Texting While Driving in Arizona

Though the dangers of texting and driving are now well known and firmly established, and despite the introduction of several bills geared towards formally banning texting while behind the wheel, Arizona remains one of nine states that has yet to adopt a formal texting while driving ban. While the issue of whether or not such a ban is appropriate continues to be debated, the lack of a formal ban on texting and driving does not necessarily absolve a driver of any liability should texting lead to an accident, thanks to Arizona’s statutes regarding reckless driving.

Current Arizona reckless driving statutes state that an individual is guilty of reckless driving if they operate a vehicle “in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Those convicted of reckless driving are guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor, and, if certain aggravating factors apply, a conviction could result in a jail sentence.

Golf Cart Collisions

Golf carts are a common mode of transport in the Valley of the Sun and not just on the golf course. Arizona’s climate and weather make it the perfect state for an increased number of golf carts, and the development of communities where golf carts are second vehicles to the people who live there as contributes to an increase in the number of golf carts on the road.  Del Webb has created several fast growing retirement communities in and around the Valley and allows residents to own and drive golf carts on roadways and designated pathways.  These carts are equipped with headlights and turn signals.

Arizona has enacted statutes to control driving of golf carts on roadways and requiring minimum liability insurance coverage. A.R.S. §§28-4009 & 28-4132.  Arizona law precludes golf carts from driving on public roads with a speed limit over 35 mph. A.R.S. §28-966.  Arizona motorists are required by law to treat golf carts as they would any other bicyclist or pedestrian sharing the road.  Golf carts and their drivers share the same legal rights as any other motor vehicle.

Do’s and Don’ts Following a Collision

The following is a list of do’s and don’ts that can help you protect your interests if you are ever in a collision.

DO everything in your power to make sure a police report is filed.  The police report will be needed for everything from the name of the other driver, the other driver’s insurance company and policy number, the names and contact information for witnesses and others involved in the collision (including passengers), etc.  Further, because police reports often mean more physical damage to vehicles, insurance companies tend offer more money for injuries sustained in collisions with a police report.

How Your Choice of Insurance Coverage Can Affect Your Recovery

If you are injured in a vehicular collision, the amount you will receive for your damages is related to the insurance coverage available.  As a result, your auto or motorcycle insurance coverage can be as important as the negligent driver’s coverage.  The three types of coverage that can increase your chances of recovery are Medical Payments Coverage, Uninsured Motorist Coverage, and Underinsured Motorist Coverage.

You’ve Decided to Hire an Attorney for your Personal Injury… Now what?

You’ve been injured in an accident. You’ve met with an attorney, who has decided to represent you. Now what?

The process of recovery for a personal injury is necessarily drawn out in many cases. There is a great deal of fact-finding and information gathering required before a settlement can be discussed. Generally, an attorney will consider certain factors and information when determining the merit of a particular case and a ball park of what amount the injured party may be able to recover as some form of relief.