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2021 saw significant number of traffic fatalities

On Behalf of | Apr 18, 2022 | Auto Accidents |

Driving is a part of everyday life for many people in Pennsylvania, and it is generally uneventful. Sadly, a routine commute to work or trip to the store can result in disaster if you are struck by a negligent motorist. In fact, fatal motor vehicle accidents rose in 2021, affecting many Pennsylvanians and others in our nation.

Traffic deaths on the upswing

Traffic fatalities are on the upswing in Pennsylvania and across the nation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from January 2021 to September 2021 there were approximately 31,720 motor vehicle accident deaths across the U.S. This is a 12% uptick from the same time period in 2020. Pennsylvania saw a 9.7% uptick in motor vehicle accident deaths from January 2021 to September 2021. In this time period 903 people lost their lives in car crashes in Pennsylvania compared to 823 fatalities in 2020. As this shows, 2021 is panning out to have been a deadly year for motorists in Pennsylvania and across the United States.

Negligent driving

Many of these fatal car accidents are caused by driver negligence, which can form the basis of a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. To prove negligence, it must be shown that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care, which was breached and caused the plaintiff to suffer damages. For example, all motorists in the United States have a duty of care to others on the road to drive in a safe manner. If a motorist breaches this duty and causes a car crash that injures someone else, they could face a lawsuit.

Protect your rights

Being seriously injured in a car crash is a traumatic situation and losing a loved one in a car crash is even worse. Those who have been injured or suffered a loss in a car crash caused by a negligent driver may want to learn more about whether they have the right to file a legal claim in order to pursue the compensation they deserve.