After a car accident in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States, injured victims face multiple challenges. A negligent driver, distracted driver or drunk driver may cause a devastating, serious injury. A hit-and-run accident can kill the injured victim or leave him or her permanently disabled. After a head-on collision, the brain injury victim and his or her dependents face lost compensation and medical expenses. In these motor vehicle accident scenarios, the negligent driver’s insurance company must compensate accident victims for injuries, lost wages and pain and suffering.
The number of car accidents continues to climb as last year, more than 40,000 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents. Car accident deaths declined, however, during the Global Recession years.
Researchers say that today’s cheap gasoline prices and loan rates have encouraged more people to get behind the wheel. Vehicle accident fatalities increased by six percent between 2015 and 2016 and by 14 percent between 2014 and 2015. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports an eight percent increase in fatal crashes in 2016 (January – August 2015 vs. January – August 2016). In addition, the National Safety Council reports negative driving safety trends. These include almost half of drivers reporting texting and driving; one-fourth of drivers driving too fast on neighborhood streets; 10 percent driving when drunk; 40 percent being involved in a car accident when impaired and 16 percent not wearing seat belts.
Cheaper gas, lower financing costs and driver laxity create a dangerous environment for other motorists. A negligent driver or a distracted driver’s insurance company must address liability caused by their insured. A personal injury attorney collects information at the scene of the accident and works with police to perform an accident investigation. Victims have a limited time to file claims against negligent or impaired drivers, so it is important to contact the motor vehicle accident lawyer as soon as possible.