Victims of car accidents and fatal accidents can suffer serious injuries and death. To help protect them from the injuries and harm of a car accident, personal injury and wrongful death legal protections are available to car accident victims and their families that they should be familiar with.
Increase in fatal car accidents
Though the pandemic has led to fewer drivers on the roads, there has been an increase in fatal accidents. Federal data reveals that Americans drove 13% fewer miles during the pandemic. The National Safety Council estimated in a report it recently issued that 42,060 victims died in fatal car accidents during 2020 which is an 8% increase from 2019 which is the first jump in four years. Car accident deaths were the most last year since 2007. The National Safety Council also estimated that 4.8 million victims were injured in car accidents last year.
What the authorities have to say
Authorities have expressed concern about the increase is risky driving behaviors. Speed is a factor and tests of trauma center patients involved in car accidents showed an increase in the use of alcohol, marijuana and opiods. Car accidents that take place when driving are traveling over 100 miles an hour or greater are more severe. The National Safety Council is calling for equitable enforcement of traffic laws, improvements to infrastructure, mandatory ignition interlock devices for convicted drunk drivers, reducing speed limits to be in line with roadway designs and laws banning cell phone use while driving.
What if you lost a loved one in an accident
Following a fatal car accident, surviving family members of the victim may be able to bring a wrongful death claim for damages. Personal injury claims can also help victims injured in car accidents. It is essential for victims of negligent drivers, and their loved ones, to be familiar with legal protections following a car accident or fatal car accident.