Phoenix Criminal Law and Personal Injury Blog

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Key Takeaways

  • A wrongful death lawsuit holds a negligent party financially accountable for a death they caused.
  • Arizona law allows surviving spouses, children, parents, or an estate’s personal representative to file a claim.
  • Recoverable damages may include medical costs, funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.
  • Arizona sets a two-year filing deadline, starting from the date of death.

Losing a family member unexpectedly may lead to grief, financial pressure, and unanswered questions. Grief and shock are often combined with a need for justice. This leads to questioning: How was my loved one killed? What is a wrongful death lawsuit?
Continue Reading What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Investigation Underway After Pedestrian Died in Collision With Pickup Truck in Sun Lakes

SUN LAKES, ARIZONA (March 26, 2026) – A pedestrian has tragically died in a Sun Lakes car accident by the intersection of Alma School Road and Riggs Road.
Maricopa County officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday. A pedestrian was crossing the roadway and using the crosswalk when they were struck by a Ford F-150 pickup truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help the injured victim. Life-saving efforts were attempted. Sadly, he was beyond medical aid and
Continue Reading Pedestrian Killed in Sun Lakes Truck Accident

Gene John Kaluza, 82, and Joanne Gail Kaluza, 79, Died in Peoria Senior Living Apartment

PEORIA, ARIZONA (March 24, 2026) – A married couple identified as Gene Kaluza and Joanne Kaluza have tragically died in a Peoria apartment fire at Olive Ridge Senior Living.
Peoria officials are saying that the incident took place around 7:30 PM on Monday. Firefighters were called to the Olive Ridge Senior Living apartment community to help all of the victims.
Sadly, Gene Kaluza and Joanne Kaluza were found deceased inside one of the apartment units. Firefighters were eventually able to put out the fire, and police officers
Continue Reading Gene Kaluza, Joanne Kaluza Died in Fire at Olive Ridge Senior Living in Peoria

Key Takeaways

  • Resisting arrest in Arizona covers both physical force and nonviolent non-compliance.
  • Physical resistance may result in a Class 6 felony; passive resistance carries a Class 1 misdemeanor.
  • Viable defenses include lack of intent, an unlawful arrest, or excessive force by the officer.

A resisting arrest charge in Arizona carries consequences far more serious than most people anticipate, and the outcome depends heavily on how the resistance occurred. The Law Offices of John Phebus has guided Arizonans across Glendale, Phoenix, and Peoria through criminal defense cases involving ars resisting arrest charges under state law. Penalties range from misdemeanor jail
Continue Reading What Is the Penalty for Resisting Arrest in Arizona? Understanding A.R.S. § 13-2508

Lance Estervig, 54, Died, 17-Year-Old Girl Seriously Injured in Lake Pleasant Dump Truck Collision on Carefree Highway by 87th Avenue

LAKE PLEASANT, ARIZONA  (March 17, 2027) – A 54-year-old man from Phoenix identified as Lance Estervig has tragically died, and a 17-year-old girl was injured in a Lake Pleasant dump truck crash.
Maricopa County officials are saying that the collision took place around 11:45 a.m. on March 16. A dump truck hauling gravel was heading down State Route 74 in the eastbound lanes.
That truck failed to slow down and rear-ended a white Jeep Grand Cherokee before crashing into a black
Continue Reading Lance Estervig Killed in Lake Pleasant Dump Truck Accident on State Route 74

Jesus Velazquez, 31, of Yuma, Died in Hit-and-Run Car Accident With Red Mazda Truck by East County 18 1/2 Streets and South Avenue 3E

YUMA COUNTY, ARIZONA (March 15, 2026) – A 31-year-old man identified as Jesus Velazquez has tragically died in a Yuma County car accident at East County 18 1/2 Streets and South Avenue 3E.
Yuma County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:30 AM on Monday. Jesus Velazquez was standing near a parked vehicle on the south side of the roadway.
He and another person were hit by a red Mazda truck that veered into eastbound
Continue Reading Jesus Velazquez Killed in Yuma County Car Accident

Brian Timothy Bayer, of Helena, Montana, Died In Bullhead City Motorcycle Accident With Dump Truck by Bullhead Parkway and Sivler Creek Road

BULLHEAD CITY, ARIZONA (March 14, 2026) – A 55-year-old motorcyclist identified as Brian Bayer has tragically died in a Bullhead City dump truck accident near the intersection of Bullhead Parkway and Silver Creek Road.
Mohave County officials are saying that the collision took place around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Brian Bayer was riding a motorcycle when he was struck by a dump truck that was attempting to make a turn onto Silver Creek Road from Bullhead Parkway.
Paramedics were
Continue Reading Brian Bayer Died in Bullhead City Dump Truck Accident

Key Takeaways

  • Consult a lawyer immediately after serious truck accident injuries, disputed fault, early insurance contact, or settlement pressure.
  • Electronic logging device data and crash evidence disappear within days without legal preservation notices.
  • Arizona law allows for multiple parties to be held liable and assigns damages proportionally to fault percentages.
  • Attorneys preserve evidence, investigate crashes, and handle negotiations while victims focus on recovery.

Commercial truck collisions along Glendale’s Loop 101, Grand Avenue, and Interstate 17 create devastating consequences for injured motorists. Semi-truck accidents involve massive weight disparities, complex federal regulations, and aggressive corporate defense strategies. Understanding when to consult a
Continue Reading When to Consult a Lawyer for a Truck Accident

Key Takeaways

  • Call 911 and seek medical evaluation within 24 hours.
  • Photograph all vehicles, damage, road conditions, and the truck’s DOT number.
  • Collect witness and driver information as Arizona law requires.
  • Avoid posting about the accident on social media.
  • Arizona provides two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.
  • Consult an attorney before accepting settlements.

Truck accidents along Glendale’s major corridors like Loop 101 and Grand Avenue happen with alarming frequency, and the moments following a truck collision are critical to the outcome of any claim. Understanding what to do after a truck accident may determine whether victims
Continue Reading What to Do After a Truck Accident

Death of Mario Jaramillo Ruled Accidental After He Was Crushed Inside Trash Truck on Congress Street in Tucson

TUCSON, ARIZONA (March 9, 2026) – A 40-year-old man identified as Mario Jaramillo has tragically died in a Tucson trash truck compactor accident on the 200 block of Congress Street.
Pima County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:49 a.m. on February 3. Mario Jaramillo called emergency services from inside of the truck after his legs were crushed by the machinery.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the injured victim. Despite life-saving measures, Mario Jaramillo died due
Continue Reading Mario Jaramillo Injured in Tucson Trash Truck Accident

Police Searching for Driver of Van That Killed Ethan Tso in Phoenix on Grand Avenue
Police Vehicles Stop a Sedan
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (March 8, 2026) – A 29-year-old man identified as Ethan Tso has tragically died in a Phoenix hit-and-run car accident with a dark-colored van on Grand Avenue.
Phoenix police officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:45 PM on Friday. Ethan Tso was in the roadway when he was struck by a dark-colored van heading east on Grand Avenue.
The driver of the van did not remain at the scene. Paramedics were called to the scene of the crash to help the victim.
Continue Reading Ethan Tso Killed in Phoenix Hit-and-Run Van Accident

Investigation Underway After Natalie Heneger Died Following Fall From Boom Truck at Job Site West of Tonopah
Natalie Heneger Died in Maricopa County Boom Truck Accident
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA (March 6, 2026) – A woman identified as Natalie Heneger has tragically died in a Maricopa County accident after falling from a boom truck near 485th Avenue and Salome Road.
Maricopa County officials are saying that the accident took place around noon on Sunday. Natalie Heneger fell from the boom truck for undetermined reasons.
Crew at the worksite began performing CPR, and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident. Despite life-saving measures, Natalie Heneger later died due to the severity of
Continue Reading Natalie Heneger Died in Maricopa County Boom Truck Accident

Jose Fernando Partida Died After Becoming Trapped in Chemical Mixer at Gowan Milling LLC
is a dui a misdemeanor
YUMA, ARIZONA (March 3, 2026) – A 57-year-old worker identified as Jose Partida has tragically died in a Yuma industrial accident while at his job at Gowan Milling LLC.
Yuma County officials are saying that the accident took place on January 4. Jose Partida was apparently cleaning the inside of a chemical mixer.
Another worker entered inside the chemical mixer when the machine turned on. That person was able to get out of the machine. But Jose Partida remained trapped inside.
Power to the machine was shut off immediately.
Continue Reading Jose Partida Died in Yuma Industrial Accident at Manufacturing Facility

Key Takeaways

  • A DUI becomes a felony in Arizona when aggravating factors elevate the charge.
  • Third offense within 84 months, suspended license, passenger under 15, ignition interlock violations, and wrong-way driving trigger felony charges.
  • Most cases receive Class 4 felony designation with mandatory prison time.
  • Convictions appear on background checks and remain permanent on criminal records.

Arizona classifies driving under the influence charges from misdemeanors, which may lead to jail time and a moderate financial penalty, to serious felonies, which may lead to a substantial prison sentence and other massive life-changing consequences. Many factors determine if Arizona classifies a case
Continue Reading Is DUI a Felony?

Luis Valdez, 52, Died After Being Hit by Remote-Controlled Loader at Buckeye Construction Site
Police
BUCKEYE, ARIZONA (February 26, 2027) – A 52-year-old construction worker identified as Luis Valdez has tragically died in a Buckeye construction accident on MC 85 by Miller Road.
Maricopa County officials are saying the accident took place on Wednesday afternoon. Luis Valdez May have been operating some type of loader when he was struck by another worker at the construction site.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the industrial accident to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Luis Valdez died due to the severe nature of his injuries.
Continue Reading Luis Valdez Killed in Buckeye Construction Accident

Truck Driver Lost Control of Vehicle That Hit Salvador Briseno After Being Stung by Loose Bees
Car Accident
MESA, ARIZONA (February 23, 2026) – A 60-year-old pedestrian identified as Salvador Briseno has tragically died in a Mesa car accident near the intersection of Mesa Drive and McKellips Road.
Mesa police officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. The driver of a pickup truck lost control of their vehicle after being stung by bees.
That driver hit Salvador Briseno as he was crossing the road. Firefighters were called to the scene of the collision to help the victim.
He
Continue Reading Salvador Briseno Killed in Mesa Truck Accident