Wearing a seat belt, obeying the speed limit, paying attention to the road and not driving while distracted – these all sound like common sense examples of what is expected while operating a motor vehicle, but recent statistics tell another story. In fact, speeding, distracted driving and seatbelts are three key factors in the increased number of fatalities on Virginia roads and nationwide.
“During a news conference on teen driving safety, DMV Virginia Safety Office Director, John Saunders, said, “Across the nation, we’re talking a 14% increase, where in Virginia we have a 4% increase in the number of fatalities. That’s about 21 fatalities more than we had on the same date last year.”
To date, 218 of those drivers that were killed in Virginia were not wearing a seatbelt. That’s an 18% jump from 2014.
When it comes to staying alive on the road, there are some simple tips everyone should adhere too that will make a world of a difference and keep the statistics from rising further.
- With inclement weather upon us, it’s important to slow down when it’s raining or snowing. Leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Drivers should always drive defensively. Not only should you be watching what you do, but also watch what other drivers are doing as well.
- Distracted driving is described as anything that takes your attention from the road. From changing the music to talking on the cell phone. Limit all activities that are distracting while driving.
- Quite possibly the most important thing you can and should do is to wear your seatbelt. It can save your life.
What to do if you lose a loved one in a Car Accident
If the unimaginable happens and we hope it doesn’t, there are several important things to keep in mind.
Notify the Insurance Agent – as soon as possible. The insurance agent can help with everything from renting a car to filing a claim.
Beware of Insurance Adjusters – When the other driver is to blame for the accident that took your loved one’s life, you can expect a phone call from the other party’s insurance adjuster. They might even call offering to pay for burial expenses with a pretense of helping and caring. This is sadly not the case, they are trained to pay as little as possible to settle the claim. Do NOT give a recorded statement. Ideally, retain a lawyer before talking to anyone to preserve your rights and get proper help and assistance.
Retaining a Personal Injury Lawyer – It is always best to hire an experienced lawyer if your loved one lost their life due to the negligence of another driver. The sooner you seek legal help, the faster they can protect your rights and help assist you.
Damages for Survivors – Survivor(s) are entitled to recover monetary compensation, medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of companionship among a host of other legally-recognized damages.
Many people unintentionally wait too long to speak to a lawyer. It’s best to contact them as soon as possible so they can start helping on your behalf. Most attorney offer free consultations which can help you make proper decisions in a timely manner.
For more information, take a moment to download our law firm’s free guide on what to do after a serious car accident in Virginia.
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