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Pedestrian Deaths Increasing in the United States

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
distracted-driver-hits-pedestrianFor the first time in 26 years, pedestrian fatalities in the United States have increased. Currently, car-versus-pedestrian accidents account for 15 percent of all traffic-related deaths annually. Projected data indicates this number is not likely to drop anytime soon, unless changes are implemented to increase pedestrian safety near high traffic areas. A report published recently by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association determined an alarming ten percent more pedestrians were killed in collisions with cars, trucks or other vehicles in 2015, as opposed to 2014. This rise in fatalities may be a result of younger generations using transportation alternative more and driving less. While the advancement of safety features in modern vehicles, such as automatic braking and collision avoidance technology, has led to a welcomed decline in motorist fatalities, very little advancements have been made to ensure pedestrian safety. In several European countries, safety regulators are now requiring auto manufacturers to build vehicles out of shock-absorbing materials that will better protect a pedestrian in the event of a collision. The United States currently has no such requirements. Although more pedestrians are walking along the nation’s roadways, infrastructure changes to accommodate this shift are rare. Some changes that may be beneficial include lowering speed limits, installing sidewalks and walkways, and adding highly visible crosswalks in areas with pedestrian traffic. In the absence of such safety measures, it becomes especially important for drivers to be aware of and yield to pedestrians. Accidents of this nature can be fatal or leave surviving victims with serious personal injuries. If you or someone you love were involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more. A Sacramento, CA auto accident attorney at Arnold Law Firm is ready to help you file a lawsuit and receive the justice you deserve. Contact our Sacramento personal injury law firm today.

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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.