This afternoon a 100-year-old man in Los Angeles backed his car on to a sidewalk and struck eleven people, including nine children. The incident happened across from an elementary school shortly after classes had ended. While reports vary, it would appear four of the children were initially in critical condition, with only one remaining so tonight. Some of the victims were briefly trapped under the vehicle that had been driven by Preston Cart, who was described as cooperative. While at the scene and shortly afterward, Carter told investigators that his brakes failed.
See the Fox News story and photographs HERE.
An accident like the one above will undoubtedly stir the debate regarding elderly drivers. Under California law, drivers over the age of 70 must renew their driver's license in person, rather than via the Internet or by mail. Elderly drivers may also be required to take a supplemental driving test if they fail a vision exam, or if a police officer, a physician, or a family member raises questions about their ability to operate a vehicle. While we do not yet know the result of the police investigation, and whether a brake failure actually did contribute to the accident, the scenario above is strikingly familiar to others involving elderly drivers. It is not uncommon for an older driver to mistake the gas for the brake pedal and then conclude the brakes "failed" because their vehicle did not stop. A tragic accident like this, especially one involving children, is all the more heart wrenching if it could have been avoided.
Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents involving impaired drivers should be an important concern for everyone. When a careless or compromised driver strikes a pedestrian, causing a tragic accident like the one above, he or she should be held accountable. An Orange County lawyer with experience at handling pedestrian accident cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 21 years of experience handling traffic accident cases, including those caused by elderly drivers. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a family member been the victim of a traffic accident caused by an elderly or otherwise impaired driver?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
See the Fox News story and photographs HERE.
An accident like the one above will undoubtedly stir the debate regarding elderly drivers. Under California law, drivers over the age of 70 must renew their driver's license in person, rather than via the Internet or by mail. Elderly drivers may also be required to take a supplemental driving test if they fail a vision exam, or if a police officer, a physician, or a family member raises questions about their ability to operate a vehicle. While we do not yet know the result of the police investigation, and whether a brake failure actually did contribute to the accident, the scenario above is strikingly familiar to others involving elderly drivers. It is not uncommon for an older driver to mistake the gas for the brake pedal and then conclude the brakes "failed" because their vehicle did not stop. A tragic accident like this, especially one involving children, is all the more heart wrenching if it could have been avoided.
Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents involving impaired drivers should be an important concern for everyone. When a careless or compromised driver strikes a pedestrian, causing a tragic accident like the one above, he or she should be held accountable. An Orange County lawyer with experience at handling pedestrian accident cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 21 years of experience handling traffic accident cases, including those caused by elderly drivers. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a family member been the victim of a traffic accident caused by an elderly or otherwise impaired driver?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
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