The World Health Organization (WHO) puts the number of car accident fatalities at around 1.3 million annually worldwide. Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated traffic fatalities in the United States alone to be 42,915 in 2021. Out of those, 55 percent of fatalities resulted from single-vehicle crashes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Car accidents come with losses, economically and in many other ways, to individuals and families. If your loved one was involved in a fatal accident in San Antonio, a car accident lawyer can review your case, help you file a claim, and recover compensation for damages. This article examines the people at risk of fatal car accidents and their leading causes.
People at Risk of Fatal Car Accidents
The occurrence of car crashes or people dying in crashes is not one you can predict; it can happen to anyone. However, there are a certain set of people who are more at risk of a traffic accident than others, including:
Teenagers
Teenagers between 16 and 19 who drive are typically more likely to be involved in a car accident.
Males
According to the IIHS, males between 20 and 24 had the highest fatality rates in motor vehicle crashes in 2020. Regardless of age, the IIHS reported that the per capita crash death rates were higher among males than females.
The Less Privileged
A WHO report shows that individuals with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be involved in traffic crashes.
What Are the Leading Causes of Car Crashes?
The leading cause of car crashes worldwide has proven to be human error and negligent driving behavior. These negligent behaviors that cause preventable car crashes include:
DUIs
Driving under the influence of various substances, such as drugs or alcohol, is one of the leading causes of car crashes. Research shows that at least 32 people in the United States die daily from drunk-driving-related crashes.
Improper Use of the Seatbelt
Improper seat belt use puts car occupants at a higher risk of more serious injuries and death in traffic accidents. In 2020, for instance, less than 50 percent wore their seat belts properly out of the individuals injured in a car crash.
Impaired Driving
Driving while impaired means getting behind the wheel when your mind is not in the right place. This includes driving while not fully awake or while distracted. Distracted driving, for example, accounted for over eight percent of fatal car crashes in 2020. Meanwhile, drowsy driving accounted for 1.6 percent of fatal traffic accidents in the same year.
Speeding
Speeding was the reason for over 25 percent of fatal car crashes in the last 10 years. In 2020, speeding while driving accounted for 29 percent of fatal car accidents in the United States.
After a Fatal Car Accident
You may want legal recourse if your loved one or anyone related to you dies in a tragic car accident. However, this may be difficult, as the victim and plaintiff are deceased. Nevertheless, the law understands that the victim’s family and survivors will likely experience emotional distress. These hardships qualify them to receive financial compensation for the damages incurred by the accident. Your eligibility to file for compensation will depend on your state’s rules. Generally, though, the law reserves this right solely for the deceased’s immediate family members, including their spouses, children, and estate representatives.
Conclusion
Fatal car accidents are devastating, and while some factors may increase the risk, these tragedies are often preventable. You will need a lawyer if you lose a loved one to a fatal car accident and are eligible to file for compensation. Your lawyer knows what to do and can help you negotiate a good deal with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Understanding your legal options can help you manage both emotional and financial burdens.
