Have you ever been involved in an auto accident that resulted in an injury or a fatality? If the other driver was at fault in the accident, you should proactively look for personal injury attorneys who can assist with your case. The right personal injury lawyer can help you get the benefits you deserve from being involved in a car accident that wasn?t your fault. Motor vehicle accidents occur all too frequently and too many people never receive what they deserve when the accident wasn?t their fault.
Interested in learning more about car accidents that result in injuries or a wrongful death? Keep reading for to find out what the most common causes of car accidents are and how personal injury attorneys can help those affected.
Statistics About Car Accidents in the United States
Motor vehicle accidents are actually quite common. Although the reasons that accidents occur on the road vary, it usually boils down to the fact that drivers get behind the wheel of their cars while distracted. If someone isn?t able to fully focus on the task at hand, they shouldn?t try to operate a motor vehicle. It?s not worth risking anyone?s life to drive somewhere while distracted.
In 2015 alone, when it comes to fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, there were around 32,000 across the country. Annually, the number is a little bit higher with around 37,000 people dying in car accidents in the United States, according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel.
Out of those who die in car accidents that take place on the road, nearly 50% fall in the range of 15-44 years of age. For pedestrians who die in car accidents, the age range is a little higher. Around 20% of pedestrian deaths related to car accidents occur when the pedestrian is older than 65.
Common Causes of Car Accidents Resulting in Need for Personal Injury Attorneys
1. Drunk driving
Although this has been the case for many decades, drunk driving continues to be a common cause of car accidents. Drunk driving accidents occurred over one million times in the year 2015 alone. In drunk driving car accidents, it is clear which driver was at fault. A personal injury law firm can represent you if you were injured or if you lost a loved one in a car accident related to drunk driving.
As always, don?t get behind the wheel of a car if you are intoxicated.
2. Distracted driving < One of the worst causes of distracted driving in this day and age is due to the cell phone. When someone is driving a car and also trying to use their cell phone, they are less likely to keep their full attention on the road. This could occur for a variety of reasons. If you are texting, you are clearly looking at your phone. Even if you are simply trying to pick a new song quickly, your full attention isn?t on the road and the cars near you. Talking on the phone also means your mindset is somewhere else and you are not fully aware of your surroundings. Luckily, cell phone use and the use of other electronic devices has decreased slightly over the years. In 2015, 3.8% of drivers were using them whereas in 2016 only 3.3% of drivers used cell phones. 3. Drugs and narcotics < Similar to drunk driving, driving under the influence of any type of drug or narcotic can be just as dangerous. Currently, 16% of car accidents are related to the use of illegal and legal drugs that aren?t alcohol. That means if even if you are prescribed some type of medication, it is always best to be as safe as possible when driving a car. If you ever feel like you cannot fully focus on the task at hand, try not to get behind the wheel of a car. Have you recently been involved in a car accident where the other driver was at fault for one of these reasons? Did you reach out to personal injury attorneys to help with your case? Let us know in the comments about your experience working with a personal injury attorney.