According to data collected by the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 45,000 people were killed in traffic accidents last year, an increase of almost 10 percent from the year before. This means that more than 120 people die each day – and more than 120 families lose a loved one in fatal crashes.
Many of these tragic crashes have common factors that had they been addressed could have avoided the accidents. Instead, thousands of families are left trying to pick up the pieces – both emotionally and financially – and struggle with the death of their loved ones.
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our Virginia wrongful death attorneys have worked on countless cases, helping families get the financial justice they deserve for the death of their family member. The following statistics are some of the most common factors we see in the cases we handle.
One-Third of Fatal Car Accidents are Alcohol-Related
According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), about one-third of all fatal crashes are alcohol-related. There are more than 10,000 victims killed in car accidents that involved a driver who had a blood alcohol content that was more than the legal limit of .08 percent.
Most of the Fatal Car Crashes that Happen Occur Close to the Driver’s Home
Multiple studies show that more than half of fatal crashes occur within a five- to15-mile radius of the driver’s home.
Distracted Driving Responsible for More Than 3,000 Deaths Each Year
More than 3,000 people who die in crashes each year are killed in accidents caused by distracted drivers. The most common distraction that causes fatal crashes is texting and driving. These numbers continue to increase each year, despite the well-known dangerous risks.
The Deadliest Type of Crash Is a Rollover
Rollovers are the deadliest crash types and are responsible for the deaths of more victims than any other type of crash. Although rollover crashes account for less than 5 percent of crashes each year, they are responsible for 30 percent of the total number of fatalities. The reason for the high number of fatalities is caused because victims are more likely to be ejected from the vehicle in a rollover crash compared to other types of accidents. There are also a higher number of victims who suffer injuries to the head, which often results in the victim’s death.
Men Responsible for More Fatal Crashes
Multiple studies have provided conclusive evidence that men are responsible for more fatal crashes than women are. In one study that was conducted over a two-year period, men were the at-fault drivers in 65 percent of the fatal crashes that occurred during the study period.
Contact a Virginia Wrongful Death Attorney
Families who have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another person should consider contacting a Virginia wrongful death attorney to discuss what legal recourse they may have for their pain and loss. Our legal team will work diligently to get your family the financial justice you deserve. Call our office today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.
Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp also offers a free wrongful death guide for families who have lost a loved one in an accident. The guide covers topics such as the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim, what types of damages can be pursued, and who can be appointed as a personal representative.
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