The Law Office of Nathan C. Cooley, PLCMesa Personal Injury Attorney | The Law Office of Nathan C. Cooley, PLC2026-10-27T16:20:39Zhttps://www.ncooleylaw.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of The Law Office of Nathan C. Cooley, PLC<![CDATA[What if a city bus or light rail train hits you in Arizona?]]>https://www.ncooleylaw.com/?p=480532026-10-27T16:20:39Z2026-10-27T16:20:39ZPicture yourself waiting at a light on Main Street in Mesa when a city bus or light rail train slams into your car. You might assume the claim works like any other crash, but transit crashes often follow different rules, and some deadlines are much shorter than usual. Here is what you should know about who may be responsible, which deadlines apply and what evidence to save.
Identify who actually runs the bus or train
Valley Metro is a brand rather than a single company, so your first step is figuring out who operated the vehicle that hit you. Valley Metro Rail, Inc. runs the light rail, while the Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) oversees bus service,and each injured person must submit a separate claim form to Valley Metro.In the East Valley, a private company also operates many bus routes under contract. If a city-owned vehicle such as a police car or garbage truck hits you, your claim generally goes to that city.
Know which deadlines apply to each party
Identifying the operator matters because the type of party you claim against affects how long you have to act. In most cases, a claim against a public agency must follow Arizona’s notice of claim rules, which require a written notice within 180 days. You then have only one year to file a lawsuit.A claim against a private bus contractor or another driver who shared fault may instead fall under the standard two-year deadline. The clock usually starts when you knew or should have known what caused your injury, and minors may have more time.
Preserve transit video and records quickly
Because these deadlines can arrive fast, early evidence matters as much as early paperwork. Many buses and trains carry cameras, but that footage may not stay available for long. Write down the route number, vehicle number and exact location as soon as you can. Keep your medical bills, repair estimates and injury photos, since a notice of claim must state a specific dollar amount and the facts supporting it.
Protect your claim from the first day
A transit crash can involve a public agency, a private company or both, and each may come with its own deadline. Key evidence can also disappear before you realize you need it. The most important step you can take is to mark the 180-day date on your calendar right away. An early review of your case can help you identify every party that may be responsible before the shortest deadline passes.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Nathan C. Cooley, PLC<![CDATA[What is “autobesity” and why does it matter?]]>https://www.ncooleylaw.com/?p=480512026-10-14T17:36:32Z2026-10-14T17:36:32Zfound that “Over the past 30 years, the average U.S. passenger vehicle has gotten about 4 inches wider, 10 inches longer, 8 inches taller and 1,000 pounds heavier.”
More dangerous to others
Bigger cars are more dangerous to other road users, especially to those who are not encased in a protective metal shell, such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. The report highlights, “Pedestrian crash deaths have risen 80 percent since hitting their low in 2009.” This is in spite of the spread of crash avoidance technology in modern vehicles.
Part of it is due to the increased weight, as something heavier will hit harder than something lighter when traveling at the same speed. The increased width also leaves less room on the road for someone to swerve to avoid a collision, as well as bringing vehicles closer together when they pass.
The increased height is of particular concern at the front end. Combined with the trend toward flatter front ends, it makes it more likely that people are hit in the head or in their vital organs - making death more likely than if they were hit in the legs and thrown onto the hood of the vehicle.
That higher front end also creates an extended blind spot in front, which, combined with the extended blind spots caused by the thicker roof pillars these vehicles come with, makes it harder for a driver to notice other road users.
Learning how to seek compensation after a crash becomes even more important due to the increased harm these larger vehicles often cause in a crash. Having experienced legal guidance can help.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Nathan C. Cooley, PLC<![CDATA[A “child on board” sticker has dual messages]]>https://www.ncooleylaw.com/?p=480492026-09-30T16:52:51Z2026-09-30T16:52:51ZMany drivers choose to put a sticker on their bumper or rear windscreen that says “Child on board” or something similar. People buy these because they are worried that other drivers pose a threat and can be convinced to take a little more care by the sticker.
Yet, you could also argue that the stickers convey a second message: This driver may be distracted.
Children can be distracting
Young children can be highly distracting to the parent who is shuttling them around. So that can result in the parent being the one that other drivers need to watch out for. Distraction makes crashing more likely. Whether it is physical, cognitive or visual distraction, it can all reduce a person’s ability to drive safely, thus increasing the crash risk for them, the children inside their vehicle and other road users.Transporting children in the car is not something most parents can easily avoid. Being aware of it allows them to take measures to limit it. For example:
Ensuring their kids are set before the journey starts. Thanksgiving is not far away, and that will require some long drives for many. Ensuring the kids have a bottle of water, some snacks and enough entertainment to last until the next break reduces the chance the kids start pestering the parent midway along a busy freeway.
Explaining it to the kids. Not all children will be capable of avoiding distracting their parents on a journey, but explaining the dangers to them may help reduce how often it occurs. Setting some expectations can also help -- for example, “When I say not right now, it’s because I need to concentrate on the road and I’ll answer you as soon as we stop at a light.”
Crashes involving children can be particularly distressing for all parties involved. Prompt legal guidance can help resolve the compensation issues that will need to be sorted afterward.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Nathan C. Cooley, PLC<![CDATA[Can truck driver fatigue cause a crash in Arizona?]]>https://www.ncooleylaw.com/?p=480422026-09-29T08:29:25Z2026-09-29T08:29:25ZA truck driver may spend hours traveling Arizona highways before fatigue starts affecting reaction time and judgment. A driver who struggles to stay alert may miss a traffic signal, drift into another lane or fail to react to a stopped vehicle. These mistakes can have serious consequences when they involve a large commercial truck.
How fatigue can lead to a truck crash
Arizona saw 1,595 drivers involved in crashes in 2024 where law enforcement identified falling asleep or fatigue as a factor. Ten of those drivers were involved in fatal crashes.Fatigue does more than make a driver feel tired. It can slow reactions, affect judgment and make it harder to notice hazards. Arizona's commercial driver's license manual notes that fatigue can affect a driver's ability to judge speed and distance and react to hazards.Long trips can increase these risks, especially when drivers travel during overnight hours or continue driving after becoming tired. Arizona's truck parking plan also identifies driver fatigue as a contributing factor in crashes along major corridors, including I-10 and I-40.
What can show that fatigue played a role?
Determining whether fatigue contributed to a truck crash may require looking beyond the crash scene. Several types of records can provide useful details about the driver's schedule and condition, including:
Hours-of-service records showing driving and rest periods
Driver logs and electronic logging device data
Dispatch records showing trip schedules and deadlines
Police reports describing signs of fatigue
Employment records showing work and driving schedules
These records can help show whether a driver had enough rest and whether fatigue may have contributed to the collision. Under federal rules, most commercial truck drivers carrying property can drive for no more than 11 hours during a 14-hour duty period after getting at least 10 consecutive hours off duty. They also must take a 30-minute rest break once they have accumulated 8 hours of driving time.The rules also limit how much time drivers can spend on duty over several days. Depending on the carrier’s schedule, federal rules generally cap a driver’s on-duty time at 60 hours over seven consecutive days or 70 hours over eight days. Comparing those limits with electronic logging device data, driving logs and dispatch records may help show how long the driver worked and drove before the crash.Given the number of records involved, legal assistance can help you identify relevant evidence and assess whether it supports a claim involving driver fatigue.
When fatigue becomes a factor
A tired truck driver can create risks that extend beyond missed exits or slow reactions. When fatigue contributes to a crash, records about driving hours, rest periods and the driver's actions may help explain what happened and who may be responsible.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Nathan C. Cooley, PLC<![CDATA[Motorcyclists: Watch for drivers who are turning left]]>https://www.ncooleylaw.com/?p=477862026-09-19T00:43:24Z2026-09-19T00:43:24ZIf you are a motorcyclist, there are many times when you may see vehicles ahead of you waiting to turn left. If you are on a two-way road, someone may simply be waiting to turn through your lane so that they can pull into a parking lot or a driveway. If you are approaching an intersection, they may have a flashing yellow light, meaning they can make their left turn when the way is clear.
Even when you know that you have the right of way, be careful to keep an eye on these drivers. One of the most common motorcycle accidents is when someone turns in front of a motorcycle as they execute that left turn. It is important to be a defensive rider, always watching for signs that the driver may turn at an inappropriate time, and being prepared to brake or swerve if necessary.
Avoiding a left-turn accident with a car is difficult
Unfortunately, even if you are aware of the risk, this is a very difficult accident to avoid. For instance, you may not have time to brake to avoid the collision, so swerving is your only option. But you naturally cannot swerve to the left, where the vehicle used to be, or you would ride into oncoming traffic.However, because the vehicle is turning in front of you and moving toward your right, you also cannot swerve to the right. Doing so just puts you ahead of the turning vehicle, so you may not even avoid a collision.For this reason, motorcyclists who only have a split second to respond often do not have any good options. A collision feels almost inevitable. If you suffer serious injuries due to another driver’s negligent error, you may deserve significant financial compensation for medical bills and related costs.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Nathan C. Cooley, PLC<![CDATA[What losses can you claim after a motorcycle accident?]]>https://www.ncooleylaw.com/?p=477842026-09-17T13:35:31Z2026-09-17T13:35:31ZMotorcycle and riding gear damage
Damage to your motorcycle and protective gear can add substantial costs after a crash. Depending on the circumstances, you may have losses related to:
Motorcycle repairs or replacement
A damaged helmet, jacket, gloves or boots
Towing and storage
Loss of use while your motorcycle undergoes repairs
Missing work because of your injuries can create a financial loss beyond your medical expenses. You may lose income when you cannot work during recovery, need time away for medical appointments or cannot perform your usual duties.
Keep records of your missed work and income, especially if your injuries affect your ability to return to your regular schedule. If your injuries reduce your earning ability over a longer period, that impact may also matter when evaluating your losses.
Pain and loss of enjoyment
Physical pain and the effects of your injuries can affect your daily life long after the motorcycle gets repaired. You may have difficulty returning to hobbies, exercising, spending time with family or handling activities you enjoyed before the crash.
Arizona law recognizes both economic and noneconomic losses arising from bodily injury. That means your losses do not necessarily end with expenses that come with a bill or receipt.
Other accident-related expenses
Smaller costs can also add up while you recover from a motorcycle crash. Depending on your circumstances, you may have expenses for:
Transportation while you cannot use your motorcycle
Household help you need because of your injuries
Other reasonable out-of-pocket costs related to the accident
Keep receipts and other proof of these expenses so you can account for them when evaluating your claim.
Document the full impact of your crash
Your claim can involve more than the medical bills that arrive after a motorcycle accident. Keeping track of your property damage, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses and the ways your injuries affect your daily life can help you account for the full scope of your losses. An attorney can review those records with you and help determine which losses your claim may support.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Nathan C. Cooley, PLC<![CDATA[Watch out for sun glare when driving]]>https://www.ncooleylaw.com/?p=477832026-09-05T03:53:21Z2026-09-05T03:53:21ZThe sun can get in your eyes at any time of year in Arizona, but the next few months can be particularly difficult for drivers in that respect due to increased sun glare affecting them.There’s always a lot of glare from the sun as it rises and sets; it’s just that for much of the year most drivers aren’t on the roads at dusk and dawn. As we head into fall and then winter, the sun rises later and sets earlier, so more people encounter dusk and dawn on their commute to work or school.
Prepare for it
You’ve likely experienced high sun glare before and held up a hand to shield your eyes, or ducked down or sat up straighter to try and find a spot where you can still see the road through the glass of your windshield. Those actions are distracting in themselves, and when combined with a vastly reduced ability to see, the increased crash risk is obvious.Having some sunglasses or a peaked cap to hand can help, as can keeping your windshield clean. Picking a different route is sometimes an option. Some routes are definitely more glary than others due to the alignment of the streets with the sun's path, or the presence of highly reflective buildings alongside the stretch of road.Slowing down is one of the best things you can do, as you won’t be the only one struggling to see. Slower speeds allow you more time to react and brake. Drivers must take into account the road conditions, such as sun glare, and drive at an appropriate speed for those conditions. Those injured by a driver who failed to take sufficient care may be entitled to compensation.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Nathan C. Cooley, PLC<![CDATA[One morning routine that can increase crash risk]]>https://www.ncooleylaw.com/?p=477802026-08-27T19:31:17Z2026-08-27T19:31:17ZThe danger of scalding
Drivers have suffered severe scalding after the contents of their coffee cup fell onto them. To-go cups in particular can have poorly fitting lids. Spilling a hot cup of coffee on yourself could also cause you to lose control of your vehicle. What’s more, if you have a hot drink in your hand, you will be slower to react to any danger that occurs on the road. Managing drinking a cup of coffee safely while keeping your hands on the steering wheel can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Tying up your body and your thoughts
If you get something more than a cup of coffee on your way to work, like a breakfast sandwich, you are going to need one or two hands to unwrap and eat it. This takes time, and you’ll have covered a considerable distance by the time you finish. Not only would you have been less physically able to control your vehicle the whole time, but you’ll have been less cognizant of what was happening around you. You’ll have also had to remove your eyes from the road to be able to eat, for moments at least.
As convenient as eating breakfast in the car may be, it’s a dangerous routine to get into. Staying focused gives you a better chance of avoiding getting injured by less careful drivers. Even if you were eating or drinking in the car, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re primarily responsible for a crash. Having legal guidance can be beneficial to protecting your right to compensation.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Nathan C. Cooley, PLC<![CDATA[When a driver says they didn’t see the motorcyclist]]>https://www.ncooleylaw.com/?p=477792026-08-26T15:06:47Z2026-08-26T15:06:47ZMotorcyclists who have been involved in a car crash have probably heard this line before: "I didn't see him." The driver isn't always lying and oftentimes, they truly believe it. However, that excuse doesn't make the crash any less serious. It also doesn't answer the bigger question of why this keeps happening on Arizona roads.
What "didn't see" really means
When a driver says they didn't see a motorcyclist, it usually points to a mix of habit and human error. While years of experience trains drivers to spot large cars, a motorcycle is smaller and can hide in a blind spot or mirror post. Also, Arizona's bright sun and long, straight roads can also play tricks on the eyes, making a moving bike harder to judge in terms of speed and distance. None of this excuses the crash, but it helps explain why "I didn't see them" is one of the most common phrases in police reports involving motorcycles.
Why drivers overlook motorcycles so easily
Part of the problem is simple math. Arizona has far more cars and trucks on the road than motorcycles, so drivers aren't always looking for them out of habit. Left turns at intersections are especially dangerous, since a driver may glance quickly, see no car-sized object, and pull out anyway. Weather also plays a role. Arizona's sunny, clear days mean more riders are out year-round, which raises the chances of these split-second mistakes happening again and again.
Moving forward after a crash
Injured parties must initiate legal proceedings within Arizona's strict statutory deadlines: generally two years from the date of the crash for personal injury claims. Thus, it can help to talk with an attorney. They can help you understand your options and make sense of a confusing process, especially while you're focused on healing. You don't have to figure everything out on your own, and having someone in your corner can make a difficult time a little easier to manage.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Nathan C. Cooley, PLC<![CDATA[Desert heat & tire blowouts: Who is liable for a truck crash?]]>https://www.ncooleylaw.com/?p=477782026-08-13T07:32:18Z2026-08-13T07:32:18ZWhy Arizona's climate raises blowout risk
Extreme heat breaks down tire compounds and speeds up tread separation. It also turns routine wear into a sudden failure. Federal safety regulations require motor carriers to inspect and maintain commercial vehicle tires regularly. Failing to conduct proper checks or maintenance may increase the risk of a catastrophic failure.
Identifying the parties who may owe compensation
Several parties can share fault in a blowout crash. The driver may have ignored warning signs of tire damage. The trucking company might have pushed drivers past safe limits or delayed repairs. A manufacturer could face liability if a defect caused the failure. A third-party repair shop might be liable for faulty work.
Federal safety rules that matter
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandates pre-trip inspections. Tread-depth minimums are 4/32 of an inch on steering tires and 2/32 of an inch on all others. Evidence that a carrier or driver violated applicable federal safety regulations may support a negligence claim. Still, such violations do not automatically establish legal liability.
The state’s approach on shared fault
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Even if an injured person is found partially at fault, they can still recover damages. However, their total compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
Evidence that builds a strong case
Black box data, driver logs, weather records and maintenance history help reconstruct the moments before a wreck. Acting quickly to preserve this evidence is crucial. Federal regulations only require trucking companies to retain certain records for limited periods of time.
Deadlines victims must not ignore
Arizona’s statute of limitations generally requires injury victims to initiate legal action within two years of the accident date. Missing this deadline can permanently bar victims from pursuing compensation in court, regardless of how strong their case may be.
Next steps after a crash
Tire blowouts rarely stem from a single cause. Investigating every angle, from manufacturer defects to carrier negligence, gives victims the strongest chance at fair compensation. Anyone injured in such a crash may benefit from seeking legal advice before speaking with insurance adjusters.]]>