According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 20,000 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents from January through June, 2021. This is an increase of 18.4 percent compared to the same time period in 2020. Each one of these tragedies changed the lives of the families involved, and ended a life prematurely. We can all do our part to prevent these fatalities by being attentive, careful motorists who obey all traffic laws.
Human Error Leading to Fatal Car Accidents
Most car crashes are the result of human error, and therefore preventable. Examples of careless – and sometimes reckless – motorist behavior include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs and narcotics
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to yield right of way
- Running red lights and stop signs
It’s also critical to wear a seat belt every ride. Insist all the other passengers wear a seat belt as well. These safety belts have been shown to significantly reduce death and catastrophic injury in the event of a crash.
While you can make a pledge to be a safer driver, you unfortunately can’t do anything to prevent the behavior of other motorists. All too often, the poor decision of another motorist leads to the death of another person on the road, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist.
Wrongful Death Cases in Motor Vehicle Accidents
A wrongful death claim can be brought by a spouse, child, parent, or other eligible family member after the death of a loved one that was caused by someone else’s negligence. In these claims, your attorney works to recover compensation for:
- Your loved one’s medical bills
- Burial/cremation costs
- Funeral costs
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of guidance
- Loss of loved one’s benefits and income
Although no amount of compensation can undo the wrong that has befallen your family, it can help families begin to heal while also dealing with the financial costs caused by the death of a loved one.
What to Do After a Catastrophic Car Accident
If you have been injured in a car accident, or if you lost a loved one to an accident, please call the experienced attorneys at McPhillips, Fitzgerald & Cullum, at 518-792-1174 in New York, or at 305-751-8556 in Florida.