Distracted Driving Archives - The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC. https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/category/distracted-driving/ Law Firm Mon, 17 Oct 2022 10:11:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cropped-Asset-1-32x32.png Distracted Driving Archives - The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC. https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/category/distracted-driving/ 32 32 Why Are Parking Lot Accidents So Dangerous? https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/why-are-parking-lot-accidents-so-dangerous/ Mon, 17 Oct 2022 10:11:07 +0000 https://roberto.awebdevz.com/?p=8086 Most people think of parking lot accidents as being relatively minor. After all, they usually involve low speeds and often happen when drivers are distracted or not paying attention. But the truth is that parking lot accidents can be much more dangerous than you think. Fender benders can feel annoying in parking lots, but pedestrian […]

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]]> Most people think of parking lot accidents as being relatively minor. After all, they usually involve low speeds and often happen when drivers are distracted or not paying attention. But the truth is that parking lot accidents can be much more dangerous than you think. Fender benders can feel annoying in parking lots, but pedestrian accidents are much more serious. 

Here are some statistics that about how dangerous parking lot accidents can be:

  • Every year there are over 60,000 injuries and 500 deaths in the United States due to car accidents in parking lots and garages.
  • Nearly one in five car accidents happen in a parking lot or garage.
  • Parking lot accidents are most likely to happen between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. when people are communiting to home from work or school.

So why are parking lot accidents so dangerous? There are a few reasons:

  • There are a lot of pedestrians in parking lots, and cars often have to back up or turn around, making it easy to hit someone.
  • Parking lots are often full of obstacles like shopping carts, garbage cans, and other vehicles, making it difficult to see people or things in your path.
  • People tend to drive more quickly in parking lots than on streets or highways, which increases the risk of an accident.
  • People choose to drive distracted. It is important to never be on your phone while driving. Many times people try to argue that they were trying to route GPS. There is no excuse for using your GPS while driving; routing where you need to go should be done while your car is parked and turned off. 
  • People only do one check before backing out or moving in a parking lot. It is too common for people to glance from one angle and decide it is safe. Always check multiple times while backing up, making turns, or proceeding in a parking lot to ensure someone is not behind or near your car.
  • Drivers trust backup cameras and sensors. Although these are tools to help detect something if you cannot see it, it is still your responsibility to check your surroundings, and you should never solely rely on these pieces of technology.

When involved in a parking lot accident, there are a few things you should do:

  • Call the police. Even if the damage seems minor, it’s important to have an official report on file.
  • Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance information.
  • Take photos of the damage to both vehicles.
  • Get the contact information of any witnesses.
  • See a doctor, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries, like whiplash, can take days or weeks to appear.

If you’re injured in a parking lot accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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]]> The Dangers of Distracted Driving https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/the-dangers-of-distracted-driving/ Sat, 03 Aug 2019 15:49:32 +0000 https://roberto.awebdevz.com/?p=7259 The Dangers of Distracted Driving By now, most people are at the very least familiar with the dangers of driving while distracted. Some consider it as dangerous as driving while intoxicated because it is far more commonplace. As a personal injury law firm in Salt Lake City, UT, one question eludes us, “why do people still […]

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The Dangers of Distracted Driving

By now, most people are at the very least familiar with the dangers of driving while distracted. Some consider it as dangerous as driving while intoxicated because it is far more commonplace. As a personal injury law firm in Salt Lake City, UT, one question eludes us, “why do people still do it?” It may sound counterintuitive, but one of our main goals in the community is to promote safety. This is especially true when it comes to driving on freeways and highways. We have seen the devastating firsthand experience that can come when a car crash results in significant injuries. Below is some more information about distracted driving; the numbers may surprise you.

Statistics regarding distracted driving

According to a study handled by The Zebra, the largest culprits of distracted driving is the age group of 18 to 35. When we see these numbers, it is easy to conclude that most of their using a cell phone while driving is for personal use. This includes things like checking social media or texting their friends. It is undoubtedly the case that many teens are using their phones for fun while operating a vehicle. However, almost 40% of the respondents to the study said that they used their phone in response to answering work-related text messages and phone calls.

The Texas Institute of Transportation provided the second statistic we would like to mention. Their study provided online; they found that reaction times are doubled compared to that of a normal, non-distracted driver. The amount of time someone’s eyes were diverted from the road was averaged to be around 5 seconds. When someone is traveling at 55 miles per hour, this will equate to the distance of an entire football field being covered without looking. But the safety concerns are not limited to just reaction times of upcoming obstacles in the road. They also found that a distracted driver has difficulties staying in their lane and maintaining a consistent speed while driving.

Finding an automobile accident attorney

Distracted driving is the number one reason that car accidents happen on the road. Although many of these accidents are relatively minor, they can bring life-ending results as well. Cell phone use is the largest culprit, but there are also factors such as talking to passengers, eating and adjusting the stereo, or using an onboard GPS. The sad reality is that these are all caused by human error and could have been avoided. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, consider contacting The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez for a consultation.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. This website contains general information relating to areas of law familiar to our firm. The information should not be construed as legal advice or other professional advice. You should not rely on the contents of this website as such. Participation on this website does not create any kind of attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice or representation, please contact my office, and I would be pleased to discuss your case with you and see if my firm can help.

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