Safety weighs on the minds of many drivers. Even those who only pay brief attention to New York news channels realize traffic accidents happen often. Not everyone realizes the vast volume of traffic crashes and fatalities recorded yearly. Numerous reasons, including negligence, lead to these collisions.
A tragic rise in car crashes
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided surprising news about traffic fatalities. Nearly 39,000 people died in traffic crashes in 2020, the highest figure since 2007. 2020 was also a year that various atypical factors led to fewer drivers taking to the roads.
2020 saw fewer collisions than 2021 but experienced more fatalities. Certain accidents may lead to these outcomes. For example, a large truck hitting a smaller vehicle could result in multiple tragic fatalities.
Data shows that negligence factors into accidents. Alarmingly, stats from 2019 and 2020 reveal a 14% increase in fatal drunk driving accidents. Such figures are surprising considering the public’s awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence.
Negligence and accidents
A closer look at many accidents could reveal negligent behavior leads to accidents. Driving in an impaired state is not the only risky and potentially illegal behavior on the road. Speeding and other common moving violations put people in danger. Reckless drivers who cause auto injuries may face severe legal consequences.
When someone dies after a negligent auto collision, the driver could face criminal charges, such as vehicular manslaughter. The victim’s surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit as well.
Victims could take legal action to address losses related to injuries. Those losses might include anything from lost income to various expenses related to injury rehab, among other costs. Negotiating a lawsuit or insurance settlement could resolve the matter instead of a trial.
