Opinion ID: 1451051
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The automobile accident

Text: About 4:00 p.m. on the day before the accident, Horwitz started taking cocaine and drinking beer. He used about a gram of cocaine, injecting some and snorting the rest during the evening. Horwitz says that he took the last of the cocaine about 1:00 a.m. He then slept until about 7:30 a.m. on July 26. He claims he took no more cocaine before the accident. Horwitz was scheduled to appear at a court hearing at 10:00 a.m. on behalf of Dr. Risley, a chiropractor who had known Horwitz and his wife for some time. A few days before the hearing, both Horwitz and his wife separately suggested to Dr. Risley that he contact Horwitz just before the hearing to be sure Horwitz would be ready. Dr. Risley believed this was necessary because Horwitz was taking his divorce badly and having trouble sleeping. When Horwitz failed to appear at his office by 9:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing, Dr. Risley called him at the motel and then went there to ensure that Horwitz would be ready. When Risley arrived, Horwitz was awake and almost fully dressed, but his eyes were bloodshot and had dark circles under them. He told Dr. Risley he was exhausted. The doctor testified that he felt sure, nevertheless, that Horwitz was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and was fully competent to handle the scheduled hearing. Dr. Risley left Horwitz' room at about 9:25 a.m. with the understanding that Horwitz would soon follow. After Dr. Risley left, Horwitz says he took a shower and went back to sleep. When he awoke he realized he was late for his 10:00 a.m. court appearance and rushed to the courthouse. Although the motel was on 19th Avenue in north Phoenix and the courthouse was on First Avenue, Horwitz detoured several blocks east to Seventh Street. When asked about this during the bar disciplinary proceedings, Horwitz could provide no cogent explanation for his circuitous route. While driving south on Seventh Street, Horwitz decided to call the court to let them know he would be arriving late. After getting the telephone number from directory assistance, he looked down at his phone to dial. During that brief instant, he did not notice that the road curved, and he failed to negotiate the curve. Before he could press the send button on his phone, his car crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming car. Horwitz' speed was estimated at between 50 and 60 m.p.h. in a 45 m.p.h. zone. Paramedics at the scene saw fresh needle marks on Horwitz' arms, and he admitted to them that he was an intravenous cocaine user. After Horwitz arrived at the hospital, medical personnel gave police samples of his blood and urine. Tests showed that Horwitz had Imipramine, [1] Valium, [2] and cocaine in his system.