A Fatal Accident on State Route 51 Leaves Mother and Child Dead

Last week we learned of a tragic accident on the freeway that left a 5-year-old boy and his mother dead. It happened during the evening commute home for many people on State Route 51 near Highland Avenue. Jennifer Vegtel and her son were riding southbound when a pickup truck slammed into the back of their sedan. The impact caused their vehicle to crash into another vehicle, which then slammed into another truck.

The driver of the first truck stayed on scene and was cited for the accident by police. The driver of the second car hit was also taken to the hospital.

At Lorona Mead, we see far too many accidents like this. While we do not know exactly why the first driver slammed into Vegtel's car, we know there is a good chance the driver was distracted in some way.

Do you know where to turn if you are injured in a vehicle crash that you did not cause? If you need a Phoenix vehicle accident attorney, you can call us today.

Exploring the Severity of Arizona's Vehicle Accidents

When we examine the latest reporting year in Arizona, we see that we had a total of 127,064 accidents across the state. Out of those, there were:

• 55,474 injuries
• 1,000 fatalities

While most accidents cause minor injuries and property damages, many are much more serious. It is not uncommon to see the following in the aftermath of an accident:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Head and brain trauma
• Whiplash injuries
• Major lacerations
• Major internal injuries

When you look at those, you know they cause major life adjustments. Not only that, but the medical costs can quickly add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Do you know that your insurance will cover these expenses? What if you need long-term care and are not able to work for extended periods of time?

Why They Happen

We know that most accidents involve some form of driver error, but to what extent the error was blatantly negligent means something. We know that impaired drivers, those who make the choice to get behind the wheel after they have had too much to drink, are a major problem on the roadways.

• There were 2,854 alcohol-related crashes.
• 286 of those were fatal, meaning over 25% of all traffic deaths were alcohol-related.

Distracted drivers are a growing problem as technology integrates itself into every aspect of our lives. Many drivers pay more attention to their phones, watches, or other smart devices than they do the roadway.

What You Can Do Now

We know that you are going through so much in the aftermath of an accident that caused injuries. If the crash was not your fault, you probably have many questions:

• Will their insurance cover these expenses?
• What if I cannot work while I heal?
• Do I have to take a settlement right away?

At Lorona Mead, our knowledgeable and experienced team wants to help you through this. We will handle the insurance companies and other parties while we work to secure the compensation you need for all of your accident-related expenses. When you need a Phoenix car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling  602-385-6825.