When you are on the road, you are sharing space with individuals who may or may not be as cautious and attentive as you are. You could face exposure to the risk of accidents that can cause injury or death due to the recklessness and negligence of others. Statistics indicate that the risk of serious motor vehicle accidents in Alabama may be increasing due to the growing number of fatal crashes throughout the state.
There are multiple factors that can contribute to the likelihood of an accident, and some of the most common relate to poor decisions made by other motorists. If you are the victim of an accident that was not your fault, or you lost a loved one due to the actions of another driver, there could be legal options available to you. An understanding of the details of the accident and your rights as a victim may be useful.
A leading cause of death
Statistics indicate fatal motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional death in Alabama. Startlingly, this number has increased by 26% over the last few years, specifically from 2020 to 2022, which is a growing cause of concern for state authorities. A recent study took a close look at the primary factors that led to this increase, starting during the pandemic, and how these trends do not seem to dissipate now that most of life has returned to normal.
This 26% increase happened in spite of fewer cars on the road and shorter distances traveled during this time. Experts believe this number would have been even higher if drivers had been on the road as normal during this time. This study was in conjunction with UAB’s Center for Injury Science and Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network. UAB is also home to the Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery.
After an accident
Picking up the pieces after a severe accident is not easy. If you lost a loved one or you are suffering after this type of traumatic event, you will benefit from seeking professional insight. It is possible that you may have legal options available to you, including the possibility of seeking compensation through a civil claim. An assessment of your accident and the details of your specific situation could provide insight into the most productive way forward.
