When we get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, we take responsibility for ourselves and others in or near the roadway. Traffic laws in Mohave County and throughout Arizona serve the purpose of making the roads safe for all drivers and their passengers, as well as pedestrians. Car accidents sometimes take place even when the laws are obeyed, but when they are ignored, the risk of serious injury or even death increases.

On Feb. 4 about 10 p.m., Phoenix police pulled over a car for an undisclosed traffic violation The vehicle was stopped on Loop 101 near 83rd Avenue. Authorities say that when the officer attempted to contact the driver, the vehicle fled westbound on Indian School Road. The police pursued the vehicle until it ran a red light, at which point they were said to have terminated the pursuit.

After driving through the red light, the car crashed into a concrete barrier and light pole. The 32-year-old driver and a 28-year-old passenger were killed in the collision. Moreover, two men ages 25 and 26 were rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. The names of the deceased and injured are unknown, and the speed of the vehicle has not as yet been released.

While it remains to be seen what a full investigation of the fatal car accident will reveal, at least two people are dead and two seriously injured. The families of the deceased victims will likely want to know exactly what happened. If it is determined that anyone was injured or killed as the result of the negligence of another party, the victims or their families may choose to file a civil lawsuit for the recovery of monetary damages for injuries suffered, including any consequent pain and suffering.

Source: Tucson Citizen, "Phoenix car accident kills 2 people," Laurie Merrill, Feb. 6, 2012