Traffic accidents
Every year, more cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles clog roads and highways, traveling for space and position. Frustrated drivers can become careless or distracted, the result of which is all too often an accident.
New York traffic injury attorneys see a large number of clients who have fallen prey to someone else’s negligence on the road. The 2009 statistics for New York tell a sad story of devastated lives:
- 3,081 traffic deaths
- 950 DUI-related deaths
- 950 deaths from motorcycle accidents
- 563 pedestrian deaths
- 109 bicycle deaths
How frequent are accidents?
In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that collisions occur at a rate of nearly one per minute in New York. Every two and a half hours, a victim dies. And while accident rates have decreased somewhat since 2009, there are still far too many serious injuries and unnecessary deaths.
Drunk drivers are a perennial nightmare. Speeding is also a major contributor to traffic accidents. But one of the growing problems is drivers who engage in distracting activities. Eating a mega-hamburger while trying to negotiate 65 mph traffic can’t be safe. Neither is using a handy device. Many drivers lose control and crash while texting; some accidents have even occurred while drivers were typing on their computers.
Children are at risk
What’s most disturbing about traffic accidents, however, is the prevalence of children as victims. The Centers for Disease Control reports that every hour of every day, 150 children suffer injuries in traffic accidents serious enough to require emergency care. In fact, more children under the age of 19 die in accidents than from any other type of injury. Grieving parents seek the help of New York traffic injury lawyers to receive financial compensation, but nothing can replace the loss of a child.
Laws to reduce accidents
Laws have been enacted that, if followed, can save lives. Many states prohibit drivers from using their hands on devices. Seat belts are required almost everywhere. Very young children are required to be especially seated in cars. However, it is ultimately up to drivers, themselves, to maintain awareness of their surroundings. You should always leave an exit. Avoid driving alongside other vehicles. Try to anticipate problems that may occur and look ahead. Finally, if you are injured in an accident due to the fault or negligence of someone else, call a New York traffic injury lawyer.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York personal injury accident, the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Please contact us at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5486) for a free and comprehensive consultation. We can also assist with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 states, please call us and we will try to assist you with your case.
