Phoenix Personal Injury Attorney Blog

Settled dog bite claims averaged $29,752 last year

2013-05-22T19:41:03Z

Arizona residents who own pets may be comfortable with allowing their furry friends to roam around the house and yard. But when pet owners take their dogs out for walks or have guests over for a celebration, they are responsible for controlling their pets. Even the most trustworthy dogs may suddenly feel threatened and attack someone else, and when an attack results in serious injuries, pet owners may be held accountable.

Injuries resulting from a dog bite can be devastating for victims in Phoenix and throughout the state. Injuries may include disfigurement, scarring, head injuries and severe emotional trauma. When children are victims of dog attacks, the outcome may be even more tragic.

Because dog bite injuries may be life-threatening or disabling, recovering from a dog bite -- both physically and mentally -- may take some time. It may also be very costly. According to State Farm and the Insurance Information Institute, $29,752 was the average cost for paid dog bite claims during 2012.

]]> State Farm and III also recently reported that settled dog bite claims totaled more that $489 million during 2012. About one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims had involved a dog bite.

State Farm and III also analyzed claims in order to determine which states produced the most paid out dog bite claims. According to the analysis, California produced the most paid out claims. More than 450 claims were paid totaling more than $17.1 million. Fortunately, Arizona was not one of top 10 states that had the most claims.

Dog bite injuries may result in high medical bills and other expenses, as the recent data shows. Clearly, victims should not be held accountable for these expenses resulting from a homeowner's or dog owner's negligence.

To ensure victims receive the compensation they need to pay for medical expenses, counseling and other injury-related expenses, dog bite victims may be able to consult an attorney who has the knowledge and experience to help victims pursue successful personal injury or premises liability claims.

Source: Insurance Journal, "On a leash: Dog bite insurance claim trends," May 15, 2013

Phoenix officer suffers fatal injuries in hit-and-run accident

2013-05-20T18:28:02Z

As of earlier today, local authorities were still working on identifying the driver who is suspected of hitting and killing one of our own police officers here in Phoenix.

The young officer, who had been with the Phoenix Police Department for six years, suffered catastrophic injuries when a vehicle hit him while he was assisting with a DUI stop on the road. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop after the hitting the officer, but police have since been able to identify the vehicle that was involved in the hit-and-run accident.

Authorities are now asking anyone who may have information about the driver who is suspected of causing the fatal accident to come forward so that justice can be served.

]]> The officer's death is devastating. While he was busy trying to keep our roads safe for other motorists, he was fatally injured by a negligent driver. The officer was only 29 years old and had already served more than five years with the Phoenix Police Department. The officer was also a war veteran, a husband and a father of one child.

Because the officer leaves behind a wife and child, the officer's family may consider pursuing a wrongful death claim against the driver who struck the officer once the driver is identified and held responsible for the fatal accident. Fatal accidents like the one that occurred this past weekend certainly result in a great deal of emotional pain for families, colleagues and friends, but fatal accidents may also cause families to experience financial hardships.

Families who are left to suffer the consequences of a negligent driver's mistake should not be forced to face financial ruin as well. After losing a loved one in a fatal accident in Arizona, families have every right to protect their interests by consulting an attorney who may be able to help them recover compensation for their loved one's medical expenses, funeral expenses and other injury-related expenses.

Source: CBS5, "Vehicle that struck, killed Phoenix officer found," Phil Benson, May 20, 2013

Driver in Arizona tanker truck accident charged with murder

2013-05-17T20:46:01Z

People who have lost a loved one in a traffic accident have a long journey to travel, both in terms of their emotions and the logistical hurdles of recovery. One of the first things many victims' friends and family members want to know is whether the accident could have been prevented. In cases where negligence is clearly evident, they often want to ensure that the person responsible for the fatal crash is appropriately punished. But even if a conviction results in some amount of personal satisfaction for the survivors, it doesn't solve all of their problems.

Take the recent death of an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer as an example. The officer was killed earlier this month in a collision with a tanker truck, the driver of which is currently facing charges of second-degree murder, among more than a dozen other offenses.

]]> The accident happened on Interstate 8 near Yuma, Arizona, as the DPS officer was in his squad car, filling out a report on a previous collision. One lane of traffic had been blocked off and was occupied by his car and another DPS cruiser. Authorities said the driver of the tanker truck, who was on his way from Yuma to Phoenix, failed to pay attention to the lane closure and struck one of the squad cars, pushing it into the car in which the DPS officer was sitting. He was killed instantly and pronounced dead at the scene.

The truck driver was arrested and could ultimately be sentenced to time behind bars. But while it might put the fallen officer's family at ease to know the driver can't hurt anyone else with his truck, a criminal conviction won't pay for any medical, funeral and burial costs, nor will it compensate the family for the loss of the officer's wages.

A news report on the crash offered information on how to donate to a fund dedicated to helping the family. The DPS may also offer some form of compensation. But there's no telling whether it will be enough to keep the officer's family on solid financial ground.

Any family who has suffered a loss due to the negigence of another driver in a traffic accident has the right to file a civil wrongful death lawsuit. A personal injury attorney can explain your options for financial compensation.

Source: YymaSun.com, "Driver in DPS collision charged with second-degree murder," James Gilbert, May 14, 2013

Tragic crash occurs at local Phoenix bus stop

2013-05-15T20:46:01Z

Phoenix commuters who rely on mass transit may find their mornings to be less stressful than motor vehicle drivers who fight the daily road congestion. That’s assuming, of course, a number of variables. City officials have a duty to ensure the safety of city bus routes and operators hasn’t been misplaced. In addition, a standard of safe driving is expected from all who drive on Arizona’s roads and highways.

A recent motor vehicle and pedestrian accident calls into question a number of safety issues. According to authorities, a car crashed into a local Phoenix bus stop around 4 a.m. on a recent weekday morning. Three pedestrians were waiting at the stop. Unfortunately, one of the pedestrians, a 50-year-old man, sustained fatal injuries. Another pedestrian was critically injured. Only the third pedestrian at the bus stop was able to avoid serious injuries.

]]> Although the investigation is ongoing, it does not appear that the bus stop was placed in an unsafe location, either due to poor lighting or too close proximity to the road. The driver, however, is another matter. The 22-year-old driver admitted to police that she had run a red light and almost collided head-on with an oncoming car. In swerving to avoid that collision, the driver instead hit the bus stop. She also admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol, although her blood alcohol level content has not been released.

The driver now faces criminal charges because of her negligent driving, including second-degree murder. In addition, she may face civil liability if the survivors of the killed pedestrian choose to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. The injured pedestrian may also sue to hold the driver accountable for her traffic violation and impaired driving in a personal injury lawsuit.

Source: abc15.com, “Phoenix bus stop crash: One person killed, another injured after car slams into bus stop,” May 13, 2013

Scottsdale crash leaves 3 hospitalized

2013-05-08T20:18:05Z

A car accident can change your life in the blink of an eye. One minute you are driving to work like you do every day, and the next minute you're seriously injured and trapped in your car. Once authorities take you to the hospital, doctors tell you that you'll be fine, but you need a surgery for a broken bone, medication to limit the pain, and a cast and a set of crutches when it's all over. Then you'll need physical therapy. Months later, you are still getting bills from the hospital, but you have no idea how you're going to pay them off.

Unfortunately, scenarios like this happen every day when car accidents occur. A victim is left with debilitating injuries and thousands of dollars in medical bills that few people could afford easily. In fact, a car accident earlier this week in Scottsdale sent one woman to a trauma center.

]]> The details around how the accident occurred are still unclear, but police say it involved two vehicles, and one victim needed to be extricated from their car. Two others sustained minor injuries in the afternoon crash.

While we don't know the circumstances of this crash, negligent driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. A driver looks down to check an incoming text message or reaches to the floor to pick up something that fell, but no matter the exact scenario, distractions like these cause drivers to take their eyes of the road, which can easily lead to a car accident. However, one person's mistake should not leave another person to deal with expensive medical bills on top of recovering from injuries. To seek compensation, car accident victims may want to consider a personal injury lawsuit.

Source: ABC 15, "FD: 3 hospitalized after 2-car collision in Scottsdale," May 6, 2013

2 Phoenix residents displaced after car hits apartment building

2013-05-04T02:04:04Z

As we all know, car accidents come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are caused by distracted driving, others stem from drunk driving, and others are the result of drivers failing to follow traffic laws. No matter how a crash is caused, however, we usually think of a crash as involving two or more cars. A recent Phoenix accident, however, shows that some car accidents take an unexpected form.

Early Wednesday morning, police responded to a call that a driver had crashed into a Phoenix apartment building. While the driver and his or her passengers were apparently well enough to run from the incident, the car went crashing through one tenants bedroom while he was in it. He and other tenant had to be moved to new units. Unfortunately, things didn't end there.

]]> The car also hit a gas meter in the area, requiring police to evacuate the surrounding premises. Gas to the apartment building, located near Thomas Road and Seventh Street, had to be turned off as well.

As is clearly illustrated in this case, car accidents do not always occur on the roads as we expect. When a driver loses control of his or her vehicle, anyone nearby -- even those who may think they are safe at home -- are in danger of being injured. Fortunately, similar legal options apply to situations like this. If the tenants who were forced to move were injured when the car hit their building, they could choose to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

Source: ABC 15, "Car hits gas meter in Phoenix crash," Deborah Stocks, May 1, 2013

2 seriously injured after driver hit multiple motorcycles in Yuma

2013-04-24T14:00:52Z

Seemingly more than many other types of motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries or death. Even when a motorcyclist wears protective clothing and a helmet, it is rarely enough to prevent injury if an accident occurs. Because motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to injury, it is extremely important that all motorists on Arizona roads keep an eye out for bikers. When drivers fail to do this, serious accidents can occur.

Over the weekend, a serious motorcycle accident in Yuma left two people fighting for their lives. According to KYMA's report, the Saturday-night collision occurred when a driver turned straight into the paths of four motorcycles.

]]> The first two bikes could not avoid colliding with the car. The drivers and passengers of both bikes were thrown from the vehicles. Two bikes that were coming up behind them laid their bikes down in an effort to avoid the crash. Following the collision, two individuals were airlifted to a Phoenix hospital with life-threatening injuries.

As of right now, it's not clear why this collision occurred. Police do not believe the driver was impaired, so it's possible she did not look carefully before making the turn. Sadly, this accident shows the damage that even a minute of inattention on the roads can cause. One person's mistake has led to the hospitalization of several people. Fortunately, if you are injured in a car or motorcycle accident, there are ways to seek compensation.

A personal injury lawsuit, if successful, can result in compensation for a victim's medical expenses and other damages related to the collision. An attorney can help explain how best to handle your specific situation.

Source: KYMA, "Two Seriously Injured in Motorcycles vs. Vehicle Accident," April 22, 2013

Scottsdale crash kills 11-year-old, injures 5 others

2013-04-22T16:53:23Z

Parents across the globe will do anything to protect their children from danger. However, parents learn quickly that they cannot protect their children every minute of every day. When we send a child off to school or have them carpool with another child, parents trust that the adults in charge will do all that they can to protect their child's well-being. Unfortunately, not everyone makes the best decisions.

On Saturday, an 11-year-old girl was killed when the driver of the car she was in seemingly made a poor decision. The driver attempted to make a left turn near the Pinnacle Peak and Scottsdale roads but either misjudged how far away an oncoming car was or didn't see it altogether. The two vehicles collided.

]]> Five girls along with the driver were in the car that tried to turn left. While varied in severity, all occupants sustained injuries in the car accident. Four individuals, including the driver, sustained minor injuries; one girl's pelvis was broken in the collision; and an 11-year-old girl died at the hospital.

The sudden death of a child is the worst news a parent could ever hear. No parent deserves to outlive their own child -- especially when he or she is so young. While we don't know whether the driver and the children in the car were related, it's not difficult to imagine how a parent would feel if their child was killed under someone else's watch.

In circumstances like this, parents may want to consider their legal options. While no amount of money could ever replace the loss of a child, a wrongful death lawsuit can result in compensation for funeral expenses while holding the adult who may have caused such an incident responsible.

Source: azfamily.com, "11-year-old girl dies in Scottsdale car accident," Adrew Michalscheck, April 20, 2013

1 killed, 2 injured when driver ran red light in Phoenix

2013-04-19T13:00:56Z

Traffic laws in Arizona and the rest of the country exist for a reason. By adhering to the rules of the road, we are all doing our part to ensure that Arizona roads are as safe as they can be. So when drivers choose to ignore the speed limit or a traffic signal, disaster can occur. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened in a recent Phoenix car accident.

Late Monday night, a pickup truck was heading down 35^th Avenue when a car blew through a red light and crashed into it. The truck spun out of control, causing its driver to be thrown onto the street. Sadly, he died in the collision. The incident doesn't end there, however.

]]> When the truck spun out of control, it struck another vehicle that was driven by a pregnant woman. Fortunately, both she and her baby are doing well.

Car accidents like this one show just how important it is to follow traffic laws. Running a red light is one of the more dangerous offenses a driver can commit, but even changing lanes without signaling and speeding can lead to serious and sometimes fatal car accidents.

When a fatal accident occurs, it is important for the family members of the victim to know that it is possible to hold a negligent driver accountable for causing their loved one's death. By working with a personal injury attorney, a family can learn how a wrongful death lawsuit can lead to compensation and maybe even a feeling that justice has been served.

Source: KTAR, "Overnight collision kills 1 in Phoenix," April 16, 2013

Pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries in Phoenix crash

2013-04-15T19:19:13Z

Car accidents happen all the time. Here in Phoenix, we hear about them on the local news or read about them in the paper so regularly that it can become easy to forget how devastating a car accident can be. So today, for a minute, try putting yourself in the shoes of a person who was injured in a crash.

Last week, a Phoenix man was crossing 35^th Avenue near Dunlap when he was hit by a car. The pedestrian, who police say is in his 30s, suffered injuries that were characterized as life threatening. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

]]> Imagine finding yourself in this frightening situation. Maybe you're walking home from a friend's house or the grocery store after dark. You are crossing the street when you see headlights heading toward you. As they get closer, you realize they aren't slowing down. The next thing you know, you're in the hospital fighting for your life.

No one deserves to end up in a situation like this, yet pedestrian accidents are far too common. Many victims end up not only having to recover from injuries, but having to pay off the expensive medical bills that result from life-saving treatment. Fortunately, pedestrian accident victims do have legal options when it comes to holding a negligent driver accountable.

A person injured in a pedestrian accident -- or any car accident -- can choose to file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent driver. If a lawsuit is successful, a victim may be able to obtain compensation for medical expenses and other damages related to the incident.

Source: ABC 15, "PD: Pedestrian in serious condition after being struck by car in Phoenix," April 10, 2013

Dog attack leads to medical bills for Tempe woman

2013-04-10T18:25:15Z

Many of us in Arizona have pet dogs. More than any other animal, it often seems, dogs shower their owners with love and affection. We would never think of these family pets as being dangerous to anyone. However, dogs are still animals, and if they have not been properly trained, they could become aggressive in certain situations. That seems to have been the case in a recent situation in which an Arizona woman was attacked.

According to a recent news article, the Tempe woman was out walking her dog when a pit bull attacked both of them. She was knocked down by the dog, which viciously bit her arm. The woman's dog was also bitten by the pit bull. "It was the scariest thing I've ever had to go through," the victim said.

]]> After the attack, the woman sought medical attention to treat her wounds. She said the trip to the hospital cost her $300. She then sought to find out who owned the pit bull, hoping they would pay for her medical expenses. Unfortunately, an owner for the dog could not be located. Had an owner been found, however, the woman may have a case for a premises liability lawsuit.

Pet owners in Arizona and elsewhere are responsible for controlling their animals. When an animal attacks a person, even if it is in the pet owner's own yard, he or she could be held responsible. A premises liability lawsuit could result in compensation for medical bills and other expenses related to a dog attack.

Source: azfamily.com, "Tempe woman attacked by dog wants owner to pay medical bill," Crystal Cruz, March 28, 2013

2 motorcyclists in serious condition after Glendale crash

2013-04-08T17:29:42Z

Last week, we wrote about a fatal accident in Buckeye that claimed the life of a U.S. airman who was riding his motorcycle. Unfortunately, yet another serious motorcycle accident occurred last week after the driver of a car apparently failed to notice two bikers.

The serious crash occurred on Grand Avenue in Glendale on Friday. Police say that a woman tried to make a left turn across Grand. Unfortunately, she turned right as two motorcyclists approached the intersection on Grand, and the three vehicles collided.

]]> The two motorcyclists, ages 57 and 76, both sustained serious injuries in the crash and were transported to a nearby hospital. Police say that the 76-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries. The driver who seems to have caused the accident was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Right now, the Glendale Police Vehicle Crimes unit is investigating the crash. So far, police do not believe the woman was speeding or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

This collision seems to have been yet another case of a driver failing to notice motorcycles. Accidents like this one can be easily avoided by drivers looking both ways and making good decisions. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to notice bikers on the road, resulting in serious collisions like this one. Now, one biker in Arizona is left to fight for his life.

When a crash is caused by a negligent driver, an injured victim can choose to hold him or her accountable through a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury lawsuit allows a crash victim to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages that may be related to the collision.

Source: My Fox Phoenix, "Car involved in collision with 2 motorcyclists," April 5, 2013

Airman dies in motorcycle crash on I-10 in Buckeye

2013-04-03T16:32:28Z

Here in Arizona, we have the luxury of warm weather and sunny skies most of the year. For many people, there is no better way to enjoy it than on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents happen fairly frequently in Phoenix and the surrounding area. And while other motorists like to blame bikers, saying they should drive safer vehicles, the fact is that motorcyclists are allowed to use the road just like everyone else.

Last weekend, a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force was riding his motorcycle on Interstate 10 in Buckeye when a serious crash occurred. The airman suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at a Phoenix hospital. The 25-year-old was stationed in Glendale at Luke Air Force Base. While the details of the accident were not available, we do know that two other vehicles were involved.

]]> While we do not know for sure what the cause of this tragic accident was, it is no secret that many motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers failing to pay attention. Too often we hear that a driver just didn't see the motorcycle coming, or that it came out of nowhere. These excuses, however, do little to make up for a serious accident.

When a motorcycle accident or other motor vehicle accident is caused by a driver failing to pay attention to the road, the victim or his or her family may want to consider a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Seeking legal advice is a good way to get started.

Source: KTAR, "Luke AFB airman dies after motorcycle accident," March 26, 2013

Driver who caused fatal crash in Scottsdale identified

2013-04-01T15:46:49Z

Scottsdale residents likely heard about a fiery car accident that took place about two weeks ago on Loop 101. For some reason, a car was driving in reverse down the shoulder. After the driver lost control, three cars crashed into it. The car in the shoulder and one other burst into flames. Sadly, the driver of the car that was backing up on the highway died.

Just a few days ago, the Arizona Department of Public Safety announced that the driver who caused the collision was a 19-year-old woman. Knowing the identity of a driver who caused a serious crash -- even if that person died -- is important if any other accident victims want to utilize Arizona's personal injury laws.

]]> When a car accident like this one occurs, injured victims may think it is impossible to seek compensation for their injuries. That, however, is not true. Even if the driver who caused a collision died, he or she can still be held accountable through a personal injury lawsuit.

Although it may seem insensitive to sue a person's estate for a car accident, it is important to remember how an accident can affect other victims as well. Often victims are forced to cope with extensive injuries that are not free to treat. In addition, some may have to take leave from work to recover, which could result in a reduction of pay. Because not everyone can afford these situations, personal injury laws allow a person to seek compensation from a negligent driver.

Source: MyPhoenix.com, "Authorities ID woman killed in Scottsdale crash," March 26, 2013

Police suspect drug use in fatal Phoenix pedestrian accident

2013-03-28T15:00:44Z

Early Tuesday morning, a tragic accident left one person dead and another with serious injuries in Phoenix. The victims were about to get on a bus in West Valley when a truck careened across the road and hit them. One of the pedestrians died at the scene. The other sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Police believe this pedestrian accident may have been the result of drug use. The driver of the truck, which was towing a trailer, apparently told police he had used drugs the night before. Sadly, his poor decision may have directly caused the death of a Phoenix resident.

]]> When people choose to drink or use drugs before driving, they not only risk their own lives, but they endanger the lives of other drivers and pedestrians as well. When an accident does happen, a family is often left to grieve the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one. And while a driver may be held criminally responsible by police and prosecutors, that is not always enough for a family to feel that justice has been served.

Arizona personal injury laws provide a way for a family to hold a negligent driver accountable for the devastation he or she caused. Through a wrongful death lawsuit, a family can seek compensation for final expenses, including medical and funeral costs. While no amount of money could ever replace a loved one, a family does not deserve to be burdened by large expenses during a time of grief.

Source: azfamily.com, "1 killed, 2 hurt in early morning crash at bus stop," Catherine Holland, March 26, 2013