Over the past several years, traffic fatalities have been on the rise in North Carolina and across the United States. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, car accident deaths rose approximately 13 percent between 2014 and 2016.
Experts say that there are several reasons behind the increase in fatal motor vehicle accidents on American roads. For example, as the economy improves, people can afford to drive more miles, which increases the risk of accidents. Meanwhile, cell phones and other electronic gadgets are distracting more and more drivers every year, which also leads to more crashes. Finally, speeding continues to be a contributing factor in most motor vehicle accidents.
The date on the calendar can also increase the odds of getting into a fatal crash. For instance, deadly car accidents spike every July 4 due to drinking and driving. The same problem occurs every New Year’s Day. In addition, drug-impaired crashes go up by around 12 percent every April 20, also known “420,” which is the unofficial holiday for recreational marijuana users. In order to deal with the rise in fatal traffic accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board has introduced a campaign to eliminate all deadly crashes within the next three decades. To accomplish this, the organization is pushing for advances in safety technology and stricter laws on drunk driving, seat belt use and distracted driving.
Car accidents frequently cause people to sustain catastrophic injuries that require them to be hospitalized for extended periods of time. In order to financially survive, injured victims may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused the wreck. This type of legal action could lead to a settlement that pays for medical expenses, lost income and other crash-related damages. An attorney familiar with car crash claims could evaluate a victim’s case and recommend the best legal remedy available.
