The sheer number of fatal accidents on the road in Louisiana and across the nation is a prevalent problem that is studied to determine how to prevent them. Regardless of the steps that are taken by law enforcement, car makers and governmental agencies, it is an unfortunate reality that accidents will still happen. Some of these accidents will result in fatalities. When people suffer the loss of a loved one in a fatal accident, having information as to the cause can be a key factor in filing a lawsuit to be compensated and should not be ignored.
The National Safety Council has released the latest statistics for fatal traffic accidents on U.S. roads in 2017. While there was a slight reduction of approximately 1 percent from 40,327 in 2016 to 40,100 in 2017, the NSC still has concerns about the dangers on the road that led to the fatal accidents. The CEO of the NSC states that while the number of deaths declined, the situation is not improving. The number of fatalities is not declining as much as improved technology implies it should. This is especially true with pedestrians or people on bicycles. Distracted driving, as well as some areas raising speed limits, are believed to be a factor in this.
Texas, for example, has raised its speed limit and it is believed that the number of fatal accidents in that state has risen because of it. From 2015 to 2017, there was a 7 percent increase in fatal accidents, albeit with a slight decline from 2016 to 2017. Another issue is the use of smartphones, “infotainment” and other distractions that are diverting drivers’ attention from the road. It is difficult to determine the precise number of distracted driving accidents because this information is rarely in the police report and drivers rarely admit to having been distracted after a crash. From 2015 to 2017, in Louisiana, there was a 23 percent increase in fatal accidents, placing the state in the top-10 in the U.S. during that two-year period.
For people who have lost a loved one in a fatal accident, the statistics can be vital to filing a claim to be compensated. With the personal and emotional impact, lost wages and lost companionship, a legal filing is often the only avenue for people to move forward. A legal professional who understands the various aspects of a wrongful death lawsuit can help with the investigation and the case.
Source: cnbc.com, “Traffic deaths edge lower, but 2017 stats paint worrisome picture,” Phil LeBeau, Feb. 15, 2018
