Arizona Accident Information Law Blog : Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer & Attorney : Solomon & Relihan Law Firm : Auto Accidents & Car Wrecks : AZ Accident Information Law Blog

If you're wondering why the car ahead of you keeps drifting out of its lane, consider that this year one trillion text messages were sent by drivers. This shocking fact is revealed in a major study that also indicates the rate of teens texting while driving is on the rise.

This trend is disturbing considering the huge distraction texting poses. Reuters news service reports that texting makes drivers 23 times more likely to be in an accident. Teens texting will surely be at greater risk when their lack of driving experience is factored in. However, in a survey teens reported little concern about the dangers of texting while driving. This growing danger has lead for the call to create a national texting while driving ban.

Phoenix is one of a few cities that does have a ban on texting while driving. But, this does not necessarily mean Arizona roads are safer. In the survey, teens admitted to ignoring such laws. Police also state the laws are notoriously difficult to enforce.

Given that teens and young adults are so reliant on mobile technology and texting, signs point to continued texting even if a national ban is passed. If you are ever in an accident and suspect the driver was texting at the time, that fact may be critical in helping you hold the negligent driver accountable. Your best option is to contact an experienced accident attorney who can help bring that fact to light.
 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (3)
• Trackbacks

The Arizona Republic published a small blurb about two cars being struck by a Semi on the westbound I-10 in Phoenix. Though the paper dedicated only about five lines, I’m sure that accident was much more significant for those involved.

Accidents with semis, also called tractor trailers, can be terrifying. Their large size and momentum make them imposing figures to nearby cars, trucks and motorcycles. Also, their actions may seem unclear to regular motorists who are unfamiliar with the requirements of driving a big rig.

The Republic did not explain how the accident occurred, but there are several unique risks associated with big trucks. The cars may have been in the large blind spot along the trailer. If the side-view mirrors were not visible to the accident victims, the truck could have merged into them. Additionally, long haul truckers often work at a grueling pace; the driver may have been suffering from fatigue.
 

The occupants of the smaller vehicles reported minor injuries at the scene, but the symptoms may worsen as the adrenalin wears off. If the truck driver was at fault, the claim “he just did not see them” is not a valid excuse for a negligent mistake. And, those injured motorists are entitled to seek compensation for their injuries and damaged vehicles.
 

If you find yourself sharing the road with a semi or another large vehicle, be sure to give them a wide berth to avoid an accident. If the road is crowded, at least be sure you are in the field of vision of the side-view mirrors. And, don’t hesitate to use your horn if necessary.
 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

Morning rush-hour can be inconvenient, but this Tuesday’s was much worse for a few Chandler motorists. Three cars were stopped at a red light on Dobson road, when a fourth slammed into the rear car, causing a series of collisions. The Arizona Republic reported, two motorists received significant injuries and were transported to a trauma center and local hospital.

In Arizona, drivers have the responsibility to follow at a safe distance and speed to avoid a rear-end collision. That the victims of this accident were stationary at the light indicates the driver that caused the collision was speeding, misjudged the stopping distance, or simply wasn’t paying attention. Either of these scenarios indicates a situation of driver negligence, the consequences of which injured two innocent people.
 

There are many potential distractions on the morning commute. Contributing factors include talking on the cell phone, checking email on a wireless device, or trying to save time and eat breakfast or apply makeup in the car. As tempting as these timesavers may be, a driver’s first responsibility remains the safe operation of his or her vehicle and avoiding collisions like the one Tuesday.
 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

Drunk drivers are a threat to anyone on the road: even law enforcement. This was made abundantly clear when a suspected drunk driver slammed into a border patrol vehicle in Southern Arizona. The officer only escaped injury by diving over the guardrail before his vehicle was struck.

The Associated Press reported the agent was stopped on the shoulder of the I-19, assisting a motorist with a flat tire. The suspected drunk driver was recklessly attempting to pass slower traffic when he hit the agent’s vehicle. The driver was transported to a local hospital and is under investigation for impaired driving.

Impaired drivers often make risky decisions and have poor control of their vehicle. In this case, it was extremely fortunate the officer was able to react in time. If he were not present, the motorist with the flat tire could have been killed or severely injured. This is a sobering reminder to take care if your car blows a tire or is disabled on the freeway, and to call the highway patrol or roadside assistance if necessary.
 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

Many assume that motorcyclists are reckless people because riding a motorcycle involves more risk than a passenger vehicle. It is true that motorcyclists in Arizona face many risks when they take to the streets. They risk other motorists not seeing their smaller profile, and they also face the greater risk of injury during collisions. But, the assumption that they are reckless is an unfair judgment not supported by the facts. And worse, this bias sometimes prevents motorcyclists from receiving fair treatment when a collision does occur.

One motorcyclist in El Mirage suffered a serious leg injury Wednesday when struck by an oncoming vehicle. This potentially deadly head on motorcycle accident occurred at 6:45 p.m., on Dysart Road near Olive Avenue.
 

The assistant police chief told the Arizona Republic, there was no indication the motorcyclist was speeding. However, focus on the motorcyclist’s speed propagates the bias that motorcyclists are irresponsible drivers and are typically at fault because they “knew the dangers” or “chose to take the risk.”
 

In fact, the vast majority of motorcyclists follow the rules of the road precisely because they know the risks and want to avoid injury. The Hurt Report and MAIDS study show that very few motorcycle accidents are caused by excessive speed. Instead, the majority of collisions occur when a driver of a larger vehicle violates the motorcycle’s right of way. The biased notion that motorcyclists take undue risks, though clearly not based in truth, still makes it difficult for motorcyclists to get a fair hearing from the law and the insurance companies. Hopefully this motorcyclist makes a quick recovery and can concentrate on getting well, instead of the hassle of dealing with obstructionist insurance companies.
 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks