Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its 2016 vehicle crash data on traffic fatalities. The numbers show a marked increase of 5.6 percent, from 34,845 car accident deaths in 2015 to 37,461 in 2016. These figures point to the conclusion that 2016 was the deadliest year on the road since 2007, which had 41,259 traffic-related fatalities.
While some people believe that the increase in traffic-related fatalities is simply due to more vehicles on the road traveling more miles, many think that there are other factors to blame as well. Distracted driving, and especially the increased use of phones behind the wheel, is increasingly studied as a reason for the sudden surge in accident deaths, especially when it comes to motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
In the study, there was a sizeable increase in motorcycle-related deaths, while pickup trucks saw only a 1.5 percent increase in fatalities. However, there was a significant (8.4 percent) increase in fatalities in vans and heavier-duty vehicles. Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities showed a 9 percent increase. Meanwhile, casualties caused by drunk drivers increased by 1.4 percent. Also, deaths that occurred when individuals over of 65 were behind the wheel of a car increased by a staggering 8.4 percent.
Despite the rising number of deadly accidents, an estimated 90.1 percent of drivers reported using their seatbelts, which is an all-time high. Car wreck statistics also show a 2.2 percent increase in distracted-driver-related fatalities, and those same numbers also show a 3.4 percent increase in drowsy-driver-related fatalities.
This data was collected from all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia. NHTSA continues to partner with both state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as well as the more than 350 members of the Road To Zero Coalition, in order to help address the link between the very human choices that are linked to as many as 94 percent of vehicle-related fatalities in the United States every year.
Working Toward Safer Highways
Meanwhile, NHTSA is also continuing to promote new and innovative vehicle technologies that could have the potential to reduce the number of unnecessary and costly vehicle crashes that occur every year in this country. If they prove successful, these technological advances could have save thousands of lives every year, as well as reduce, and possibly one day eliminate, the human errors that cause so many crashes every year.
The push for self-driving cars, alongside public safety awareness campaigns about distracted driving and drunk driving may make an impact on the number of fatal accidents on U.S. roadways, but ultimately, even one traffic-related death is one death too many. Families who have lost a loved one in a preventable car crash are often forced to deal with the loss of companionship and support and may be forced to pay out of pocket for expensive funeral costs.
Holding Careless Drivers Responsible for Deadly Crashes
While a personal injury lawsuit will not bring back a loved one or undo the pain caused by a completely preventable accident, it can help secure a measure of justice and much needed financial compensation for the family of the victim. If the driver responsible for the crash was speeding or driving aggressively, was distracted behind the wheel, was intoxicated, or was displaying any number of other negligent behaviors while driving, he or she may be held liable for the suffering and loss caused.
If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, you have the right to seek justice and closure. The driver responsible for the accident should not be able to walk away without paying the price for their reckless or negligent actions, and an experienced car accident attorney can help you pursue the justice you deserve on behalf of your loved one.
Many people ask themselves, “Do I need to hire an attorney?” If the accident claimed the life of someone you love, the answer is likely “yes.” You probably are wondering how you are going to pay funeral costs and other expenses following the tragic accident. You absolutely should not have to pay out of pocket for an accident caused by someone else’s careless actions. Studies show that individuals who hire an attorney can recover significantly more than the amount that people without a lawyer receive. By hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney, you can pay attention to properly grieving your loved one and taking care of your family during this difficult time.
Don’t trust your injury case to just any attorney, however. An inexperienced or apathetic lawyer may not have the knowledge, resources, or drive to handle your case the way it needs to be handled. If you have lost a loved one in an accident in South Carolina, turn to the legal team that has been helping families like yours since 1969: the team at Jebaily Law Firm.
Get Help From Experienced South Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Now
When your family’s stability and financial future is on the line, it is critical to have a team that has experience with serious car accident cases on your side. The attorneys of Jebaily Law Firm have recovered millions on behalf of people just like you across South Carolina. We are ready to fight for the compensation you and your family are owed.
Located in Florence, our team of knowledgeable and battle-tested trial lawyers can help you if someone you love was killed in an accident involving a car, truck, motorcycle, 18-wheeler, or another type of traffic accident. We will seek justice and accountability from those responsible and will help you pursue the compensation you need to support your family after this tragic accident. Contact a compassionate, experienced lawyer by phone, fill out a contact form on our site, or chat with us live to get started on your case today.
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