Motor Vehicle Accident Deaths Increased Nearly 7% Over Previous Year
Preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that deaths related to motor vehicle accidents in the first quarter of this year marked the highest since 2002. The devastating statistic shows just how dangerous American roadways are and how many people lose their lives each year to traffic accidents.
At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we represent individuals who have been injured or lost a loved one in car accidents in Houston and throughout Texas. Our experienced legal team has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of our clients and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the justice you deserve. If you were injured in a car accident, contact our office at (713) 751-0025 for a free consultation.
Increase in Nationwide Traffic Fatalities
According to a press release by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 9,560 people died in traffic-related accidents during the first quarter of 2022. The number represents a 7% increase from the previous year and the highest number of deaths in 20 years.
In addition to an escalation in the number of traffic fatalities, there was a notable rise in the number of vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Crash Stats released by the agency show that VMT increased by nearly 40.2 billion miles during the first three months of the year. The fatality rate also rose from a projected 1.25 fatalities per 100 million VMT in the first quarter of 2021 to 1.27 fatalities per 100 million VMT this year.
Efforts to Reduce Accident-Related Deaths
In an effort to reduce the number of accident-related deaths, NHTSA has launched several campaigns focusing on dangerous driving behaviors. Many accidents are preventable, caused by inattention, recklessness, or inexperience. One of the campaigns initiated by the department is focused on speeding.
As reported by the Speeding Wrecks Lives campaign:
- Speeding-related crashes resulted in over 11,000 deaths in 2020;
- Speeding-related fatalities increased by 17% from 2019 to 2020;
- Nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities involved speeding in 2020.
The agency is also continuing its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which focuses on impaired driving. As noted by the campaign, one person is killed approximately every 45 minutes in a drunk-driving accident.
Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation
If you are involved in a car accident, you need to consult with an attorney to determine your legal options. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses.
At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland, & Briggs, we have over a century of collective legal experience. We will help you understand your rights and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, including compensation for your medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more.
If you sustained injuries in a collision, contact our office at (713) 751-0025 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. You should never settle for less. Call now to discuss your case directly with an attorney.
