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Keys to Making Sure Your Summer Road Trip Is Safe and Memorable

Jul 3, 2019

Summer is the perfect time of year for taking a long road trip. It is the time of year that many people jump in the car and take off to enjoy a weekend of camping, hitting the beach, visiting friends, or heading to an amusement park. Longer road trips mean more time on the road. That, coupled with the fact that more people travel in the summer in general, can lead to disaster.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports that more traffic accidents occur over the holidays than any other time of year. Whether Memorial Day, 4th of July, or school summer break, Arizona and other states see a spike in motor vehicle-related injuries and fatalities. While some of the reported accidents involve drivers who were driving under the influence of alcohol, others were the result of distractions such as luggage, loud music, pets, or even simple conversation. The fact that road trips often involve more passengers in vehicles can magnify these distractions.

Consider doing the following when setting out on your road trip:

● Be sure your vehicle is in good working order. Have it checked over thoroughly by a mechanic before leaving on your trip.

● Although you may be tempted to pack a lot, only take along the necessities and be sure that they are secured correctly in the trunk or in a roof storage box that has been professionally installed, is tightly closed, and locked. During an accident, many people suffer injuries due to debris that isn’t properly secured in or on top of the vehicle.

● If you bring your pet, install a properly fitting harness in your vehicle to keep you less distracted and to keep them safe in the event of an accident.

● Ask your passengers to keep their conversation volumes to a minimum and give them jobs to assist you, such as navigating your course, or entertaining the younger passengers.

● Create a plan for breaking down. Know what your insurance will cover and keep phone numbers of towing companies along your route handy.

● Know your travel plans. If you miss a turn, do not try to cross lanes or stop and make a U-turn. Instead, stay in your lane and wait until you can safely make an exit and then turn around.

● Never drive when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

● Never drive when you are drowsy or fatigued. This can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Even when taking all of the above precautions, accidents can still happen. If you and your loved ones find yourselves involved in a car accident this summer, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and property damage. Contact the attorneys at Wattel & York today to schedule a free consultation.

Online Reviews

“Amazing people, they had my claim for about a week before they were able to get my truck totaled out. Otherwise I would have been stuck with a truck that had heavy front end damage if they hadn’t stepped in to help me. I tried to deal with my insurance company myself for over a month and that got me nowhere, all I got was a massive headache and a messed up truck. They are very professional and act quickly on your claim. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for help.”

Candy J.

2/9/2020

“I was in an accident and decided to call Wattel and York. After months of going to a Chiropractor, I finally felt better. When it came time for settlement, the insurance company was making an offer I wanted to accept, Mr. Wattel advised against it and felt the insurance company was shortchanging me. He recommended I file a lawsuit and that will get them to cave. Well, Dave filed suit, and sure enough, the insurance company increased their offer by $4,000! I am very satisfied with how my case was handled.”

Nardeasha S.

20/20/2020

“Wattel & York were flat out outstanding with my personal injury case. They made the process painless and kept in constant communication throughout the entire time. Any questions I might’ve had were promptly answered and detail oriented. They gave me crucial advice that I would’ve otherwise not been aware of. I couldn’t have asked for more from them. Put your trust in these guys, you won’t be disappointed. Thanks Wattel & York.”

Mattew P.

13/9/2020

“Thank you so much for all your hard work on our behalf! Thinking I could handle it on my own, I was originally reluctant to take my accident claim to an attorney. But I am SO glad I called you instead. Your people were always helpful, pleasant and responsive at every step along the way. You represented us with honesty and integrity and made a traumatic experience as painless as it could be. And best of all, you helped us get a settlement that was fair and far more than I could ever have negotiated on my own! I highly recommend Wattel &York to anyone who has suffered a personal injury.”

Cathy M.

“I was the passenger in a vehicle that was 'T- Boned' at an intersection in 2014. The issues of responsibility and recovery became a difficult and convoluted confusion. I really needed help. This Team at Wattel and York walked me patiently and encouragingly through difficult months, sorting through issues and finally arriving at a satisfactory conclusion. I especially want to name two great and encouraging "warriors" of Wattel and York who directed me along the way..Brian Torba and Melissa Patterson..to them and the whole team I say "Thank You" with heart felt gratitude. Sincerely, God Bless You.”

Robert G.

“Honesty. Integrity. Transparency. Partnership. Wattel & York brought all of these qualities and more to my accident case. I'd love to thank all of the team members who helped me with the process: David Guzman, who conducted the initial interview in my home, Aly Shomar-Esparza, who seamlessly guided me through paperwork and filings, Debbie Harrach, who conducted final review, paperwork revisions and scheduling, and Thomas Grisoni, who counseled me before and attended my deposition. I never felt alone during the arduous process and always knew there was a professional team looking out for my best interest. I highly recommend Wattel & York if you are unfortunately involved in an accident that was not your fault.”

Russ W.

“I was a passenger in a car that got t-boned a few years ago and got a huge gash. I didn't know a lot about lawyers, so I basically just picked one on the flip of a coin. I called Wattel and York and they explained everything, I went into the office and filled out paperwork. Got treatment on my gash over the time I worked with them, glad I did as it opened back up a couple times and bled. They did really good, got me the maximum amount of money, and made sure I was well taken care of. I was updated from time to time so that was good. The only thing I might change is I never got to thank or talk to my lawyer. I think it was because I was already used to dealing with the lady at their Glendale office so they just kept her as my point of contact. So it's okay, I'll thank them with a good review. The last thing I could say about them is months after I thought my case was over they called me and said they had another check for me for a few hundred dollars. Apparently, they negotiated with the hospital I went to after the accident. It was a nice surprise and shows they really had my interests in mind.”

Trent B.

“Wattel & York has been great for me in the past few years. I was involved in a really bad accident while I was on Active Duty in Yuma, Arizona and they have been patient with me every step of the way through a very long process. I would recommend them to anyone thank you for all your help.”

Levy G.

“Appreciate David taking the time to speak with me. He was most kind. From the front line with the receptionist, to him, the firm was a class act all the way around.”

Claire B.

“Dave Wattel represented me and my son on a Personal Injury case from a motor vehicle accident back in 2009. Jake P. handled my deposition and Dave did the Quarterbacking. The insurance company hired NFL referee Ed Hochuli's firm to try and deny our claim. But Wattel & York made it look as easy as Tom Brady on the football field. The result was more than acceptable and my son and I were compensated for our injuries and rehabilitation. Dave Wattel cares about his clients. If I ever find myself in a situation like this again, Wattel & York will be on speed dial!!”

Vince C.

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Mesa

1201 S. Alma School Road, Suite 9500 Mesa, Arizona 85210

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Peoria

8263 W. Thunderbird Rd., Ste. 100 Peoria, AZ 85381

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Phoenix

2942 N. 24th Street, Suite 105 Phoenix, AZ 85016

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Tucson

2933 N. Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 85719

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Yuma

1102 S. 4th Avenue Yuma AZ, 85364

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6314 19th Street West, Suite 15 Fircrest, WA 98466

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