As the number of licensed drivers in the United States continues to grow, so too does the incidence of automobile accidents. Alarmingly, a significant portion of these accidents involve drivers under the influence of alcohol, often resulting in severe or fatal outcomes.
Automobile accidents are currently the leading cause of personal injury in the United States, surpassing injuries from other forms of transportation such as flying. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were approximately 6.7 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes in 2019 alone, resulting in 36,096 fatalities and 2.74 million injuries (NHTSA).
It is often said that driving poses a greater risk of injury than flying, and with the increasing number of vehicles on the road each year, this assertion is becoming a dangerous reality. Many of these accidents could be prevented if drivers adhered to traffic laws and exercised common sense. Factors contributing to these accidents include:
Drivers who cause accidents due to negligence or impairment can be held legally liable. Legal cases stemming from automobile accidents can range from minor injuries to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These cases often involve suing insurance companies or dealing with uninsured or underinsured motorists.
Accidents involving trucks tend to result in the most devastating injuries. Attorneys handling these cases must be well-versed in state and federal regulations governing truck drivers and vehicle conditions. Issues in these cases can range from driver intoxication to dangerous highway and vehicle designs. Multiple defendants, including state and local governments, departments of transportation, and automobile manufacturers, may be involved.
Liquor liability refers to the legal responsibility of a person or business for causing or contributing to someone's intoxication. This includes providing alcohol to individuals under the legal drinking age or those already intoxicated, as well as violating statutes related to the sale and distribution of alcohol. Given that many automobile accidents involve alcohol, liquor liability laws hold those who provide alcohol to intoxicated individuals accountable for the resulting actions.
If you have been involved in an automobile accident and suffered an injury, you may have a legal case. It is highly advisable to consult with an experienced attorney, especially if the accident involved alcohol. Legal professionals can help navigate the complexities of liquor liability and other relevant laws to ensure that responsible parties are held accountable.
The rise in automobile accidents in America is a pressing issue that demands attention. By understanding the factors contributing to these accidents and the legal frameworks in place, we can work towards reducing their frequency and severity. Whether through stricter enforcement of traffic laws, better public awareness, or holding negligent parties accountable, every effort counts in making our roads safer.
This article has been fact-checked and expanded to provide a comprehensive overview of the rising trend in automobile accidents, incorporating relevant statistics and legal considerations.
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