Rhode Island Lawyer, David Slepkow

Crashes involving a speeding vehicle traveling over the posted speed limit or too fast for conditions accounted for 21 percent of the total economic loss, according to NHTSA, and cost the nation $59 billion in 2010, an average cost of $191 for every person in the U.S.

For example, Brett McDaniel was riding his bicycle with a friend on October 8, 2007, on Rosalie Street in Golconda, IL, a block from his home. He was hit and run over by a Mercy Regional Emergency Medical Service ambulance racing south on Adams Street. The ambulance was going over the speed limit and failed to exercise care to avoid colliding with a person riding a bicycle. It did not have its lights or sirens on and was speeding. Brett was transported to the hospital where he died as a result of his injuries.

The family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, and on June 27, 2014, an Illinois jury awarded them $1.2 million for their loss and suffering.

NHTSA found that crashes involving a distracted driver accounted for 17 percent of the total economic loss and cost the nation $46 billion in 2010, an average cost of $148 for every person in the U.S.

Vaylma Dorado was rear-ended by a cement truck on Telegraph Road in Southfield, MI, in 2010. The driver of the truck was distracted and reading paperwork while driving 50 miles per hour. He ran into the back of Dorado’s vehicle while she was waiting to turn, driving her Volkswagen into a utility pole.

Because of the accident, she had to have three spinal fusion back surgeries, a hip fusion, and shoulder surgery. Dorado now has a collection of screws and plates in her spine that causes her constant pain. She also suffered a significant traumatic brain injury. As a result, she is no longer able to work or live independently.