Improper passing and auto accidents

Motor vehicle collisions have many causes, including reckless driving, speeding and getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. However, improper passing is another serious problem that motorists need to keep in mind.Whether a driver cuts off another vehicle while abruptly switching lanes or someone tries to pass another vehicle in an area where passing is prohibited, this behavior is the root cause of countless accidents.

Examples of improper passing

On its website, the Arizona Department of Public Safety outlines examples of improper passing. The examples include:

  • Drivers trying to pass on the shoulder of the road
  • Drivers using emergency lanes to pass other vehicles

In addition, failure to use signals properly while passing is a serious concern.When crashes are caused by improper passing, vehicles often collide at a high rate of speed, and the likelihood of a tragic outcome is greater. The risk of head-on collisions is especially high, especially around sharp turns or on hills.Sadly, some drivers continue attempting to pass other vehicles improperly because of impatience and aggressive behavior on the road. This is unacceptable, and negligent drivers should be forced to answer for any hardships brought on by their actions.

Taking action after an accident

Recovering from a wreck is very difficult for many victims. Our website covers many topics related to auto accident injuries and the importance of holding reckless drivers accountable. Victims who stand up for their legal rights often gain access to health and financial benefits that help them move forward with their lives.

Street signs proclaiming bicycle rights cause local controversy

Most bicyclists understand they have the same rights and responsibilities on the roads around Phoenix that motorists have. However, bicyclists are much more vulnerable, especially when motorists fail to acknowledge those rights. Even when wearing full safety gear, including a helmet, a rider may sustain serious injuries if a vehicle gets too close. 

According to AZFamily, street signs in Ahwatukee identify bicyclists’ rights to the road by stating bicycles can use the full lane. The City of Phoenix has posted the 34 signs along stretches of road with speed limits of 40 mph to clarify that the shoulder on these streets is not, as many people believe, a bike lane. 

Critics say that even if the bicyclists have the right to take the lane, it is not safe to do so, and the riders should stay on the shoulder. However, bicyclists point out that in the lane, they become more visible to motorists, and it makes their ride safer. Riders may feel that motorists’ objections have more to do with ill-will toward those who may slow traffic down in one lane. 

Social media has become a battleground for the controversy where residents are expressing their opinions. Regardless of public feeling on the matter, if a motorist hits a rider who is in the lane, the motorist would be at fault. 

When bicyclists sustain injuries in collisions with vehicles, the auto insurance of the at-fault party typically pays for the damages. Many victims, however, choose to speak to an attorney about pursuing justice through the legal system. 

What are my legal rights if a dog bites me or one of my kids?

Arizona has strict laws concerning dogs in public places, and when an animal’s bite causes you or a family member physical harm, its owner may be held liable for any injuries. There are more than 4.7 million dog bites that occur each year across the U.S. As reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association, close to one in every five of those dog bites requires medical attention. In addition to the animal’s bite tearing into the victim’s skin, which could require stitches, there are also potentially harmful microorganisms that may spread from the dog’s saliva. For health and safety reasons dogs are quarantined and checked for signs of disease for 10 days after a bite is reported in all of the metro Phoenix regions.

If a dog bites you or one of your children and causes an injury, you have the right to take legal action against its owner, walker or other caretaker. Whether the attack occurred at a park, in the street or on the dog owner’s property, financial relief may be obtained through a civil action to cover the resulting damages. Dog bite victims are typically children, who are also the most susceptible to suffering an injury requiring treatment.

A dog owner’s typical defense for countering a claim is that the animal was provoked by the individual who suffered the bite. It does not matter, however, if a dog’s owner was either aware or unaware of the animal’s tendency to bite or attack. Depending on how severe the dog’s bite is, a civil action may be filed to seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical treatments or lost wages.

This information is provided for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as legal advice.

Presets Color

Primary
Secondary