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AAA Expects Thanksgiving Travel to Increase by One Million Since 2015

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
two carsThe 2016 Thanksgiving holiday season is projected to be one of the busiest travel periods on record, with the highest number of people traveling since 2007, according to AAA. During the Thanksgiving holiday period, which is identified as Wednesday, Nov. 23 to Sunday, Nov. 27, AAA expects there to be an estimated 48.7 million people traveling 50 miles or more. This marks a 1.9 percent increase, or one million people, more than the recorded number of Thanksgiving travelers in 2015. AAA expects 43.5 million people, or 89 percent of Thanksgiving travelers, will choose driving as their form of transportation. This may be attributed to an improved economy along with lower gas prices, which is estimated to save U.S. drivers $28 billion, compared to 2015. With the increase of drivers during the Thanksgiving holiday, AAA estimates that it will rescue more than 370,000 motorists this year for reasons including:
  • Dead batteries
  • Flat tires
  • Lockouts
AAA suggests that drivers take their vehicle in for an inspection, check the status of their vehicle’s batteries and tires, and ensure that they have a proper emergency kit and a spare tire before hitting the road. Following proper safety procedures during the holiday season should be the main priority of all travelers. The National Safety Council (NSC) expects there to be 437 traffic fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday period and an estimated 50,300 non-fatal disabling injuries. If you are injured in a car accident over the holidays, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced car accident attorneys in Sacramento at the Arnold Law Firm are dedicated to protecting the rights of the injured and will provide you with a free consultation to review your claim and determine if you have a case. We charge no fees unless you receive compensation or a favorable outcome. The staff at the Arnold Law Firm wishes you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.

To schedule a consultation with a Sacramento injury lawyer, call (916) 777-7777 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form to begin.

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.