Vancouver, Washington car accident lawyer explains car accident death increase
Car accident fatalities in Washington increased by 31 percent during the first half of this year compared to the first half of last year, according to a recent nationwide study conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC).
"This is a significant setback in the shared efforts to improve roadway safety, and NSC stands ready to support NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) as they navigate through this time,” Jane Terry, vice president of government affairs at NSC, said in a statement released by the non-profit organization.
Dramatic increase in certain states, including Washington
The recent National Safety Council study of fatal car accidents is based on accident data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In the study, the NSC compared the number of fatal car accidents in each state during the first six months this year to the same time period last year.
Nationwide, motor vehicle accident fatalities decreased by 1 percent. But car accident deaths did increase in many states, including Washington, which had the sixth largest increase in car accident deaths.
Car accident deaths in Washington increased by 31 percent or 78 deaths during the first six months of 2022 compared to the first six months of 2021. That comes on the heels of the deadliest year in a decade in Washington: In 2020, a total of 560 people were killed in car accidents in the state, according to NHTSA car accident statistics.
Common causes of fatal car accidents
In recent years, traffic safety experts have repeatedly cited speeding as a common cause of car accident fatalities nationwide. Even though there were fewer drivers on the road in 2020, more people died due to speeding drivers that year nationwide and in Washington. Specifically, speeding-related car accident deaths in Washington increased by 9.8 percent to 167 deaths in 2020 compared to 2019, according to the NHTSA.
Drunk drivers also remain a serious problem and a common cause of fatal car accidents. In 2020 in Washington, a decade-high 199 people died in car accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol.
“We must not become complacent,” Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC, said in a statement released by the non-profit organization. “Traffic violence plagues our communities, and thousands of lives lost each month is simply unacceptable.
How much is my fatal car accident claim worth?
There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to fatal car accident claims. The bottom line is your family should be financially compensated for all past, present and future anticipated expenses related to your loved one’s accident. Such expenses can include:
- Medical care for your loved one's final injury.
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Replacement income your loved one would have earned in the future.
- Pain and suffering in certain circumstances.
These are just some of the expenses you may be able to pursue if another driver caused your loved one’s fatal car accident. You may be eligible to receive additional money depending on the circumstances of your crash. That’s why it’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
Why you need a Washington car accident attorney
You only have one opportunity to get the compensation and justice your family deserves after a fatal accident. Vancouver, Washington car accident attorney Colin Scott understands what’s at stake. Put your trust in a law firm that puts your needs first. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with a Washington car accident lawyer focused on your best interests. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only have to pay if we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you. Schedule an appointment at our Vancouver, Washington office today.