minivan, was around 35 to 40 years old, 5’3″, 170 to 190 lbs., and is either native American or Hispanic.

The 30-year-old pedestrian accident victim is still hospitalized and recovering from injuries. The victim was struck by the hit-and-run driver while he was walking across 29th Ave. at Glendale. He was in intensive care at the hospital for weeks and it is being reported that rescue workers initially didn’t think he would survive.

Phoenix police are releasing the surveillance tape with the hope that someone will recognize the hit-and-run driver and call police. If she is caught, police plan on charging her with felony offenses. If you have any information regarding this accident, please immediately contact the Phoenix Police Department at (602) 262-7626.

As far as a civil claim is concerned, it is not been reported if the victim has a Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer working on his behalf. In a case like this, an Arizona injury lawyer will look to file a hit-and-run, uninsured motorist claim against the pedestrian’s own auto insurance policy. If the driver is eventually caught, the lawyer will investigate as to whether her vehicle was insured.

Click here to read more about Phoenix hit-and-run accidents and Arizona uninsured motorist claims.

Click here to read the story as reported by azfamily.com and the Arizona Republic.

Arizona bike accident lawyer settles case

by Dave Abels

Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys Abels & Annes have reached a settlement in an incident that occurred in Chicago, Illinois in February of 2010. Our client was riding his bicycle southbound on Clark Street when the defendant, who was driving a 2005 Ford going northbound, turned left and struck the bike rider. The at fault driver was trying to turn left/westbound on Cornelia Street and failed to yield to oncoming traffic.

The Chicago Police responded to the crash. After their investigation they issued a citation to the defendant for failing to yield on a left turn.

The bicyclist injured his right knee and left shoulder in the crash. After the accident he was seen in the ER at Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Diagnostic testing was negative for fractures.

Days after the accident our client’s pain remained. He sought follow-up treatment with a medical doctor. The physician then referred him to physical therapy.

Weeks later the bicycle rider’s shoulder pain remained so an MRI was ordered. The test showed he had sustained a mild AC joint separation in the accident. He continued with physical therapy and his condition eventually improved.

The claim resolved for a little over $31,000 and we did not need to file a lawsuit to settle the case. Nationwide insured the at fault driver.
Continue reading “Arizona bike accident lawyer settles case”

Grand Canyon accidents may require an experienced Phoenix injury lawyer

by Dave Abels

A Grand Canyon car accident killed one man and seriously injured two others when their truck smashed into a tree on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, the Tucson Citizen reported.

The fatality victim was taken to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. The two survivors were transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.Responding officers arrived at the accident scene near the intersection of Shuttle and Center roads, to find the pickup truck had smashed into a tree. The road was closed for more than three hours while the accident was investigated and the scene was cleared. The investigation is being handled by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the National Park Service and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.

Grand Canyon accidents occur under many different circumstances. White water rafting expeditions down the Colorado River have proven among the deadliest activities, according to a 2001 book “Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon.” At least 79 people have drown in the river. Sightseeing crashes are also a danger. Whether by airplane or helicopter, more than 240 people have been killed. More than 50 have died from falls and 65 from environmental factors, including heat stroke and heart attack.

Tourist companies have an obligation to provide safe passage to customers. When they don’t and someone is injured or killed through negligence, a Phoenix injury lawyer should be consulted to ensure the victim has the experienced legal representation necessary to protect his or her rights.

Of course not all victims die as the result of a company’s negligence. Each year, hikers who overestimate their fitness level wander off and become disoriented and dehydrated. Sometimes they are rescued, and sometimes they are not. Signs featuring buff hikers have been installed that read “Each year we rescue hundreds of people from the Canyon. Most of them look like him.”

Several dozen others have been killed in freak accidents, including lightning strikes and rock falls. At least 48 people have committed suicide in the canyon over the years and two dozen have been the victims of homicide.

Several Phoenix car accidents reported at the start of Labor Day weekend

by Dave Abels

There were several Phoenix area car crashes on Friday afternoon to start the busy holiday weekend, that according to a AZCentral.com. The car crashes occurred on the Loop 202 and Interstate 17. DPS officers responded to all three crashes.

On northbound Interstate 17, there was a three vehicle accident with injuries. The driver of a white Toyota struck a van from behind. The van was carrying 15 people. A third car sustained damage in the accident as well. This caused a traffic backup and tow truck had to remove one of the vehicles from the scene.

On the Loop 202 heading eastbound, the driver of a white vehicle rear-ended a maroon vehicle. The driver of the car that was rear-ended and a child passenger were injured. The auto accident blocked the right lane of traffic for a period of time.

Finally, a motorcycle rider struck the truck from behind on Interstate 17. The motorcyclist was injured, however the severity is unknown at this time.

DPS officers stated that slow traffic is common for this holiday weekend. It is a good idea for all drivers use extra caution when there are so many cars on the road. Also, avoid driving while distracted. That means no texting, and if you are going to use your cell phone, use a headset or Bluetooth.

If you are injured in a vehicle accident over this busy holiday weekend, it is a good idea to consult with a Phoenix injury lawyer to make sure your rights are fully protected.

Phoenix car accident claims life of comedian Robert Schimmel

by Dave Abels

Comedian Robert Schimmel has died from injuries sustained in a Phoenix car crash on Friday night, according to the New York Daily News. He was 60 years old. The comedian was best known for his hilarious appearances on the Howard Stern show.

At the time of the car accident, Schimmel was riding as a passenger with his 19-year-old daughter, who was driving. It is being reported that his daughter lost control after she tried to avoid a head-on collision and the car flipped over onto the side of the freeway. His daughter was injured, but she’s expected to make a full recovery. His 11-year-old son was also in the car and he was miraculously not injured.

After the accident, Schimmel was rushed to an area hospital where he later died on Friday evening. Schimmel lived in Scottsdale Arizona.

In addition to appearing on Howard Stern, he was also named one of Comedy Central’s 100 greatest comics, he had stand-up specials on Showtime and HBO, and he also published a memoir in 2008 called “Cancer on $5 a day” that told of his battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Click here to read the story as reported by E! Online and by the Associated Press.

Drunk driving enforcement aims to reduce risk of Phoenix car accidents through Labor Day weekend

by Dave Abels

Arizona authorities will join the U.S. Department of Transportation in the nationwide “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” crackdown scheduled to last through the Labor Day weekend.

Drunk drivers are responsible for approximately one-third of Phoenix car accidents and serious and fatal car accidents elsewhere in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Transportation reports that 294 of the state’s 842 fatal accidents involved a drunk driver in 2008.Nationwide, nearly 12,000 people were killed by drunk drivers in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which reports that someone in the United States is killed by a drunk driver every 45 minutes.

“Drunk driving is deadly, it’s against the law, and unfortunately, it’s still a problem,” said Secretary LaHood. “With the help of law enforcement around the country, we are going to continue doing all that we can to stop drunk driving and the needless tragedies that result from this reckless behavior.”

The government reports that eight percent of all drivers — some 17 million motorists — have driven drunk at least once in the last year. About 1 in 5 have driven in the past year within two hours of consuming alcohol. Yet 80 percent of Americans identify drunk drivers as a major threat to the safety of their families.

“Our message is loud and clear. If you drive drunk you will be arrested and prosecuted. There will be no exceptions and no excuses,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “And if you’re below the age of 21, there is zero tolerance for any alcohol in your system whatsoever. That’s why we’re out there with law enforcement, tackling this major safety issue head on.”

The study found that young males ages 21 to 24 were at the highest risk — a full one-fourth had either driven after having too much to drink or rode in a car with an intoxicated driver at some point during the last 12 months.
Continue reading “Drunk driving enforcement aims to reduce risk of Phoenix car accidents through Labor Day weekend”

69 cars involved in weekend Phoenix car accidents

by Dave Abels

At least 69 cars were involved in three separate Phoenix auto accidents near downtown on Saturday night, the Associated Press reported.

Heavy rains are being cited as a possible reason for the collisions. Monsoons in the deserts around Phoenix can bring heavy downpours without warning; flooding commonly results. A Phoenix accident lawyer should always be consulted in the wake of a serious or fatal car accident. But particularly in cases where multiple vehicles and multiple victims are involved. Determining fault and filing a claim can both be complicated by the presence of multiple parties and multiple accident victims.

Media reports indicate that six people were taken to area hospital, two with serious injuries. Several others were treated at the scene. A five-mile stretch of I-10 was closed for several hours.

About 40 people involved in the crashes were still on the highway hours later. Authorities brought water, snacks and air conditioned city buses to the scene to keep people safe until they could make arrangements for a ride home.

The USA Today reported that one collision involved more than 35 vehicles and spanned more than two miles of roadway.

The speed on the road is 65 mph but fire officials believe many vehicles were traveling much slower because of the rain, which accounts for the lack of more serious injuries. The Phoenix fire department had about 100 firefighters on the scene.

FOX News reported it was the largest Phoenix car accident on record.

Authorities cited driving too fast for conditions and following too closely as contributing factors. At least half of the vehicles had to be towed from the crash scenes.