Traffic related accidents and fatalities are at a 10-year high, since more pedestrians were killed and fatally injured in 2016 than in any other year during the past 25. Despite modern safety technologies, fatal car accidents still occur all too frequently. In 2016, U.S. traffic deaths increased by 5.6% to a total of 37,461 individuals.

The number of pedestrians killed in fatal car accidents rose by 9%, according to research released by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The number of pedestrians killed in 2016 is the highest it has been since 1990. The rate of growth of overall traffic deaths has outpaced mileage increases.

Furthermore, the study found that drunk driving car accidents increased by 1.7% and bicycle accidents increased by 1.3%. According to the primary reason for these car accidents fatalities, passengers and drivers making mistakes topped the list, including unbelted passengers, and speeding.

A number of individuals who died due to distracted driving accidents, however, did decrease by 2.2% and drowsy driver deaths also decreased by 3.5%. A sharp rise in traffic deaths in 2016 represents the second year in a row that such an issue occurred.

Despite rapid advancements in technologies to help prevent car accidents, fatalities are all too common not just in California and around the country.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a serious accident caused by another person not paying attention or engaged in dangerous or reckless behavior, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim with the help of a knowledgeable attorney.