Most West Virginia residents will experience a car accident at some point in their lives. While most car accidents only cause minor injuries and property damage, car accidents are a common cause of death among all age groups in the United States. Car accidents in 2016 were at a nine-year high despite advanced safety features in newer vehicles.
According to data released by the National Highway Traffic Administration, car crashes killed 37,461 people last year. This represents a 5.6 percent increase over 2015 and represents an all-time high compared to an all-time low of 32,744 people killed in car accidents in 2014.
Some of the primary reasons for these deaths include speeding, not wearing a seat belt and distracted driving. Car manufacturers have implemented safety features to prevent serious injury and death in their vehicles, such as automatic braking, rear-view cameras, road departure warning systems and advanced air bags. In the future, self-driving cars may make driving safer because they will reduce the human contributors that lead to car accidents, such as distracted driving.
A person who has been in a car accident may suffer serious damage as a result, such as property damage, medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of future earnings and loss of future enjoyment of life. Family members may struggle emotionally and financially after a loved one has died unexpectedly in an avoidable collision.
An experienced personal injury lawyer may be able to help those who have experienced injuries or loss as a result of a car accident. An attorney might help investigate the cause of the crash, gather medical records, negotiate with insurance companies for a favorable settlement, interview witnesses, consult accident reconstruction experts, file court pleadings or conduct litigation on the client’s behalf.