Each year, thousands of Virginians are involved in car accidents ranging in severity from minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions.
Sadly, if you get in a Virginia car accident, death is one possible result. Many fatal collisions lead to severe injuries and sometimes death.
If you lost a loved one due to a car accident, you and your family deserve to recover compensation from the at-fault party.
While no money could ever fill the void of such a tragic loss, some financial relief could help you and your family move forward in difficult times.
Read on to learn more about the car accident death rate in Virginia and what type of car accident causes the most fatalities.
If you have any questions, please contact the injury lawyers at River Run Law today.
What Type of Car Accident Causes the Most Fatalities?
According to car accident death statistics in Virginia, 2022 was a deadly year for drivers. Over 1,000 Virginia drivers lost their lives in car crashes throughout the state.
The most common factors that can result in a fatal crash are as follows:
- Distracted drivers. Drivers that permit something to take their attention away from the road create a danger to those around them. Texting while driving is one example of distracted driving that is illegal in Virginia.
- Drunk drivers. Driving while intoxicated is not only illegal, it is extremely dangerous. Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, vision, coordination, and reaction time, often leading to deadly accidents.
- Reckless driving. Those engaging in reckless behavior such as speeding, tailgating, and disobeying traffic laws are more likely to lose control of their cars and crash.
- Inexperienced drivers. Drivers new to the road often make mistakes like failing to signal before changing lanes or forgetting to turn on their headlights at night. Unfortunately, these mistakes can lead to fatalities.
Most roadway fatalities are caused by other drivers’ conduct and unwise driving habits.
It’s important to remember that if you lost a loved one due to a tragic car collision, you do have the right to recover compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
What Can I Do to Avoid A Car Accident?
Some car accidents may be unavoidable. However, statistics on car accident fatalities show that there are steps you can take to help you avoid collisions, avoid injury, and possibly save your life.
No Distractions
Distracted driving is hazardous. Looking down at your phone or fiddling with your radio for even a few seconds is comparable to driving blindfolded.
Avoid distractions while driving so your focus can be on getting to your destination safely. Text messages, phone calls, emails, and radio adjustments can wait.
Blind Spots
Adjust your mirrors to minimize blind spots.
Before changing lanes, reversing, or moving after stopping, be sure to check all areas around your car, even if you must physically turn your head to check blind spots.
Relying just on mirrors alone may not be enough to avoid a collision.
Familiarity
Whether it’s a new or old car, gain familiarity with how your car runs and functions.
Seek to understand important details like how fast your car comes to a stop after braking or how your car performs in rainy weather.
Paying attention to how your car operates can also help you recognize when a visit to the mechanic is necessary.
Maintenance
Perform all routine maintenance, including brake checks, oil changes, and new tires. Your car performs better when kept in good condition, and regular maintenance helps avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Be Cautious
Driving at night or in inclement weather is much more dangerous than in daylight and pleasant conditions.
Driving in the dark or in heavy rain, snow, freezing temperatures, or sleet can create hazardous driving conditions if you don’t take extra precautions.
Extra precautions include the following:
- Slowing your speed,
- Increasing your following distance, and
- Paying particularly close attention to what’s around you.
And if possible, avoid driving in these conditions altogether.
Be Alert
Avoid drowsy driving. Driving when tired significantly reduces your alertness and reaction time. If you are tired and get into a car, you are a hazard to yourself and those around you.
Follow Traffic Laws
Never run red lights, always come to a complete stop at stop signs, and never speed. Those who regularly break traffic laws are engaging in dangerous and reckless behavior.
While you can’t control the conduct of others, you can avoid being the liable party in a collision by closely adhering to all existing traffic laws and driving safely.
Don’t Drive Angry
Many of us drive in heavy traffic every day. After a long day at work, we might feel our tempers flare when another driver engages in reckless or rude behavior on the road.
While it may be difficult, don’t let your emotions get in the way of your better judgment. Take a deep breath instead of increasing the risk of a dangerous collision.
Contact a Richmond, Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer Today
After a devastating car accident that resulted in the death of a beloved family member, you may feel overwhelmed, angry, and confused.
At River Run Law, we aggressively pursue justice and fair financial compensation for those injured by the careless acts of another.
River Run Law has earned an impeccable reputation for assisting injured victims in personal injury claims and holding the responsible party accountable for their actions.
We provide compassionate advocacy in your darkest times. When you don’t know who to turn to for help, trust our experienced personal injury attorneys to be there for you.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how River Run Law can help you.
Brooke Alexander
Brooke graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law after receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brooke worked for five years in private practice with a law firm specializing in insurance defense litigation before becoming the trial litigator for Allstate Insurance Company in the metro Richmond area.
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