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Sadly, devastating car accidents happen every day across the country. After all, drivers are only human and it is human nature to make mistakes from time to time.
However, being made aware of the most troubling car accident statistics may help reduce the overall number of collisions that occur each year. Read on to learn five startling car accident statistics all drivers should know.
#1 - In the first half of 2021, there was a significant projected increase in the number of traffic accident fatalities compared to the first half of 2020.
During the first half of 2021, roughly 20,160 people lost their lives as a result of car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “This represents an increase of about 18.4 percent as compared to 17,020 fatalities that were projected in the first half of 2020.”
#2 - The first half of 2021 saw more fatalities than the first half of any other year since 2006.
The high fatality rate in the first half of 2021 also represents the highest half-year percentage increase in the history of data recorded by the NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
#3 - Used alone, seatbelts decrease the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by a whopping 45 percent.
While seatbelts are quite effective, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), “Airbags, combined with seatbelts, are the most effective safety protection available for passenger vehicles.”
#4 - There have been substantial increases in the number of car accident deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the NHTSA, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were marked
increases in fatalities and the fatality rate per 100 million VMT [vehicle miles traveled] in 2020. This increased trend in fatalities has continued into the first half of 2021.”
#5 - There was a decline in the number of car accident fatalities during the second quarter of 2021.
While the data in the first half of 2021 was rather grim, it may be uplifting to know that the increased car accident fatality trend has not continued. The NHTSA states that the decrease in deaths during the second quarter of 2021 represents the first downturn in year-to-year quarterly fatality rates since the fourth quarter of 2019.
We’re Here to Help Injured Victims
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident through no fault of your own, you deserve compensation to help cover your losses. It is unacceptable for people who have hurt others to get away with their wrongdoing.
Depending on the circumstances of your crash, you may be eligible for both compensatory and punitive damages, which can significantly increase the amount of compensation you can recover for your injuries.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team right away to learn more about what we can do to help injured accident victims.
Contact our office today by calling (310) 683-2300 or filling out the online contact form to discuss the details of your case and learn more about how we can help you.