Phoenix Personal Injury Blog

The Chevy Volt was a major point of emphasis in the rebuilding effort at General Motors. The Volt is an electric car, which allows motorists to reduce the amount of gas they will need to get to and from their destinations. The vehicle proved very popular when it hit the market in 2010.

Recently, the Chevy Volt has made news for an entirely different reason. In 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted crash testing on the vehicle. The tests, which would check the vehicle's crash worthiness in the event of a car accident, did not demonstrate anything out of the ordinary at first. However, three weeks after the test was conducted, the car's battery pack caught fire. This also happened in two later Volt crash tests as well.

Technology has made it easy for all of us to stay connected to what is happening. Whether it is checking work email or texting family members about what to buy at the grocery store, we have a world of information at our fingertips whenever we need it.

While there have been countless news stories that have spoken about the dangers of distracted driving, recent research is showing that "distracted doctoring" is becoming a major concern. Smartphones, IPads and other devices supply crucial information to physicians and other health care professionals. Many rely upon this technology to help them create the best treatment plan possible for their patients, but when doctors start using the devices to check email or shop online, things can go wrong quickly.

Distracted driving is a major problem across the United States. Despite an aggressive campaign aimed at reducing the number of drivers who are inattentive behind the wheel, an alarming number of accidents are caused by distracted drivers. Whether it is texting, talking on the phone or playing with the radio, taking your eyes off the road for even a split second can have dangerous consequences.

These accidents are serious enough when they involve ordinary passenger vehicles, but are much worse when caused by commercial vehicles. Large 18-wheelers and tanker trucks piloted by inattentive drivers may result in deadly collisions that can severely injure or kill other drivers.

The holiday season has long been a time when friends and families spend time with one another. Unfortunately, at these gatherings, it is not uncommon for someone to have too much to drink. While many people plan ahead if they are going to be drinking, some get behind the wheel and attempt to drive.

According to 2010 accident data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 10,000 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents involving an intoxicated driver. Arizona had 194 deaths reported in drunk driving accidents, which accounted for 25 percent of all traffic accident fatalities.

Not many people may consider Arizona as a place where dangerous winter driving conditions exist. While the Valley of the Sun may see an occasional snow shower, and this may cause a few car accidents, it does not generally cause too many problems for motorists. However, when drivers start heading toward higher elevations, conditions may change with little to no notice. Roads become impassible, and motorists become stranded.

A new Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll has found that most adults admit to distracted driving behind the wheel. The study revealed that a majority of drivers engage in behaviors that could lead to deadly car accidents despite the recent wave of publicity over - and their own knowledge of - the dangers of distracted driving.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) is working to increase holiday cheer this season with "Operation Safe Passage." With the holiday season notorious for increased highway congestion and motor vehicle accidents, the operation aims to promote safe travel and ensure that officers respond to accidents in a timely manner. DPS statistics show that Thanksgiving weekend of 2010 alone saw a total of 12 fatal crashes and 13 deaths statewide.

A late-November fatality on Loop 202 has Arizona officials urging motorists to heed the state's "Move Over" law. The law is designed to protect law enforcement, first responders and stranded motorists.

The Phoenix fatal accident victim was a 38 year-old man whose vehicle was disabled in the HOV lane after getting a flat tire. He was attempting to change his tire when he was struck by a sedan that was also traveling in the HOV lane.

The victim was transported to Maricopa Medical Center. He ultimately died from his injuries.