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NHTSA Shows Increase in Traffic Deaths During 2016

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in

severe auto crashTraffic fatalities increased by nearly eight percent during the first nine months of 2016, compared to the same period during the previous year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The NHTSA report estimates there were 27,875 deaths within the first nine months of 2016, compared to 25,808 fatalities reported during the first three quarters of 2015.

The report also indicates that the number of vehicle miles traveled within the first nine months of 2016 increased by an estimated 70 billion miles, or three percent, compared to the previous year. The 2016 fatality rate also increased to 1.15 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled from 1.10 in 2015.

Traffic fatality rates have been rising since 2014, which has alarmed the NHTSA and traffic safety experts. The increase is especially troubling given the vast improvements in safety features and accident-prevention technology that has been incorporated into new vehicles in recent years.

NHTSA officials largely attribute the increasing rate of traffic fatalities to the growing number of drivers in the U.S. — a result of improved economic conditions that allow driving to be an affordable travel option.

However, traffic deaths outpaced the increase in vehicle miles traveled. Dangerous driving behaviors, such as distracted, impaired or drowsy driving, have caused concern with NHTSA and safety officials who have also listed these issues as having contributed to the fatality rate.

It is important for all drivers to be aware of their actions while operating a vehicle. If you were injured or lost a loved one to a negligent driver, contact the Sacramento auto accident attorneys at the Arnold Law Firm. We help accident victims by providing a free consultation. Our Sacramento personal injury attorneys only charge for our services if we help you receive compensation. 

Call (916) 777-7777 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with our attorneys. 

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.