Fatal auto accidents were the highest in 13 years in 2020

Since early-2020, Indiana residents and people throughout the United States needed to adapt to the societal circumstances in many ways. Even with the difficulties amid the requirements that people work from home, avoid extensive travel, have children learning remotely and other complicated adaptations, there were still drivers on the road. With that will come auto accidents with injuries and fatalities. It is important to understand how and why these accidents happen to avoid them. In addition, people who have been impacted should be aware of potential causes as it might be important when considering the available options. Fatalities rose by 7% – the worst since 2007 – in 2020 Preliminary accident statistics from 2020 are being released and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), road fatalities in the U.S. were the highest they have been since 2007. There was a 7% spike from 2019. This was something of a surprise given the lack of traffic on the roads. Miles traveled were down by 13% from 2019. Researchers believe there is a connection between fewer drivers and how they drove. For example, drivers are believed to have been prone to violating laws and operating their vehicles in an unsafe manner. Distracted driving, driving under the influence, speeding and other acts might have been the catalyst to many of these collisions. There were nearly 38,700 road deaths during the year. The total will not be known until later in the year. Breaking down the types of accidents showed that there were more than 5,000 motorcyclist fatalities – up by 9%; around the same number of pedestrian deaths at slightly more than 6,200; and a 5% increase in passenger vehicle deaths with just shy of 23,400. Truck fatalities improved by 2%. People 65 and older were safer on the road with their fatality total reducing by 9%. Addressing the challenges after an auto accident may require assistance Whether an auto accident resulted in moderate injuries, catastrophic injuries or fatalities, many problems are possible. Common challenges people face center around how to pay for their treatment. Some forms of insurance coverage might not cover everything the injured person needs. Knowing which insurance should be used could be a fundamental aspect not just in the initial treatment, but the aftercare in the long-term. Assessing the accident itself and gathering evidence is also important. Determining its cause could be crucial to maximizing a settlement or an award for damages. To be adequately protected, discussing the case with those experienced in these issues is a smart first step.