In today’s world, traffic related accidents are some of the most common sources of injury to drivers, passengers and pedestrians. In many cases, a driver mistakenly accelerating when he or she intends to brake is a cause of these tragic events. One study: more female drivers mistakenly hit gas pedal when driving indicates that this issue may be more severe in the case of older female drivers. For those injured in such accidents, this can be an important factor in obtaining proper compensation.
Female Drivers and Mistaken Acceleration Events
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that nearly two-thirds of accidents involving accidental accelerations involve older female drivers. This is in opposition to overall accident statistics, which show that male drivers are most often at fault.
In general, these accidents tend to occur in parking lots, when the driver mistakenly hits the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal. The location of these accidents makes them especially dangerous, due to the large number of pedestrians commonly found in parking lots. The study: more female drivers mistakenly hit gas pedal also indicates that these accidents occur in parking lots and driveways and mainly involve female drivers under the age of 20 and over 76 years of age.
The Consequences of Mistakenly Hitting the Gas Pedal
In addition to the potential damage to the vehicle, these events can cause serious damage to surrounding structures. Many of these accidents result in injury or death for bystanders. The study: more female drivers mistakenly hit gas pedal helps explain the potential results of these accidents:
• Many accidents of this nature lead to the vehicle accelerating into other parked cars, or out in to moving traffic, resulting in damage and injury.
• Pedestrians are often at risk from being struck by a car that suddenly accelerates. In some cases, they may be pinned between the car and another object, resulting in severe injury or death.
• Uncontrolled acceleration can lead to the vehicle crashing into a storefront, causing severe damage and endangering guests and employees.
Obtaining Compensation for Mistaken Acceleration Events
It is the responsibility of the driver to maintain control over their vehicle, and so victims of an accident of this nature can receive compensation. However, due to the complex nature of these accidents, as they often involve drivers with otherwise pristine records and have no mechanical failure associated with them, an experienced personal injury attorney is often required to obtain the best possible result.
In this case, the victims of an accident can receive compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, in addition to other forms of compensation. By obtaining the services of the law firm of Eric J. Hertz, P.C., a victim of an uncontrolled acceleration accident can meet with experienced attorneys who can help him or her determine what the best course of action will be. By calling 404-577-8111, a skilled personal injury lawyer will be able to evaluate every aspect of the case.