Automobile accidents are common in cities and towns across the United States. There are many statistics to reflect this fact. With a clear understanding of car accidents and their impact, you can do your part to protect against such issues.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we have many years of experience with auto accident cases. If you have been involved in an auto accident caused by someone else, please get in touch with us. At this point, we can connect you with a South Carolina car accident lawyer who can review your auto accident case.
3 Car Accident Statistics that You Need to Know About
If you think car accidents are minor problems, think again. Here are three car accident statistics that illustrate this point.
Car Accident Statistic #1: There Were 39,508 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the United States in 2021.
These crashes resulted in 42,939 deaths, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Also, based on IIHS data, there was an average of 12.9 motor-vehicle crash deaths per 100,000 people in the United States in 2021. In addition, the death rate per 100 million miles traveled was 2.08 in South Carolina, which was the highest in the United States.
Car Accident Statistic #2: Traffic Fatalities Reached a 16-Year High in 2021.
The number of traffic fatalities in 2021 was the highest it had been since 2005, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported. To address traffic fatalities, NHTSA has implemented the Click It or Ticket campaign, which raises awareness about the importance of wearing a seat belt while traveling in a motor vehicle. NHTSA continues to work with state governments to reduce traffic fatalities nationwide.
Car Accident Statistic #3: Motor-Vehicle Crashes Kill Over 100 People Every Day in the United States.
Motor vehicle crashes are one of the top causes of death in the United States, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out. They are also preventable. If people take the proper precautions when they are driving, they can avoid car accidents altogether.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers legal help to auto accident victims. If you get hurt in a car accident caused by a negligent motorist, please reach out to us. We can go over your case and help you decide if now is the right time to move forward with an auto accident lawsuit.
Tips to Help You Avoid Car Accidents
No one wants to be a part of a car accident statistic. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to protect against auto accidents. These include:
Learn and Follow the Rules of the Road
Every rule is in place for a reason, and it is your responsibility to follow all of the regulations in place where you drive your car. Learn these rules and follow them every day. Otherwise, you put yourself at risk of a left-turn accident or other auto accidents in which you and other drivers or motorists can get injured or killed.
Pay Attention When You Are Behind the Wheel
If necessary, turn off your cell phone and do everything possible to eliminate distractions. It only takes a second to get distracted, take your eyes off the road, and cause a car accident. By removing distractions in any way you can, you can focus on what is most important: safely traveling from point A to point B.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time for Travel
For those who are planning to travel a long distance, give yourself sufficient time for your trip. If you feel strapped for time, you may be tempted to speed, which can lead to an accident. On the other hand, if you have plenty of time at your disposal, you can boost your chances of getting where you need to go safely.
Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable for Their Actions
If you get into a head-on collision or any other type of car accident caused by a negligent motorist, it is in your best interests to sue the at-fault driver. By doing so, you can request compensation for any damages the negligent driver caused. Plus, you may be able to reduce the risk that the negligent driver makes the same mistake twice.
What to Do After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, do not expect the incident to resolve itself. Immediately following your accident, here are the things you can do to address the incident and keep yourself and anyone else involved in it safe:
- Call 911. Share your name, location, and any relevant information about your auto accident so first responders can quickly go to the accident scene and help you out.
- Get medical care. Go to an emergency room or doctor to treat any injuries you suffered during your car accident.
- Contact a car accident lawyer. Connect with a car accident attorney who can take a look at your case and help you file a lawsuit against anyone responsible for your auto accident.
Do not expect your auto accident claim to be resolved right away. When you have an experienced auto accident lawyer at your side, you can move through the legal process with care and precision. Your auto accident attorney will answer any legal questions you have and help you secure the most compensation possible.
How to Get Started with a Car Accident Lawsuit
If you want to file a car accident lawsuit, it is paramount to partner with a qualified lawyer. You should choose a car accident lawyer that understands the complexities of your case. This attorney can build and present a compelling argument on your behalf.
As you evaluate auto accident attorneys, you should consider a lawyer’s case results. The best auto accident lawyer has an outstanding track record and has helped their clients get large settlements. They know what it takes to pursue compensation in a car accident lawsuit and will keep your best interests top of mind throughout your litigation.
For those who are ready to move forward with a car accident lawsuit, the legal team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help. For more information or to request a free case evaluation, please contact us today.
