A large number of road traffic deaths occur here in the United States as well as abroad. Over half of these global fatalities occur to adults between the ages of 15 and 44. The Association for Safe International Road Travel reported that more than 37,000 residents within the United States die every year due to being in motor vehicle accidents and road crashes. As recently as 2015, there were 32,166 fatalities that resulted from these types of incidents.
When drivers pay closer attention to their surroundings and traffic laws, they are less likely to cause or be in an accident. Many of these accidents could be prevented if drivers properly used their turn signals before making a turn or changing lanes. In Oregon, for example, there are specific traffic laws that govern when this signal must be used. When a vehicle is in moving traffic, its driver must use the turn signal a minimum of 100 feet before they turn or change lanes.
Another way to prevent accidents and fatalities from occurring is to refrain from driving while under the influence of legal and/or illegal substances. During 2015 alone, for instance, almost 1.1 million drivers were arrested due to being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics while operating their vehicle. Recent data showed that 16% of motor vehicle crashes resulted from drivers using drugs other than alcohol, however. This includes legal substances such as prescribed medications as well as illicit drugs.
Pedestrian accidents and deaths can also be prevented when drivers are more aware of their surroundings. In 2015, for instance, approximately 13% of all pedestrian injuries occurred to adults over the age of 65. Furthermore, 19% of the pedestrian fatalities that occurred happened to adults within this age bracket.
If you or someone in your family has been injured in a traffic accident, it’s important to contact a personal injury law firm. Since these firms have personal injury lawyers with experience in this area of the law, they will be able to assist you in the event that you or someone in your family has sustained an injury or a wrongful death. Personal injury lawyers such as car accident attorneys, for example, can also assist pedestrians that have been struck by a vehicle while crossing the street or walking on a sidewalk.
During an initial consultation, personal injury lawyers will review your case and work with you to obtain additional information as required. Since this is a challenging time in many regards, they will be there to support you throughout the process. It’s also important to note that 95% to 96% of personal injury cases are settled out of court during the pre-trial phase.