Phoenix Real Estate Law Blog

One way that businesses and homeowners try to avoid having to pay someone compensation if they get hurt on the property is by putting up warning signs. While they may argue that they do this to keep people safe -- and it may help -- the focus is often on liability. If someone gets hurt and threatens to sue, they assume they can just point to the sign and avoid payment.

But is that really how it works? It is true that warning signs may help prevent injuries and may make it a little harder for those who get hurt to have a case, but it does not mean it's impossible.

You never got your driver's license in Arizona. You don't own a car, so you didn't see any reason to do it.

However, you recently inherited a motorcycle, and now you want to get a motorcycle license. Do you have to get a traditional driver's license as well?

Whether you are in a hotel, a store, an apartment building or a neighbor's home, using the stairs is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Slip-and-fall accidents on the stairs are often very serious and sometimes fatal.

The risk is especially great when the stairs are in disrepair. If you want to lower the odds of an accident with serious injuries, you need to know what red flags to look for. A few of the more common ones include:

• Cracks running through the stair treads themselves, which are most obvious on wooden stairs
• Cracks running through the risers under the stairs
• Damage to the front edge of the stair, where most people step
• A handrail that is loose and moves away from the wall
• A staircase that is missing a handrail entirely.
• Stair treads that are loose and shift under your weight
• Fitting posts that are either loose or not properly connected to the rails
• Damage to the stairs from outside sources, such as water or pets
• Staircases that do not have proper lighting
• Stairs that are too steep
• Stairs that are wet or where the traction is otherwise compromised
• Stairs that are made at different heights; even a small difference can be a major trip hazard

A rollover is not the most common kind of vehicle accident, but in terms of occupant fatalities and serious injuries, it maintains a disturbingly high ranking. Most rollovers occur on rural roads and at speeds in excess of 55 miles per hour. Not only do they account for 30% of all traffic fatalities, this kind of devasting crash is also the cause of very severe injuries. 

If you and your family are heading out on a road trip, sensible preparation will help you avoid this kind of devastating accident.