Report shows that traffic fatalities are on the rise

On behalf of Steven Crell of Steve Crell Law posted in Personal Injury on Wednesday, September 7, 2016.

After decreasing for more than a decade, traffic deaths in Indiana and across the U.S. increased in 2015. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it was the biggest single-year increase in roadway fatalities since 1966.

The NHTSA reported that 39,052 people died in accidents in 2015. This was a 7.2 percent increase over 2014. The U.S. Transportation Secretary has responded by calling on experts to research the reasons behind the uptick. With better safety advances and an increased use of seat belts, traffic fatalities had consistently fallen. They were still 25 percent lower in 2015 than they were 10 years ago. However, the NHTSA wants to prevent the numbers from rising again.

Researchers claim that lower gas prices and improved unemployment rates mean that more people are on the road. With more people driving, accidents are more likely. Factors that contributed directly to the fatality numbers include distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving and failing to wear seat belts.

Negligent driving behaviors can lead to fatal accidents. The families of those who have been killed in such crashes might want to meet with lawyers. An attorney may negotiate with the insurance company in an effort to secure a reasonable settlement to compensate the client. If the insurance company fails to extend a reasonable offer, the attorney may then file a formal lawsuit and litigate the case in court. Many times, cases settle before they reach trial. However, an attorney may be willing to fight for clients through trial if necessary.