Pedestrian Accident

Arizona personal injury lawyers were surprised to find out that even though there is a decrease in overall crash fatalities, pedestrian fatalities in 2010 have increased in Glendale, Arizona. In 2009, from the overall reported pedestrian crashes only 7.94% were fatal, while in 2010 fatal pedestrian crashes increased to 10.77%.

On Friday night, October 10, 2011, another pedestrian was killed after crossing the street at 99th Avenue and Bethany Home Road. According to ABC15, the woman was not walking in a cross walk when she was struck by the vehicle. The driver pulled over and stayed at the scene of the fatal car accident. However, even when pedestrians are not in the crosswalk does not mean that the pedestrian is entirely at fault for the accident.

Our prayers go out to the families of both parties involved in this fatal Glendale car accident. We want to let the family know that despite not knowing them personally, we are still thinking about them and our prayers go out to everyone involved.

Arizona Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), although Arizona pedestrian accidents declined in 2010 with 1,449 incidents, reported fatal crashes and the total number of pedestrians killed increased to 156 crashes and 155 deaths respectively. ADOT also revealed that in more than half of pedestrian accident fatalities or injuries occur while crossing the road. Reported pedestrian fatalities while crossing the road was 87, while there were 687 pedestrian injured.

Arizona Pedestrian Law

Experienced Glendale pedestrian accident lawyers Mark and Alexis Breyer can help you understand some of the basic pedestrian statutes in Arizona. These statutes can help you in pursuing a claim against the at-fault party. All pedestrians are subject to traffic rules (ARS 28-791). Pedestrians have the right-of-way as long as they are crossing in the right place. At crosswalks, vehicles are expected to yield the right-of-way. Meanwhile, if pedestrians cross the road other than in the cross walk, they are expected to yield the right-of-way for vehicles (ARS 28-793).

Contact an Experienced Glendale Wrongful Death Lawyer

For family members who want to have questions answered about a wrongful death claim, it is important to speak to the a Glendale pedestrian wrongful death lawyer. Understanding the laws of injury and wrongful death is very important to obtaining a successful settlement. When a traumatic event like a fatal car accident stuns your family, it is important to have lawyers that you can trust. For an absolutely free consultation for your serious injury or wrongful death claim for the loss of a loved one, call Alexis and Mark Breyer of Breyer Law Offices, P.C. to have all your questions answered about your claim. Call today for a free consultation 623-455-6603.

Phoenix, Arizona has been tagged one of the most dangerous cities, especially for pedestrians. People of all ages prefer to move around the city on foot to appreciate the beauty of the area and to get a healthy dose of exercise. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are rising at an alarming rate. State-wide, more than 1,500 pedestrians are involved in accidents annually. 1,300 of these are ones that are injured, equalling to more than three people injured daily. Also, more than 10 of these pedestrians are being killed each month or one person every three days. This is really quite alarming.

The department has released a list of a few steps to help avoid pedestrian-related accidents especially for students during the school year. Here are the safety tips for pedestrians:

• Cross streets using the pedestrian lanes.
• Keep a safe distance away from the curb.
• When crossing the street, always look from left to right.
• Obey traffic rules.
• Make eye contact with drivers so they can acknowledge that a pedestrian is crossing.
• Avoid drinking alcohol when walking during the day or at night.
• Minors should always be accompanied by guardians or adults when crossing the street.
• Stand in the “Safety Zone” until the crossing guard gives the go signal to safely cross the street
• No horse playing while crossing the street so you have to be attentive with your surroundings.

If you or a loved has been involved in a pedestrian injury accident in Arizona, there is free consultation. Just call these numbers (602) 457-6222, or (480) 389-2463.

A pedestrian was killed in a Glendale car accident after being struck by an out-of-control car. According to a news report in The Arizona Republic, the fatal pedestrian accident in Glendaleoccurred near the intersection of 59th and Olive avenues. The vehicle involved in the crash crossed over from the northbound lanes across the southbound lanes and onto the sidewalk before striking the pedestrian. The pedestrian died at a nearby hospital and two people in the car were also hospitalized. It is unclear what caused the crash or if the driver will be cited for the fatal collision.

Under Arizona Statute 28-904: “A person shall not drive a vehicle on a sidewalk area except on a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway.” Whenever a driver goes off a roadway it must be determined what caused the driver to lose control. Was the driver speeding or driving distracted? Was the motorist under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash? Did the driver suffer a medical condition? Was speed a factor in the crash?

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased pedestrian accident victim can file what is known as a wrongful death claim. Such a claim usually seeks compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income and benefits and emotional distress.

The skilled Glendale wrongful death attorneys at The Breyer Law Offices P.C know how to hold at-fault drivers accountable for their actions. If you have lost a loved one in a Arizona car accident, please contact our law offices at 623-455-6603 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Police have dismissed charges against a driver, who struck and injured a 4-year-old girl in a stroller at the intersection of 90th Street and Shea Boulevard on May 9, 2011. According to a news report, the driver of the SUV was initially charged with failing to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian. In this case, a mother was pushing her daughter in a stroller. However, officials determined in this case that the driver had the green light at the time. In addition, officials say a large vehicle was blocking the driver’s view which prevented him from seeing the pedestrians in the crosswalk. The child is still recovering from injuries sustained in the crash.

According to Arizona laws, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians legally crossing the road in a crosswalk or at an intersection. That does not, however, mean that a pedestrian can cross anywhere and at any time. According to Arizona Revised Statute 28-792: “A pedestrian shall not suddenly leave any curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.”

Injured victims of pedestrian accidents in Arizona would be well advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled personal injury attorney. Depending upon the details of the crash, compensation may be available for losses including medical bills, lost wages and suffering. Just because charges are not filed against a driver, it does not mean that he or she cannot be held financially liable for the injuries and damages caused. A knowledgeable Scottsdale personal injury lawyer will be able to stay on top of the accident investigation and ensure that the victims’ legal rights and best interests are protected.

The experienced Scottsdale pedestrian injury attorneys at The Breyer Law Offices P.C. help victims of negligent drivers pursue compensation for the damages they have suffered. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Scottsdale car accident, please contact us at 480-389-2463 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

No amount of precaution and warnings can prevent all child pedestrian accidents. Parents can, however, decrease the likelihood of their children getting into pedestrian accidents in Arizona by teaching then safe habits and educating them about the rules of the road. Many studies show that children between the ages of 5 to 9 are the most likely to be involved in a pedestrian accident. This is likely due to the tendency of children to dart into the street. Chasing a ball or following a friend into the roadway without looking is a dangerous act that often results in tragedy.

The best way to prevent these types of accidents is to provide adequate supervision at all times. Children should be taught to obey traffic signals at all times. They should also be taught to look for signs that a vehicle is about to move such as exhaust fumes or the sound of the engine. Children should avoid roadways where there are no sidewalks but if they must walk on the shoulder, it should be done facing traffic. Last, but not least, it is crucial that all children are taught at an early age to never run into a roadway and always use a crosswalk while crossing a roadway.

It is an unfortunate fact that no amount of precautionary steps will guarantee that an Arizona accident will never happen. Even the safest children can be hurt in pedestrian accidents when negligent drivers are involved. In such cases, the at-fault motorist may be held responsible if the victim’s family chooses to file a personal injury claim.

The experienced Scottsdale pedestrian accident attorneys of the Breyer Law Offices P.C. help families get the compensation they need for losses and damages such as medical expenses and cost of rehabilitation. If your child has been injured in an Arizona auto accident, please contact us at 602-457-6222 to find out how we can help.

Recently, a 20-year-old woman was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident when a vehicle struck her at a bus stop near 23rd Avenue and Thomas Road in Phoenix, according to a news report in The Arizona Republic. Authorities report that the vehicle went off the road and struck her. She sustained life-threatening injuries and has been listed in very serious condition. It is unclear why the vehicle left the roadway or whether the driver will be cited for the Phoenix pedestrian injury collision.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reported 122 pedestrian fatalities and 1,304 pedestrian injuries in Arizona during 2009. During that same year, 157 people were killed and 15,129 were injured in pedestrian accidents in Phoenix. Arizona Statute 28-904 states: “A person shall not drive a vehicle on a sidewalk area except on a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway.” Any motorist who fails to do so may be held liable for any accidents or injuries they cause.

In any accident where negligence or wrongdoing is a factor, injured victims can seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitative treatments, and even long-term care.

The knowledgeable Phoenix personal injury lawyers at The Breyer Law Offices P.C. help victims injured in pedestrian or car accidents receive the compensation they need and rightfully deserve from negligent motorists. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian or car accident in Arizona, please contact us at 602-457-6222 to schedule your no-cost consultation today. We are here to help.

Car accidents in Arizona many times are fatal because drivers are distracted and are not paying attention, but the auto accident that happened last Sunday on Mother’s Day is one of the most devastating accidents I have heard about in a long time.

On Mother’s Day, mothers all around the world were enjoying themselves and celebrating being a mother. After all, it’s the one day that we really all get catered to as a mother.

A couple from Palmer, Alaska who were visiting Arizona names Randall Bjerken and Doris Bjerken decided to spend their mother’s day taking a walk. From what I understand they have 4 children, the youngest of which is a sophomore in high school.

Randall and Doris were taking a walk in the Scottsdale area on the sidewalk and enjoying an early morning stroll at the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Jackrabbit Road at about 10:00 a.m.

While the couple was out for an innocent walk on Mother’s Day, unexpectedly a vehicle came up on the sidewalk and hit both Randall and Doris, sending them through the air. A 911 tape was released as well as a video. Both Randall and Doris were killed as a result of the Scottsdale motor vehicle accident.

The 911 tape went as follows and was reported by CBS 5 news:

Operator: “911 what is your emergency?”

Caller: “I don’t know. They look young but they…I don’t know” (crying)

The driver has been reported to be a 23 year old male. As of this time, it is not known why the male driver went up on the sidewalk, causing a double fatality. There were no other vehicles involved. It seems that neither drugs nor alcohol was involved but an investigation is still pending.

While this accident may not have involved alcohol and drugs, there is no question that many car accidents do involve alcohol and drugs, and take many lives.

There have been many accidents in the Scottsdale, Arizona area where drugs and alcohol are reported to be a major factor in the car accident fatality. Each year, many people are killed in Arizona distracted driving crashes as well as DUI crashes. The statistics on drunk driving accidents throughout the United States is overwhelming.

Below we have listed statistics that have been released from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These are the latest results and we are currently waiting for 2010 results:

Car Accident Statistics for Drunk Driving in Arizona and throughout the United States:

• Three out of ten Americans will be involved somehow in a car accident crash that involved alcohol at some point in their lives
• 32 percent of fatal car accidents involved alcohol in 2009
• Due to alcohol, on average, one person died every 48 minutes in an auto accident
• As of 2009, all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico made it illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher
• 10,839 people died of alcohol related car accidents in 2009. Of this number 7,281 or 67% had a BAC above the legal limit
• For fatal crashes that happened from midnight to 3:00 a.m. 66% of those crashes involved alcohol impaired driving
• Alcohol impaired driving that involves fatal car crashes is 4 times more likely to occur at night than during the day
• Men are more likely than women to be involved in a fatal car crash where their blood alcohol content is above the legal limit
• For fatal car accidents where the drivers were 21 to 24 years old, 35% had a BAC above the legal limit
• 14% of children ages 14 years old and younger were killed in car crashes because of alcohol in 2009
• 181 children plus were killed due to drunk drivers
• Drivers who caused fatal accidents that had a BAC of .08 or higher were 8 times more likely to have been convicted prior for driving under the influence
• The most recorded BAC level for drivers who were driving under the influence and caused a fatal car accident was .17. .17 is more than twice the legal limit.

The above are just some statistics on drunk driving. It is shameful that innocent people’s lives are taken due to the actions of other people who choose to drink and drive under the influence of alcohol. Again, although we do not know if the driver of the double fatal car accident with Mr. and Mrs. Bjerken involved alcohol, either way, it is devastating. I heard on the news last night such amazing comments from people in Alaska about what great people the Bjerkens were and how they had come to Arizona and were expected back in just a couple of days. It is beyond sad how this double fatal accident occurred in Scottsdale, Arizona to innocent people who were just enjoying a Sunday stroll. In the end, it doesn’t really matter the reason, whether drunk or not, the fact remains that two great people’s lives have been taken, and their children, family, and friends’ lives will never be the same.

We hope that more people learn that distracted driving or driving under the influence affects many innocent lives and that people need to be more committed to safe driving if they are going to be allowed on the road.

Did you know that 10,839 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2009? This is equivalent to about 32 percent of the total number of traffic-related deaths in the United States. Of these number, 1,314 children ages 14 and younger died in the same year due to fatal crashes, 181 (14%) involved an alcohol-impaired driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also revealed that about half were riding in the vehicle with the alcohol-impaired driver.

According to the law, drivers are considered to be alcohol-impaired if the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in their system is .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher. NHTSA reported that in 2009, alcohol-impaired-driving crashes declined by 7.4 percent from 2008, while the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles travelled (VMT) decreased 0.03.

Among all the states, Arizona was ranked 8th in terms of Pedestrian Fatality Rate per 100,000 Population. In 2009, 120 pedestrians died as results of fatal car crashes, meaning pedestrians fatalities accounted for about 12 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2009 and 3 percent of those injured in car crashes.

On Saturday, at about 12:30 in the morning, one pedestrian was struck by a car while crossing Indian School Road at 10th Street (AZ Family 4/2/11). The driver of the 4-door Volkswagen, a 28-year-old man, was believed to be impaired when the accident occurred. The pedestrian victim was taken to an area hospital where he later died.

Almost 30 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes everyday involving alcohol-impaired drivers. In fact, the annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $51 billion according to NHTSA. For pedestrians, the risks of getting into a fatal accident with an impaired driver are very high. So, we always have to make sure to follow the basic pedestrian safety precautions.

For victims of pedestrian accidents, dial (602) 267-1280 for a free consultation with one of our Phoenix accident attorneys. We may be able to help you in getting what you deserve.

Did you know that according to the National Center of Health Statistics motor vehicle crashes are considered to be the primary cause of death for children ages 14 and below? In 2009, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that from the 33,808 traffic fatalities which occurred nationwide, 4 percent were children belonging to 14-and-younger age group.

Meanwhile, 4,092 pedestrian fatalities were reported as the result of motor vehicle accidents in 2009. On the other hand, there were 59,000 pedestrian injuries on the same year. In Arizona, 60 out of the 807 fatalities were children ages from 15 years old and younger.

In Glendale, a pedestrian was struck by a truck while crossing 19th Avenue to join his friends at a bus stop Thursday night (03/10/11).  The victim, a young boy is currently in critical condition after he was hit by a pickup truck at about 9:30 p.m. The driver of the white pickup sped away from the scene right after the accident. The identification of the boy was not released because of his age. Investigators however reported that the boy was not in a crosswalk when the accident occurred.

As Glendale car accident attorneys, we are so tired of hearing about these hit and run drivers leaving these injured victims.  We are sponsoring an anonymous tip line for witnesses to these serious accidents to call and alert the authorities.  You can even win a $1000 reward if your tip leads to the successful arrest and conviction of a hit and run driver!  If you know anything about this recent accident involving this young boy, please call this number.

Research shows that pedestrian injuries and fatalities have declined over the years. However traffic education should continuously be taught to minors who are at a higher risk of being involved in a traffic accident.

If your child has been victim in traffic related accident, we can be reached at (602) 267-1280 for a free consultation. As one of the top Phoenix accident lawyers, we may be able to help you in getting rightful compensation.

A 60-year-old woman and her 59-year-old husband were injured in a Phoenix car accident, which police report, involved a driver who was under the influence of alcohol.

The couple was crossing Central Avenue in Phoenix, when they were struck by a silver BMW driven by a 53-year-old man. The driver attempted to flee the scene of the crash. Officers and citizens worked together to stop the driver. The woman suffered critical injuries and the male victim sustained minor injuries. The driver has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and attempting to flee the scene of a crash.

According to the 2009 Arizona Department of Transportation’s crash statistics, there were157 fatalities and 15,129 injuries suffered in Phoenix car accidents. In those accidents, 90 deaths and 1,149 injuries involved a drunken driver. Throughout the state of Arizona, 58 people were killed and 176 were injured in alcohol-related pedestrian accidents.

Victims of Phoenix drunk drivers may pursue compensation for their injuries by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Common damages recovered by a successful civil lawsuit include medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain and mental anguish.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Arizona, please contact the experienced Phoenix pedestrian injury lawyers of The Breyer Law Offices P.C. We have an excellent track record of helping injured victims obtain fair and full compensation and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Contact us today at 602-978-6400 for a free and comprehensive consultation.