If a slip and fall accident occurs on your property, or on a property for which you’re responsible, knowing what to do will help you deal with any legal repercussions that may arise.

To be done immediately:

1. Get proper medical attention for the affected person. Make sure that the person who has fallen is assessed and given appropriate treatment. If the injury appears serious, do not move the victim. Perform any necessary first aid and call for emergency medical help.

2. Gather data. Collect contact information from both the injured party and any witnesses to the incident. Take photos of the scene. Write down details of the accident, citing specific materials, equipment and tools involved. Keep any evidence in a safe place. Damaged or broken materials should also be kept. These are usually the most decisive pieces of evidence for personal injury lawyers and accident attorneys.

3. Report the Accident. Get in touch with your property insurer as soon as possible and let them know what happened. Follow any instructions your insurer may give you.

To be done within 24 hours of the accident:

4. Get back in touch with the injured party. Express your concern for his or her well-being. Inquire as to whether the victim has received appropriate treatment and arranged for followup treatment. Do not accept or assign blame for the incident. If you find out that a claim has been or will be filed, notify your insurer.

5. If the victim is an employee, make him or her aware that a claim will be processed. It’s important to take care of workers’ compensation claims promptly and properly.

If you are involved in a personal injury lawsuit, contact the experts at Skousen, Gulbrandsen and Patience, PLC. With years of experience, as well as a thorough knowledge of the complex field of personal injury law, you’ll feel safe and secure knowing you have an experienced Arizona personal injury law firm help fight your legal battles. We can be reached at 480-833-8800 or 800-501-2782.

It’s universally accepted that wearing a seat belt dramatically reduces the risk of serious injury in the event of a car accident. However, the level of protection a seat belt provides might be different depending if you are a man or a woman. According to a recent study by the American Journal of Public Health, women who wear seat belts are 47 percent more likely to be injured in an auto accident than men who wear seat belts.

The report suggests that the reason for such disproportionate statistics for men and women has partly to do with the “one-size-fits-all” design of auto safety systems between 1998 and 2008, the years included in the study. Because women tend to be shorter and lighter, they receive different levels of protection from seat belts, air bags and other safety systems than men. The study also determined that other factors, such as differences in driving posture, can affect the likelihood of injuries in the event of a car crash for women.

However, as the study only includes auto accident statistics between 1998 and 2008, it doesn’t factor in recent advancements in safety system design. For instance, many vehicles built after 2007 feature dual-depth and duel-stage driver and passenger air bags, which deploy at difference speeds and levels of force depending on seat belt usage, seat position and the severity of the impact. A study that includes statistics from the last few years may not show as large of a disparity in injury likelihood.

That said, women driving and riding in older vehicles without advanced air bags should be aware of the greater risk of injury.

Whether man, woman or child, if you’re suffering from injuries you received in an auto accident, you might be entitled to compensation under the law. The auto accident attorneys at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, a Mesa personal injury law firm, can help assess your case and how to go about getting you the most equitable settlement possible. For a free initial legal consultation, contact us today.

According to statistics, the average driver in the U.S. is involved in three auto accidents during their lifetime. Depending on the severity of the accident, this could mean thousands of dollars in auto repair and medical bills and/or, worse, debilitating injuries that leave you in pain and unable to work. Though accidents are commonplace on our nation’s roadways, most are completely preventable. The following are a few of the most common accident causes in the U.S. and what you can do to avoid them.

Speeding

Did you know that almost a third of all accidents in the U.S. are caused by speeding drivers? Speeding is prevalent among U.S.; 90 percent of drivers will receive a speeding time at some point in their lives. Fact is, the faster you drive, the slower your reaction time is likely to be. Avoid speed-related accidents by observing the posted speed limit.

Distracted Driving

Talking on the phone, texting, eating - all these activities take drivers’ focus away from the road, which can sometimes result in accidents. While behind the wheel, don’t risk it by attempting to multi-task; keep distractions to a minimum by pulling over or simply waiting until you arrive at your destination to engage in other activities.

Reckless Driving

Drivers who don’t give their driving the proper care by missing/ignoring traffic signals, not using turn signals or tailgating are significantly more likely to find themselves in accidents than careful drivers. Prevent accidents by paying attention to traffic signs and signals and obeying traffic laws.

Inclement Weather

Rain, snow, ice, sleet, fog and other forms of severe weather can impact driving conditions, slicking roads and significantly reducing visibility. If you find yourself driving in less than desirable weather, slow down, increase the amount of distance between you and other cars on the road or simply pull off until conditions improve in order to avoid collisions.

Drunk Driving

Driving while under the influence of alcohol isn’t just illegal; it’s also dangerous. Alcohol can significantly affect impair your judgment and reaction times, which can lead to very serious accidents. Don’t drink and drive; Instead, call a cab or plan ahead by using a designated driver.

If you’ve been in a serious accident, regardless of the cause, you will need a skilled auto accident lawyer. The personal injury lawyers at Skousen, Gulbrandsen and Patience bring more than 50 years collectively of experience to the table and can help your case come to a suitable conclusion. Please contact us today for a free legal consultation.

Inexperienced and prone to risk-tasking, teen drivers are among the most dangerous drivers on the road. Adding to the risk is the rampant use of cell phones while driving, a distraction that can lead to car accidents, injuries and fatalities. According to a recent AAA survey, 64 percent of teens answer phone calls while driving, 52 percent make calls while driving and 44 percent text while driving. To help minimize the dangers of unfocused new drivers, a new proposed Arizona law is seeking to prohibit teen drivers from texting or talking on cell phones while operating a motor vehicle.

Arizona SB 1056 would add to Arizona’s current Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) laws, additional restrictions placed on new drivers. Under SB 1056, teen drivers would not be allowed to use any mobile device while driving except in emergency situations during the permit phase and first six months of obtaining a license. More than 30 U.S. states currently have laws in place that restrict cell phone use while driving.

Arizona adopted its current GDL laws in 2008. Since these laws have gone into effect, teen driver-involved fatalities have declined a whopping 61 percent. Despite a decline in deaths in recent years, auto accidents are still the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S.

You can keep up with the progress of this law at the Arizona State Legislature website.

Bicycles are a fun and cost-effective way to get around, and Arizona’s year-round balmy weather allows for plenty of opportunities for riding. However, bicycle accidents do happen, sometimes to leading to very serious injuries or even fatalities. Car crashes, dangerous road conditions, bicycle defects – all can lead to more than a few scrapes and bruises. In 2010 in Arizona alone, there were nearly 2,000 auto accidents involving bicyclists. Of those accidents, 82 percent of bicyclists involved were injured, and 19 people were killed.

Just because they’re small doesn’t mean accidents involving bicycles can’t result in big damages. Here are a few examples of major expenses that can be incurred in bike accidents:

• Medical – Bike accidents can cause a wide variety of serious injuries, from broken bones and disfigurements to head and spinal cord injuries.
• Property Damages – A busted bike could cost you hundreds or even thousands, and that price tag could be even bigger if your bike is your only mode of transportation.
• Lost Wages – If a serious injury prevents you from working, whether temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to any lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering – Especially if the bike accident causes injuries, it can lead to a great deal of emotional stress. You could be recompensed for any depression, post-traumatic stress or aches and pains resulting from the accident.

Depending on the nature of the accident, you may be entitled to one or more of the above expenses. A bicycle accident attorney can work with you to determine which expenses could be accident-related, which could be included in your settlement.

Although it’s not possible to prevent every bike accident, bicyclists can take the following safety measures to help minimize the risk of injuries:

• Always wear a helmet. A properly fitting helmet can help prevent life-threatening head and spinal cord injuries. In Arizona, all riders under the age of 18 are required by law to wear a helmet at all times.
• Ride with traffic. Biking on the right side of the street with the flow of traffic is much safer than riding against traffic.
• Obey traffic signals and laws. Just as you would in a car, stop at stop signs and traffic lights and abide by lane markings.
• Exercise caution when crossing roads and intersections. The majority of bike accidents occur when bicyclists crossing roads or intersections. Look both ways when crossing streets and ride defensively in cases of unexpected road hazards and motorists errors.
• Don’t use sidewalks. In Arizona, the only bicycles legally permitted on sidewalks are police and postal bicycles.
• Wear light- and/or bright-colored clothing. It’s important to maximize your visibility on the road by wearing easy-to-see clothing, especially when riding at night.
• For night riding, use headlights and rear defectors. Arizona laws require bicyclists riding at night to have headlights visible from at least 500 feet and rear deflectors visible from at least 50 feet. Also recommended is a red tail light visible from at least 500 feet.

Use the proper safety equipment, obey traffic laws and ride cautiously, and you’ll be able to avoid most accidents and, in turn, injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, you’ll need an experienced bicycle lawyer to champion your legal rights and get you the restitution to which you are entitled. The personal injury attorneys at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience have been practicing law in Arizona for more than 50 years and can offer the legal help you need. Call us today at (480) 833-8800 for more information.

Head injuries, including injuries to the skull, scalp and brain, are among the most serious injuries. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control, injuries related to head trauma constitute a third of all fatal injuries. On average, 1.7 million people experience head injuries from auto accidents, slips or falls, sports injuries or other causes every year in the U.S. Of those 1.7 million people, 52,000 die, 275,000 are hospitalized and many others visit the emergency room. Even if a head injury isn’t fatal, it can lead to life-threatening consequences, including brain damage and paralysis.

Head injuries can take many forms, including concussions, contusions and skull fractures, and can be indicated by a variety of symptoms, including:

• Severe headache
• Numbness
• Dizziness or loss of vision
• Drowsiness
• Weakness in your arms and legs
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Vomiting or nausea
• Difficulties remembering recent events or personal information
• Large pupils
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Loss of appetite
• Bleeding from the ears or nose
• Convulsions

These symptoms may appear immediately or within hours or days following the injury and can worsen significantly if not given the proper medical attention. Following an injury, it’s important to seek help at the first warning signs, if for no other reason to rule out a more grave condition.

Serious head injuries can lead to big medical bills, lost wages and emotional stress. If you’ve experienced a head injury, you’ll need the help of a skilled personal injury attorney to help you recover expenses and get compensated for your suffering. The personal injury lawyers at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience have over 50 years of experience successfully fighting for injured clients. To find out more about how they can fight for you, call (480) 833-8800 to schedule a personal injury consultation.

Disclaimer: The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.

Drunk driving presents one of the road’s biggest dangers. Every year in the U.S., more than 10,000 people die in alcohol-related auto accidents. In fact, one in three people will be involved in an alcohol-related accident in their lifetimes. But, according to a study conducted by AAA in 2010, drowsy driving, operating a motor vehicle while tired, can be just as hazardous as driving while under the influence of alcohol.

The AAA study includes some startling statistics about drowsy driving, including:

• 41 percent of drivers surveyed said they’ve fallen asleep at the wheel at some point; 10 percent surveyed said they’ve fallen asleep at the wheel within the last year.
• Drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 are twice as likely to be involved in a drowsy driving accident than drivers between the ages of 40 and 59.
• Men are more likely to drive drowsy than women.
• 57 percent of drowsy driving accidents occur when drivers drift into other lanes or off the road.
• 16.5 percent of all fatal crashes involve a drowsy driving.

Part of the reason drowsy driving is as unsafe as drunk driving is because they come with the same impairments. Just like driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while fatigued affects reaction time, judgment and vision. According to the AAA, the following are telltale symptoms of drowsy driving:

• Trouble keeping eyes open
• Inability to keep your head up
• Yawning
• Wandering thoughts
• Drifting between lanes or off the road
• Missing important signs or exits
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Being unable to recall how far you’ve traveled or what you’ve recently passed

Even if you don’t fall asleep at the wheel, driving while tired can greatly affect the quality of your driving. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, then it’s best to stop driving and pull off the road until you are well rested and alert.

Like drunk driving, drowsy driving is completely preventable. To ensure that you’re alert, follow these tips suggested by the AAA:

• Before a long trip, get plenty of sleep (at least six hours).
• Avoid traveling only at times in which you are normally awake; driving overnight when you are typically asleep is risky.
• Take a break from driving at least every two hours or 100 miles.
• Drink a caffeinated beverage, such as coffee, tea or soda. Remember that caffeine takes at least 30 minutes to take effect.
• Travel with an alert passenger; Drivers accompanied by passengers are 50 percent less likely to be involved in an accident.

As with drunk driving accidents, drowsy driving accidents can result in similar consequences – life-threatening injuries, mounting medical bills, extensive property lost time from work, even death. If you’ve been in accident involved in an accident with a drowsy driver, you’ll be in need of a skilled personal injury attorney to help you recover expenses. Contact the law team at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience for a free initial legal consultation.

Disclaimer: The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.

According to a recent study conducted by the National Safety Council, a nationwide restriction on teen driving could reduce the number of traffic fatalities by thousands and the auto accident-related costs by billions.

In the study, the National Safety Council explored what could happen if graduated driver licensing (GDL), a variety of laws that restricts driving privileges in the first few years after obtaining a license, were adopted in all U.S. 50 states.

The study found that limiting drivers’ privileges for teens and new drivers could save as many as 2,000 lives and $13.5 billion dollars in accident-related expenses in the U.S. annually.

The study also presents some troubling figures about teens and auto accidents, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among teens in the U.S.
• Between 2000 and 2009, 81,000 people were killed in auto accidents involving beginning drivers.

The study also found that the more GDL laws in place, the greater the reductions in teen-related accident costs and deaths. For instance, a state with at least one GDL law experienced a 4 percent reduction on average, whereas a state with five or more GDL laws averaged a 38 percent reduction. Typical GDL restrictions include:

• Learner’s permits
• Passenger limitations
• Guardians
• Night driving restrictions
• Additional restrictions in the case of moving violations during probationary period
• Special restrictions regarding cell phone use and texting while driving
• Decals; special licenses

In Arizona, current GDL restrictions dictate that teens must be at least 16 years old and have logged at least 30 hours of supervised driving (20 hours daytime; 10 hours nighttime) in order to obtain a class G (graduated) license, which they must hold for at least six months. With the graduated license, teens cannot drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian or driving to school or work. Also, drivers with a graduated license cannot carry more than one non-sibling passenger under the age of 18 on a public highway without a parent or guardian present. Any moving violations can result in an extension of these driving restrictions greater than the mandatory six months.

In the event that you’ve been injured or incurred damages in an auto accident, a skilled personal injury law can fight for your legal rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. For more information, contact the Arizona auto accident law team at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience.

Every year in the U.S., more than 15,000 people are injured in slip and fall (or trip and fall) accidents. The elderly are among the most vulnerable age groups for injuries resulting from slip and falls; in fact, slip and fall injuries are the most common fatal injury in people age 65 and older in America. At any age, a slip and fall accident can result in very serious medical complications, including:

• Severe bruising and cuts
• Broken bones and fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head trauma
• Incapacitation
• Death

If the slip/trip and fall was caused by a dangerous or defective condition, the property owner may be liable for any resulting injuries. Property owners have a legal obligation called duty of care to keep their properties safe enough for visitors exercising a reasonable amount of caution. Icy or slippery sidewalks, uneven flooring, poor lighting, and other hazardous conditions can be grounds for a lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer experienced in slip and fall injuries can review the circumstances of your case and advise on the best course of action .

Like any injury case, the actions you take or don’t take can affect the terms of your settlement. For best results, be sure to follow these steps in the moments, days and weeks following the action.

Gather Evidence

Solid evidence is one of the most crucial elements of any personal injury case. You will need to prove that 1) unsafe conditions were present and 2) you were acting with a reasonable amount of care to avoid injury, so you must find proof that supports both of these elements. To strengthen your case, be sure to snap several photos of the injury site and get the name and contact information of the property owners as well as any witnesses to the incident. Memories can fade over time, so be sure to write down a detailed account of the accident as soon as possible afterward.

Report the Incident to the Proper Authorities

Be sure to alert the property owner, landlord, store manager, etc., to the accident and hazardous condition. However, do not provide an extensive statement before speaking to a lawyer first.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

As soon as possible after the accident, get examined by a medical professional and seek treatment for your injuries. Any delay in seeking medical attention can hurt your case. By visiting an emergency room or doctor, you can get an evaluation of your injuries. In addition, be sure to take photos of your injuries for evidence.

Keep Track of Accident-Related Expenses

Your settlement will be determined in part by how much of a financial toll your slip and fall injury has taken on your life. Keep good records of any expenses that may be related to the accident, including medical expenses and lost income. If your injury has left you unable to work as you were before the accident, you could be compensated for any lost future wages as well.

Contact an Attorney

Get in touch with a slip and fall attorney ASAP after the accident. An attorney can not only provide you with an assessment of your case but help protect your rights under the law in order to get you the compensation to which you are entitled. Also, personal injury cases have statutes of limitations. In Arizona, depending on the case, you can have as little as six months to file a complaint, so it’s important not to delay contacting an attorney.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a slip and fall accident in the Phoenix area, the attorneys at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience are here to help. Our attorneys offer more than 50 years of experience of handing slip and fall, auto accident and other personal injury cases. For a free legal consultation, please call us at 480-833-8800 or 800-501-2782 or contact us online.

Anyone who’s ever been in an auto accident can tell you that the crash scene can be one of chaos. Though accidents involving serious injuries and major damage can be difficult for anyone to process and handle, even a non-injury collision with minimal damage can be jarring in the moments following the crash. For many motorists under such pressure, it’s difficult to remember exactly what to do and whom to contact. Thankfully, a personal injury law firm recently released Car Accident Sidekick, a free iPhone app packed with tools and resources intended to help beleaguered accident victims at the scene of an accident.

Car Accident Sidekick offers a wealth of handy features that simplify dealing with the immediate aftermath of a crash. With this app, you can:

• Go through a step-by-step accident checklist.
• Store emergency contacts, such as the names and numbers of local towing and cab services.
• Call 911 with one click.
• Keep accident information about insurance, injuries and damage photos in one place.
• Find your exact location on a map.
• Locate an auto accident attorney.

The app even comes equipped with a voice recorder and flashlight to make accident note taking easier. Having access to all these convenient features within one app can save you valuable time and energy while trying to manage after a collision.

Following the accident, one of the first things you should do is get in touch with a personal injury lawyer who can help you assess your situation and advise you on the best way to proceed. Skousen, Gulbrandsen and Patience is a trusted Mesa personal injury law firm with more than 50 years of experience handling auto accident and other injury cases. For a free legal consultation, please contact us.