Recently, the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that there was, unfortunately, a sharp increase in traffic deaths during the first nine month of 2015. The news came as the agency started its series of summits to examine the unsafe behaviors that lead to car accidents. Human error, the agency reports, is the cause of approximately 94 percent of all car accidents, making human behavior the most important factor to examine in the event of a fatal accident.
At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, we are saddened to hear that the fatal accident rate appears to be on the rise. We hope this trend will reverse in the coming year. Our firm has assisted numerous family members of deceased loved ones in bringing wrongful death actions. We fight to see that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
More Than 26,000 Fatalities in 2015 Thus Far
The NHTSA has estimated that more than 26,000 people died in automobile accidents in the first nine months of 2015. This is an increase when compared with the 23,796 deaths during that same time period in the year 2014. The figure is alarming in light of the numerous traffic safety improvements that have been made in recent years. Cars are safer today and the public is better educated on important safety matters, such as wearing their seatbelts, not drinking and driving, obeying the speed limit and more. Despite all of these seeming improvements, the fatal accident rate is again on the rise.
The NHTSA is taking this data and other red flags it is observing nationally very seriously. During the organization’s summit conferences, safety leaders will be looking at new ideas and initiatives for addressing ongoing risky behaviors, including, among others:
- Drunk driving
- Drugged driving
- Distracted driving
- Failure to use seat belts and car seats
- Speeding
Fatal Accidents Can Devastate Families
Fatal accidents leave a gaping hole in any family. Receiving the news that your loved one has been killed in a car or other traffic accident is horrific and life changing. The family members of deceased accident victims might experience severe emotional damage, financial loss and much more.
In Georgia, the spouse, children, and other family members of those killed in a car accident should be able to seek damages for wrongful death of their loved ones. Consult with an attorney to learn about and take the steps to protect your legal rights.
Source: http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/nhtsa-sees-roadway-deaths-increasing-02052016
