2012 February Archive

While it may seem obvious why Arizona road shoulder drop offs are dangerous, there are more than just a few reasons to avoid these hazardous shoulders. Drop offs can send you and your car careening into a river, down a ravine, or off a cliff. While many drop offs are marked or barricaded, others aren’t. And even if you are lucky enough to avoid some of the dangerous situations mentioned above, there are other things that can happen. Here are a few:

• Cars can roll if they hit drop offs suddenly and at high speeds.
• It can be extremely dangerous to change a flat tire on a drop off.
• There often isn’t enough room to pull over when there is a drop off, leaving stranded drivers stuck in the middle of the road.
• Other cars can rear-end you if you are stranded on a drop off shoulder.

Steps to Avoid Arizona Road Shoulder Drop Offs

If you must pull over, avoid Arizona road shoulder drop offs as much as possible. Before you pull onto the shoulder, put on your hazard lights to indicate to other drivers that you are having trouble and will be slowing down. As you slow down, glance at the shoulder to judge how much it slopes away from the road. If the incline seems too steep, keep driving if possible. Take the next exit or wait for a safer pull-off area. If you must stop because your car has broken down, pull onto the shoulder as much as possible without risking your safety. Put on your hazard lights and call 9-1-1 for help immediately. Do not get out of your car, especially if you are still on the road or are very close to the road. It is generally safer in your car than it is standing right next to it.

Contact an Arizona Personal Injury Attorney

An experienced Arizona personal injury attorney knows that road shoulder drop offs should be properly marked or barricaded by the government entity responsible for keeping roads safe. If you are injured because of one of these shoulders, such as when you pulled off and your car rolled, got stuck, or slid down a hill, contact the Husband and Wife Law Team immediately. We will begin working on your case to win you a settlement that pays for your related expenses. For a free consultation, call us today.

As Arizona rollover accident lawyers, we were surprised to hear about the many events that took place before one man’s death on February 14 in Tucson. According to KVOA News, a 28-year-old man was involved in an accident with two other vehicles while at a drive-thru near 12th Avenue and West Lerdo Road at about 11:15 p.m. He first rear-ended one vehicle and then backed into the front of another before fleeing the scene. When he fled, he sped through an intersection, over a median, and rolled his car, which resulted in his death since he was not wearing his seatbelt. One of the drivers he hit remained on the scene and cooperated with police. The other left the scene. Anyone with information about that second driver is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME. Our condolences go out to the man’s family.

How Did This Rollover Accident Happen?

This accident happened when a man sped away from a hit-and-run incident. Police are still investigating whether he was intoxicated at the time. Because of the speed, the man lost control of the car, hit the median, and rolled. He was crushed under the car because he was not wearing a seatbelt.

Never Hit and Run

As accident attorneys, we will be the first to tell you that hit and run accidents are not only illegal, but they can be deadly as well. Many people attempt to flee the scene of the accident because they aren’t insured, aren’t driving with a valid driver’s license, and many other reasons. However, police often apprehend the suspects later, and then they face much more serious consequences than if they had remained on the scene.

Contact a Tucson Rollover Accident Lawyer

If you are hurt in a Tucson rollover accident, contact an attorney who can represent you. Typically, rollover crashes occur when another driver sideswipes a vehicle or when someone otherwise causes you to veer off and roll the car. The Husband and Wife Law Team hold these at-fault drivers responsible for the injuries and damages that victims incur. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.

As Tucson bicycle accident lawyers, we hope everyone had a great time at the 13th annual Kona Bike’s 24 Hours race. The race took place in the Old Pueblo at Willow Springs Ranch this past weekend. The race mostly took place over a 16.1 mile Sonoran Desert course. The riders raced for 24 continuous hours.

More Information about Tucson Bicycle Accidents

Tucson bicycle accidents can be caused by drivers who are speeding, intoxicated, or driving while distracted. We urge all drivers to use extreme caution in the area. Tucson is known for its large bicycling community and many annual events. We hope drivers keep the area around the race as safe as possible. For more information, visit KonaWorld.com.

There were 1,914 bicycle crashes in Arizona in 2010, resulting in 19 fatalities and 1,583 injuries, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Tucson is one of the top U.S. cities for bike commuting, according to the League of American Bicyclists. It ranks just behind Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Washington D.C.

Tucson Bicycle Accidents: Who to Call if You Are Injured

Call an experienced Tucson bicycle attorney immediately if you are injured in a crash. The Husband and Wife Law Team knows that there are many causes for AZ bike accidents, but many crashes occur because drivers aren’t watching out for bicyclists, and we believe that holding these drivers responsible may help keep everyone a little safer. We also work to collect a settlement that helps the injured cyclist recover. This settlement can pay medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, bicycle damages, and more. We take our work seriously and do our best to represent you. Contact us today for your free consultation.

As car crash lawyers in Phoenix, we were sorry to hear that one person died and two others were injured after a crash on February 9 that occurred on McDowell and 38th Avenue, according to Fox 10. The driver of a black 4-door Nissan suddenly swerved into oncoming lanes, but police aren’t sure why. When this happened, the Nissan hit an SUV as well as a utility truck. The truck rolled over and the SUV then hit a car coming out of a driveway. The passenger in the front seat of the Nissan was killed and the driver and back passenger were seriously injured. Thankfully, no one else was hurt. Our thoughts are prayers are with those who were injured as they begin their road to recovery, and our deepest condolences go out to the family of the passenger who was killed.

Causes of This Phoenix Multi-Vehicle Crash

This crash could have happened for many reasons. It was likely caused by distracted driving, as there was no apparent reason for the Nissan to dart into oncoming traffic. However, it could also be because of faulty repairs completed by a mechanic. If this is the case, the driver could have lost control of the vehicle, which caused it to veer into the other lanes. Finally, the crash could have been alcohol-related. After thorough investigation, police should have more answers.

Phoenix Multi Vehicle Crash Statistics

AZ Central reported that accidents were down overall in 2009, but did not give any statistics for Phoenix multi-vehicle crashes. There were 22,713 total crashes in the city that year. Unfortunately, the Arizona Department of Transportation listed 29,062 crashes during 2010. Also, according to AZ Central, McDowell was listed as one of the most accident-prone roads in the city.

Contact a Phoenix Wrongful Death Attorney

An experienced Phoenix wrongful death lawyer knows that the passenger who died in this crash may still be alive if it hadn’t been for someone else’s actions. If the woman driving the car was distracted or drunk, the victim’s family may be able to pursue a settlement that covers funeral costs and more. Contact the Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. today to see how we can help you.

As Mesa car accident lawyers who help people who are hit by drunk drivers, we were thankful no one else was hurt when a drunk driver slammed into a pole on Gilbert and Southern on Tuesday morning, February 14, 2012. The man was impaired and lost control of his car. He had to be taken to the hospital in critical condition. We hope he fully recovers from this Mesa car accident, and we would like to use this crash as a reminder to other motorists to watch out for impaired drivers.

Mesa Drunk Driving Crashes: How to Reduce Your Risks

As Mesa car accident attorneys, we can tell you that it is impossible to avoid every drunk and dangerous driver on the road. However, thousands of people are hurt in the state every year by drunk drivers, so we want to share a few tips that may help you. These include:

• Being aware of drivers who are weaving in and out of traffic, slowing and then speeding up, and otherwise driving erratically. If you notice these drivers, avoid them by slowing down and safely taking the next exit. Call police immediately to report the driver before anyone else gets hurt.
• Regularly check your rearview and side view mirrors for erratic drivers who may be behind you. Avoid them by staying in your lane and allowing them to pass. If they tailgate you, indicate your intention to change lanes with a turn signal, and then do so when it is safe. Allow them to pass, and then exit as soon as it is safe to do so. Again, contact police to report the driver.

Mesa Drunk Driving Crash: What to Do if You Are Injured

If you are injured in a Mesa car accident and hit by a drunk driver, contact an experienced Mesa drunk driving accident attorney immediately. The Husband and Wife Law Team will do three very important things: make sure you receive the best medical care available, work to obtain a settlement from the at-fault driver, and file for punitive damages to further punish the driver for illegal actions when applicable. We are here to help you and to answer all of your questions, so call today for a free consultation.

The attorneys at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. agree that carpooling is beneficial for many reasons. It saves gas money, reduces emissions, and is good for the environment. Southwest Valley has developed a vanpool for groups of six or more people. The Valley-Metro vans can seat up to 15 passengers who share the cost of maintenance, gas, insurance, and driver payments, according to AZ Central. They can also be eligible for special commuter tax benefits. Finally, these vanpools reduce the number of cars on the road, which can help alleviate the chances of some car crashes. For more information, interested parties can call (602) 523-6062 or visit www.valleymetro.org.

Southwest Car Accident Statistics and Vanpool Information

Although there is no specific data for Southwest car accidents, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) listed 136,850 cars and station wagons involved in Arizona crashes in 2010. There were also 39,571 pickup trucks and vans involved in crashes that same year. While it is not certain your chances of being in an accident are reduced by vanpooling, here are some benefits:

• Vans reduce the amount of miles traveled by 208,000 miles a day in the county.
• Vans reduce pollution by 4,619 pounds per day.
• The average fare is $25 per week, much less than a driver would pay for gas, insurance, car upkeep, and parking fees.
• An average of 10 riders participate in each vanpool.
• The average commute is 77 miles per day round trip.
• Many riders can complete work assignments as they travel to work.
• Van drivers have to have a good credit rating because they accept money and balance the vanpool account, they must have a valid driver’s license, have not more than three driving points on their record in the past three years, and they must be at least 25 years old.

Why You May Need a Southwest Valley Car Accident Attorney

Experienced Arizona van accident attorneys know that unfortunately, any vehicle can get into an accident. If you are injured in a crash, you likely face medical bills and time away from work, both of which can be very costly to you and your family. While we support vanpools, the Husband and Wife Law Team realizes that the riders who are injured in them deserve proper representation. We work to hold the at-fault party responsible and obtain a settlement from them that pays your expenses. This could include the vanpool driver or another driver who has endangered the lives of those in the van.

As Avondale car accident attorneys, we are used to seeing pretty crazy accidents. But the one on February 14, 2012 was definitely shocking. A man crashed through the wall of a backyard and stopped just in time to leave his truck balancing on the edge of a swimming pool near Indian School and 109th Avenue. Before crashing through the wall, the driver also hit another pickup truck. It is unclear whether the people inside that truck were injured. If so, we wish everyone a fast recovery.

How This Avondale Car Accident Happened

According to the driver’s girlfriend, the man suffers from a heart condition that may have caused this Avondale car accident. She thinks he might have blacked out and lost control of the car, causing this Arizona truck accident. He was taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries, as well as to be examined. When the man lost control, he smashed into another truck and then through the wall around the pool of a house. Luckily, no one was in the backyard at the time.

Avondale Car Accident Information

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported 1,044 Avondale car accidents in 2010, zero of which were fatal and 283 involving injuries. There is no information about drivers who black out and lose control, but distracted drivers caused 12,026 crashes in the state that same year. Drunk drivers caused 5,489 collisions.

Contact an Avondale Car Accident Attorney

If the people inside the pickup truck that were hit as a result of this man’s dangerous driving were injured, they should contact experienced Avondale car accident attorneys immediately. The Husband and Wife Law Team hold at-fault drivers accountable for their actions, even if they black out. In many cases, drivers who are at risk of blacking out should have their licenses revoked so that they don’t cause accidents like this. We work to obtain settlements from these drivers that pay for the medical expenses and more for the victims who were injured. We also make sure they receive the best medical care. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.

As Tempe car crash attorneys, we were sorry to hear about a truck that hit a car on East Apache Boulevard between College and State Avenues on February 8, according to Fox 10. The crash occurred around 2:15 a.m. near the edge of the Arizona State University’s recreation center. The person driving the truck had been drinking, according to reports. The truck rear-ended the sedan and pushed it up into a palm tree. Three people were taken to the hospital for their injuries, and they were in serious condition. We wish them a quick and full recovery, and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.

Causes of This Tempe Car Crash

The person driving the truck caused this crash when he chose to drive drunk, which is both illegal and dangerous. He likely did not see the car in front of him in time to react, so he rear-ended it, causing serious injuries and damage.

Details about Tempe Car Crashes: Rear-End Collisions

Car crashes that involve rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries, like this one. People in the car that is rear-ended often don’t even see the other car coming. They frequently suffer serious head, neck, spine, and back injuries, which can cause a lifetime of chronic pain. Their rehabilitation and medical expenses can also be extremely expensive.

Contact a Tempe Car Crash Lawyer

An experienced lawyer collects all the facts to use against the driver who caused an Arizona drunk driving accident. The Husband and Wife Law Team works to obtain a settlement from the driver, and we also help clients file for punitive damages since the at-fault driver broke the law by driving drunk. This means more compensation for victims as well as further punishment for the at-fault driver. We work while our clients receive the best possible medical care and recover from their injuries. Contact the team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. today for a free consultation.

As Chandler pedestrian accident attorneys, we were sorry to learn about a pickup truck that hit a pedestrian near Chandler Boulevard and Arizona Avenue on February 7, 2012. The pedestrian had to be taken to a nearby hospital for injuries, according to Fox 10. There is no word yet as to the extent of the pedestrian’s injuries. We wish him a fast recovery, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time.

Chandler Car Accident: Causes of This Pedestrian Crash

As accident lawyers, we see many crashes that involve pedestrians who are crossing outside of crosswalks. However, drivers still have a responsibility to yield to pedestrians in the roadway. The pedestrian hurt in this crash was crossing at an intersection where there was not a crosswalk available. Perhaps the city of Chandler will review this intersection and add lighted crosswalks to protect residents. Just because a pedestrian is not in the crosswalk does not mean that they are at-fault for the accident.

Chandler Car Accident Statistics

There were 3,515 Chandler car accidents in 2010, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). These crashes caused eight deaths and 1,404 injuries. In the state of Arizona that same year, there were 1,449 pedestrian crashes, resulting in 155 deaths and 1,236 injuries.

Contact a Chandler Pedestrian Accident Attorney

An experienced Chandler pedestrian accident attorney works to obtain settlements for victims hurt by at-fault drivers. When drivers do not yield to pedestrians in the road or when they are driving while distracted, the Husband and Wife Law Team holds them responsible for the injuries they cause. We check cell phone records to see if the driver was distracted by a cell phone when he or she hit the pedestrian, and we also talk to witnesses to determine what they saw. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Arizona road rage accidents can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. Drivers who engage in road rage endanger themselves and everyone around them. We want everyone to know what causes road rage, what to look for, and even how to avoid it. However, some drivers are determined to be aggressive and upset, no matter what you do. In many cases, it is impossible to avoid their aggression. However, here are some tips that may help.

What Causes Arizona Road Rage Accidents?

Road rage accidents usually happen when drivers are in a hurry to get somewhere and get upset about slow traffic. However, this is not always the case. It is hard to tell what causes people to be aggressive with their cars. It is more important to notice drivers who may be aggressive instead of trying to guess about what caused them to get that way. Drivers who are more likely to cause road rage crashes often:

• Weave in and out of traffic;
• Look visibly upset and are shouting or raising fists;
• Slam on brakes;
• Speed up and slow down quickly;
• Spin tires; and
• Make quick turns without warning.

Arizona Road Rage Accidents: What to Do if You Are A Victim

If you notice a driver who may cause an Arizona road rage accident, try to get away immediately. This means slowing down and safely taking the next exit, if possible. If there is a passenger in your car, ask that person to note the driver’s license plate and call 911 as soon as possible. Do not take your eyes off the road and remain aware of the driver.

Contact an Arizona Personal Injury Attorney

An experienced Peoria car accident injury attorney knows how scary road rage can be, and how people can be injured by another driver’s aggressive driving. Contact the Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. for a free initial consultation about your case. We work to obtain settlements that pay for all your recovery costs and more.