Research from the first 9 months of 2016 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that traffic fatalities experienced an increase of 8% from the same time period across 2015. In the first three quarters of 2016, 27,875 individuals were killed in traffic accidents. This is a continued increase trend despite the fact that prior to 2014 the majority of years showed a decrease in fatal traffic accidents. A fatal accident has ripple effects that hurt family members, too, particularly if the loved one was a primary breadwinner. Despite advances in technology, fatal accident stats continue to rise.

Per nhtsa.gov, the 2016 national data shows that:

  • Distraction-related deaths (3,450 fatalities) decreased by 2.2 percent;
  • Drowsy-driving deaths (803 fatalities) decreased by 3.5 percent;
  • Drunk-driving deaths (10,497 fatalities) increased by 1.7 per­cent;
  • Speeding-related deaths (10,111 fatalities) increased by 4.0 percent;
  • Unbelted deaths (10,428 fatalities) increased by 4.6 percent;
  • Motorcyclist deaths (5,286 fatalities – the largest number of motorcyclist fatalities since 2008) increased by 5.1 percent;
  • Pedestrian deaths (5,987 fatalities – the highest number since 1990) increased by 9.0 percent; and
  • Bicyclist deaths (840 fatalities – the highest number since 1991) increased by 1.3 percent.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has previously reported that the primary drivers of traffic fatalities in 2015 were motorcycle, pedestrian and bicycle crashes. This may be due to the fact that those individuals on motorcycles, bicycles or walking in the street may be exposed to more significant harm as a result of the fact that they do not have additional safety precautions like seatbelts, airbags or other in car benefits like the outer surface.

Click here to view 2016 Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes: Overview

Click here to view 2016 Quick Facts

When a loved one is killed in an accident that can be traced back to another person’s fault, the surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation. The challenges of moving on with your life when a loved one has passed away in an accident that could have been prevented can be overwhelming, but knowing the next steps to take and consulting with an accident attorney who cares can go a long way towards minimizing your concerns and giving you someone to turn to.

Life is never the same after a fatal accident, but you do have rights. Speaking to someone who can help you figure out what you need to do next is extremely important.