In 2016, deadly auto crashes increased in the U.S. for the second year in a row, reaching a nine-year high despite the most recent safety additions and partially autonomous driving vehicles. The major causes for the increase in car crash fatalities are: drunk driving, speeding, failure to wear a seatbelt, and an increase in motorcycle deaths.
If you have been the victim of a car crash due to the negligence or recklessness of another party and are suffering the serious consequences, you may be eligible to obtain compensation for your losses. At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., our car accident lawyers have years of experience dealing with car accident cases and can work for a favorable result on your behalf.
To schedule a free legal consultation, call us today at (312) 236-2900.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), automobile accidents took the lives of 37,461 people in 2016, an increase of 5.6 percent from 2015.
The technology present within vehicles today is more advanced than ever. Nonetheless, other factors have played a role in the latest increase of fatalities.
The three major causes of fatal accidents of drunk driving, speeding, and failure to wear seatbelt restraint devices, have all recently increased. The 2016 statistics for these three major causes and their percentage increase from the previous year are as follows:
In addition, motorcyclist and pedestrian fatalities have increased by 5.1 percent and 9.0 percent.
The NHTSA has stated that it has engaged with state and local partners, law enforcement organizations, and others to tackle the issues related to human choices that account for 94 percent of serious car crashes.
The above-mentioned fatality trends highlight the reason why the federal government and auto manufacturers continue to push forward the implementation of self-driving vehicles. New vehicles today are equipped with many more built-in safety features than in the past, such as technologies that assist drivers with changing lanes and parking.
Other safety features include rearview cameras, automatic emergency braking, advanced airbags, and lane departure warnings. These features, along with the prospect of fully autonomous driving vehicles, are part of an effort to increase safety on the roadways and minimize injuries and fatalities.
In 2016, the executive branch of the federal government established a goal to eliminate deaths on the roadways within three decades. They believe that autonomous driving vehicles will play a major part in that effort.
Until self-driving vehicles undergo more testing, most vehicles will remain individually operated. Nevertheless, encouraging good driving habits along with the increased active and passive safety features implemented in vehicles can lessen the number of accidents and fatalities on the roadways.
If you have suffered serious physical injuries or other losses due a car crash caused by the negligence of another driver, our attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can evaluate your case and help you pursue compensation. Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan.
Contact us today at (312) 236-2900 to set up a free, initial consultation.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
