In Maryland, Washington DC and throughout the United States, everyday lives have changed dramatically due to the health crisis. People are working from home; children are learning remotely; leisure travel has been interrupted; and there is less driving in general. That might have invited the perception that the roads would be safer. However, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), it has led to drivers behaving recklessly and illegally. This is stoking concern about auto accidents. Drivers should be cognizant of this and understand how to address various issues like medical expenses, lost income and other challenges they may face after a collision.
Some pandemic drivers are ignoring the law, according to the NHTSA
As the health crisis caused widespread societal shutdowns, some drivers who took to the roads found they were less congested and used that as an opportunity to speed. Law enforcement saw a rise in tickets for drivers going 100-mph or more. In some areas, the median speed increase was 22%. Drivers also flouted other basic safety practices by not wearing a seatbelt, driving while distracted and driving under the influence. There was less of a police presence on the roads and this also gave drivers an opening to be aggressive.
The NHTSA says that fatal crashes are often related to recklessness. DUIs, speeding and ignoring the fundamentals of safety contribute mightily to injuries and death in auto accidents. The agency sent an open letter to drivers across the nation entreating them to think about safety. Because the health crisis may continue for the foreseeable future, the goal is to encourage drivers to adhere to the law and be vigilant about safe practices.
Seeking compensation after car accidents may require legal assistance
Lives can be radically changed and lost when there is an auto accident. This is true regardless of societal problems and the environment in which the accident has occurred. Medical care, hospitalizations, rehabilitation, lost income, punitive costs, emotional and personal impact and more are all part of a car crash.
Those who have been hurt or lost a loved one should be aware that insurance companies may try to preclude a lawsuit by offering a settlement. This offer should be scrutinized to ensure it is sufficient. Initial offers rarely are. Gathering evidence, analyzing the circumstances of the accident, calculating costs and other factors are essential. To move forward with a legal filing, a firm with experience in legal claims after car accidents may be able to help.