Do You Know the Top Causes of Fatal Car Accidents?
In 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a 2.4 percent decrease in traffic fatalities from 2017. Drivers may be relieved to learn about the decrease in traffic fatalities. Unfortunately, even with this decrease, 36,560 people were still killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes on U.S. roadways. Do you know the top causes of fatal car accidents? They may surprise you. Below we will list the top causes of fatal car accidents. We will discuss some causes in greater detail and provide tips for preventing accidents.
The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers understands that even the most cautious driver can be involved in a car accident. If you or a loved one are a victim in an accident in the Las Vegas area, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer that specializes in representing clients who have suffered injuries in car accidents. A personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights. The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers has experience handling complex cases such as car accident cases and more personal injury issues,including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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Top Causes of Fatal Car Accidents
Every year, the NHTSA releases an overview of fatal motor vehicle crashes. The most recent overviews include:
- 2018 Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes: Overview
- Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities for the First Half (Jan–Jun) of 2019
The fact sheets contain information on fatal motor vehicle crashes and fatalities based on data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). The data from the fact sheets will be used to discuss the following top causes of fatal car accidents:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Red light running
- Driving the wrong way
Other causes of fatal car accidents include:
- Veering into another lane
- Failure to yield
- Careless driving
- Overcorrecting
- Reckless driving
- Swerving or avoiding
- Poor weather
- Drowsy driving
Safe driving is everyone’s responsibility. If another driver injures you or a loved one, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers. When you’ve become the victim of another’s negligence on the road, you need a knowledgeable and skilled car accident lawyer in Las Vegas. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
Speeding
In 2018, speeding killed 9,378 people. NHTSA reports that for more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. According to the Nevada Departments of Public Safety and Transportation, speeding accounts for one-third of all traffic deaths in Nevada.
How to Deal With Speeding Drivers
Speeding is an irresponsible and potentially fatal choice. Unfortunately, all drivers will encounter a speeding vehicle at some point on the roadways. NHTSA provides the following tips for encountering speeders on the road:
- If you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, safely move over and let them by.
- Give a speeding car plenty of space. Speeding vehicles are more difficult to control and may cause an accident.
- If the driver is being aggressive, remain calm. Do not engage. Safely steer your vehicle out of the way of the aggressive driver.
- Call the police if you believe a driver is following you or harassing you.
If a speeding driver injures you or a loved one, consult with an experienced car accident lawyer. Anthem Injury Lawyers is an experienced team of personal injury lawyers that has represented a large number of clients in car accident cases. We handle complex issues including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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Driving Under the Influence
In 2018, drunk-driving crashes killed 10,511 people. Every day, almost 30 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes. That is one person every 50 minutes. In 2018, 133 people died on Nevada’s roadways in impaired driving crashes. If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911.
If you plan to consume alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications:
- Do not drive.
- Designate a sober driver.
- Call a ride share service, taxi, or use public transit.
Contact an experienced Las Vegas lawyer if you are the victim of an impaired driver. Anthem Injury Lawyers has experienced drunk driving accident lawyers who are ready to help you. It’s important to have our car accident lawyers on your side because we’ve represented many clients in a range of accident cases. You can trust us to aggressively and expertly handle your case and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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Distracted Driving
In 2018, 2,841 people were killed because of distracted driving. That same year, distracted driving claimed 10 lives in Nevada. Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. In Nevada it is a crime to physically handle a cell phone or other electronic device while driving. This includes talking, texting, going online, programming a handheld GPS, or playing music. Concentrate on the road and avoid distracted driving.
Red Light Running
In 2018, 846 people were killed in crashes that involved red light running. Intersection crashes represent 31.2 percent of Nevada’s crashes. Every driver shares a responsibility at intersections. Use the following tips to stay safe at intersections:
- Slow down
- Obey all traffic signals
- Stop at red lights and stop signs
- Look both ways before entering an intersection
- Signal every turn and lane change
- Yield to other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists
If you are the victim of a vehicle running a red light, contact an experienced Las Vegas lawyer. Anthem Injury Lawyers have experienced car accident lawyers who are ready to help you. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Wrong Way Drivers
Nationwide there is an average of 360 deaths per year caused by wrong way drivers. In 2019, there were more than 430 wrong way drivers reported in southern Nevada.
The best way to avoid a wrong way driver is to stay alert. The largest number of wrong-way crashes occur at night. If you encounter a driver who is driving in the wrong direction coming toward you, ease your foot off the gas to slow down. After looking to avoid other vehicles next to and behind you, steer away from the wrong way vehicle. Dial 911 to report the driver.
If a wrong way injures you or a loved one, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Las Vegas Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Buckle Up
Drivers cannot avoid every accident. However, drivers can lessen their chances of being involved in a fatal accident by wearing a seat belt. In 2017, 47 percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed were not wearing seat belts. During the same year, the use of seat belts in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives of occupants 5 and older. In Nevada, 22 percent of Nevada’s total fatalities are unbelted. Always wear a seat belt.
EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in the Las Vegas area, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation.
Award-winning personal injury law firm Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers based in Henderson, Nevada. We serve clients in Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Reno and Clark County. With over 25 years of experience, Anthem Injury Lawyers specialize in personal injury claims. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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