Are You at Risk of a Being Injured in a Virginia Car Accident?

According to stats from the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 31,000 victims were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2021. Multiple studies have been done to determine who is at risk of being involved in a crash. Although there are certain driving behaviors that definitely put people at risk of being in a crash, there are also other factors – some we have control over and others we don’t – that increases our risk of having to contact a Virginia car accident attorney because you have been involved in a crash.

Risk Factors

Males drivers: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), male drivers are more likely to die in an auto accident than females. The risk spikes even more for males between the ages of 20 to 24 and for males over the age of 85.

Where you drive: The most dangerous states when it comes to fatal car crashes are Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama, New Mexico, West Virginia, Florida, and Oklahoma.

Driving a pickup truck: If you drive a pickup truck and live in a rural area, you have a much higher risk of being killed in a crash. The risk is even higher for pickup drivers in North Dakota and Wyoming.

Time of day: Use extra caution when you are on the road from 3 to 9 pm. This is when the greatest number of fatal accidents occur. This is due to the heavy traffic of schools getting out for the day and people heading home from work.

Certain days: Consider staying off the road on January 1st, July 4th, August 2nd, October 11th, and November 1st. According to national statistics, these are the deadliest days of the year for fatal car accidents.

There are many risk factors that we do have control over. These include driving and texting, drinking and driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and not wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle. The statistics on these types of factors and the difference they make in fatal accidents are disturbing.

For example, almost half of all fatal car crashes involve speeding. Fifty percent of all fatal crash victims were not wearing seatbelts. Thirty percent of all fatal crashes involve an alcohol-impaired driver.

Contact a Virginia Personal Injury Attorney for Legal Help

If you have been injured in a car accident, consider calling a Virginia car accident attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to find out what type of damages you may be entitled to for your injuries.

Many accident victims receive financial compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and other losses they have suffered because of the crash. A Carolinas injury attorney can evaluate your case and advise what legal options you have.

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