by Grayson Law | Jul 6, 2020 | Car, Truck & Motorcycle Accidents
The increase of urbanization has led more drivers on the roadways thus increasing the chance of an injury-related accident in Arizona. Certain times of days, months of the year and roadway conditions affect the number and frequency of accidents. These conditions also affect the amount resulting in fatalities and injuries.
The Arizona Department of Transportation issues an annual crash report. For 2018, there were 916 fatal crashes out of a total of 127,056 in the state. The month of October and Friday afternoons between 4PM – 5PM are the peak times for accidents. Fatal accidents tend to occur most often on Saturdays and between 8PM – 9PM. Speeding seems to be the most common reason for the accident to occur.
An injury caused from a driver speeding or drunk can cause problems for the victim years after the initial accident. With 28.73% of all accidents resulting in injuries, about 7% have suspected serious injuries. The number of injury crashes has gone down since the peak in 2016. With the highest urban population in the Phoenix area, there are naturally more crashes in the area.
The Population Reference Bureau says that worldwide the number of road traffic accidents has increased. Driver impairment including being tired, alcohol influenced, excess speeds, compromised visibility and drug influence can negatively affect the driver’s ability to avoid an accident.
The PRB site’s rapid population growth, poor road maintenance, poor road conditions and rapid motorization as key barriers to decreasing motor vehicle injuries and fatalities. Keeping drivers aware of what causes accidents can help decrease the number of motor-vehicle injuries.
by Grayson Law | Jul 6, 2020 | Car, Truck & Motorcycle 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.
by Grayson Law | Jul 4, 2020 | Serious Injury Claims
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.
by Grayson Law | Jul 4, 2020 | Serious Injury Claims
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.
