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Distracted Driving Common in Parking Lots

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in

inattentive driverAlthough distracted driving is often associated with highway travel, it is also prevalent in parking lots. As many as two-thirds of drivers admit to being distracted while driving in parking lots, according to a survey conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC).

The NSC survey revealed that 66 percent of drivers admit they have made phone calls while driving in parking lots, while 56 percent have texted. Drivers who were surveyed also reported engaging in other distracting acts like programming GPS systems, emailing, taking photos, video chatting, and using social media while driving in parking lots.

Each year, more than 50,000 accidents occur in parking lots and garages, resulting in more than 500 fatalities and more than 60,000 injuries.

While distracted motorists present a large danger, distracted walking has also become a significant safety issue. From 2001 to 2011, more than 11,000 pedestrians sustained serious injuries when distracted by their cellphones.

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, the NSC is urging both motorists and pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings when moving through parking lots. The NSC is reminding everyone that, while parking lots require lower speeds, that does not guarantee a safer environment.

The NSC also recommends drivers use vehicle driver-assistance systems, such as backup cameras and projected displays to eliminate distractions.

If you were involved in an accident with a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Sacramento car accident attorneys at the Arnold Law Firm will provide you with a free, no obligation consultation to review your claim and determine if you are entitled to compensation.

Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and will charge you no fees unless we recover funds for you.

Call (916) 777-7777 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form now.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.