Historic Spike in Traffic Fatalities in 2021

According to a recent report, traffic accidents and deaths are at the highest point in 15 years. Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released data about fatalities from motor vehicle accidents. The NHTSA stated that there were around 20,160 traffic deaths in the first half of 2021, which was an 18.4 percent increase compared to the first six months of 2020, while the amount of driving only increased by 13 percent during the same time frame.

Moreover, the rate of this increase is the highest since 1975. The number of traffic fatalities for the first six months of 2021 has broken records based on the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. There were more than 20,000 fatalities from motor vehicle crashes on U.S. roads in this time period, a nearly 20 percent increase from the same period in 2020.

In a majority of these fatal motor vehicle crashes, reckless actions are to blame. Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s deputy administrator, said in a statement, “of what hundreds of millions of people can do every day, right now, to combat this: Slow down, wear seat belts, drive sober, and avoid distractions behind the wheel.” “All of us must work together to stop aggressive, dangerous driving and help prevent fatal crashes.”

The unsafe driving practices that lead to fatal accidents are often the following:

• Distracted driving
• Intoxicated or drugged driving
• Speeding
• Running a stop sign or red light
• Driving too closely
• Driving in a careless manner
• Not following traffic laws

The party responsible for the accident may be considered at fault by insurance adjusters, a judge or jury. Additionally, the at-fault driver who engaged in such unsafe driving practices may have committed negligence and could be held liable for the accident.

Most certainly, a traffic accident that causes the wrongful death of a loved one may leave the surviving family members in a state of shock and sadness. A family may be unsure how to emotionally and financially deal with their loss. It is important for someone in this position to contact an experienced trial attorney to help them

navigate the legal process following such a tragic death of a loved one. In Florida, surviving family members have up to two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit and recover damages against the person at-fault for the traffic accident.

Damages in a wrongful death motor vehicle accident lawsuit may include:

• Loss of income
• Medical expenses
• Mental distress
• Pain and suffering
• Medical and funeral expenses are paid by a surviving family member.
• Children of the victim can receive damages for lost parental companionship, instruction, and guidance
• Loss of consortium

Clayton Trial Lawyers, LP is committed to representing your best interests when you are hurt and most vulnerable. We promise to be your trusted advisor. We will listen closely to your story. We will bring compassion, legal knowledge, resources, and expertise to your case. We will work around the clock to provide you with compassionate legal counsel to make sure that you recover the maximum compensation available after an injury. We know that finding the right personal injury attorney and law firm is important. We are different than other firms. We pride ourselves in providing you with individual attention, guidance, and care. We are proud to stand up for the rights of our clients in the face of powerful adversaries. We are privileged to represent you and will stand by your side.