877-572-4143

Contact Us Today!

877-572-4143

Home NHTSA ISSUES SAFETY ADVISORY ABOUT REDUCING PEDAL ERROR

NHTSA ISSUES SAFETY ADVISORY ABOUT REDUCING PEDAL ERROR

May 5, 2018

The Phoenix car accident attorneys at Wattel & York want Arizona drivers to be as safe as possible when they get behind the wheel. It’s important that drivers follow the rules of the road and operate vehicles responsibly by not drinking or texting while driving. But there are other common problems that pose risks while driving, including “pedal errors.”

Pedal errors occur when a driver confuses the brake and the accelerator pedals, speeding up rapidly at the very moment when they are trying to slow or halt the car. Such errors generally occur in parking lots or driveways, but can also take place at intersections and the exit ramps for highways. Because pedal errors involve sudden, full throttle acceleration when drivers least expect it, they often have little time to react. Moreover, the rapid acceleration can take them off guard, making it very difficult to respond appropriately in the few moments available.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 16,000 crashes take place because of pedal error (almost 44 collisions per day). Drivers under 20 years of age or older than 65 are more than four times likely to have a pedal error crash.

PHOENIX CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS PASS ON THE NHTSA’S SAFETY TIPS

At Wattel & York, we are happy to pass along the NHTSA’s pedal error safety tips designed to help drivers avoid these kinds of crashes:

  • “Get Familiar”: make sure that you adjust your seat, mirrors and other features before you start driving and take a moment to familiarize yourself with a car that you don’t normally drive.
  • “Aim for the Middle”: habituate yourself to pushing the brake at its very center every time.
  • “Avoid Distractions”: keep your full attention on driving until you have brought your vehicle to a complete
  • “Be Cautious”: take it slow when backing out of parking spaces
  • “Wear the Right Shoes”: it is important to wear flat, light-weight shoes when you drive. Flip-flops, boots, or high heals make you much more prone to pedal errors when you drive.

Following these tips in order to develop good driving habits can reduce the number of pedal errors and associated accidents that happen so frequently.

FILING AN ARIZONA PEDAL ERROR ACCIDENT LAWSUIT

Unfortunately, pedal error accidents do occur, resulting in serious injuries to motorists and bystanders. Several studies over the past 40 years support the fact that it is preventable human error rather than vehicle defects that causes such accidents. If you were harmed in such an accident, you may be entitled to compensation from negligent parties.

At Wattel & York, we represent victims of pedal-related accidents in the greater Phoenix area. Call our offices at 1-877-225-5562 to set up a free case evaluation with skilled personal injury lawyers in Arizona.

Resources:

NHTSA, NHTSA Safety Advisory: Reducing crashes caused by pedal error  http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2015/nhtsa-pedal-error-safety-advisory

Exponent, Unintended Acceleration Related to Pedal Error http://www.exponent.com/Unintended-Acceleration-Related-to-Pedal-Error/

Find more like this: Car Accidents , Arizona accident lawyers, motor vehicle accident lawyers, Phoenix car accident lawsuit

Online Reviews

“Amazing people, they had my claim for about a week before they were able to get my truck totaled out. Otherwise I would have been stuck with a truck that had heavy front end damage if they hadn’t stepped in to help me. I tried to deal with my insurance company myself for over a month and that got me nowhere, all I got was a massive headache and a messed up truck. They are very professional and act quickly on your claim. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for help.”

Candy J.

2/9/2020

“I was in an accident and decided to call Wattel and York. After months of going to a Chiropractor, I finally felt better. When it came time for settlement, the insurance company was making an offer I wanted to accept, Mr. Wattel advised against it and felt the insurance company was shortchanging me. He recommended I file a lawsuit and that will get them to cave. Well, Dave filed suit, and sure enough, the insurance company increased their offer by $4,000! I am very satisfied with how my case was handled.”

Nardeasha S.

20/20/2020

“Wattel & York were flat out outstanding with my personal injury case. They made the process painless and kept in constant communication throughout the entire time. Any questions I might’ve had were promptly answered and detail oriented. They gave me crucial advice that I would’ve otherwise not been aware of. I couldn’t have asked for more from them. Put your trust in these guys, you won’t be disappointed. Thanks Wattel & York.”

Mattew P.

13/9/2020

“Thank you so much for all your hard work on our behalf! Thinking I could handle it on my own, I was originally reluctant to take my accident claim to an attorney. But I am SO glad I called you instead. Your people were always helpful, pleasant and responsive at every step along the way. You represented us with honesty and integrity and made a traumatic experience as painless as it could be. And best of all, you helped us get a settlement that was fair and far more than I could ever have negotiated on my own! I highly recommend Wattel &York to anyone who has suffered a personal injury.”

Cathy M.

“I was the passenger in a vehicle that was 'T- Boned' at an intersection in 2014. The issues of responsibility and recovery became a difficult and convoluted confusion. I really needed help. This Team at Wattel and York walked me patiently and encouragingly through difficult months, sorting through issues and finally arriving at a satisfactory conclusion. I especially want to name two great and encouraging "warriors" of Wattel and York who directed me along the way..Brian Torba and Melissa Patterson..to them and the whole team I say "Thank You" with heart felt gratitude. Sincerely, God Bless You.”

Robert G.

“Honesty. Integrity. Transparency. Partnership. Wattel & York brought all of these qualities and more to my accident case. I'd love to thank all of the team members who helped me with the process: David Guzman, who conducted the initial interview in my home, Aly Shomar-Esparza, who seamlessly guided me through paperwork and filings, Debbie Harrach, who conducted final review, paperwork revisions and scheduling, and Thomas Grisoni, who counseled me before and attended my deposition. I never felt alone during the arduous process and always knew there was a professional team looking out for my best interest. I highly recommend Wattel & York if you are unfortunately involved in an accident that was not your fault.”

Russ W.

“I was a passenger in a car that got t-boned a few years ago and got a huge gash. I didn't know a lot about lawyers, so I basically just picked one on the flip of a coin. I called Wattel and York and they explained everything, I went into the office and filled out paperwork. Got treatment on my gash over the time I worked with them, glad I did as it opened back up a couple times and bled. They did really good, got me the maximum amount of money, and made sure I was well taken care of. I was updated from time to time so that was good. The only thing I might change is I never got to thank or talk to my lawyer. I think it was because I was already used to dealing with the lady at their Glendale office so they just kept her as my point of contact. So it's okay, I'll thank them with a good review. The last thing I could say about them is months after I thought my case was over they called me and said they had another check for me for a few hundred dollars. Apparently, they negotiated with the hospital I went to after the accident. It was a nice surprise and shows they really had my interests in mind.”

Trent B.

“Wattel & York has been great for me in the past few years. I was involved in a really bad accident while I was on Active Duty in Yuma, Arizona and they have been patient with me every step of the way through a very long process. I would recommend them to anyone thank you for all your help.”

Levy G.

“Appreciate David taking the time to speak with me. He was most kind. From the front line with the receptionist, to him, the firm was a class act all the way around.”

Claire B.

“Dave Wattel represented me and my son on a Personal Injury case from a motor vehicle accident back in 2009. Jake P. handled my deposition and Dave did the Quarterbacking. The insurance company hired NFL referee Ed Hochuli's firm to try and deny our claim. But Wattel & York made it look as easy as Tom Brady on the football field. The result was more than acceptable and my son and I were compensated for our injuries and rehabilitation. Dave Wattel cares about his clients. If I ever find myself in a situation like this again, Wattel & York will be on speed dial!!”

Vince C.

Our Office Locations

Chandler

2175 N. Alma School Rd #B-107 Chandler, AZ 85224

Map & Directions [+]

Glendale

4901 W. Glendale Avenue Glendale, AZ 85301

Map & Directions [+]

Phoenix

2942 N. 24th Street, Suite 105 Phoenix, AZ 85016

Map & Directions [+]

Tucson

2933 N. Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 85719

Map & Directions [+]

Yuma

1102 S. 4th Avenue Yuma AZ, 85364

Map & Directions [+]

Newport Beach

260 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100 Newport Beach, CA 92660

Map & Directions [+]

Fircrest

6314 19th Street West, Suite 15 Fircrest, WA 98466

Map & Directions [+]

Phone Number

877-572-4143

Follow Our Firm

Bus

Contact Us Today For
Your Free Consultation

We are available to assist you 24 hours a day!