Parking Lot Accidents: Not-So-Festive Fender Benders and Holiday Shopping
Car accidents tend to happen when you least expect them, but they can also occur where you least expect them. It's typical to see the unfortunate results of negligent or reckless driving on the side of the highway or at a busy intersection. Yet, it's also quite common to witness them in a place where no one is moving all that fast: The parking lot. When the holiday season arrives, many individuals are eager to crowd the shopping malls and department stores in their search...
Beware of Holiday Merry Makers
Festive gatherings are part of what makes the holiday season special. Still, partygoers who enjoy too much holiday cheer and then get behind the wheel of a car is a disastrous combination that creates a threat to others on the road. The California Highway Patrol reported 1,891 DUI-related car accidents over the last two years. It’s a significant problem that sees its biggest increase during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period. Dealing with the Aftermath of a DUI Accident All car accidents are traumatic,...
Tis the Season for Distracted Driving
Three primary types of distractions can result in car accidents: visual, manual, and cognitive. Although distracted driving is a huge problem on our roads any time of year, the holiday season sees an increase in all three of these areas, resulting in an elevated risk for distracted driving crashes. From parking lot fender benders to high-speed highway collisions, no one wants any accident during the holidays. Below are some examples of each type of distraction: Visual—This is anything that draws a driver’s eyes to something...
Holiday Driving Dangers
The Thanksgiving holiday sees some of the highest numbers of drivers on the road each year. The sheer volume increase and the time crunch as drivers race to reach their destination on time for Turkey means an increased likelihood of car accidents. Risks on the Road Many accidents can be avoided through vigilance and evasive maneuvers. Some “accidents waiting to happen” to steer clear of include: Drowsy drivers—it’s common for drivers who have a long way to go to start early in the day or...
National Teen Driver Safety Week
In October, we recognize National Teen Driver Safety Week. Consider these sobering statistics: Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens ages 15-18 in the United States. In 2021, 2,608 people were killed in crashes involving teen vehicle drivers, of which 861 of the deaths were the teen driver. Changing the Numbers Several factors put teens at risk for motor vehicle accidents. These include: Lack of experience Not using seatbelts Speeding Alcohol and Drug use Distraction Late-night driving Fortunately, the state of...
3 Things Not to Do After an Accident
Whenever there’s an accident—whether you’re in a car, on a motorcycle or bike, or just walking—it’s traumatic. All of a sudden, your life is turned upside down. You most likely have serious injuries to recover from and emotional anxiety. You may also be faced with property damage and lost wages. What you don’t do after an accident can have as big an impact as what you do. Below are three “don’ts” if you’re the victim of an accident that may have been caused by negligence...
5 Reasons to Hire an Attorney if You’re in a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may wonder if you need to hire an attorney to represent you. Perhaps you think your case is cut and dried and that the other driver involved is clearly at fault. Or, you may have already been contacted by an insurance company and trust a fair settlement is forthcoming. However, there is much to consider in the aftermath of an accident. Here’s why hiring an experienced attorney is a good choice: Who’s Looking Out for You? -...
Distractions Tempt Teen Drivers
A hot debate is raging over whether "cell phone addiction" is real. It has not received a medical diagnosis, but many people, particularly young adults—22% of them-- express a concern that they are too dependent and attached to their phones. This poses an increased concern about car accidents where distracted driving is a factor. In 2019, a study showed that 39% of high school students reported texting or emailing while driving in the last month. In 2020, 7% of drivers aged 15-20 who were involved...
9 Things to Do if You’re in a Car Accident on Vacation
Your long-awaited summer vacation is finally here. Most definitely not on the itinerary is a car accident, but they happen even when you’re away. Being in an unfamiliar place adds a whole other layer of anxiety which may get ramped up even further if you’re driving a rental car. If this happens to you, stay calm and follow the tips below. Don’t panic! What you should do in an accident away from home is the same as in your neighborhood. Take a deep breath and...
Summertime Means More Distractions on the Road
School will soon be out, so more teen drivers will be on the road. California has several restrictions in place aimed at helping reduce distractions for teen drivers. During the first 12 months after getting a license, a minor driver may not: Transport passengers under the age of 20 unless accompanied by a licensed parent or another driver over the age of 25 Use a cell phone or any communication device—including hands-free devices—while driving However, teens are not the only distracted drivers on the road....