Year: 2020

Bringing in the New Year calls for a celebration. Especially this year! Below are ten tips to help ensure you and your loved ones make it into the new year safe and sound:

1. STAY HOME. Plan to celebrate at home with those who reside in your residence. Set up a virtual New Year’s Eve party in lieu of going out.
2. FOLLOW PANDEMIC PROTOCOL. If you do go out, be sure to wear a mask, wash your hands, and adhere to social distancing. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued pandemic guidelines to help you protect yourself and others.
3. DO NOT DRIVE IMPAIRED. If you will be drinking, arrange for a designated driver, ride share, or taxi. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compiled a list of Sober Ride Programs available across the country. Keep the number in your cell phone so it is there when you need it. org is also a great resource for planning safe transportation.
4. WATCH FOR PEDESTRIANS. Keep an eye out for people crossing the street or walking along side the road, especially in pedestrian heavy areas. Those who have been drinking may not be aware of their surroundings, so be extra cautious.
5. USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM. Do not go out alone and do not separate. Stick together and make sure everyone gets home safe at the end of the night.
6. CHARGE YOUR PHONE. Be sure your phone is fully charged. You may need it to arrange a ride home or report an accident.
7. BE A RESPONSIBLE HOST. If you host a party, there are many things you can do to keep your guest safe while they celebrate, including staying sober; offering non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of water; cutting off alcohol consumption a couple of hours before the party ends; providing food or snack so guests are not drinking on an empty stomach; arranging for a trusted designated driver or other safe transportation; and making space for guests to stay overnight.
8. PRACTICE FIREWORK SAFETY. Not all fireworks are legal for consumer use in Arizona. Generally, any type of fireworks that explodes or detonates in the air is illegal, including sky or bottle rockets, firecrackers, and aerial fireworks. Penalties for the illegal use of fireworks include hefty fines. Never allow children to play with or light fireworks, and practice fireworks safety to avoid injuries to yourself and others. The City of Phoenix website includes valuable information on fireworks laws, statistics, and safety.
9. COMFORT YOUR PETS. Your pets may experience anxiety on New Year’s Eve due to fireworks, noise makers, and strangers in your home. Frightened pets can bite or cause other injury to themselves and others. Keep them indoors in a secure location. If you are hosting a party, put your pets in an area away from guests to prevent accidents. Visit the ASCPA website for more pet safety tips.
10. DO NOT SHOOT GUNS. Some cultures celebrate the New Year by shooting guns in the air. Not only is this illegal, but it is also extremely dangerous. Each year, there are multiple reports of injuries and deaths caused by stray bullets. What goes up must come down. In 1999, Phoenix teen Shannon Smith was struck and killed by a stray bullet while in her backyard on New Year’s Eve. Arizona Revised Statute 13-3107, referred to as Shannon’s Law, makes it a felony to fire a gun into the air in Arizona cities and towns.

Fite law group wishes you a safe, prosperous, and happy New Year!

You may be familiar with the term “statute of limitations” from watching television or a movie, usually in the context of “there’s no statute of limitations for murder,” or that the statue of limitations has passed for a crime. But what exactly is a statute of limitations, and how does it apply to your personal injury case?

In Arizona, a statute of limitations is the amount of time a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit against another person for a wrong they have caused. Other states may refer to this deadline slightly differently, such as “Limitation of Actions” or “Statute of Repose”; however, the meaning is roughly the same. The state legislature created laws, known as “statutes,” that impose a limit on the amount of time plaintiffs have to file lawsuits. The purpose of the statute of limitations is to protect the integrity of evidence and witnesses, and give defendants some certainty about whether they will be sued. It acts as a giant warning sign for plaintiffs that their lawsuits must be filed on or before a certain date or their claim will be dismissed and treated as if it never existed. Once that deadline passes, even by one day, any chance a plaintiff had of suing for damages will be gone, regardless of how strong his or her case was.

Although statutes of limitations are supposed to be concrete rules that are easy to understand, they are not always that simple. There may be exceptions. For example, a typical personal injury case in Arizona has a statute of limitations of 2 years from the date of the injury-causing incident. But, if that incident is a dog bite, the statute of limitations is only 1 year on the strict liability portion of the claim (the negligence portion survives for another year, but isn’t as strong of a case). If the defendant involved in causing the injury is a government entity or government employee, there is a very complex “notice of claim” requirement that must be completed within 180 days from the date of the incident or the plaintiff will lose his or her claim against that entity.

Something else to be aware of is that every state has its own laws regarding deadlines for filing lawsuits, so if the injury occurred outside of Arizona, the statute of limitations may be different.

There are also various factors that may extend the statute of limitations, such as if the claimant is under the age of 18. Since the minor’s guardian is financially responsible for the medical bills, that claim belonging to the guardian would extinguish after 2 years. Medical malpractice cases also have exceptions for certain cases where the injury is not discovered until sometime after it occurred. Some types of wrongs have a longer statute of limitations, such as a breach of contract case, which allows the plaintiff in Arizona 6 years in which to file a lawsuit.

The point, however, is that the statute of limitations can be a trap for the unwary, or a complete bar to recovery for the procrastinator. If your head is already swimming thinking about this, let us help! It is our job to know the facts of the case, apply those facts to the law, and monitor important deadlines to ensure you do not miss your opportunity to recover damages owed.

Worried that you might have already missed an important date on your case? Speaking with an attorney at Fite Law Group to find out is free and easy. Contact us at (602) 368-1869 to schedule a call or virtual appointment to discuss your case.

Arizona is the perfect environment for motorcycling: lots of sunshine, open roads, and beautiful views. A 2019 report by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) lists Arizona as having nearly 210,000 registered on-road motorcycles. Unfortunately, Arizona is also one of the most dangerous states for motorcyclists. That same report list 2,728 crashes involving motorcycles in 2019, with 164 of those being fatal.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Service, the number one cause of motorcycle crashes is speed. Other major causes are unsafe lane changes, lane splitting, and neglecting to yield the right-of-way. All these causes have one factor in common – failing to comply with Arizona traffic laws, including those specific to motorcycles.

Motorcyclist should be aware that motor vehicle drivers may not be able to see motorcycles as easily as other types of vehicles, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. Although there have been numerous campaigns to make motorists more aware, such as Look Twice! Save a Life, Start Seeing Motorcycles, and Share the Road. There’s a Life Riding on it, motorcyclists need to be accountable for ensuring their own safety.

The following are guidelines every motorcyclist should follow to help protect themselves while on the road:

• GET LICENSED AND TRAINED. Arizona requires motorcyclists to be licensed, which involves passing a skills test. Although it is not mandatory, it is a good idea to also take a motorcycle safety course. Team Arizona is one of the most popular with locations all over the valley, but there are many other companies throughout the state.
• WEAR A HELMET! Half of all motorcycle fatalities in Arizona involve riders without helmets. Not only will a helmet help protect your head and prevent serious brain injury, the face shield can keep rocks and bugs from flying into your face and causing injury.
• WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR. Gloves, pants, boots, and long sleeves will help minimize injury in the event of a crash. Road rash is a real thing and you do not want it. Single motorcycle accidents without protective gear can lead to amputation of fingers, toes, and limbs, nerve damage, skin loss, and scarring.
• BE VISIBLE. Visibility is key to safety. You are sharing the road and, therefore, share the responsibility for seeing and being seen. Do not ride in a vehicle’s blind spot. Make a neon jacket your own personal brand. Maintain some form of movement when stopped at an intersection. Use your headlight, even during the day. If your motorcycle is equipped with a blinking light meant to increase visibility, do not assume motorist will understand its purpose. They may not be aware what the blinking means and could mistakenly believe you are signaling them to go ahead, particularly if stopped at an intersection. A better strategy might be using your brights all the time, especially at night when, statistically, motorcycle fatalities are at their highest.
• DRIVE DEFENSIVELY. Even if you are doing all the right things, other drivers and riders might not be. Stay alert and pay attention to what is going on with the flow of traffic. Keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of you. When approaching an intersection, make sure you can see all the other vehicles, particularly those coming from the opposite direction that may turn left in front of you.
• PLAN AN EXIT STRATEGY. At every intersection or in any scenario where you will intersect other motorcycles, vehicles, pedestrians, or construction, be aware of a “way out” should something go wrong. Think about where you can safely steer your motorcycle to avoid a crash.
• KNOW YOUR ABILITIES. If you are a novice rider, do not attempt maneuvers beyond your skill level. If you are an older rider, be aware that age can unexpectedly affect your reaction time, balance, strength, and capability – regardless of your riding experience. Many older riders find that they enjoy the three-wheel life. Choose a bike that fits your skill level, lifestyle, and capabilities.

Motorists also have a responsibility to help prevent collisions with motorcycles. Drivers should follow these rules-of-the-road:

• TWICE IS NICE. Check twice before changing lanes or making turns. Be sure to cover blind spots.
• ALWAYS USE YOUR TURN SIGNAL. Your signal should blink several times before changing lanes, giving plenty of warning of your intention. A nice feature on some newer vehicles is a warning light that appears on the side view mirror to signify that something is next to you. When the turn signal is activated, the light on the mirror will blink to attract your attention that the lane is occupied. Do not rely exclusively on your turn signal or this feature. Always turn around to ensure there is not a motorcycle or car in your blind spot.
• KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. Motorcycles stop much more quickly than your vehicle. Always allow for a four to five second following distance. To measure this, choose a fixed object ahead, such as a light post or sign, and count the seconds between when the motorcycle and your vehicle pass it.
• STAY ALERT. Even if you follow all the rules, others, including motorcyclist, may not. Be aware of your surroundings and give driving your full attention. Be extra vigilant when there are motorcycles around.
• BE COURTEOUS. Motorcycles have the right to be on the road. Being courteous to riders and other motorists could prevent a tragedy.

WHY CHOOSE FITE LAW GROUP?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, a lot of law firms  will competing for your case. So, why choose us?

• Over 50 years of combined legal experience among three dedicated attorneys
• Experience with complicated motorcycle cases, including those in which the rider has been drinking
• Private, personalized service guided by discrete and thorough investigations. We have handled cases involving debilitating head trauma and severe damage to extremities and genitalia. Our staff is trained to handle the most intimate details of your injury with respect and dignity.
• We are local. When you call our office, you will speak to someone who lives and works nearby, not in a different state.
• We work with all riders from beginners to seasoned veterans
• We are committed to getting you to ZERO medical debt
• Women ride too! We have a female lawyer who has completed a motocross training course.
• All we do is practice law. We do not show up and hand out flyers at Bike Week, sit on any boards, or try to influence the legislature to enact new laws. We work on what happened to you and how it is affecting your life right now.

Contact us today at (602) 368-1869 for a free case evaluation.

Social media is a great way to share what is going on in your life with friends and family; however, if you are pursuing a personal injury claim, be aware that anything you post, whether related to the case or not, can be used against you in court.

Just as your attorney will aggressively fight to win your case, opposing counsel will do whatever they can to win on their client’s behalf. This includes capturing posts and comments from your Facebook, Twitter, SnapChat, YouTube, and other social media platforms, regardless of privacy settings, to disprove your claim. Posting anything online about your accident or case is a big no-no, but even innocuous comments like “doctor says I’m good as new” or “never felt better” can have a negative impact.

The following are tips on how to avoid providing the defense with the ability to use your own actions and words against you:

• Be sure all your accounts are set to private, and all posts are set to “friends.” While this may not necessarily prevent opposing counsel from accessing the information, it will make the process more difficult.
• Be cautious of accepting new “friends,” especially if you do not know them. The defense may try to gain access to your account if they do not have sufficient cause to obtain a subpoena.
• Do not post anything related to your case, such as when or where the accident happened, who was at fault, the status of your injuries, or damage to property. Provide updates in person or over the phone.
• Ask friends and family to refrain from posts about your injuries and case as well
• If you or someone else does inadvertently post something related to your injuries or case, do not go back in and delete it. This will appear as if you are trying to hide evidence, and the consequences can be worse than having the actual post discovered.
• Do not visit the social media sites or communicate with the defending party or their counsel. Leave that to your attorney.
• Refrain from posting “check-ins,” and these may be evidence that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. For example, if you claim to have suffered a shoulder injury, and you checked-in at the bowling alley, opposing counsel may use this to disprove your claim…even if you did not bowl.
• Do not post photos or videos, especially of your injuries or of any activities you participate in. Posting a video of you dancing when your personal injury claim states a neck injury will be very damaging to your case.
• Do not post rants about your doctors, attorneys, the defendant, or anyone else involved in your case. If you have an issue, discuss it with your attorney.
• Do not post about your settlement or any other outcome of your case. You could be violating confidentiality clauses or hurting future appeals.
• Be open and honest with your attorney. If you think you or someone else may have posted something that could hurt your case, make your attorney aware so s/he can be prepared rather than blindsided.
• If you cannot fight the urge to get on social media, limit usage to simply reading or liking others’ posts.

Following these tips will minimize the risk of having information from social media used against you. If you have any concerns regarding how social media activity may impact your case, discuss them with your attorney.

Even the most seasoned driver can get rattled by being involved in a car accident. You may experience an adrenaline rush, pain, a range of emotions, or any number of things that can affect your ability to stay calm, act rational, and accomplish the tasks necessary to get through the events that follow. Below are nine steps that will help you through the process.

GET TO SAFETY

Safety first! If the crash has put you in imminent danger, such as in the path of oncoming traffic or in an intersection, get somewhere safe. If your car is disabled and you are not injured, turn on your hazard lights, exit the vehicle, and move out of harm’s way when it is safe to do so. If your car is operational, you are allowed move it off the road. In fact, it is the law.

Have you noticed the highway signs that say, “Minor Crash. Move from Roadway”? They are based on Arizona’s Quick Clearance law, which requires parties involved in minor, non-injury collisions to clear the roadway as quickly as possible. Refusing to move your vehicle out of the travel lanes is dangerous for you, your passenger, other drivers, and emergency personnel reporting to the scene of the accident. It is unnecessary to keep your vehicle in its post-collision position. You can explain to the officer where and how the crash occurred. There will also be other evidence of the collision. Once your vehicle is off the road, turn it off and be sure your hazard lights are on.

The Quick Clearance law works in conjunction with the Move Over law, which requires motorists to move over one lane or, if that’s not possible, slow down as they pass a vehicle on the side of the road or highway with emergency lights blinking, such stranded motorists, road and highway workers, and first responders.

Keep in mind that safety is not limited to traffic dangers. If the other party to the accident appears to be aggressive, you are in a rough area, or something else feels off, listen to your instincts and stay in your vehicle until the police arrive. Aside from cracking your window to let the other person know that the police are on their way, refuse speaking to them. It is okay to be a little rude rather than put yourself in danger. Better safe than sorry.

CHECK FOR INJURIES

Once you are in a safe location, check yourself and passengers for injuries so that you can communicate to the 911 dispatcher whether an ambulance is needed. Again, better to be safe than sorry. Internal injuries, while not visible, can be life threatening. Fite Law Group recommends you request paramedics respond to the scene if, at a minimum, any of the following conditions apply:

• Pregnancy
• Recent surgery
• Head trauma
• Rollover collision
• Child in a car seat
• Heart condition and implant, such as pacemaker
• Mental or physical disabilities that might compromise a person’s ability to perceive his or her injury

If paramedics are on scene and offer to transport you or a passenger to the hospital, accept the offer. Many people worry about the cost of an ambulance and emergency room visit; however, if the other party is insured and at fault for the accident, these expenses should be covered. Cars can be fixed, property can be replaced, but you just have the one life. Make your health a priority.

CALL THE POLICE

Always call the police, even for minor fender benders. Some insurance companies require a police report to consider a claim. Many accident victims find themselves in trouble when neglecting to call police because they feel sorry for a teen or elderly driver, don’t have visible injuries or immediate pain, or just don’t want to cause a hassle. Without the benefit of a police investigation, you are giving the other party the upper hand and opportunity to talk to their insurance company or an attorney and provide their one-sided version of the accident.  So, while you think no harm, no foul, they are putting together a case. Call the police and let them do their job.

Always be polite to the police and the other driver during questioning.  Most Arizona officers use body cameras to record interactions. What you say or do out of frustration could be easily misinterpreted by an adjuster or a jury.

Do not offer information or elaborate. Be concise and provide the officer with basic information – just the facts and nothing more. Keep your emotions in check and DO NOT ADMIT FAULT. Traffic laws in Arizona can be confusing and hard to understand. It is your attorney’s job to argue who is at fault for the collision.

IDENTIFY WITNESSES

Hopefully, witnesses to the accident will have pulled over to assist. If they unable to wait for the police to arrive, get their name and phone number so they can be contacted for a statement. Independent witnesses can be critical if it comes down to a “he said, she said” dispute about who did what. They are especially crucial to intersection accidents. Independent witnesses can verify the color of the lights, the speed of the vehicles, and the sequence of events. Their word is taken more seriously and held in higher regard since they are not a party to the collision.

TAKE PICTURES

Smartphones have become a crucial part of documenting accidents, particularly before the police arrive. There are several things you will want to record at the scene as soon as possible. The first is photos of the crash. It costs nothing to take photos with your phone, so use it to its full advantage.  Take pictures of all the vehicles involved from a variety of angles, inside and out, especially if you can safely photograph them in the position that they stopped after the crash. Take pictures of the surrounding area from all angles (including roads, street signs, streetlights, etc.), debris in the roadway, visible injuries, bystanders, and construction or weather conditions that might have contributed to the crash. And do not get just close-ups. Take some from a wider angle so that the person viewing them months down the road can see the big picture.

Why are photos of the crash site so important? The insurance companies are likely to take pictures in a tow yard or onsite in a garage. They usually get close up photos of specific parts of a vehicle to show specific areas of damage for the purposes of creating an estimate for repair. They are not trying to help you prove your case.

The insurance companies may also try to argue that some damage was pre-existing or that it is not consistent with how you described the crash. Or they might argue that the impact could not have caused your injuries. But pictures from the scene of the accident are worth a thousand words – and could be worth thousands in compensation.

EXCHANGE INFORMATION WITH OTHER PEOPLE

This is another way your phone will help during an accident. Use it to snap images of the other driver’s insurance card, license plate, and driver’s license. You can also record the other driver’s contact information, along with that of witnesses and first responders. At a minimum, be sure you have the following information:

• Name and contact details
• Driver’s license and license plate number/state
• Insurance company and policy holder/number
• Witness name(s) and contact details
• Exchange card/report number (the police will give you an exchange card that will allow you to get a copy of the police report when it is ready)

TAKE NOTES

While the accident and events that follow are fresh in your mind, use your phone’s note app or voice recorder to document what happened and any particular details you think might be important, such as, did the other driver smell like alcohol or otherwise seem impaired? Was the sun setting directly in front of or behind you? Was there a sandstorm, rain, or other weather event? Also note the location of crash and specific details that will help, in conjunction with your photos, create a diagram.

GET MEDICAL HELP

Often, after an accident, people’s biggest concern is the state of their vehicle. If it is disabled, they worry about how to get to work or pick up the kids from school. We understand that the property damage is an especially important logistical problem for our clients; however, we want to ensure that they focus as much, if not more, energy on their own wellbeing.

To reiterate advice in no. 2 above, take the ambulance to the emergency room if it is offered. The paramedics will triage your most severe injuries and ensure that you get immediate care once you arrive at the hospital. Follow advice for any follow up care you are provided when released.

If your injuries were not severe enough to require a trip to the hospital, make an appointment to see a medical provider for a check-up just to make sure everything is alright. Be sure to get treated within your health insurance network if you can, but keep in mind that there are also doctors who are willing to work “on a lien,” meaning that they will wait for payment until your injury claim is resolved. These medical practices have a lot of experience working with car accident victims and can ensure that your insurance claim is handled seamlessly with your attorney. Medical providers that work on a lien often prefer to have an attorney involved in the case because it increases the likelihood that they will get paid. Fite Law Group can help you find a medical provider in your neighborhood that is willing to work on a lien.

HIRE AN ATTORNEY

Do not call your insurance company until you have hired an attorney. Do not give a recorded statement without talking to an attorney. You might think that it is the insurance company’s job to help you and pay your claim. In theory, that is true. In reality, an insurance company is a business. It brings in money in the form of premiums and makes money by paying out as little as possible. The insurance company will be looking for exceptions and exclusions in your policy so that it does not have to pay your damages. It will take a recorded statement and ask leading questions to get you to say something that reduces what the company must pay. It may even try to offer a small monetary settlement before you even know what kind of injuries or damages you have suffered. Let the attorney help you decide what your injuries and damages are worth – not the insurance company.
Does every case require an attorney? No. But it is free to talk to an attorney at Fite Law Group. Our founding attorney, Bear, is known for telling it like it is, so if he thinks you can handle the case on your own, he will happily let you know. If you do become a client, Bear will aggressively fight your case to get the compensation you deserve. Call (602) 368-1869 to set up your free case evaluation.

The beginning of the school year is when we begin to see an increase in the average number of fatal car accidents involving teens. Although the pandemic has delayed classroom learning for most districts, it is still a good time to remind parents and teens of some simple rules for inexperienced drivers that can help prevent accidents.

1. Teach your teen to drive defensively. Defensive driving is the act of driving as though everyone else on the road is out of their minds and likely to behave like they are at a roller derby. Teen drivers are not always responsible for the events that lead to a crash. Sometimes, it is a matter of failing to pay attention to what other drivers are doing – or not doing. To get their license, teens need to know the “rules of the road” intimately, but they also need to be aware that they share the road with others who may not always remember or follow those rules. Like the guy in the lane to their right doesn’t use his turn signal before changing lanes. Or the woman up ahead who slams on her breaks because she was too preoccupied with her kids in the back seat to notice traffic has come to a standstill. Think of the times you’ve been driving on the freeway where traffic is moving just fine when suddenly, the large truck in front of you suddenly brakes hard and swerves into the shoulder to avoid a crash. Or that time a vehicle ran a red light and nearly side-swiped you. Or, as is quite common in Arizona, that last car in the left turn lane determined to “make it” after the arrow has already turned red. Even the most experience drivers are sometimes reckless and, well, just plain stupid. These are the types of scenarios teen driver needs to be aware. It’s not necessarily a matter of not trusting them, it is not trusting everyone else.
2. Make sure your teen has plenty of time. We have all been a little late heading out the door, which causes us to drive a little faster and maybe not as carefully. As hard as it may be to get your teen out of bed in the morning, help him leave the house with plenty of time to get to wherever he is going without feel rushed. If he ends up running behind, tell him it is okay – better late than dead!  It sounds harsh, but it is true. Detention is temporary. Dead is forever. When inexperienced drivers feel rushed, they tend to pay less attention to safety and important rules of the road, such as using turn signals, driving the speed limit, and stopping when traffic lights are turning red.
3. Do not let your teen drive with other teens until they are capable. Studies have repeatedly shown that teen drivers are distracted by the presence of other teens while driving. They want to chat, play music, take photos, Facetime, and post to social media. Hard ground rule – no friends in the car until you are sure your teen is a confident, focused, and capable driver. On the plus side, the distraction factor does not usually apply to relatives, such as younger siblings, but still make sure your teen is a safe driver before assigning her soccer practice drop-off and pick-up duties.
4. Speaking of ground rules…Phones should not be anywhere near your teen driver’s hand while he is driving. Hopefully, you have modeled this good behavior. If not, you and your teen should be aware that in the State of Arizona, getting caught using a phone while driving can result in a ticket and a fine. Recent studies show that a person attempting to text while driving has the same accuracy, error, and response rate as a person who is driving under the influence of alcohol over the legal limit. Driving safety advocates have been working towards strengthening the law so that causing a crash while texting makes the driver subject to punitive damages, which are monetary awards for the victim that are specifically meant to punish the driver at fault, rather than just compensate for the victim’s injuries. This can be a very important distinction because almost every vehicle insurance policy excludes payment of punitive damages – meaning the money will come directly from your pocket regardless of how much insurance you have.
5. This rule is for the divas and social media stars. Do you know why people like to apply makeup, film videos, and take selfies in their car? It is because the natural lighting tends to be flattering. Make sure your teen knows that the car must be parked, turned off, and in a safe place before snapping that chat, Facebooking her story, or Instagramming a duck-face pic. There is a time and place to start the next big dance craze. Driving is not the time and any road is not the place.
6. Talk through what to do when things go wrong. Being a responsible driver requires knowledge, experience, and the collection of skills that are learned over time. Inevitable, something is bound to go wrong while your teen is behind the wheel, like getting a flat tire or running out of gas. Be sure your teen knows what to do to be safe while changing the tire or wait for assistance. You also need to ensure your teen knows how to respond if he is in an accident, such as make sure the other driver is alright; call the police; wait in a safe place near the scene of the accident; have your license, insurance card, and registration ready; explain what happened; etc. And, sadly, given a recent incident the occurred in Flagstaff, discuss with your teen driver what to do if she accidentally hits a pedestrian – call 911! Do not leave the scene, stay with the injured person until help arrives, apply first aid if trained, stay at the scene until the police have given the okay to leave, etc. There is no excuse for leaving the scene of an accident.

Even though you think your child is the most responsible teen on the planet and a super-careful driver, it is a good idea to do a ride-along once in a while to check on her skills and ensure she is driving responsibly.

And a final word of advice – if you have a teen that is getting ready to drive for the first time, consider enrolling them in a professional driving course. My mother would tell you it is well worth the money spent. As a parent, you may have a hard time seeing your kids as anything other than children. It can be terrifying to see your baby behind the wheel of a car…even if your “baby” is taller than you. And, being in the passenger seat, gripping the dashboard every time your teen hits the brakes, is unnecessarily stressful for you both. Professionals are specially trained to instruct inexperience drivers and they do not have the same emotional responses to your teen’s driving. Believe me, your heart and nerves will thank you. (Note: Some school districts still offer formal programs in place for Driver’s Ed. Research and take advantage of them if they are available.)

If your teen is involved in a serious accident, you may need the help of experienced personal injury attorneys. We are here to help. Feel free to call us at (602) 368-1869 or email [email protected].

All around Arizona, clients of the Fite Law Group are sporting a new accessory – branded face masks.

“We wanted to help our clients stay safe by providing comfortable, breathable, and reusable face masks,” stated Berin Fite, who manages the firm with his partner and wife, Jennifer. “They were encouraged to share selfies sporting their face masks on our Facebook page, and we had such a great response.”

Fite Law Group hopes that everyone will continue to “mask-up” and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.