Many people in Indianapolis will be travelling this holiday season, and many choose to do so by driving. However, it is not just winter weather that can make roads hazardous — negligent drivers also pose a risk.
But, as recent numbers show, the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents in our nation may be on a downswing.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2018 36,560 individuals lost their lives in car accidents. This is a decrease of 2.4% from the number of those who lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in 2017 and marks the second year in a row that the number of fatal car crashes went down. However, the NHTSA noted that while the number of occupants in passenger cars, vans and SUVs that lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in 2018 went down, the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents involving large trucks, bicyclists and pedestrians went up.
So, while the overall decrease in fatal accidents is an encouraging sign, the numbers still show that an unacceptable number of people are losing their lives every day in motor vehicle crashes. While some of these incidents may truly be unavoidable accidents, too many of them are caused by driver negligence. When a motorist drives aggressively, breaks the laws of the road, drives drunk, is distracted or drives while fatigued, they are not driving reasonably under the circumstances. When these acts lead to a crash that injures or kills another person, the victims of the crash will want to determine what their legal options are.
A fatal car accident is devastating. Not only is an innocent life taken too soon, but the families of the victim must learn how to move on without their loved one in their lives. The many costs associated with the death of a loved one, from lost wages, loss of companionship, medical expenses and more can quickly add up. That is why it is important to hold those responsible for fatal car crashes accountable for their actions.