The dangers of the world around us only seem to increase as our world becomes more and more connected. Our busy roads and highways inevitably lead to accidents which can sometimes lead to accident fatalities. It is important to take all necessary safety measures when hitting the road to prevent a potential traffic accident and the harm that can come with one. Death due to an automobile accident is often a preventable death, so make sure to follow all traffic safety laws. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious car accident, then it is important to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Read below to find out your odds of dying in a car crash.
Washington Car Crash Statistics
Not all traffic accidents can be avoided. Even if you are the most cautious driver, there are still other risks beyond your control. These risks have increased over recent years causing more accidents, serious injuries, and death across the state of Washington. In 2021, there were 634 motor vehicle traffic fatalities across the state according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission annual report.
That’s the most traffic fatalities since 2005, where there were 649 deaths due to traffic accidents. There were 52 car crashes in 2021 that caused two or more fatalities as well. There were 2,888 serious injuries in Washington state in 2021 due to traffic accidents, a 15-year high.
Important statistics of traffic-related deaths in 2021 break down as follows:
- 20% (132) involved an impaired driver
- 18.6% (121) were due to a pedestrian accident
- 30.9% (196) involved speeding
- 22.7% (144) involved victims who did not wear a safety belt
The risk of death increases when people do not take necessary safety measures. The death rate for accidents has increased over recent years as people have exhibited dangerous driver behavior discussed in the next section.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motor vehicle crash that resulted in injury or death, you may be entitled to compensation. Personal injury and wrongful death claims are based on negligence, which is when someone fails to use reasonable care and causes an accident. If the other driver was at fault, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries or loss.
Factors that Affect Your Chances of Dying in a Motor Vehicle Accident
There are many factors that affect your chances of being involved in a fatal car accident. Age is one of the most significant risk factors – teenage drivers and senior citizens are more likely to be killed in car accidents than any other age group. Gender also plays a role – although women have historically been less likely to be involved in car accidents than men, they are now just as likely to be killed in a car crash as men. Of course, alcohol use is one of the leading causes of fatal car crashes.
In 2021, there was an increase of just over 31% of all fatally injured drivers who were impaired due to alcohol or drugs when compared to two years prior.
Other risk factors for being involved in a fatal car accident include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Driving at night
- Not wearing a seatbelt
This is not a complete list of risk factors for being involved in a fatal car accident. There are many reasons why a fatal accident can take place involving a motor vehicle as it is a deadly machine when not used properly. It is on us to use the safety measures available to us when driving or riding in a vehicle to minimize the risk of serious injury and death.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, there are some important steps you should take to protect your rights. First, call the police and make sure they come to the scene of the accident. It is important to have an official report of the accident on file. Next, get medical attention if you need it. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it is always best to be checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not become apparent until days or weeks after the accident.
Then, gather evidence from the scene of the accident. This can include taking pictures of the damage to your car, getting the contact information for any witnesses, and keeping a record of any medical treatments you receive. Finally, contact a personal injury or wrongful death lawyer to discuss your legal options. An experienced lawyer can help you determine if you have a case and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, we understand how difficult this time may be for you. Please contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to help. Several types of compensation may be available to you.
Types of Compensation Available in Car Crash Cases
Car accident cases can be complex, and the types of compensation available will depend on the circumstances of each case. There are several types of damages that can be available depending on the facts and circumstances of your case.
Some common types of damages that may be available include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to review your case and advise you on the best course of action. If you have lost a loved one in a car crash, that lawyer can pursue a wrongful death case to help you pursue justice for your family. Contact us at the Law Office of Sofia Miguel today so we can help!
Sofia’s No Fee Guarantee
Attorney Sofia K. Miguel guarantees that you will never write a check to our law firm under Sofia’s “no fee guarantee.” Consultations are free and if your case is selected, then Sofia will also cover all of your court costs incurred during your personal injury case.
Sofia only gets paid when you do. Her services will cost you nothing out of pocket; simple as that. Let Sofia’s nearly twenty years of experience in helping people recover from their injuries get to work for you now.
If you are facing the loss or injury of a loved one due to an accident near Seattle, Puyallup, or Tacoma, WA, then contact us for an initial consultation with Sofia Miguel as she is ready to help you fight to get the money you deserve. Call us at 253-200-4471, come visit our office right here in Puyallup at 702 S. Hill Park Dr. #207, or contact us online anytime. We are here for you.
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