According to data collected by the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 44,000 people were killed in traffic accidents last year. Many of these tragic crashes have common factors that, had they been addressed, could have avoided the accidents. Instead, thousands of families are left trying to pick up the pieces – both emotionally and financially – and struggle with the death of their loved ones.
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our Norfolk wrongful death attorneys have worked on countless cases, helping families get the financial justice they deserve for the death of their family member. The following statistics are some of the most common factors in the cases we handle.
One-Third of Fatal Car Accidents are Alcohol-Related
According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), about one-third of all fatal crashes are alcohol-related. There are more than 13,000 victims killed in car accidents that involved a driver who had a blood alcohol content that was more than the legal limit of .08 percent.
Most Fatal Car Crashes that Happen Occur Close to the Driver’s Home
Multiple studies show that more than half of fatal crashes occur within a five- to 15-mile radius of the driver’s home.
Distracted Driving Responsible for More Than 3,000 Deaths Each Year
More than 3,000 people who die in crashes each year are killed in accidents caused by distracted drivers. The most common distraction that causes fatal crashes is texting and driving. These numbers continue to increase each year despite the well-known dangerous risks.
The Deadliest Type of Crash Is a Rollover
Rollovers are the deadliest crash types and are responsible for the deaths of more victims than any other type of crash. Although rollover crashes account for less than 5 percent of crashes each year, they are responsible for 30 percent of the total number of fatalities. The reason for the high number of fatalities is that victims are more likely to be ejected from the vehicle in a rollover crash compared to other types of accidents. There is also a higher number of victims who suffer injuries to the head, which often results in the victim’s death.
Men Are Responsible for More Fatal Crashes
Multiple studies have provided conclusive evidence that men are responsible for more fatal crashes than women. In one study conducted over two years, men were the at-fault drivers in 65 percent of the fatal crashes that occurred during the study period.
Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm for Legal Assistance
Families who have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another person should consider contacting a Virginia Beach wrongful death attorney to discuss what legal recourse they may have for their pain and loss. Our legal team will work diligently to get your family the financial justice you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.
Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp also offers a free wrongful death guide for families who have lost a loved one in an accident. The guide covers topics such as the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim, what types of damages can be pursued, and who can be appointed as a personal representative.
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For over twenty years, Mr. Sharp's law practice has focused on serious personal injury claims, including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury claims. He also handles nursing home neglect cases and medical malpractice claims. Mr. Sharp has counseled numerous clients about the complexities concerning litigation of both pediatric and adult brain injury. Mr. Sharp has been awarded the AV Preeminent ranking by Martindale, the highly respected and widely utilized directory of lawyers throughout the world. AV Preeminent status is awarded only to those lawyers who achieve the highest level of success within the legal field and is a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers and Judges rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. He has also been recognized as a "Best Lawyer" by U.S. News for personal injury, an accolade awarded to only a small fraction of lawyers. Mr. Sharp has also been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the top personal injury lawyers in Virginia. This recognition is awarded only to those lawyers who have achieved the highest level of success and have been recognized by their peers as demonstrating the highest level of professional excellence.
