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.
Losing a loved one in a Phoenix-area car accident is a loss that can never be erased. It is difficult because these accidents are mostly preventable yet they continue to occur, taking family members away from their loved ones and leaving a lifetime of suffering behind.
When an accident claims the life of a victim involved, an at-fault driver should be held responsible for the conduct that caused the crash and the victims’ family members deserve the maximum possible relief allowed by the law.
To help victims understand their options, the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. offer a free case consultation to those who call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191. There is no obligation for speaking with us and everything discussed will be kept confidential so do not hesitate. If you or your loved one has been hurt in a Phoenix car accident, call Abels & Annes, P.C. now and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
One Person Killed, Three Injured in Mesa Car Accident, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published October 27, 2014.
Resource:
Chandler PD: SUV ran red light, killing officer on way to work, by Breann Bierman, CBS5AZ.com, published October 29, 2014.