Road Deaths at 16-Year High
May 20, 2022
A report released this week by the Highway Traffic Safety Administration offered a grim look at driver safety. According to the agency, 42,915 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2021, compared to 38,824 in 2020.
While that 10.5% increase can be largely attributed to the increase in drivers on the road as the COVID-19 pandemic eased, the bigger picture extends well beyond a two-year pandemic. The death toll in 2021 represents a 16-year high. Experts cite increased speed, a reduction in use of safety belts and distracted driving, including texting while driving, as contributing factors to the rise in fatalities.
Our personal injury team represents many individuals and families who have suffered greatly because of traffic accidents that were largely preventable. Wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits and focusing on the road while behind the wheel are three of the easiest ways to save lives. We also encourage everyone to talk with the young drivers in your household about safety on the road. Auto accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 20. Teen drivers account for more than 500,000 accidents each year.
If you or someone you know is in an accident, it is important that you take every step necessary to protect your rights, and ensure that your long-term health is secured. You will want to discuss your matter with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible following an accident. There are deadlines in place and delayed action could limit your ability to recover damages.
We have had clients call us several weeks (even months) after an accident. At the time they didn’t seek anything beyond the repair of their vehicle often because they were “just sore.” Then, they discover back, neck or other injuries that go far beyond general soreness. They need protection to cover medical bills, lost work and pain and suffering. These types of delays can make it more challenging to get them the compensation and care they deserve.
The goal is to have everyone buckle up, slow down, focus more and stay safe on the roads. But even if you do all of that, you can still be victimized by other drivers, roads or bridges in disrepair, or a mechanical defect in your vehicle. If you or a loved one suffers an accident of any kind, protect your rights, your family and your future, give me a call. Our team will review your matter and work to secure you the best possible results.
Sarah Rera is a litigation attorney with Gross Shuman P.C. who focuses her practice in the areas of personal injury and business litigation. She has served as trial counsel in multiple complex business disputes and personal injury claims in New York State Supreme Court, receiving numerous successful verdicts for her clients. She is also an experienced appellate practitioner and has appeared before the Appellate Division and the New York Court of Appeals, the highest Court in New York. She can be reached at 716-854-4300 ext. 289 or srera@gross-shuman.com
